Work by Matthew Stone

Aug. 18, 2009

Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard, who joined the Marine Corps in 2006 and served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, died Friday in Afghanistan's Helmand Province.

Bernard, of New Portland, was 21.

The U.S. Department of Defense on Monday identified Bernard as a casualty of Operation Enduring Freedom. Bernard, a rifleman, died while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, according to a Department of Defense news release.

Public affairs officers at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, where Bernard's unit is based, did not make the circumstances of his death public Monday. A base spokesman said Marine Corps policy prohibits the release of such information without the family's consent.

Bernard's unit — 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force — has been in Afghanistan since May.

Bernard leaves behind his parents, John and Sharon Bernard; and a sister, none of whom could be reached for comment Monday. John Bernard is owner of Bernard Woodworking in North New Portland.

Joshua Bernard was home-schooled in New Portland before enlisting in the Marine Corps in November 2006, said Michael Grooms, a close friend. Bernard was an active member of the youth group at his church, Crossroads Bible Church in Madison, said Grooms, 21, of Madison.

"He was inclined to help people if they needed it," Grooms said. "That's a lot of the reason why he went into the Marines, is to serve."

Bernard was assigned to his unit in May 2007 and was deployed to Iraq in January 2008. Grooms said he last saw Bernard this past winter.

"He was shy," Grooms said, "but he loved to have fun."

Bernard earned a number of distinctions during his time as a Marine, including the Purple Heart and the National Defense Service, Afghanistan Campaign, Iraq Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Service medals, according to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii public affairs office. He also earned a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

During his time as a Marine, fellow service members gave the religious Bernard the nickname "The Holy Man," Grooms said.

"He was a great example for Christ and a great witness," said Grooms, who works for the Bernard family business.

Bernard is one of 22 U.S. service members who have died in Afghanistan in August. Thousands of U.S. Marines have been at work this month trying to secure parts of southern Helmand province, a major Taliban stronghold.

At an appearance Monday in Phoenix, President Barack Obama warned an audience of veterans that the Afghanistan operation would not be quick or easy.

Gov. John Baldacci ordered flags flown at half-staff the day of Bernard's funeral, which was not known Monday.

"Lance Cpl. Bernard gave his life helping to protect a new democracy in Afghanistan," the governor said in a statement. "His bravery and sacrifice will be remembered."

"I know I join so many Mainers who will be forever grateful to this brave, young Marine for his sacrifice, courage and patriotism," U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in a statement. "My deepest condolences are with his family, friends and loved ones who have suffered this terrible loss."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Matthew Stone — 623-3811, ext. 435
mstone@centralmaine.com