Joel P. Hocker, 24 passed away on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, in Meridian, Miss., from injuries he received due to an auto accident.
“He never met a life he didn’t touch.”
Joel was one of those rare individuals who knew what their mission was, accomplished it, and moved on. Not one for alot of words, he understood a need, crafted a design and implemented his plan. His limit was the sky. At the age of 2, he knew that he had to fly. His room was filled with every airplane he could find, and he knew the innermost workings of the “Aerostat”. Astronomy and Aerospace were his life, his purpose and his mission. It was at Sierra Vista Middle school, where he was introduced to the Huachuca Astronomy Club. Many nights were spent peering at distant galaxies, nebulas and bright stars. His desire was to reach further. The movie series “Star Wars” was an ever present fixture in his life. Whether he was buying and watching the latest updated version, or collecting an open handed Luke, the star ships, he knew he would command. By the time he reached his freshman year at Buena High School, he was introduced to the Civil Air Patrol, Sierra Vista Composite Squadron 107, and then in 2002, he joined the Tucson Composite Squadron 105, where he eventually achieved the rank of cadet colonel, Spaatz Award #1671. His uniform changes were often as he donned the USAF CAP blue or his US ARMY ROTC green, he knew he was going to fly and lead. After retirement as a cadet colonel from the CAP cadet program at age 21, he transitioned to the rank of captain in the Civil Air Patrol, still wearing blue. His aim was to fly fighters for the USAF. Joel attended the University of Arizona, where he could stay true blue to the U.S. Air Force with the ROTC program.
Life turns, but didn’t dissuade Joel. On Jan. 12, 2011, he completed Warrant Officer Candidate School and was promoted to the rank of warrant officer 1 in the U.S. Army. 0n Sept. 1, 2011, Joel flew his first U.S. Army helicopter. On Sept. 3, 2011, he realized that one helicopter would never be enough to fulfill his mission — he needed the fleet and took to the sky.
Joel is survived by his eternal wife, Marisela Hocker; his parents, John and Heather Hocker, brothers, J. Wesley and Jacob Hocker; grandparents, J. and Hester McClelland; grandmother, Janet Hocker; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and Princess Leia, his coonhound; and his eternal Band of Brothers including 1st Lt. Nathan Franklin, Captain Tim Humphries, Brad Nolan and numerous others.
Our heavens have been made eternally brighter, now that you have returned home. Thank you God, for sharing him with us. “He loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.”
Visitation will held on Thursday, Sept.15, 2011, at Hatfield Funeral Home from 5pm-8 p.m. Funeral services will be on Friday, Sept.16, 2011, at 11:3 a.m., Main Post Chapel, Ft. Huachuca, Ariz. Those wishing to join the procession should meet at the Widow Support Center at 11a.m., Main Gate. Burial to follow services at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flower, please send donations to the Joel P. Hocker Aerospace Leadership Scholarship Fund, to be awarded to outstanding Civil Air Patrol Cadets, in pursuit of furthering their dreams, desires and goals of reaching for the stars, through Aerospace Leadership and Command;
The Spaatz Association/o Stephen Austen; 1628 Winthrop Lane; Monroe, NC 28110 Include in notation ” Joel P. Hocker Scholarship Fund.
Published in The Sierra Vista Herald 9 Sept 2011.