Joseph Everett Packer Jr.

Airman Second Class Joseph Everett Packer Jr. was born on July 13, 1945. He grew up in Camden, New Jersey and was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in East Camden. His home of record is Pennsauken, NJ.

Joseph E. Packer Jr. enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1964. He began his tour of duty in Vietnam on March 16, 1966.

Airman Second Class Packer was killed on June 16, 1966, when the truck he was driving swerved off a narrow bridge in Vietnam. He was avoiding hitting a Vietnamese woman and her baby.

Joseph Everett Packer Jr. is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 8E, Line 53.

As a new Lieutenant in 1966, I had the distinct pleasure of being Joe’s Squadron Commander in a security police unit at Custer AFS in Battle Creek, MI. He was a fun loving young man who had a smile that could bring sunshine to a cloudy day. As I recall, he received orders to Viet Nam while stationed at Custer. It was not until many years later that I learned of his death in Viet Nam. I shed a tear for him then when I was a young man and I shed a tear now that I am an old man. Thank you Joe for your sacrifice. Our memories of you live on.

— Paul Cooley, former commander Custer AFS, MI, Napa, CA — August 2, 2007

You Are Remembered

Peace and condolence to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” — W. Shakespeare. Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. May God bless you for your sacrifice!

— Manny G., Fellow Veteran 69–70 An Khe, Union Gap, WA — June 16, 2007

A cold war USAF veteran remembers you on this day. May God bless you and your family always. I salute you. Thank you.

— Bill Gallenstein, USAF Veteran, Zephyrhills, FL — February 20, 2007

My Friend

Joe was a very good friend and was truly a hero to me and my brother John. Joe was going to be my first son’s Godfather when he came home. I had just gotten out of basic training when I found out that Joe had died and my brother just came home from Washington and we ended up being Joe’s pallbearers at his funeral. Our hearts were torn out of our bodies. I still think of Joe all the time and I constantly tell my four sons of our times together. We love you, Joe — Carl, Theresa and our sons Jeff, Robert, Vinnie and Marcus.

— Carl Long, Childhood Friend, Palmyra, NJ — April 28, 2000

A Friend Always

A native of Camden, we played football at Westfield Acres at the “Dell.” He often talked about going into the Air Force, but we just didn’t pay too much attention about it. Lots of friends from the Acres will always remember him.

— Pete Fabiani, Friend, Sheridan, WY — July 21, 2002

Joe, you will not be forgotten by your brother SPs.

— Don Graham — April 28, 2006