Donate
BUC Joel Baldwin Scholarship
Joel was born in Coco Solo, Panamá on the Atlantic Ocean side of the isthmus and raised in the rural mountains of Panama, province of Chiriquí, township Nueva Suiza, Bambito. He upheld his deep pride and love for his native country, culture, and its people. Whilst living there, he spoke and learned in Spanish and English and interfaced with a myriad of indigenous tribes, often comprehending and absorbing their traditions. He developed close relationships with native folks that lasted his lifetime, and he continued to give to them however and whenever he could.
Joel and I met in those rural mountains when I was only eleven years old collecting vegetables and fruit with my maternal grandmother and riding horses. We saw each other again in the old Canal zone when I was fourteen through our mutual close friend Patricia Thompson who became our daughter’s godmother. It wasn’t until I was sixteen that we became close friends and later began dating… with my parents’ approval. He was extremely shy at first and quite the gentleman. We grew up together as adolescents, and our characters were shaped and molded by each other. We shared many commonalities, including the love of family, country, people, food, culture, and the sea. He became the father to our two labradors. He was the best father to our daughter, Cali. He was my soul mate… he was my best friend. He lived the way he died, my forever hero. 💔
Joel Egan Baldwin was a top-notch student, sailor, instructor, advocate, mentor, volunteer, and leader, family man, friend, and human. All of these factors are what led him to being #2 in his graduating class in Port Hueneme, how he was able to utilize his multi-linguistic abilities, incredible proficient social, problem-solving, critical-thinking, analytical, skills, discernment, and action oriented responses to “get the job done” in any scenario, including under pressure.
His first combat-zone experience, stationed in his native country of Panama, R.P, he faced the Invasion of Just Cause. This was a conflict that affected his country, yet also his heart. His native people, friends, community, and villages were under fire. Joel never looked at an issue and thought this “isn’t my problem.” Joel immediately offered and utilized all of his skills, putting himself in further harm’s way to de-escalate several aggressive combat-related efforts by speaking to Panamanian contacts in the streets of his own country attempting to make a way for U.S. troops.
At the 20th regiment, he created a program to prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel, the first of its kind (at that time). The program was self-sufficient as a roster-based system utilizing handed out business cards with designated contacted numbers whereas service members would discreetly “call in” a buddy for a ‘designated driver’ ride, rather than risk lives, limbs, and careers. Joel was recognized for his preventive efforts, “Can do spirit”, willingness to help prevent base wide mishaps and promote sobriety. It was later stated that Keesler AFB adopted a similar program after they learned of the implementation of Joel’s idea and the success of drunk driving incidents at NCBC decreasing after they had been on the rise.
Joel excelled in all aspects of his career. He never settled for “mediocre.” At NCTC (A- school), he was instructor of the month several times and instructor of the year. At NCTC (C- school), he identified an obstacle in the software program allowing for glitches, issues, slowdown… He spear-headed a solution by creating a software program, which the military adapted, saving the military thousands of man-hours, funding, and productivity. He received several awards for this. Staff were not allowed to smoke outside the building without a covered building. Joel facilitated the construction of an acceptable “smoking area” (as negative as a habit this is), to allow for a quick release in proximity to work, therefore improving morale…
At NSU-SD, he worked diligently to be the best Seabee on charge, representing his branch, his profession, and his country. In addition, he was a liaison to the Regional Security office and to all department heads at the United States Embassy, Ft. MYERS, FL, Washington D.C (Pentagon), and consulates throughout Mexico, South and Central America. This earned Joel multiple awards of recognition by various departments and earned him a promotion, and he was recognized with advancement. He was also presented one directly by President Clinton during his 3-year tour.
While deployed (on several occasions), he encouraged troops to read and orchestrated a book club to entice them to “compete.” He also participated in a rowing boat competition in Japan… It was unlike Joel to take on an additional job to send extra money home while deployed to help offset the cost of our many overseas calls to each other, along with care packages.
In addition to these few factual stories in his career, Joel mentored many students and saved a few lives of young sailors through “Dear John” letters. He always went above and beyond his teaching to remediate, tutor, and prepare his students to achieve better understanding and improved scores. He was not afraid to immerse himself in some gentle storytelling to make him become more relatable, compassionate, modest, kind, and a strong role model; always reminding himself where his humble roots began.
Aside from his career at Galeta Island Panama R.P., NMCB’s, NCTC, NSU-SD, Washington D.C and consulates in Mexico and South and Central America; Joel served honorably and proficiently at NCBC Security forces, 20th regimen, casualty affairs office, and public works. All of which he prevailed.
He was an avid volunteer in his community, helping to build the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center tree house (initial), the Three Rivers Elementary School playground, and ramps throughout the community for disabled patrons, including veterans.
Joel was also an all-around playful guy, eager for anything extracurricular that would boost morale. He was the president of the first-class association (E-6) and helped organize a softball league and family bowling events. In the Chief’s mess, (E-7) he sat on their board and encouraged VFW memberships, chili cook offs, parade and float painting participation days and other events to include; the mud runs, golf tournaments, fundraisers, triathlons (Volksläufe) and continuous rugby, a sport he had loved since childhood! He maintained his engaging personality with his community and fellow soldiers throughout his life and career, encouraging reading and higher education, all the while seeking continuing education credits within the military community and later earning a degree at the MGCCC- Jefferson Davis, a steppingstone to his next achievement, a higher degree in computer software design and construction management. (A goal he sadly never lived to achieve.)
At Camp Shelby, during all pre-deployment exercises and specifically prior to his last at Operation Iraqi Freedom, he stayed behind with another Chief’s troops to recover lost equipment after a long few weeks away from home delaying his arrival to his family. This, in fact, saved the military and his unit thousands of dollars. However, this incident is what was the causal factor in him losing his Guam orders, and he became the operations chief and getting re-selected for a post at deployment in Southeast Asia, Mosul, Iraq.
Joel imprinted on every life he touched and seemed to perpetually leave a positive and lasting impression on everyone that knew him. He was truly a gentle giant, a peacemaker and a lover of humanity.
Respectfully contributed,
Claudia Martini Jordan Baldwin
April 24, 2026
In Loving memory of my Beautiful husband:
Joel Egan Baldwin
10/16/1967 – 12/21/2004
Bronze Star Citation
Chief Baldwin was stationed with NMCB 7 in 2004 and assigned as the Detachment Southwest Asia Operations Chief. He was on a special mission in Mosul, Iraq on December 21, 2004, when he was killed in action along with 21 others. Chief Baldwin’s BRONZE STAR MEDAL Citation reads as follows:
“For meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as the Detail Operations Chief during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 6 October to 21 December 2004. During this period, Chief Petty Officer Baldwin’s vast construction knowledge and crew management skills ensured operational success in support of strategic and operational objectives. His daily actions and conduct were proof of his devotion to the mission, for which he made the supreme sacrifice of his life. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions, and exceptional dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer Baldwin reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United Stated Naval Service.”
Interested in Funding an Endowed Scholarship?
Endowed Scholarships allow our investors to build a lasting legacy, impacting Seabee children and grandchildren for generations to come. Endowed Scholarships often honor or memorialize family members, Seabee leaders, NAVFAC units, organizations or corporations. Perpetual Named scholarships can be funded at four levels, $30,000, $60,000, $120,000 and $150,000 and are named by the donor.
Contact Dan Miller at danmiller@seabee.org to start a endowed scholarship.