Joel served in the United States Navy Medical Corps - Fleet Marine Force from 1998 to 2006, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in Iraq in 2004. In recognition of his service, he received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, among others. 

He joined the VFW in 2005 as a member-at-large and now maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership in VFW Post 12164, Atlanta-Buckhead, Georgia.