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Joshua Desforges Obituary

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Published by The Providence Journal on May 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Joshua Desforges

Not sure what to say?





Yvette

October 9, 2024

J S

July 17, 2018

Thank you for your services so sad rest easy

SALLY & JIM SULLIVAN

May 12, 2013

REMEMBERING JOSHUA AND HIS FAMILY ON HIS ANNIVERSARY. WE ARE MOST APPRECIATIVE OF HIS SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY. WE FEEL YOU PAIN AND KNOW THAT HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

SALLY & JIM SULLIVAN

May 12, 2013

TO THE FAMILY OF JOSHUA. WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOUR SON WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. WE DEEPLY APPRECIATE HIS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY . WE ARE THINKING OF YOUR FAMILY ON THIS VERY DIFICULT DAY FOR YOU. WE FEEL YOUR PAIN.

September 30, 2012

In rememberance and honor of a great American soldier, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Peggy Childers

May 12, 2012

To the family and friends of Sgt. Joshua Desforges:
Please accept my remembrance of Joshua on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Kim Straker

May 14, 2011

May those who love and miss Joshua be blessed with peace at this time. I hope that knowing so many people remember and honor his service and sacrifice will bring you at least some comfort. You and Joshua are held in high esteem by all who cherish freedom.

Jim

May 13, 2011

You have not been forgotten Joshua

Peggy Childers

May 12, 2011

To the family and friends of Sgt. Joshua Desforges:
Remembering Joshua on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!

Joshua Hamre

May 4, 2011

My brother, Capt. John Maloney, USMC, died 16 June 2005. The day was bittersweet, to say the least. I am sorry for your losses, Janelle and Crystal.

May 3, 2011

I wanted to leave a message for Janelle. Yesterday as the world celebrated the death of the Osma I felt mixed emtions. My brother SGT Dustin Adkins (22) died in Iraq almost 5 years ago.Everyone was txting me but I felt the same as you. That no matter what happened it did not bring my brother back. That pain was never going away. I read the article you were quoted in and just wanted to let you know you are not alone.
Respectfully,
Crystal Adkins

Debbi

September 20, 2010

To the parents and family, I want you to know that you are not alone in the grief you are feeling. I know only too well what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. You will have many questions as to why? You will have many things to get ready or go through and that should be done in time. Sometimes it just can’t be faced and that’s ok, for you will know when the time is right for you. Holidays make this harder to get through and you will find that celebrating birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day & Father’s Day will never be the same. The road isn’t easy that you are about to travel nor are all the books on grief going to map it out for you. It’s ok, just know that we are here for you and will not leave you. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Grief is an individual journey, that unfortunately like my own self you now have to travel. It doesn’t matter how they died but how they lived that we should focus on. We know that each one in our military joined to make a difference in their own lives and to serve their country. Please know that each one no matter what is an American Hero and to be honored always and forever. I ask that God give the comfort, strength and courage that you are going to need. When and if the time is right for you please contact me. You can cry, vent, or just talk as only another person who has been where you are can really know what you are going through. May God continue to hold your hand as He gives comfort to you today and for the rest of your life. We also have a very active online support group for those who have died while active duty. You are welcome to join us as no one but those who have walked this path can even start to understand that grief.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/goldstarfamilysupport/

In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne CO-A 2-505th PIR

September 2, 2010

Semper Fi Devil

Sherri Tower

July 16, 2010

Thinking of you Joshua, we love you,
Sherri, Bobby, Bryan and Sarah

PAUL FARRELL

July 13, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Stephanie Rafoss

July 1, 2010

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

SSG Richard Boucher Sr USA Ret.

June 18, 2010

Josh.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time of their grief. May your memories bring you comfort? Though I never knew you. We share a common bound as brothers who served our country and I'm proud to say that to you and all our service men and women serving our country home and overseas. You made the ultimate
sacrifice. That as veterans owe you a debt that can't be repaid but to always remember the price you paid for us all.Thank you for your service
God Bless You.

Elizabeth Gallo

June 17, 2010

Josh, I only met you a few times, but you sure do know how to make people laugh until they cry. Thank you for your service. You will always be in my prayers.

Alicia Corey

June 17, 2010

Josh...was looking forward to you being back this summer...you will forever be in my heart...I will see you again, someday...til then...hugs and Semper Fi...

