Joshua A. Ford Obituary

never got to meet you but i know we all miss you so much josh

I remember Joshua while I was assigned to 16th CSG, under 3d COSCOM from FY 05-06 mission to Tallil Air Force Base, Iraq. It's been a long time due saying: "Didn't know what say at your memorial than. Now, just wanted to place respect and mind closure. You were heavily relied upon to carry out the hardest missions. RIP -but Never Forgotten "... -MSG Baker

Almost anther year goes by still missing you brother

Anther year goes by still thinking of you

visited the Middle East Conflict Wall in Illinois this last week and left you a bottle of Captain Morgan and a pack of smokes....
miss you son.....

Still missing you my friend

thinking about you today as always......would be nice to have you here to help me celebrate my birthday.....love you

another holiday without you.....i wish i could enjoy the holidays as much as you did.....miss you and love you...Dad

Thanks my brother never forgotten. I remember that last roll call wen first.sgt call your name and u didn't sound off thanks again.

why does time not heal? we learn to deal with the death of our loved one, my dear son Josh, but I miss him more and more everyday. I would love to have just one more minute to be with him and to once again tell him how much I love him.....

While we never met, you are remembered very fondly! May you always be remembered!, :)

Shedding some tears for your family today dear Joshua, you are missed and loved and never forgotten. Rest In Peace Soldier!

HI MY FRIEND REMBER U EVERY DAY I REM KANAS THE IRAQ THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT AND YOUR FAIMLY . I WILL NOT FORGET JOSHUA THANKS AGAIN.

In memory and honor of Joshua Ford.

TO Lonnie and family, I've continued to read Josh's guest book over the years. Each time reminds me of how blessed we are as a Nation to have our youth stand in for all of us and give their all without hesitation serving our Country.
My cousins son is back to Nebraska for a short while and his first assignment is to be to Syria.
My prayers go out to you all and the rest of our veteran families. Since Jesus is the reason for this season, I'm just a bit jealous of Josh to be at the Christmas dinner with the guest of honor. God Bless!
Pat Howell
Cambridge, Ne

Merry Christmas son, each one without you gets harder and harder for me, love you and miss you.

Dad

Thanks you Josh for the the greats sacerfices miss you

Happy Birthday.....love and miss you....Dad

love you son.......and miss you

To the family and friends of Sgt. Joshua A. Ford:
Always remembering Joshua. "Some gave all."

that fateful day is fast approaching.....six years ago you left us......

Always remembered dear Joshua!

Josh thanks for giving the sackfices you and faimly given . You are not forgotten my brother I still rember that night. God bless

Merry Christmas son....I am sure Christmas in Heaven is something to behold......watch over us in the coming year...love you Dad

Pray for us Josh and Michael.
We will remember you always.

26 years ago you came into this world and made it a better place for us to live in.....5 years ago you went to a better place and are waiting for us to join you....love and miss you

still thinking of you brother

To the family and friends of Sgt. Joshua A. Ford:
Please accept my remembrance of Joshua on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Dear Lonnie
Please know that we pray for your son and will never forget the sacrifice he made. I think of you and your family always.
Sincerely,
Veronica Fox Roberts
Mother of FF Michael Edward Roberts, FDNY Engine 214, WTC, September 11, 2001

Merry Christmas son....missing you more and more everyday...

Love you,

Dad

Miss you little brother...Can't believe this is 5 xmas's without you...but I know you are here in spirit with us. I see that wonderful spirit of yours in my children's faces everyday. Love you and never will stop missing and aching for your smile.

Thanks my brother you gave all and you will never be forgotten thanks again.

Thank you Joshua for your service and great sacrifice. We have not nor will we ever forget. We have gotten to know and love your family through the bikes. What great people. And of course they tell us you are too. God bless your memory always.

Josh we love and miss you

Missing you little brother. You're gonna be an uncle in February.... wish you were still with us to meet this little one I have on the way.

