In early September, the Associated Press made waves when it decided to publish a photograph of a mortally wounded Marine against the wishes of the Marine’s family.  Regrettably, lost in the controversy was the story of the Marine himself.  He was a young Christian man who gave up his life in the way he lived it: in the service of others.

Lance Corporal Joshua M. “Bernie” Bernard was a 21-year old homeschooled Marine from New Portland, Maine.  He was an active member of the youth group at his church, and he was “an unassuming and intelligent man who was an integral part of his church community.”  He was known for his desire to serve, which influenced his decision to follow his father’s path and join the Marines.

Though the story was largely lost in the national press, local stories describe how Bernard picked up the role of his unit’s religious leader–his unit didn’t have a Chaplain, and Bernard had a reputation as a man of faith.  His fellow Marines reportedly called him “The Holy Man.”

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.

By all accounts, he was a faithful man of God who answered his Country’s call.  Marine Lance Corporal Bernard was killed in action on 21 August 2009, and was survived by his parents and sister.