Honoring the Legacy of Joseph Kapacziewski
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved friend and Ranger, Joseph Kapacziewski. He passed away unexpectedly yesterday afternoon (1/23/23), and while the cause has not been made public yet, it doesn’t ease the pain of this loss. It feels like the world has gotten a bit darker without him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and kids, and fellow Ranger brethren. He was a warrior and an honorable family man. He embodied the Ranger creed; living a life of discipline, dedication, and selfless service. ‘‘
His unexpected passing has left us feeling devastated and saddened, as we struggle to come to terms with the loss of such a kind, compassionate and dedicated person.. He was more than just a friend to others, he was a true comrade and a shining example of what it means to be a Ranger. He was dedicated to his fellow Rangers and his country, always putting the needs of others before his own. This was made apparent when he famously became the first Army Ranger to return to direct combat operations with a prosthetic limb. Joe completed multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and through those he became extremely distinguished being awarded multiple medals. These included three purple hearts, two Army Commendation medals awarded for valorous efforts in combat, and a bronze star.
On October 3, 2005 in Northern Iraq, just as his team was wrapping up their combat deployment, his vehicle convoy was ambushed. During the ensuing chaos an enemy grenade fell through the gunner’s hatch located on the top of his vehicle. The following explosion left Joe severely injured, which ultimately led to the loss of his right leg below the knee. Joe would not be deterred though, and hastily attacked his rehabilitation with the vigor expected from a Ranger of his caliber. He was fitted and equipped with a new prosthetic leg and had to learn how to walk again. However, despite all of these barriers, his goals always remained the same; return to his team in order to serve with the men he loved and respected.
Though, to return to his elite special operations unit in the capacity of a Ranger, Joe, was still held to the same physical standards as everyone else. Despite a prosthesis, he was able to pass the daunting Ranger Physical Test, which included being able to run 5 miles in under 40 minutes, completing a 12-mile road march with a 45-pound pack in less than 3 hours, being able to descend out of a helicopter on a rope (Fast rope) with a 65-pound load, and be able to successfully conduct airborne operations via parachuting with a full combat load. Amazingly, even with the odds against him, 3 years after his injury he was able to pass all of these physical requirements and ultimately returned to his Ranger team. His love for his country and Ranger brothers drove him to complete an additional five combat tours with his new prosthesis.
Perhaps, this is a story you are already familiar with. As it was described in Joe’s memoir titled “Back in the Fight,” where he recounts his experiences as a Ranger, the incident that resulted in the loss of his leg, and the courage required to return to service. If you haven’t had the honor to read it yet, then I highly recommend it. It is a source of inspiration for us all.
Joe had a contagious energy and enthusiasm that brought joy to everyone around him. He was truly a one-of-a-kind presence in all of our lives. We will always remember him for his selflessness, kindness, and his unwavering dedication to his country and fellow Rangers. He will live on in our hearts and memories, and we will always be grateful for the time we were blessed to have known him. He was a Ranger, triathlete, husband, and father.
To the family and loved ones of Joe, please know that you are in all of our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Rest easy brother. RLTW.
