In October of 2004, Joe was awarded the prestigious “American Patriot Award” by the Exchange Club of Naperville, Illinois. Cantafio’s performance at the Exchange Club’s “Ribfest ‘02” with the New York firefighters received national attention and showed how one person can really make a difference.

In November 2004, Joe and Jon Brant helped Senator Peter Roskam record his “Voices from America” CD project. People lined up Thanksgiving weekend  2004 and recorded Christmas messages to the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

That same weekend, Joe learned that his young cousin, Ryan Joseph Cantafio, USMC paid the ultimate price for American Freedom.  Ryan was killed in action outside of Baghdad.  Ryan's life and death inspired Joe to write the haunting, critically acclaimed, memorial tribute-song, "Brave Warrior."  His childhood friend, Herb Weinand, collaborated on the lyrics with Joe.  "Over the centuries, every single American is affected positively by the efforts of our brave warrior.  If you don't believe that fact, you must have been sleeping during your American History class!"

On Veterans Day 2005, Joe reunited with his friend Bob Kolling and kicked off their “Forgotten Heroes” project at Hines VA Hospital.  The Forgotten Heroes Project (www.USAForgottenHeroes.com) is designed to make the public aware of the thousands of Americas who fill our Veterans Hospitals. Together, they hope to drive thousands of healthy, free Americans to these hospitals simply to say, “Thank You” to the Americans who made their freedom possible.  Since the start of the project, Joe and Bob have produced 15 concerts at Hines, and Joe has performed at 5 VA Hospitals nationwide.  Those concerts will continue.

Joe can still be heard on commercials, and the company he helped create won eight international awards for their work on radio and television commercials.

A book titled “Let Freedom Sing” is currently being written by James Fuller, and will include Cantafio’s American odyssey since September 11, 2001.

On July 15, 2005, Joe Cantafio was the keynote speaker at the Exchange Club National Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. Joe told his story  at the annual “One Nation Under God” luncheon.  “How One Person Can Make A Difference” was the title of Joe’s program. “I'm glad people didn't take it as; ‘Hey look at me, I am great.’ I just want to let folks know that if I can do what I did, anyone can do it.” Cantafio said. “I am not famous. I am just an average Joe, … a guy next door,  a Dad who loves his country and decided to do something after the attacks of September 11^th. Imagine what someone who is really talented can do!”  Since his first speaking engagement, Cantafio has become one of America's top "Patriotic Public Speakers."  To date, he has spoken at over 30 conventions and meetings, and continues to inspire and ignite the patriotic flame burning inside most of us.  Cantafio has received 7 "Proclamations of Excellence" for his public speaking.

Currently, Cantafio is finishing his newest CD, "An American Conscience."

Joe has started work on a long time dream, … his first cookbook, “Let’s Eat, … A Guide to Tasty Dinning for the Single Parent.” Cantafio’s anecdotes seem to be as much fun to read as the recipes. Joe uses cooking ideas from his Italian heritage and some quick and easy dinners for people on the go. A lot of the recipes are his personal and family favorites.

In the spring/summer of 2008, Joe and his band, "The 101st Rock Division," (www.101stRockDivision.com) will return to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other dangerous places where Americans are serving their country.  In September of 2008, the group will continue to tour domestically on a concert tour of up to 80 military bases in 27 states across America.  Joe said: "Entertaining on the frontlines is enough for some, but for us, it's just the beginning."

Cantafio has spearheaded an aggressive "Troops Support" project.  While touring, Joe and the group are introducing jobs, education, medical, and counseling programs to the troops.  They will carry "care packages" and much more to the frontlines.  "We have disguised a troops-directory as a Concert Tour Book," Cantafio said laughing.  "Our team at Patriot Entertainment (www.PatriotEntertainment.com) has put together a comprehensive guide to help the troops transition back into civilian life after their great service to America is complete.  We owe them at least that much," Joe added. 

“When I sit back and think about where the six-plus years have taken me, it feels like I am living on the History Channel. Ground Zero, New York … Washington DC, … Baghdad, Iraq, … Kuwait City. … Africa. I have met firefighters, soldiers, mayors, governors, senators, congressmen, generals and the President of the United States, … I start to think, wow, and I begin to privately get all full of myself, but then I snap out of it real quick when one of my daughters needs me to put her wet clothes in the dryer,” said Cantafio, a single father who now raises his daughters. “My daughters are my finest accomplishment.”

Joe currently resides in Barrington, Illinois with his daughters.