Photo By Lt. Col. Jordan Cochran | Captain Joseph Ford is promoted to his current rank onboard the Battleship North...... read more read more
Subscribe
Captain Joseph Ford: A Lifelong Commitment to Service and Mental Health
For most service members the path from accession to retirement is pretty straight forward. That is definitely not the course charted by this once enlisted Soldier turned Navy clinician.
Born on May 23, 1968, in Camden, New Jersey, and raised in Cumberland, Maryland, U.S. Navy Capt. Joseph Ford's journey is marked by resilience and a dedication to service. Growing up in a close-knit family with three siblings, Ford’s formative years were enriched by his involvement in the Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church and education at local schools. He graduated from Bishop Walsh High School in 1986, setting the stage for a life of public service.
“Growing up in a small town such as Cumberland, Maryland, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains instilled in me the values of family, hard work, loyalty, and patriotism which had a significant impact on me as a person. In addition, my family’s strong history of military service going back several generations of grandparents, parents, uncles and cousin in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps with honorable and distinguished participation in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam encouraged my 27 years of Army and Navy service,” said Ford.
Ford enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Combat Telecommunications Center Operator in 1986, beginning his military career with the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. After completing his initial active duty contract, he transitioned to the Army Reserves, serving with the 302nd Medical Battalion and the 531st Combat Stress Control Unit during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Throughout this time, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Human Services from Franciscan University of Steubenville, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore.
“My passion for mental health and social work began at an early age during my elementary school experience at Saints Peter and Paul’s Catholic School and Bishop Walsh High School where the priests, nuns and religious brothers provided many opportunities for students to encounter those who were less fortunate and/or with mental health challenges, my earliest recollection is having shared our breakfast or lunchtime with persons with severe developmental disabilities and realizing the dignity of every human person.”
From 1996 to 2006, Ford built a robust career in mental health, working in various roles across Baltimore and Washington, D.C. He held key positions such as Senior Oncology Social Work Manager at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Regional Director for Vesta Behavioral Health . His commitment to community service also led him to direct initiatives at The Board of Childcare, where he supported vulnerable populations.
In 2006, Ford was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps through the Direct Accession program. He served in multiple capacities, including site coordinator at Naval Hospital Great Lakes and Fleet & Family Support officer at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. His notable contributions during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and leadership roles in various naval hospitals solidified his reputation as a dedicated professional in military medicine.
Today, as the director of Mental Health for the II Marine Expeditionary Force, Ford oversees clinical mental health services for over 37,000 Marines and Sailors. His previous roles included deputy director of Mental Health for Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command and Installations director of psychological health at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. His efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth exemplified his leadership and commitment to the health and wellbeing of military personnel and their families.
Ford’s contributions extend beyond direct service. He is a fellow of the National Academies of Practice and a member of the Society of Social Work Leadership in Health Care, among other professional organizations. His dedication to the field is further demonstrated through his board certification as a Diplomat of the American Board of Clinical Social Work and his past leadership on its Executive Board.
Residing in Greenville, North Carolina, Ford balances his professional commitments with family life alongside his wife, Melissa, and their four children: Gemma, Grace, Adam, and Nicolas. His journey reflects a steadfast dedication to mental health advocacy, military service, and community support, making a profound impact on those he serves.
When asked what he would tell someone thinking of joining the military, his response was immediate.
“Do it! Joining the military can change the trajectory of your life forever, even if for only one tour which can provide you with the confidence, competence, moral compass, and self-respect needed for a successful life.” Ford added, “And who knows, you may start off like I did as the most junior enlisted person, an E-1 or private, intending to only do one tour and end up as a senior field grade officer with tremendous 27-year career -- one I will always be honored by and grateful for.”
Ford’s life story is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, mental health, and leadership within the military community. His diverse experiences and contributions continue to shape the lives of many, ensuring that mental health remains a priority for the brave individuals serving in our armed forces.
-30-
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.20.2024 08:25 |
| Story ID: | 486441 |
| Location: | CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND, US |
| Hometown: | CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Captain Joseph Ford: A Lifelong Commitment to Service and Mental Health, by LTC Jordan Cochran, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
