Iowa Native Killed while serving in Afghanistan
JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) - An Iowa native has been killed after insurgents attacked his U.S. Army unit earlier this month.
The Iowa National Guard announced Monday that 23-year-old Sgt. Joseph A. Richardson died on Nov. 16 during a patrol in the Paktika province of Afghanistan. The Guard says enemy insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire and an improvised explosive device.
Richardson spent most of his childhood in Algona and moved to Booneville, Ark., after the 9th grade.
Family members released a statement Monday describing Richardson as a friendly, energetic person known to joke around with loved ones.
Richardson is survived by his wife, Ashley M. Richardson, as well as his parents, two sisters, a brother and other relatives.
The attack also killed 24-year-old Sgt. Channing B. Hicks, of Greer, S.C.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.