FORT POLK, La. - A Fort Polk Soldier was killed during an improvised explosive device attack while on patrol in Baghdad April 14.
Sgt. Joseph A. Richard III, 27, was a combat engineer non-commissioned officer assigned to 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.
Richard, originally from St. Martinville, La., joined the Army in January 2003 and completed basic and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He was assigned to the Fort Hood, Texas-based 588th Combat Engineer Battalion in May 2004 and 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment in October 2005.
He was reassigned to 4th BCT in March 2007.
Richard previously deployed to Iraq from May 2003 to April 2004 and again from December 2005 to November 2006.
His military education includes the Warrior Leader Course and the Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade-and-Below certification.
His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.
Richard is survived by his wife and parents.
I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
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