Josh, yesterday President Obama removed the last bit of combat missions from Iraq. It was a day of celebration, and also a day of sadness. But, I will not let your memory fade, and I had a few drinks for you, knowing that if you were alive today you would have done the same to mark the end of those missions. Here is to you, bud. My love always.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Joshua A. Ford:
Remembering Joshua on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Thanks Josh I think of you so young thanks my brother !!!!!

We Love you and Miss you Josh You will Always be in our Hearts, Thoughts, and Memories It is 4 years ago and still feels like yesterday miss you so much Aunt Maggie.

You remain in our hearts forever my son, thank you for watching over all the other troops and bringing them home to their families safely. You will always be missed Josh and your extreme sacrifice never forgotten.

Love you lots
Mom

Dear Lonnie,
I am so sorry for your loss and it is hard to believe that I met you and your son and Jessica at this site four years ago. My son's anniversary is coming up to nine years. As long as we are alive, they live in us. I can only say I wish I had know Joshua. Sincerely, Veronica Fox Roberts

It is hard to believe that it has been four years since you were taken from us.

Love you,

Dad

Love and miss you Josh

We miss you Josh.

Easter has come and gone.....the only thing that keeps me going is the knowledge that you are in Heaven with our Savior....

Merry Merry Christmas little brother. Got your ornaments up and your stocking ready to put with the kids. Just wish could fill it full for you. We miss you so much. You would be so proud of William and Abigail and Andrew. They are getting so big. Abigail loves her angel so much. We love and miss you. Christmas is just not the same and never will be, but I'll always do my best to make it great for the kids and help them love it as much as you always did.

Merry Christmas my dear son....I miss you more and more each year...what could have been we will never know...what we have is all that we have...
Love you Dad

Missing my special veteran, our hero, our angel!! Happy Veteran's Day little brother, hope you are enjoying it with your fallen brothers and sisters in arms up above. Know we are all thinking of you and your ultimate sacrifice and service to our country. Watch over those still serving our great nation down below. We love and miss you so much. But you live on in our hearts and can see so much of your spirit in your nephews and niece.

Thank you Linda and all those who continue to remember my brother. Our family truly appreciates that he hasn't and never will be forgotten. It is comforting knowing that he is remembered and thought of daily by those that loved him, and those who we've never met. I am so glad he has touched so many ours as he did ours for almost 21 years. Never forget, Always remember.

Jessica Matson (FORD)
sister to SGT Joshua Ford, KIA 7/31/06

Today I am working on a slideshow of Nebraska KIA's for our annual all school Veterans Day program. I wanted to sign the guest book and assure you that Sgt. Joshua Ford will be remembered by all of us on November 11.
Sincerely

Thanks my friend we never forget!!!!!

Another September 27 has come and gone.
I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday, I was one proud dad.
I wish you could have been here to share this day with us, but alas you were taken from us in a distant land on that fateful day of July 31, 2006. I miss you more and more every day.

Love and miss you,

Dad

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Rest In Peace and with Honor,
We will Never Forget.
V.Roberts

RIP Joshua Andrew-KIA 7/31/06--You left us today...its hard to let go of the anger that someone took you from us so far away, and the anger towards them and their own life..but know you are with us in our memories and hearts--You will be our brother, hero, and angel now and forever..your legacy will live on in your family and friends. We miss and love you little brother.

To the family of Sgt. Joshua A. Ford:
Joshua gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Josh it is hard to belive it has been 3 years that you have been gone. On every motor cycle ride i go on I think of you watching over us and keeping us safe.
We are planing on visiting you on Aug. 2nd. We are very Proud of What you Stood. All Gave Some- You Gave All
Love and Miss you Josh.
Aunt Maggie

Josh,

You went out with a bang just like the 4th of July, you always loved this day with the fireworks.

