Joseph L. 'Joe' DeWitt

Joseph Logan DeWitt was born January 24, 1993 and died April 15, 2016. Raised in Oak Hill, Virginia, Joseph was a homeschool student of A Beka Academy which opened the door for his many serving opportunities. By the age of twelve, Joseph knew without a doubt he desired to serve his country via the armed forces. Due to this calling, he was a notable member of the Civil Air Patrol, achieving the rank of Captain and the Amelia Earhart and Billy Mitchell awards, and closing out his time in the organization as Cadet Commander of the Prince William County Squadron. Joseph was also a dedicated volunteer and employee of the National Air and Space Museum: Udvar-Hazy Center for 8 years. He spent most of his time with the museum as a Discovery Station Educator, teaching museum visitors about all things aerospace related. Joseph was also involved with planning and assisting with a number of events as well as creating some of the training curriculum. His most enjoyable moments were with the younger children who were extremely excited to learn about flying and space. It was said of Joseph by his supervisor and those whom he worked with at the museum that, ?Joe was truly one of the best educators (and people) that I have ever met. He had a strength of character, a great sense of humor and a kindness that was un-paralleled. I think that everyone who interacted with him was better for that interaction. He was a great leader who had great compassion and intelligence.? He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and minors in Leadership Studies and Mathematics. At Virginia Tech, Joseph thrived in a variety of leadership positions in the Corps of Cadets, culminating as the commander of Charlie Company for fall 2014 semester. Additionally, he served on the College of Engineering Dean?s Team. A graduate of the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and a Distinguished Military Graduate in Army ROTC, Joseph was posthumously commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and had been selected to serve in the military intelligence branch, with an infantry branch detail. He was scheduled to attend the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, in the fall of 2016. Aside from all these great accomplishments, Joseph?s greatest achievement was dedicating his life to serving God and others. An active member in his church, both at home and at school, his passion was reaching out to and training up middle-school and high-school age children to be future leaders. Cherished by all, Joseph DeWitt was the greatest kid that ever lived, for the greatest cause there ever will be ? to love God?s people and to go to the ends of the earth sharing the love of Christ.