Joshua Ashley graduated bootcamp in October of 2008, later becoming a Military Police Officer. After serving 20 months in Okinawa, Japan, he went to Camp Lejeune for his second duty station. It was there that he became a K9 handler, training with his partner until May of 2012, before deploying to Afghanistan. On July 12, 2012, Josh was killed by an IED. His partner survived.

Josh was a born leader – a protector. He was a great athlete and always put 110% into all that he did. He was a great friend, brother and son.

Josh’s mother, Tammie, remembers him this way: “Josh was the BEST! He loved his family, loved God and loved his country. He served his country because he never forgot September 11th, and he didn’t want us to be hit here again.”