Miss you,

Dad

"This story shall the good man teach his son"
God bless you and your family Josh, we will never forget you! You gave your life with honor and pride.
With great respect,
Veronica Roberts,
Mother of FF Michael Edward Roberts, FDNY Engine 214, WTC 9/11/2001

Wish we could come honor you tomorrow little brother. As soon as I can travel after the baby comes, we will come see you, for sure in July. You will be in my heart as we attend Memorial Day here in Newman Grove. You are our hero now and forever. We love you!

You are still with me my friend and not forgotten!!!! You gave it all for us. Thanks and God Bless my friend.

Josh,

Miss you little brother. Your little namesake is getting onry already and he's still got two months till he is here :) Wonder who is helping him already :) Was just thinking, you graduated in 2004, this would be your 5 year reunion this summer. I can't believe its going to be 3 yrs since you left us. Everyone misses you so much, and it never gets easier. As more time goes by, just doesn't seem real that its been that long. Keep an eye on the kiddos would you, when I can't. I love you little brother, always and forever.
Jessi

Josh

It is approaching three years since you were taken from us. People have told me that time heals, well they are wrong, all time does is deny us the opportunity to see you grow in to the man I know you would have been. I think about you every day and what it should have been like when you got home from Iraq. Time does not heal it just makes us hurt a little longer.

Love you,

Dad

“”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Josh Your Uncle Lawrence and I Was in Lincoln Nebraska this past weekend for a send off. It was a day I will not forget. Was thinking about you and Praying you will be watching over them while they are gone and bringing them home safely back to us. We think about you alot and Miss you.

Miss you brother! We love you!

Still missing you my friend and brother. Merry Christmas to your faimly!!!! God Bless

Dear Joshua,
I do so feel like I know you thru writings from your sister and your dad. We are all connected and pray that we meet in heaven someday. I will honor your name and your memory til that day comes.
Sincerely,
Veronica Roberts,
Mother of FF Michael Edward Roberts,
Engine Company 214, WTC, 9/11, NYC

Merry Christmas Baby Brother! I can't believe this is our 3rd Christmas without you. I miss our elf passing out the presents. We will always miss you and will never let your spirit die out. I wish we could come see you this holiday, but the weather just didn't allow it for Christmas. Know you are in our hearts. We love you Josh.

My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Joshua. I want to thank you for instilling in him the honor to be an American. I thank him for his service to our country. I cannot even imagine the pain that you are going through....I pray that the precious memories that you hold near to your heart of Joshua will bring you comfort in the days and years to come. May God bless you and give you strength and peace. I just want you to know that Joshua will never be forgotten.
"But God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love."

Love,
Susan
Blue Star Mom
[email protected]

My dearest son,

As our third Christmas approaches without you, my heart aches once again. We miss your smile and laugh and how much you enjoyed the holiday season. I will visit on Christmas Day and tell you how much I miss you and how I wish we could get you back, but I know you are in a better place and would want us to enjoy the company of friends and family on this joyous day.

I miss you,

Dad

Josh,

I am so frustrated and confused and wish I could see your smile so much right now. Not knowing if Pete will get laid off when he returns to work the 24th from AT is eating at me after his big boss called me just now. My stomach has been in knots since yesterday when I was told he was laid off. I don't know what to do...Stay close to us right now brother..I need you so much...And YOU'RE GOING TO BE AN UNCLE AGAIN...I hope it is my little boy so I can name him Andrew Joshua Randall Matson..After you and his late grandpa. Watch over my little ones please...

Thinking of you on this day. Josh thanks!!!!!

Well your 23rd b-day came and went without you little brother. Such a hard day for us. William finally got his dog, and happened to be on your b-day that we found her, so she is even more special he told me. So hard to think you would have been getting married about now or having a baby maybe. I just can't stop thinking about you every moment of every day and what could have been. I know though you are doing your best to take care of everyone from above. But I just can't seem to get over the anger and tears. But we are doing our best for you to live our lives as best we can and make the best for the kids. I will come see you soon and sit and visit with you. I love you and miss you little brother and ALWAYS will!

p.s. could you give me a hint with the car keys are. I lost them again, you know me. :)

Love you always and forever and ever
you big sis
Jessi

Josh I think of you every day. You die to young!!!

