Why "Joseph" rather than "Joe"?

Why he prefers being called "Joseph".

Today's Date -- January 2, 2002.

Joseph is one of six siblings of his deceased parents, Mary and Joseph Greenawalt of Ashtabula, Ohio. His father was widely known and respected in Ashtabula, Ohio as Joe Greenawalt. Joseph explains:

"There is only one Joe Greenawal', my dad. I spent over twenty years growing up in the US Air Force being called Airman, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major but not by my name. When I retired in January of 1993, I was asked what I would like to be called. Out of love and respect for my dad, I chose "Joseph" which is and always has been my name."

Joseph with his mom and dad at Altus AFB, Oklahoma in July 1992.

Photo by Cheryl Greenawalt.

"Mom and Dad both died in 1996. It was a tough year. I believe they were proud of their son, Joseph. When I introduce myself as 'Joseph', I remember my dad and his sacrifices for our family. What is in a Name? Joe Greenawalt (1916--1996) was the finest man and role model you could ever know. I hope some day my daughters can say the same for Joseph Greenawalt (1952-- )."