Ford honored with Tribute in Congressional Record

As a small group of Jasper County citizens gathered in the Washington, D.C. office of U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, a big surprise was waiting for one individual. What was thought to be just a visit to see a U.S. Senator’s office quickly turned into an emotional and touching tribute to a Newton woman who spent 30 years serving her country as a nurse.

The tribute was presented to Lt. Col. Marta Ford, who served as a nurse during the Vietnam War and then as part of the Army Reserves for three decades. Presented by Ernst on Nov. 9, the statement was read into the Congressional Record on Nov. 6.

“Today I wish to honor an Iowan who served bravely during the Vietnam War as an active duty nurse and spent nearly three decades in the Army Reserves,” Ernst read as Ford sat stoically in a chair. “… All those who honorably served deserve our thanks for their service to our country. I ask my colleagues to join me as I proudly recognize Lt. Col. Marta Ford an Iowan who dedicated her life to service and sacrifice on behalf of our great nation.”

During the tribute, Ernst recognized Ford’s service as an active duty nurse during the Vietnam War, three decades in the Army Reserves, serving as the first female commander of American Legion Post #111 in Newton and currently serving as chair of the Jasper County Commission of Veterans Affairs.

Once finished reading the official record, Ernst became visibly emotional stating “I’m just so honored to know you.”

The tribute was a surprise to Ford and her family, who was also present when she received the honor. It was arranged by Baxter’s Doug Bishop who had traveled with Ford to D.C. for the Vietnam War Memorial Ceremony.

“I had no idea,” Ford said. “During the whole thing I didn’t say anything because if I would have I would have cried. I just sat there and didn’t look around at all. I just stared at the floor. If I had looked at her I would have done the ugly cry.”

Bishop said Ford deserves the recognition and it is long overdue for a woman who has spent decades serving others humbly and honorably.

“Who better epitomizes service and sacrifice in Jasper County than Marta Ford?” Bishop said. “I think it was very fitting. Marty is the type of person that is always doing something for somebody else and never takes an ounce of credit for things she has participated in the past or now. She totally has downplayed her service; but she spent many, many years in the Army Nurse Corps taking care of others, and she still continues to do that.”