My Hero, My Son,

Today, 9-27, was another difficult day for me. You were born 23 years ago and I was a very proud father. You remain in my thoughts daily. I miss you so much and wish I could trade places with you, so you could become the man I know you would have made me proud of. Rest in peace Josh, I will continue to visit you each and every day.

Love you,

Dad

7/31/08-two years baby brother and seems like yesterday we found out. So much I want to say and show you. But I know you are with us where ever we are. I am sorry I can't be with you today but you are in my heart and know you would want me to get the house finished so your niece and nephew have a wonderful home. You are my strength during each day and we think and talk about you all the time. We love you and miss you so much. I know you are never far from us. I'll come see you very soon as soon as we get the house painted with the kids. Today is such a hard day but I know you want us celebrating not living with sadness and regret. We love you so very very much baby brother. Starting a third year without you won't be easy and will break my heart even more but I will raise the kids knowing you and what you stood for. You may not have agreed with having to go to war but you sacrificed your own opinions and beliefs to serve and gave your life for this country. Sleep well baby brother, I, we love you.

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Joshua, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Hey little brother. Well I did it- I managed to quit smoking. I know you were ALWAYS saying you were trying to quit so I knew you'd appreciate how hard it was for me :) You are VERY missed little bro! The anniversary of your death is coming up soon- it is getting hard for me as it gets closer but I know you are in a better place which comforts me. You are a true hero little brother!

Lonnie,
I happened on this site this morning and was glad to read all of the comments honoring Josh.
As Flag day came I had the thought of seeing the flag given to honor Josh. Although we never got to meet Josh, I've read enough to feel that I've known him a long, long time. My heart aches for you everytime I look out our back window and I see you walking to the cemetary to visit with Josh or I drive by the house and see Josh's name on the sign. I would be honored to join you there some day if we meet out walking. The bible says that we should alway give our best and my friends, you certainly gave the best when Josh gave his all. I'm proud to have known you during our short stay in Pender and always will be prouder to know about the hero that Josh is to all of America.

Sgt Ford, Though we never met I want to thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in protecting our country. The thoughts and prayers of our family are with you and your family. Lance Herold, father of Spc Adam Herold, KIA 6-10-07 in Karballah, Iraq

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Ford!

Tho I have never met you, I feel as if I know you. We have talked alot this past yr. You and my son was in Iraq together his first tour. And as he went again with the 600thTC, I knew that you would take care of him. Thank you so much Josh for seeing that he came home safe and sound to us. I talked with your Dad in Lincoln, he is a very brave man. You must be so very proud of him. As Brook walked thru the PG and stopped to give your Dad a hug, I could almost see you standing there too. Josh we will never forget the great sacrifice that you gave for your counrty. Proud Mom of a NE National Guard Soldier (SGT Brook Baker)

I havent forgotenn Josh. He lives with me every day.

Please know that we are praying and thinking of you today with deep gratitude.
Sincerely, Veronica Roberts,
Mother of FF Michael Roberts,
FDNY, 9/11, WTC

To The FordFamily and Friends

YOUR LOSS is The Great State of Nebraska's & America's as well.
I want to take the time to send a few words and Let you know Sgt. Joshua A. Ford is remembered as a Hero and you are as well with Prayer for your Loss..
May your Memories with him and of him help to comfort you along with God's care. And be passed on to his other family members..
There just is no word's to take away the loss you feel, for that I am sorry...
I thank you for America's freedom and mine and my families because of men and women like your Josh.
God Bless and Keep You in His Peace during these times of Great Loss.

-
The Family Lines of Lt. Presley Neville O'Bannon (A Marine who Raised the first American Flag on Foreign soil, Shores of Tripoli Hero) Proudly Salute: Sgt. Joshua A. Ford, YOUR & one of Our Special Gold Star Hero's, from Nebraska who gave his all and then gave more! For his extream service and bravery He stands as an Exceptional Man ...
Bless those he served with ..
As His Fellow Comrades Stand Guard, Protect and Bless them Lord.

Rev. T. O'Bannon Brod
(Proud to be from, NE)

We love and miss you little brother. Little Abigail put a pinwheel and kissed your headstone the other day when we took the kids out. Thank you for watching over Draper and the 600th while they were at Tallil. You brought Draper back to us, and he already was there for the kids like you would have been. You served as their angel well. We are getting ready to move. I wish the house was closer to Pender, but I know you would love the house we are buying in Newman Grove for the kids. We are finally getting William out of Wayne, just like I know you would want. Peter and I keep you close in the kids hearts and in ours as well. We will make sure to find a way to come see you at least once a month. We love you so much and miss you, and those words don't even describe how much. Love your big sis

Joshua, I never met you but Leander was one of my Soldiers. When ever I travel home I go by Pender and think about your family and how much they must miss you. You left to soon.

Love you little brother! You are still very missed each and every day.

Joshua,
You are honored every day for your ultimate sacrifice. You will always remain in our hearts as you and the other fallen heroes watch over those in harm's way. There will be many celebrations on Memorial Day to honor you all. Celebrations remind others of how important it is they not forget how valuable your sacrifice was to their own lives, however the location in which you are honored is not important. The celebration of your life takes place in our hearts. You will always be our son, hero, and angel watching over us all.
God Bless you Josh,
Your mother and step-father
Lori and Peter Toth

Josh,

We are going to have several people coming to Pender on Memorial Day to honor you and all the other Fallen Heroes of our great nation. If you can please let Erin know that she is more than welcome to join us in this day of remembance.

Love and miss you,

Dad

Josh,

I finally have a birthday at the end of this month- my 7th real birthday. I wish you could be here to have a drink with me to celebrate- I know you will be with me in spirit. I'll have a morgan and coke for you :) I keep thinking about how much you used to tease me about being a leap year baby. It puts a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. You are missed very much and I think of you every day.

Love Your Sis,
Erin

To Joshua Ford,

This is late in coming, but I wanted to let you all know that Joshau Ford's body was treated with the utmost respect and care after he was air lifted from the IED site in Iraq.

You see his body was brought to our base where we provided guards for his body and put him onto helicopter to be sent home. Prayers were immediately being lifted up for his loved ones.

Though I have not met Joshua's loved ones in person, I wanted to say Joshua touched my life in very special way even though I really didn't know him. He was my brother in arms and we took great care for his soul.

I am praying for you and your family tonight Joshua.
With Love and Admiration,
Veronica Roberts

Son,

Christmas is quickly approaching and I miss you more and more. You loved this holiday, giving presents to those you cared for was so important to you. I hope that you can give us another gift, bring our family back together. The hurt we suffered when you were taken is still with us and is harder and harder to deal with. There is nothing that I want more in this world than to have our family united once again. Please watch over us from Heaven and bring us a little happiness if you can.

Love,

Dad

My dearest brother,

I miss you more each day. Yesterday 8 people here were killed at Westroads Mall-and then the shooter killed himself. What a senseless tragedy. As I was hearing this devestating news, the memories of when I heard about your death came rushing back. I know you were there to greet them when they got to heaven. I feel your presence with me every day. I will always remind our nephew that his uncle is watching over him. He reminds me of you very much.
Love always, Your Sister- Erin

The Holiday season just isn't the same without you. I miss your smile, your laugh, and just you being you. I will place something special on your grave on Christmas day to help me deal with your death. I love you and miss you very much.

Love,

Dad

Josh as your memory fades for others it grows stronger and stronger for me...I will never forget that smile of yours, how caring you were of others, and the ultimate sacrifice you made for us. Please watch over us in the future and welcome us to Heaven when it is our time.

Love you with all my heart,

Dad

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.