CPL Joseph Woodke

Franklin, TN

Mission Accomplished on Aug. 1, 2020

Joey Woodke joined the Marine Corps after high school for the mental and physical challenge of serving in the armed forces.

On March 29, 2011, while on foot patrol with the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, supporting 3/8 Marines, Corporal Joey Woodke stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The blast resulted in the loss of both legs and damage to his right ear.

Stateside, he was transferred to Walter Reed Medical Center for additional surgeries and extensive rehabilitation to regain his ability to walk on prosthetic legs.

Now an Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. Sled Hockey team and a seven-time handcycle marathoner, Joey is engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Krystal Herrera. Their specially adapted custom home has allowed them to achieve financial stability, and in addition to their four adopted rescue dogs, they have helped more than 25 dogs find new homes. “Krystal and I have overcome so much in our lives with the help of our families and Homes For Our Troops. We wanted to give back to the community and make our home a place of healing. Rescuing and fostering animals is our way of giving back. Just as the adapted features in my home help me, they have also been invaluable in helping older dogs and animals with disabilities.”

A Michigan native, Joey chose to build his home in Tennessee for the weather and atmosphere.

Joey says it’s hard to express how grateful he is for the support, not just for himself but also for all injured Veterans. “Good people like HFOT donors and supporters are the reason why we were all willing to go to war. We wanted to defend them and this country,” he says. “Thank you for the help, and I hope you keep supporting this great charity.”

related articles:

  • World Para Ice Hockey, June 7, 2021 – Retired US Marine Joey Woodke has been on the US national Para ice hockey team for two years, but has yet to compete overseas due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.
  • Williamson Herald, Aug. 5, 2020 – Life changed in a big way for Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Woodke on Saturday when, after a brief ceremony, he received the keys to a house built especially for him through Homes For Our Troops. Read more.
  • USAHockey.com, April 12, 2019 – Three Marines pushed each other as they recovered and adjusted to a life as double amputees. While rehabilitating at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, John Curtin, Ben Maenza and Joey Woodke discovered they had similar interests, interests that ultimately led to them becoming teammates on the ice. Read more.