I want to personally thank everyone that took the time to send Josh a card while he was fighting for his life in the hospital. Many of you sent letters, ecards, and some called personally. Unfortunately, I have to report that Josh passed away yesterday after a long bought with Hepatitis since he was 5 years old.

Josh led a noble and honorable life. He worked tirelessly to take care of the Marines he loved so much, even though he had never served himself. I’ve heard from everyone from Privates to Colonels who have spoken about the difference he made in their lives and the lives of their Marines. Josh never asked for anything in return. He never wanted people to feel sorry for him so he kept his condition private.

I would like to share an email from Josh’s sister, Monica, that she sent me at midnight last night:

It has been a long day, and now I sit at my computer with a heavy heart. My eyes are aching from the tears that I can’t stop. For all of those that have emailed, called and sent loving prayers I am so grateful. I cannot express the comfort that it has brought to my family. It makes it even hard to send the news of Josh’s passing. My heart breaks for all those Marines that have used him for support and have come to know him as a brother Marine without a uniform. The bonds that he has made with all of you, in efforts to support our troops, or the family of our troops. I have had him my whole life and you all only for a few years. You have been cheated and blessed at the same time. I send prayers of comfort and blessings to all of you. May we continue his work, keep each other in our hearts and remember that one person can make a difference in a thousand lives if we believe.

I am sorry for not returning phone calls, emails and so forth. As the days continued it just became very hard. I am a surgical assistant and not being able to fix my own brother has weighed heavy on me. Our entire life, the plan was that I would go to med school and fix my brother. We would always be there for each other. Even though I was there at the end it doesn’t seem like enough. My other half, my twin is gone and my heart is torn.

Jacob, my older brother, and myself will be making arrangments to return him to California in a couple of weeks. We will be holding a service down there. I do need help, I want Josh to be where he belongs; with his boys. We would like to take his ashes to Pendelton and lay him to rest there. I know this chain goes far and wide. Can anyone help us with this? His heart was with them and that is where he should stay.

With all my love and blessings,
Monica

If you can help make this happen, or know of someone with connections, please have them contact me. Please keep Monica and the rest of Josh’s family in your prayers.