A Life of Service, Resolve, and Unyielding Brotherhood
Joseph A. Gemayel
Founder & President | Project Brotherhood Resolve
Retired Master Sergeant, U.S. Army Illinois National Guard
Lapeer County REALTOR® | Real Estate For A Cause
From the sands of Iraq to the heart of Michigan communities, Joe’s journey embodies the unbreakable spirit of those who serve. A devoted husband, retired Master Sergeant, and relentless advocate for veterans, he turns personal loss into collective hope-one comrade at a time.
From Lebanon to Michigan: Building a Life of Service
Born in the resilient hills of Lebanon, Joseph A. Gemayel arrived in the United States with his family in 1994, carrying dreams as vast as the country that welcomed him. A brief stint in New York gave way to the vibrant pulse of Chicago, where he planted roots and began forging his path. At just 13, Joe joined the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Carl J. Stockholm Battalion, rising swiftly to become the unit’s first Chief Petty Officer-a testament to his innate leadership and discipline that would define his life.
Education sharpened his vision: He attended Amundsen High School in Chicago, graduating in 2000, before earning a B.A. in Politics and Government from North Park University in 2007. These formative years instilled in him a profound sense of civic duty, blending intellectual curiosity with an unshakeable commitment to justice and community.
In 2012, Joe ventured to Sterling Heights, Michigan, and by 2015, he found his forever home in the quiet strength of Metamora. It was here, amid the rolling fields and tight-knit neighborhoods, that he channeled his energies into building not just a life, but a legacy of service.
20 Years of Valor: A Soldier’s Oath Never Ends
Joe’s call to serve came early and fiercely. At 19, in January 2001, he enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard, undeterred by an earlier rejection from the Navy due to his citizenship status. Naturalized in March 2006-just a week before his next deployment-Joe’s career became a chronicle of courage under fire.
- 2003-2004: Kuwait, Operation Enduring Freedom – Driving convoys deep into Iraq, Joe navigated the perils of war zones, ensuring the safe transport of vital supplies amid constant threats.
- 2006-2007: Operation Iraqi Freedom, Camp Anaconda – As Security Escort Team Commander, he led convoys and asset recovery missions, safeguarding lives and resources in the heart of conflict.
- 2009-2010: Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom – Serving as Sergeant of the Guard at Camp Eggers and later the New Kabul Compound, Joe extended his tour by three months to lead Personal Security Detachment Bravo, protecting high-value assets with precision and poise.
- 2018-2019: Camp Taji, Iraq, Operation Inherent Resolve – On an Advise, Assist, and Enable mission, Joe collaborated with the Iraqi Army to bolster logistics and warehousing, empowering allies for self-sustained success.
After 20 years of exemplary service, Joe retired as a Master Sergeant from the 108th Sustainment Brigade. His valor earned him the Army Commendation Medal in an August 10, 2019, ceremony at Camp Taji-a quiet honor for a man whose heroism spoke volumes without fanfare.
Yet, retirement did not dim his fire. Honored as a Boeing Military Salute honoree by the Chicago Bears, Joe was recognized on the hallowed field of Soldier Field, waving to roaring crowds in a moment that bridged his military past with the gratitude of a nation.
The Spark That Ignited Project Brotherhood Resolve
In March 2016, a single text message shattered Joe’s world: a deployed brother-in-arms had taken his own life. The weight of that loss-a veteran, a comrade, left to struggle in silence-ignited an unquenchable resolve. “No veteran should struggle, especially with housing or through suicide, after serving their country,” Joe reflects. “We should be doing better. That’s what Project Brotherhood Resolve is here to do.”
As Founder and President (and Treasurer), Joe poured his Warrior Ethos into action. Drawn from the Army Creed-“I will never leave a fallen comrade”-this oath didn’t expire with his uniform. It evolved. Since its inception, PBR has assisted numerous veterans, providing emergency financial aid to cover utility bills, rent, phone services, and motel stays; donating cars and transportation; and navigating pathways to temporary and permanent housing. Through relentless follow-ups and referrals from partners like the Lapeer County Department of Veterans Affairs, Joe ensures no one falls through the cracks.
PBR’s reach extends further: suicide prevention interventions, community outreach, and collaborative projects with Habitat for Humanity and Love INC to build stable futures. Events like the annual PBR Walk For The 22 raise awareness and bring the community together in solidarity. Joe’s network amplifies impact-working hand-in-hand with Lapeer VFW Post 4139, American Legion, Lapeer and Macomb County Young Marines, Hope Floats (crafting furniture for those in need), Strength in Numbers (providing food and clothing), and The Nam Knights (financial lifelines for veterans).
In 2022, Joe’s dedication earned him the Hero Award at Lapeer’s Bowling in Bowties gala, a nod to his tireless volunteerism. Even as a 2024 nominee for Lapeer Male Citizen of the Year-celebrating humanitarian hearts that uplift communities-Joe remains humbly focused: on restoring hope, preventing isolation, and proving that service is a lifelong creed.
“That warrior ethos does not expire, and that oath does not expire just because I retired from the military. It stays with me all the way through and through. It is my job to make sure that my fellow brothers and sisters are taken care of to the best that we can do.”
– Joseph A. Gemayel
A New Chapter: Homes for Heroes, On and Off the Battlefield
But Joe’s real estate isn’t just business-it’s purpose. Through REFAC’s “Real Estate For A Cause,” he donates portions of commissions from every closing in your name to a local charity of your choice. PBR benefits directly: In one heartfelt presentation, Joe handed over a $740 check to the organization he founded, a full-circle moment of giving back. Another $650 donation followed, underscoring his seamless blend of professional success and philanthropic drive. Whether supporting communities or veterans, Joe turns transactions into transformations.
Joe’s commitment to “putting you where you belong” extends beyond veterans. As a licensed REALTOR® with Real Estate For A Cause (REFAC) in Lapeer County (License: 6501442178), he guides first-time buyers and families through the homeownership maze with empathy born of experience. “Having been a first-time home buyer myself, I want to make sure you get the support you need,” he says. His motto? “Putting you where you belong. Home!”
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The Anchor of Home: A Love Built on Strength
On May 24, 2025, Joe married his greatest ally in Ashley Marie Gemayel, whose unwavering support mirrors the resolve she admires in him. On Veterans Day 2025, Ashley shared her heart in a tribute that captures their bond:
“My love, thank you for your unwavering devotion to our country and the countless sacrifices you’ve made through the years of service. I know the weight you’ve carried and the strength it’s taken to serve with such courage and humility. You’ve given so much of yourself for something greater than us all, and I’m endlessly proud to stand beside you-my husband, my hero, and my heart. Your bravery, your quiet strength, and your love inspire me every day. Today and always, I honor you and everything you’ve done for our family and our country. I love you deeply, and I’m so proud to be your wife and call you mine. I love you forever and always.”
Together, they embody partnership-not just in life, but in mission. Ashley’s words remind us: True heroes lift others, but they are lifted too.
Join the Resolve: Stand with Joe and PBR
Joseph Gemayel’s story isn’t one of solitary triumph; it’s an invitation. From the front lines to front porches, he lives the creed that binds us: Never leave a comrade behind. Whether through PBR’s vital aid, his real estate giving, or simple connection, Joe’s work proves that one person’s resolve can ripple into countless lives.
Ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder? Volunteer, donate, sponsor an event, or simply say hello. Your support turns “I am PBR” into we are.
Thank you, Joe, for your service-past, present, and eternal. Your light guides us home.