Harrison Township

Family grieves over loss of fallen soldier

By Sarah Cormier
C & G Staff Writer

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — A loving wife, two children and a mother and father are among the many grieving for the loss of Army Staff Sgt. Richard Jordan, 29, who died while serving in Iraq of injuries he suffered during a vehicle rollover incident.

Prior to deployment, Jordan had been living in Harrison Township with his 26-year-old wife, Jennifer Jordan, and his daughter, 2-year-old Madison Jordan. His other daughter, 9-year-old Jazmine Lindsey, lives in Illinois.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Jordan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas. He had been in Iraq since this past November and died from his injuries on March 16 while serving as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Mosul, Iraq.

Members of Jordan’s family — his wife, mom, dad and brother-in-law — held a press conference in Harrison Township on March 19. There, they described Jordan as being “laid-back, sweet, funny” and a “jokester.” His family also said that he was “creative” and “loved history.”

“I will miss my husband more than words can express,” said Jennifer through tears. “I can hear him telling us to be strong.”

The family repeatedly mentioned how important serving his country was to Jordan. 

“He loved the Army, that was his passion,” said Jennifer.

“That was his life,” added his dad, Richard Jordan Jr.

Carin Poole, who is acting as a family representative for the Jordans, read aloud a statement from Jennifer.

In it, Jennifer said that her husband believed that being in the military was what he was meant to do.

“I believe he would smile and say, ‘I was just doing my part,’” she said.

Jennifer said that the couple had been married for 13 months and was planning on having more children.

“I fell in love with him,” she said. “I thought he was the most handsome guy ever.”

Jennifer and the rest of the family also wished those still overseas well.

“I just want all of our troops to come back home … this is the worst thing I’ve ever been through … this is a nightmare,” she said.

When pressed further if the family felt that the war should end, Jordan’s dad said that they just don’t want to see any more military personnel suffer.

“I’m saying we don’t want any other troops to come home in a box,” he said.

Poole said that funeral services and a burial are being planned in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Jordan was originally from. A memorial service will take place at 6 p.m. on March 23 at the Michigan Light Guard Armory in Detroit.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Sarah Cormier at scormier@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1095.