The Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children.
The Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children.
Lance Corporal Joshua Birchfield was born on May 24, 1985, and lived a life defined by laughter, loyalty, and selflessness. Known to family and friends simply as Josh, or “Birch”, he had a rare gift: he never met a stranger. Whether someone knew him for years or only a few minutes, they were met with the same open heart, generous spirit, & contagious laugh. Josh was the kind of person who would give anyone the shirt off his back without a second thought.
Josh proudly served his country as a United States Marine. He was a rifleman with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, based out of Twentynine Palms, California. His fellow Marines remember him not just for his dedication and courage, but for something even deeper, his ability to hold people together. They often described him as “the glue that kept them together,” a steady presence who brought strength, humor, and unity to those around him, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Outside of his service, Josh embraced life fully. He was an avid baseball and softball player, loved to fish, and never let a cold beer go to waste. Above all, he cherished his family and friends, who were the center of his world. Wherever Josh went, laughter followed. He was truly the life of every party, someone who could lift spirits and create lasting memories with ease.
Josh made the ultimate sacrifice on February 19, 2010, during his first tour in Afghanistan. Though his life was cut tragically short, the impact he made endures. He is remembered not only for his service and bravery, but for the kindness he showed, the friendships he built, and the love he gave so freely.
LCpl Birchfield was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.
His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, a reminder of a man who brought people together, lived generously, and left the world better simply by being in it.