Let me start by saying that OUR SOLDIERS ARE OK!
I am writing you with a heavy heart today to formally let you know that we have
lost one of our 76 Brigade soldiers.
The official notification reads as follows:
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Joseph A. Ford, 23, of Knox, Ind., died May 10 in Al Asad, Iraq, of
injuries suffered in a vehicle accident. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron,
152nd Cavalry Regiment, 76th Brigade Combat Team, Indiana National Guard, New
Albany, Ind.
The incident is under investigation.
SPC Ford is a true hero and his sacrifice will be remembered for all times. My
deepest sympathy goes out to his family as they embark on this tragedy and begin
to deal with a lifetime of emotions.
In the event that families want to send cards or flowers, I will need to
coordinate this with our Family Programs staff. Please let me know what you are
wanting to do and I can get this accomplished.
We do not have any information regarding funeral arrangements. The 152nd website
has a nice picture and message of sympathy to the family as well as a link to
the media release: www.warhawks.us.
PLEASE TAKE MOMENT AND REFLECT ON THIS SITUATION. This is an emotional time for
all of us especially those that have a love for SPC Ford or have a soldier
overseas.
This is the sad reality of war. I wish I could sugar coat it to give you the
news in easier form, but the truth is there is no other way to handle this. We
have to deal with this reality head on. The truth is that our soldiers have a
VERY DANGEROUS JOB.
Please know that I am hear to listen to your sadness, to comfort your fears, to
help you focus on something else or just get through the moment. I am at work,
but will try to get to your calls as they come in.
Please know that this news is also VERY hard on our soldiers and they are
dealing with this incident in their own way. Please be conscious of their needs
as they deal with this loss. They may not want to talk about it or that may be all
they want to talk about. Just be there for them as they need your strength and
love.
THIS IS HARD! AND YES, YOU ALL ARE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT.
I continue to pray for ALL of our soldiers and their safe return home. Please
let this moment in life remind you of the important things and to treasures
those moments that are priceless and irreplaceable. Try not to sweat the small
stuff, but remember it is the big stuff that makes us who we are.
Together, we can get through moments like this. Please open your doors and
hearts so that we can console each other. Please call each other and allow
yourself to grieve as well as get your emotions out. THIS FRG IS MEANT FOR
SUPPORT SO LET US DO THAT FOR YOU.
May SPC Ford spirit guide us to the right things in life.
I am truly sorry to bring this news to you.
Jenny Tracy
2-150 FA
HHSB Family Readiness Group Chairperson
Bloomington, IN
(812) 320-3871
No comments:
Post a Comment