Joshua J Strickland, known as Jay, was born 5 April 1990 in Roseville California, along with his twin brother, Andrew, to Elizabeth Strickland and Michael Connolly. In 2008 Jay enlisted in the US Army where he would later be stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA where he served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic in 1st Special Forces Group Support Battalion (Airborne). Jay was married in April 2010, and instantly became a step father to 2 kids, Landon, and Maddie, who he treated and loved as his own. He later welcomed a daughter, Victoria, in July 2011. He loved being a family man. Jay could light up any room with his smile and wit, he found humor in just about any situation, you just couldn’t ever stay mad at him for long.

In April 2013 Jay was attached to 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) and was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On 21 September 2013 while conducting a range training event with the local Afghan army, he sustained deadly injuries from gunshot wounds in a green on blue attack alongside three other Special Forces members.

Jay lived his life full of passion and laughter, never missing an opportunity to show his family the love he felt for them. Although he only had a short 23-year-long life, Jay left a lasting impact on all those who were fortunate enough to meet him.

Strickland was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.