Sgt. Joshua Desforge From Mass.

[tedsiok]

Joshua D. Desforges

Joshua D. Desforges 1986 - 2010 LUDLOW - On Wednesday, May 12, 2010, the world lost an extraordinary, true hero. Sergeant Joshua David Desforges, 23 tragically lost his life while supporting combat operations in Marjeh, Afghanistan. A lifelong resident of Ludlow, Josh was educated at the Children's Commu-nity Center, Veterans Park Elemen-tary School, Paul R. Baird Middle School and was a 2004 graduate of Ludlow High School. He was a former employee of CA Smith Lumber and Kiel Landscaping. Josh joined the Westover Young Marine Program at the age of thirteen, and upon his graduation from Ludlow High School and the Westover Young Marines, he began his life long dream to become a United States Marine, attending boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. Josh attended the School of Infantry and was a member of the Close Quarters Battle Team. Josh was on his second deployment to Afghanistan with 1st Battalion 6th Marines out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During his time in the Marine Corps, Josh was a Pistol Sharpshooter and a Second Award Rifle Expert. He received the Combat Action Ribbon with one Gold Star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corp Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation and NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. Josh was an outstanding Marine, ultimately earning the prestigious Purple Heart Medal for sacrificing his life while serving his country. He treasured the joy of being outdoors, enjoying off roading, surfing, kite boarding, rock climbing, hiking and fishing. When home on leave, Josh enjoyed spending time with his family and above all playing guitar with a fine cigar with his Dad and Uncle Roger. He was a member of the Chicopee Sportsman Club and the Carolina Full Size Jeep Club. Josh will be deeply missed by many people. He leaves his parents David and Arlene Desforges, his loving, adoring sister Jenelle (peanut) Desforges, family pet Nani, all of Ludlow. He was a cherished grandson of Edward and Anne Martin, of Ludlow, David Desforges and wife Sandy of Westfield and Sylvia Desforges, also of Ludlow. He was a treasured nephew to Thomas and Annie Martin, of Chicopee, and Roger and Heidi Jo Martin of Brimfield. He leaves several cousins, extended family members and dear friends including his best friends Cody Binette, Sergeant Andrew Rouser and their families, and the rest of his brothers of 1/6. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 20 from 2-7 pm at Ludlow Funeral Home, 432 East St, Ludlow, MA 01056. Friends and family are asked to attend military ceremonies on Friday, May 21, 2010 at Westover Air Force Base. Ceremonies will begin at 11:00 am and arrival may be made through the James Street Gate at Westover. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Josh's memory to Westover Young Marines 51 Terry Lane, East Longmeadow, Ma 01028. Online at www.ludlowfuneralhome.com.

Published in The Republican on May 17, 2010

[thewookie]

RIP, Marine

[ecfree]

God Bless the soul of Sgt.Desforges and God help his family and friends through their time of grief......
SEMPER FI SGT. DEFORGES.........................Ed

[Kegler300]

There was a recent thread by a Marine here escorting the body of one of his Marine friends home to be buried when he got the news about his friend Josh. I believe this to be the Marine that prompted his post about the grief and pain he was feeling as he prepared his Blues for this other Marine friend's funeral. I hope he is okay.

RIP Marine...

[Rocky C]

RIP MARINE.........

Semper Fi,
Rocky

[Mama Hope]

God Bless and God Speed, Josh. And may God touch the heart and soul of those left behind and help you all to find strength and peace.

[doc h fmf]

Rest In Peace My Brother May Godbless And Watch Over Your Family.


Stephen Doc Hansen Hm3 Fmf

[USNAviator]

Fair winds and following seas, Josh. You are home and safe.

RIP Marine

[Sgt Jim]

RIP Brother

[SGTBrentG]

Rest in Peace Marine. Semper Fi!

[SGT7477]

RIP Marine, Semper Fidelis.

[USMCM38A1]

Semper Fi and Rest in Peace brother you have done your duty and can report for your next duty of guarding heavens door .

[tedsiok]

A new post on youtube for Sgt Joshua Desforge. The location of the vid is Westover A.F.B. in Chicopee, MA. On Friday the town of Ludlow, Joshua's hometown, was showing full support for the Desforge family. The townspeople lined the streets to see Sgt. Desforge off. The towns Bi-Centennial in 1974 didn't bring the people together like this hero did. We will miss you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAdmT3OjRKE

[USNAviator]

A new post on youtube for Sgt Joshua Desforge. The location of the vid is Westover A.F.B. in Chicopee, MA. On Friday the town of Ludlow, Joshua's hometown, was showing full support for the Desforge family. The townspeople lined the streets to see Sgt. Desforge off. The towns Bi-Centennial in 1974 didn't bring the people together like this hero did. We will miss you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAdmT3OjRKE

Great story and thumbs up to the people of Ludlow

Sgt Desforge, you've been welcomed home by your brothers who went before you. Rest in peace son, you've done your tour of duty!

[sparkie]

I cried again,,,,,God, I think I will cry forever. I know I will.