Ind. guardsman dies in Iraq vehicle accident

KNOX, Ind. - An Indiana National Guard member who lived in New Albany died of injuries he suffered in a vehicle accident in Iraq.
Joseph A. Ford, 23, who was posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant, was remembered in his hometown of Knox 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."

Ford, a 2003 graduate of Knox High School, died Saturday during operations near Al Asad. He had been deployed to the country since March with his 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 Guard, Ford also was working toward a degree in history at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville.