I met LT. Colonel Ray Joinson around 1992 while working as an Air Force Reserve First Sergeant at the 433d Airlift Wing, Component Repair Squadron, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas. Ray and I jelled quickly as we both had the same mission objective. Serve our Lord, get our mission of providing safe aircraft components to the wings' C-5 aircraft and take care of the men and women assigned to our squadron. During my tenure as First Sergeant we had many personal hurdles to overcome, and we did these seamlessly as a team. I left that squadron in 1996 and shortly after that he left for the Pentagon. After the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, my wife and I visited the Pentagon and Ray gave us a tour of the newly rebuilt wing, paying particular attention to the new Chapel and memorial ponds outside. Long after we both retired, we spoke often about Erics' travels through the Coast Guard and his admiration of the fact that he was serving. After Eric left the Coast Guard Ray was proud of the fact that Eric joined the US Secret Service. I will miss our conversations for a very long time. I pray that he rests in eternal peace and that we may be re-joined in the hear after. I salute you Colonel Joinson!

I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr Joinson on several occasions. He was always friendly and positive. Always said a encouraging word before ending his phone call. My prayer are with you all. Tabatha from Addington Oil

Ray exemplifies the best of values in life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. That’s right… present tense… So even though he is physically no longer here … he will always be present and accounted for in our VMIClass of 1980. Ray, thank you for you… At ease… forever Your brother rat Tolar

My prayers are with Carla, Eric, and the family. Farewell to a friend, neighbor, and fellow military officer.

Many great memories. Ray and I shared an apartment in Rapid City. Lots of poker and Yukon Jack at missile training when we should have been studying. Ray bet me a beer I couldn’t knock my bedroom door off it’s hinges in the Qs, I won but got in a lot of trouble :). Playing “touch” football against the instructors. Ray got that goofy cat and named it SALERT. A good man. I’ll miss him.

LOVE YOU BROTHER. Many have benefitted from your Blessed life of Service to others...... God Bless you and your entire extended Family. Alex Woelper - VMI 1980

Please take comfort knowing that Ray is in Heaven, may God Bless your family, Boyd Gaines VMI '80

A TRUE American hero and a patriot (Ray was INSIDE the Pentagon on 9/11) but he was so much more. Most importantly, Ray was a believer in and follower of our savior Jesus Christ. I've never met a kinder, more uplifting, or more generous man. Tammy and I are better people for knowing him. He's gonna be missed . . . for a little while. But we'll be reunited one day. "What A Day That Will Be . . .