[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 7] [Senate] [Page 9767] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES Specialist Joseph A. Ford Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of the brave Army Specialist from Knox, IN. Joseph Ford, 23 years old, died on May 10, 2008, in Al Asad, Iraq, from injuries sustained when his vehicle overturned during a training operation. With an optimistic future before him, Joseph risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world. A lifelong Hoosier, Joseph graduated from Knox High School in 2003. His teachers and friends recall a young man with a thirst for knowledge and a generous spirit. Shortly after finishing high school, Joseph joined the Indiana National Guard and was stationed in New Albany. Joseph was fiercely dedicated to serving his country and disciplined himself to meet the high standards of military fitness. He enrolled in the University of Southern Indiana, where he studied history, a passion he had since high school. In June, Joseph married his wife, Karen, of Evansville, IN. Joseph traveled to Georgia in December with his National Guard unit for training before he left for his first deployment in Iraq. He was scheduled for deployment through 2009 but planned to return this summer to celebrate his first wedding anniversary with Karen. Assigned to the 1st Squadron, 152nd Cavalry Regiment, Army National Guard in New Albany, IN, Joseph served as a turret gunner with the Indiana National Guard's 76th Infantry Brigade in Iraq. Today, I join Joseph's family and friends in mourning his death. Joseph will forever be remembered as a loving husband, son, and friend to many. He is survived by his wife Karen; his parents Sam and Dalarie; his brother Matthew; and his sister Abbey Ambrose. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Joseph, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief. Today and always, Joseph will be remembered by family members, friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country. As I search for words to do justice in honoring Joseph's sacrifice, I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the impact of Joseph's actions will live on far longer that any record of these words. It is my sad duty to enter the name of Joseph A. Ford in the official Record of the United States Senate for his service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that Joseph's family can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.'' May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be with all of you, as I know He is with Joseph. ____________________