Arkansas soldier dies in Afghanistan

LITTLE ROCK — A Booneville man was killed in action in Afghanistan last week, according to the Department of Defense.

Army Spc. Joseph Richardson, 23, of Booneville and Sgt. Channing Hicks of Greer, S.C., died Friday in Paktika Province from injuries received during a combined attack of small arms fire and a roadside bomb.

Both men served with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division based at Fort Riley, Kan.

Richardson is the 101st Arkansan killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the 29th Arkansas serviceman to be killed in Afghanistan.

Sen. Mark Pryor issued his condolences to Richardson’s family Monday.

“Those who knew him best will remember him for his loving heart, giving spirit and dedication to his country,” Pryor said in a written statement. “Today I join all Arkansans in lifting up Specialist Richardson’s family during this difficult time.”