Peggy Childers

June 11, 2010

To the family of Sgt. Joshua Desforges:
Joshua gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

June 9, 2010

Semper Fi Josh!
Fair Seas and Following Winds, Marine....

Kenny and Donna Revel

June 4, 2010

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray for God's comfort and peace in your lives.
Our family shares in the loss of your loved one. We thank God for his life and you for the sacrifice he made for the freedom we have in America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. God Bless You!

Stacey & Bernie Norwood

May 31, 2010

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Sgt. Desforges and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of freedom and liberty. Sadly, America has lost one of its finest heroes, the U.S. has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage, which they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Sgt. Desforges has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends, of Sgt. Desforges I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to carry on. Just as you were always with him when he was deployed overseas, know that he will always be with you wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Sgt. Desforges was a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid, they have earned our undying gratitude. America will never, ever forget their sacrifices."

Sgt. Desforges the flag of the United States of America has your blood sewn into the fabric; it shall forever wave in your honor.

Freedom requires sacrifice the protected will never know.

Patriot Guard Riders of South Texas

Kim Straker

May 26, 2010

Another fine young American has made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. We can only hope that those who love him best will be surrounded and comforted now and in the days ahead as they come to terms with this great loss. He sounds like a man any parent would be proud of, and it's obvious that he was a Marine who was a credit to his Corps.
Rest in peace Sgt. Joshua Desforges, rest in peace.

SHIRLEY DONEY

May 25, 2010

REST IN PEACE SGT. DESFORGES TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU JOSHUA

May 24, 2010

TO JOSH'S FAMILY...........MY HEART IS BROKEN FOR YOUR LOSS......!! ROZ

MacDaniel

May 24, 2010

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Joshua will never be forgotten.

For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you .


Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt
SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq

Lisa

May 23, 2010

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We will NEVER forget. God Bless and Godspeed.

L & D Kettering

May 23, 2010

We are so verry sorry for your loss and Americas loss. Please know that we care

May 22, 2010

I wish I could find the right words. Please know that there are others out here who understand your pain, who have been through the heartbreaking loss of a young Marine, and who stand beside you in spirit as you mourn the loss of your amazing son. May each day bring you closer to peace. Take comfort in knowing you raised an amazing young man.


Thank you, Josh. Semper Fi
A grateful American in Harrisburg, PA.

Valerie Wilczynski

May 22, 2010

Arlene, Dave and Jenelle: After this 9 1/2 day experience I still don't have any words to be able to express my sorry and emptiness. Josh's strength will stay with us forever - you know this better than any one. I will still pray for the peace keeping forces of the world because I live in a wonderful country with the freedoms Josh lost his life for. A piece of my heart will be missing forever. All my love. Val

Adrene Adams

May 22, 2010

May the peace which comes from all of your cherished memories of pride and love shared by your family comfort you now and in the days ahead.

It has been 45 years since we became a Gold Star Family when my son, US Army Spec. E-5 Wayne Simmons of Springfield, Mass. lost his life in the Vietnam on 1 April 1965.

Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Mary Teater, PNP American Gold Star Mothers, Albuquerque, New Mexico

chad forbes

May 22, 2010

DD and family my thoughts and prayers are with you. Josh thank you for protecting our freedoms. You will always be remember as a great solider.

Linda Dias

May 22, 2010

I would like to say a GREAT big Thank You for protecting our county ! Many thanks go out to you and your family. God Bless you & your family. You represent the many great men in this country and from Ludlow especially! May you rest in peace in the arms of our Lord. It so bad that we lost you so young someone who really loved his country. Rest in peace new angel!!!

Francesca Piccirilli

May 22, 2010

May God bless you and your family. Thank you for your service and for protecting this country. A truly outstanding man. May your light shine on.

Elizabeth Raab

May 22, 2010

Your legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew you and shared in your struggle to protect our country and the ultimate sacrifice you gave so that we can be grateful for what we have. Your family, friends, loved ones and fellow soldiers will stay in my thoughts and prayers.
A Proud Military Mom.

Marie Zurheide

May 21, 2010

Dear Mr.&Mrs.Desforges and Jenelle,
As a Military Mom also I Pray for your family and send my deepest sympathy at this time. In this unthinkable time of grief may the memories of your son comfort you through tears,laughter and Love....God Bless You All...Marie

Lisa Jaworowski

May 21, 2010

Thank you, sir, for serving our country and protecting me and my family. May God bless you and your family.

