Lake County soldier killed in Afghanistan in noncombat accident

Family members of a Wildwood soldier killed Saturday in Afghanistan remembered their brother and son as a private person and expressed pride in his military service.

U.S. Army Ranger Spc. Joseph W. Dimock II, 21, died in Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a noncombat related incident.

"Together with Joey's brothers, our sons Louis and Michael, our hearts are heavy with grief, yet at the same time filled with love for Joey and with pride in Joey's service to our nation," said his parents, Joseph and Ellen Dimock, in a written statement.

According to the Department of Defense, Dimock was killed when an explosion occurred in an ammunition holding facility during an inventory. The explosion also injured another Ranger conducting the inspection.

Dimock, a 2007 graduate of Warren Township High School, was on his second deployment to Afghanistan, the Department of Defense said. He also had been deployed to Iraq.

"We are grateful for the support of our family and friends in this difficult time," said his parents in the statement.

Joseph Dimock said his son was a very private individual and declined further comment.

Spc. Dimock was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., after enlisting in the Army in August 2007.

"Ranger Dimock represented everything right with America. He was an incredibly talented young man, who volunteered to serve his nation in a time of war and ultimately gave his life in support of her cause," said Lt. Col. Mike Foster, the 1st Ranger battalion commander.

"His loss is felt across the entire battalion and our thoughts and prayers are with the Dimock family."

Dimock was posthumously awarded with the Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.

He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Ellen Dimock of Wildwood, as well as his brothers, Louis and Michael Dimock.

"Spc. Dimock was a warrior who chose a higher calling and deployed three times in support of the nation. Joseph remains a hero to our nation, the Army and his family," said Col. Michael Kurilla, commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment.