Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard

Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, 21, of New Portland, Maine, died Aug. 14 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

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.