An Iowa native has been killed after insurgents attacked his U.S. Army unit earlier this month.

The Iowa National Guard announced Monday that 23-year-old Sgt. Joseph A. Richardson died on Nov. 16 during a patrol in the Paktika province of Afghanistan. The Guard says enemy insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire and an improvised explosive device.

Richardson spent most of his childhood in Algona and moved to Booneville, Ark., after the 9th grade.

Family members released a statement Monday describing Richardson as a friendly, energetic person known to joke around with loved ones.

Richardson is survived by his wife, Ashley M. Richardson, as well as his parents, two sisters, a brother and other relatives.

The attack also killed 24-year-old Sgt. Channing B. Hicks, of Greer, S.C.