Army Spc. Joseph W. Dimock II

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Joseph W. Dimock II, 21, of Wildwood, Ill.

Spc. Dimock was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; died July 10, 2010 in Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat-related incident when an explosion occurred in an ammunition holding facility during an inventory.

A U.S. Army Ranger from Lake County died Friday after an explosion at an ammunition holding facility in Afghanistan. Spc. Joseph Whiting Dimock II, 21, of Wildwood, was checking inventory when the explosion happened. Another soldier was injured. Dimock, who joined the Army in 2007 as a rifleman, served in the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Dimock previously served in Iraq and was serving his second Afghanistan deployment. He was awarded several medals during his military career. Just a few weeks ago, Dimock visited his neighborhood in the small town of Wildwood before beginning what would be his third overseas deployment. He had previously served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dimock graduated in 2007 from Warren Township High School in Gurnee. He was an Eagle Scout and an active member of his church. The pastor there knew him since he was 2 years old. "Everybody loves Joey," said Pastor Kathy Bostrom, Wildwood Presbyterian Church. "He was wonderful, energetic, a man of integrity and fun and joy. He's going to be greatly missed. He is like a son to our church."

Specialist Dimock's parents released a statement:

"Our son, US Army Ranger Joseph W. Dimock II, gave his life in the service of our country on Saturday, July 10, in Afghanistan. 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. We are grateful for the support of our family and friends in this difficult time."

The family's pastor said Dimock had a strong heart for service. She said she believes that was why he chose, right out of high school, to serve his country.

"Ranger Dimock represented everything right with America," said Lt. Col Mike Foster. "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.

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

Army Spc. Joseph W. Dimock II was killed in a non-combat related incident on 7/10/10.