March 19, 2024

Fallen soldier laid to rest in Algona

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa native who was killed during combat in Afghanistan has been laid to rest.

KCCI reports hundreds of people attended Army Sgt. Joseph Richardson’s funeral in Algona on Saturday.

Richardson died Nov. 16 while on patrol in Paktika province. Richardson was assigned to 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

Family members say the 23-year-old asked to go to Afghanistan because he loved serving in the Army. He has previously served a tour in Iraq.

Richardson’s family said he had re-enlisted for six more years shortly before his death.

Richardson spent most of his childhood in Algona and moved to Booneville, Ark., after the ninth grade.

He is survived by his wife, Ashley Richardson.