In Memory of Sgt. Joshua Ford

by Austin Black and Jamie Schweers

Sergeant Joshua Ford was born on September 27, 1985 in Pender, Nebraska. Josh was born to Lonnie Ford, who is currently a social studies teacher at Pender Public Schools. He attended Wayne Public Schools until his junior year in high school. He graduated from Pender Public Schools in 2004. After graduation, he attended Wayne State College for a semester. Josh joined the Army National Guard in February of 2003.

In August of 2005, Josh's unit, 189th Transportation Company and 485th Corps Support Battalion, was activated. The unit was deployed on October 31. Josh was stationed at Camp Talil. On July 31, 2006 Josh was killed during combat operations in Al Numaniyah, Iraq. To honor Josh's bravery and courage, his family was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, and four other medals. Click below to view the slide show.

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