[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15469]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                     Sergeant Joseph A. Richardson

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, the Nation has lost a brave patriot who 
died defending freedom. Sergeant Joseph A. Richardson, who grew up in 
Algona, IA, was killed during a patrol in Paktika province, Afghanistan 
on November 16, 2012. He was clearly an accomplished, professional 
soldier as evidenced by his numerous awards, including: the Bronze Star 
Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, 
National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 
Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on 
Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, 
NATO Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
  SGT Richardson's family released a statement that described Joe as 
someone who ``lived his life full of energy and with passion for 
everything he did.'' They also said that, ``He loved his job; he loved 
fighting for his country and our freedom.'' In fact, he demonstrated 
this by re-enlisting for six more years in the Army shortly before his 
untimely death. His love of country and willingness to serve marks 
Joseph Richardson as one of our nation's finest citizens, and his noble 
sacrifice immortalizes him among the ranks of our most honored war 
dead. We owe SGT Richardson and all those like him who have fallen in 
the name of liberty our infinite gratitude.
  We ought also to remember his family in our prayers, including his 
wife Ashley, his mother, Ginette, his father, Greg, and many other 
family and friends who will feel his loss very deeply. As those closest 
to Joseph Richardson remember the life of their loved one, it is 
incumbent on all Americans to preserve his memory and to reflect on the 
enormous price he and other like him have paid to preserve our free way 
of life.

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