National Guard member killed in Iraq remembered

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

May 15, 2008 10:46 am

— KNOX— An Indiana National Guard member who died of injuries he suffered in a vehicle accident in Iraq is being remembered in his hometown as a determined, intelligent young man.
“He was a very bright, inquisitive student,” Knox High School teacher Terrill Hahn said. “He was a lot of fun.”
Spc. Joseph A. Ford, a 2003 graduate of Knox High School, died Saturday during operations near Al Asad. The 23-year-old had been deployed to the country since March with his Indiana National Guard unit, the 1st Squadron, 152nd Cavalry Regiment of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
He was described as a happy teen who loved history and was quick with his hands on the school’s fencing team. He also was quick to share with his fellow students.
“We put on the ‘Three Musketeers’ one year, and he came in to help choreograph the sword-fighting scenes,” said Hahn, who teaches English and drama. “He was generous with his knowledge.”
While serving in the National Guard, he also was working toward a degree in history at the University of Southern Indiana, near the New Albany home where he and his wife, Karen, lived.
He wanted to serve his country so badly after high school that he endured intense runs to drop nearly 70 pounds in a summer so he could meet military fitness requirements.
“He’s an angel in heaven,” said Ruth Sims, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 748 Ladies Auxiliary. “And so young. Bless his heart.”