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From SFC Rodriguez of the 173rd INF.
My unit was deployed to Combat Operations Base Lowell and we flew out of Jalalabad. On board was the flight crew, 30 infantry scouts and some crazy guy wearing cowboy boots and spoke with a heavy Texas accent. It wasn't unusual to see CIA operatives on board.
Our 1966 model Chinook had a hydraulic failure and we had to set down in Taliban country. As our men set a defensive perimeter this man in cowboy boots broke out a set of tools and within a couple of hours repaired a broken hydraulic valve. All personnel loaded up and we finally made it to COB Lowell safely.
Mr.Joyner as it turned out was a carpenter. He helped make repairs on the facility during the day and would go on night patrols with the scouts at night. Our company commander finally realized what this crazy civilian in cowboy boots was up to and made arrangements for his departure on the next resupply.
Our scouts were disappointed to see this guy leave. Mr. Joyner had a really unique skill set. He could repair anything it seemed and was an expert at what he termed as reading the trail.
He put us on the fight a couple of times and helped one squad avoid a set ambush.
I met up with Mr. Joyner the next year in Baghdad and we remained friends over the past few years. What a great guy!
My condolences to Mr. Joyner"s family.
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John Joyner