Army Specialist Joseph Paulk, Jr.

Some have called this year’s Super Bowl one of the best Super Bowls ever played. Joey Paulk would certainly agree. Joey was one of the 70,000 fans that filled Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Florida on February 1, to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals battle it out in Super Bowl XLIII. Thanks to the generosity of Lawrence Petretti of Hunter Roberts Interiors of New York and Hope For The Warriors™, this injured service member was able to have his life-long wish come true.

Army Specialist Joseph Paulk, Jr. was injured in Afghanistan on July 5, 2007 when his tactical vehicle was hit by 3 anti-tank mines, flipping it over and igniting the fuel tank. Although Joey suffered significant injuries during the attack, tragically, his team leader lost his life. On July 8, after being transported from Germany to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, Joey remained in a coma until several days after his first lifesaving surgery. He suffered 40% burns to his body and face, smoke inhalation, paralysis of his vocal cords and complete amputation of all 10 fingers. He had to re-learn how to walk, talk, swallow, and cope without the use of his hands. His spirits remained high throughout his recovery and he was constantly encouraging others around him to never give up. Joey medically retired on December 27th, 2008 and now lives in California. He is currently in a program called “Soldier Mends” where he can complete the remainder of his outpatient surgeries at UCLA.

It was his mother, Judy Soper, who made the request through Hope For The Warriors™ Warrior Wish™ program for her son to attend this year’s Super Bowl Game. After making a few phone calls, it seemed as if he would be watching the game on TV. When Larry Petretti in NYC heard the request, he kindly offered Joey two tickets to the big game. H4W’s picked up the tab for airfare and then it was only a matter of time until one of America’s finest would soon be on his way to the game of a lifetime. After Hope For The Warriors™ notified Joey that everything was in place, he still could not believe his wish was coming true and was shocked to learn he was going.

When Teri Twigg, A Warrior's Wish™ Director called Joey after the game he stated, "It was the game of my life. I had an incredible time and the seats were unbelievable!”

Some sports fans claim that James Harrison’s interception return for a touchdown that night was one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history. Wait till they learn of Larry Petretti’s hand-off to Joey Paulk.