MUSD Alumni Profile: Joshua Wells, Milpitas High School Class of 1996
MUSD alumnus Joshua Wells (Class of 1996), a 20-year veteran Milpitas Police Officer and retired elite Army Ranger, benefitted greatly from personalized learning, local athletic programs, and supportive educators throughout his scholastic years.
“I was a GATE student that was pushed academically and attended one of the first DARE classes, giving me access to Police mentorship at an early age,” Wells shared. “Team sports at all age levels gave me life skills to include hard work, competitiveness, team work, and humility. …Mentorship from coaches/teachers inspired me to set goals and push myself for success.”
The now 47-year-old Wells, who earned his Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from DeAnza College and Bachelor’s in Justice Studies from San Jose State University, is a highly decorated officer. Wells earned Honor graduate or “Top Cop” honors in his South Bay Police Academy Class. Currently he is a day-shift patrolman who is a member of the Department Honor guard, a Drone Operator, and Defensive Tactics Instructor. Previously, he served as a Bicycle Officer, CPR first aid instructor, and SWAT Operator.
Prior to his law enforcement career, the MHS, Burnett Elementary and Rancho Milpitas Middle School alum was an Army Ranger with the elite 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment from 2001-2004. Wells, who was part of three combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, military service includes: graduate of Ranger School (Class 11-02) airborne wings; South African foreign jump wings; Combat Infantry badge; Expert Infantry badge; Army Commendation medal; Army Achievement medals; and Good Conduct Medal, among others.
From humble beginnings in Milpitas, Wells’ fondest memories involved attending MHS athletic games with his family. “I idolized some of the high school athletes who I enjoyed watching and wanted to be like,” said Wells, who was named Homecoming King for his senior year. “When I was in high school, I enjoyed traveling with the different teams to support my peers and showcase my skills.”
As a MHS student, Wells’ two favorite classes were: English and Ceramics. The art elective with Mr. Heinrichs allowed him to embrace a more creative side, while his freshman English instructor, Ms. Marozek nurtured self-confidence through healthy debates on a variety of topics.
“She enjoyed listening to my reasoning and told me how it took a lot of courage to do what I did,” Wells recalled. “After having that newfound confidence acknowledged at an early age by an adult who did not always agree with me, it ensured that I would always be a critical thinker open to new ideas and dialogue.”
Wells, who worked as a lifeguard and a volunteer youth sports coach, advises younger generations of Milpitians to “get off your phones and video games, and go out and enjoy life. Play sports, sweat, and push yourselves to see what your body is capable of. Follow the words of General Douglas MacArthur who said, ‘On the fields of friendly strife are sewn the seeds that in other days, on other battlefields, will bear the fruits of victory!’”