Joshua Skovlund
Staff Writer
Joshua Skovlund is a contributor for Task & Purpose. He has reported around the world, from Minneapolis to Ukraine, documenting some of the most important world events to happen over the past five years. He served as a forward observer in the US Army, and after leaving the service, he worked for five years in paramedicine before transitioning to a career in multimedia journalism.
Highlights
- A true multimedia reporter who can report and write everything from daily news to longform features, capture still photography, and shoot video — often in dynamic and austere environments.
- A trusted reporter in the military and veteran community.
- Featured on CBS Audio’s Eye on Veterans.
Experience
After serving as a forward observer in the U.S. Army, I earned my paramedic license and spent five years working as a Minneapolis paramedic before transitioning to a career in multimedia journalism. Since then, I have extensively covered both the first responder and special operations communities. I’ve traveled the world, telling stories with a pen in hand and through the lens of my camera, from the early days of the riots in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to multi-national training exercises in Germany.
Education
- U.S. Army
- Licensed paramedic
Awards
- Coffee or Die Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award 2021.
- Coffee or Die Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award 2022.
Fun fact
I’m a family man first and foremost, a husband and father who writes poetry and nerds out on mushroom, spider, and moth-focused photography.
Notable Work
- Operation Red Wings Through the Eyes of the Night Stalkers Coffee or Die Magazine
- Minneapolis set on Fire After George Floyd Death Coffee or Die Magazine
- Best Night Vision Goggles of 2023 OutdoorLife
- Women are Fighting Side by Side with Men on Front Lines of Iraq Protests Coffee or Die Magazine
- When 'the Boys' are Back in Town: A Special ops vet Explains why Elite Units Train in US Cities Coffee or Die Magazine
