Memorial for fallen Iraq soldier stolen in Jones Creek Texas

Bronzed memorial to soldier stolen
Houston Chronicle - United States
JONES CREEK, Texas — A memorial that topped the grave of a 21-year-old soldier killed in Iraq two years ago has been stolen.

Thieves last week hauled away a battle cross created for Cody Ford's grave — his bronzed jump boots, bronzed assault rife and a bronzed helmet like the one he wore in Iraq. Authorities said even the bronzed base that supported the battle cross in Gulf Prairie Cemetery was stolen.

"I don't know if they hated the family that much, or if they hated Cody that much — why would you do something like that?" said Ford's father, Philip Ford.

The bronzed boots are the same jump boots that Cody Ford, a U.S. Army specialist and member of the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), wore when he graduated from paratrooper school. The boots were filled with concrete before they were mounted on his grave.

The thieves also kicked around flowers and other items at the grave and stole the soldier's dog tags.
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