Santa Ynez graduate Josh Townsend died in Afghanistan
As the American flag was lowered to half-staff Tuesday morning in remembrance of Staff Sgt. Joshua Townsend of Solvang, friends huddled around his father, Dan, and twin brother, Jordan, in a protective circle.
More than 100 people, including family, friends, former teammates and teachers, gathered at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School for the memorial flag ceremony organized by local veterans to pay respects to the 1997 graduate of the school, a member of the Army Special Forces who died Friday in Afghanistan.
“Josh was a hard-working young man and he was a pleasure to coach. I have known him since the boys were little, and he matured into a real gentleman,” said Ken Gruendyke, Townsend’s former football coach.
“He was born a warrior, and I am so proud to be his brother and to have been his twin. I will never forget him,” Jordan Townsend said.
Josh Townsend, 30, was a Green Beret in the Army Special Forces, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) based in Fort Bragg, N.C.
He was discovered Friday, unconscious and without a pulse, in his room in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, the Army announced Monday. The surgical team at Tarin Kowt Field tried to revive him, but after numerous attempts he was pronounced dead.
All other circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation, according to the Department of Defense. His father and brother said they have not been told any other details yet.
Tyler Storey of Solvang, a close friend of Townsend’s, said that he and his wife Cole will name their unborn son after him.
“I loved him as a brother, and he took care of everyone. I lived with Josh and worked with him and Dan for a time. I learned a lot of life lessons from their family,” Storey said.
He also recalled Townsend as a man with a sense of humor, who would call and identify himself as the “sexiest redhead alive,” then hang up.
Townsend did two tours in Afghanistan, two tours in Colombia and one in Paraguay during his military career, his father said.
The family is waiting to make funeral arrangements, he added, because his son’s Special Forces team plans to fly in to take part, and their schedule is uncertain. Loper Funeral Chapel will be handling arrangements, he added.
Townsend and his brother were 1997 graduates of Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, where both played football and wrestled.
Ronnie Durbiano, another close friend, described Townsend as a selfless person who always wanted to help others.
“He was amazingly loyal to all those he loved. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for someone regardless of anything going on in his life. We always had a great time together,” Durbiano said.
Townsend is survived by his wife, Rachel, of Spring Lake, N.C.; mother, Linda Townsend, of San Jose; and his father, Dan, and brother Jordan, both of Solvang.
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