With heaviest hearts,
Lisa (Tryba LHS '82,) Rick, Courtney, and A.J. Jaworowski

May 21, 2010

There's not much to say, words are simply hollow. There are two words that I cannot say enough, and that's thank you. Thank you for providing me with the life my family has, thank you for representing Ludlow so honorably, thank you for representing our country so honorably, and thank you for inspiring so many young lives. We can never repay your service, but that's not the reason you became a Marine. You became a Marine for unselfish reasons, and it is for those reasons, Josh, you will always be highly regarded in the Ludlow community. Deepest sympathies to Dave, Arlene, and Jenelle.

Dave, Julie, Alexis, DJ, & Jack Gamache

Amanda Brothers

May 21, 2010

Always in our hearts*

Beverly Holt

May 21, 2010

My Prayers are with the family. Our troops do not get the thank you's that they deserve. God Bless Joshua and all the fallen soldiers for giving us our Freedom and our way of Life.
Beverly Holt

Debbie Bowman

May 21, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

May 21, 2010

I can not put into words how I felt this morning going through town and I know that no words in the human language can help to make sense of such a tragic loss. God give Josh's family & friends courage & strength. Josh, may God bless you and keep you. Dee Goncalves

May 21, 2010

The Blackstone Valley Young Marines of Milford, MA express their deepest sympathy. May you find comfort from those around you and all those that thought so highly of your son.

Gary Grimes

May 21, 2010

Our prayers are with you in this time of loss. Sgt Josh Desforges is a true american hero. As a veteran, although I did not personally know Josh, I feel I have lost a comarade. God bless you and thank you for your service and sacrafice.

Susan Igel

May 21, 2010

My heart goes out to your family. Thank you for the gift of your son. Thank you for the freedom he has given us. We, as Americans, are all grieving with you. I, also, have a son that served a short time in Iraq. I will pray for your family.

Jim Cummings, MSgt (Ret.)

May 21, 2010

Sergeant Joshua David Desforges may you always rest in peace and honored glory. Thank you Sir for defending freedom. May your family be comforted by the knowledge that you now guard Heaven.

Doris

May 21, 2010

To the Family & Friends of Sgt. DesForges, I did not know your son personally, but I feel your pain mother to mother. I hope time will help heal your heart and memories will ease the pain. I'm EXTREMELY proud of YOUR son, and I'll thank him the rest of my life for the freedoms I enjoy. There's a reason the Marines say "The Few, The Proud". God Bless all of you.

Bob Gamache

May 21, 2010

Dave and Arlene,
My heart goes out to you in your time of loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless

Lk

May 20, 2010

Thank you for giving me and my family freedom! you are truely a Hero!!!

The Hurley Family

May 20, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,Joshua is Ludlows true hero.

Kim Mandeville

May 20, 2010

Dave & Arlene:

Many years back I worked with Dave and remember Josh very young coming into the office with Arlene to see Dad. My heart breaks for you both and for your family. Remember all the good time, savory the memories and remember always that Josh was truly a wonderful person and a true hero to all. My deepest prayers go out to you both and your family. A true hero he is......

Arlene & Joe Kruzel

May 20, 2010

May you find strength in your faith, comfort in the love of family & friends, and peace in knowing that your son was a hero in the hearts and minds of many. Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.

Sharon Silva

May 20, 2010

My heart and prayers go out to you. Cherish the memories, they will help you get through your tough times right now and later when time heals some of the pain they will bring you great joy by knowing and loving him. Most of all you will remember how blessed you were to have him as a Son, brother, relative and friend. May your strength from each other help you all get through this. He will be greatly missed.

God Bless,
Rest in Peace Josh.

Tony & Kim Lucas

May 20, 2010

Dear Desforges family and friends, We are so very sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing Josh was a fine young man who served his country with honor. He was a true hero. Our prayers are with you all in this time or sorrow.

Ron & Nell Johnson

May 20, 2010

I wish we had met Josh he was our grandson Andrew Rouser best & favorite friend. We felt as if we knew him from Andrew's conversations. We grieve for your loss.
God Bless
Ron & Nell Johnson

Linda Funk

May 20, 2010

Dave, Arlene and Jenelle, It has been several years since I have seen all of you, but you are often in my thoughts and fondest memories of my years working with Dave. My memories of the 4 of us: Joshua, Jenelle and Arlene meeting me for lundh (mostly ice cream lunches) are some of the best memories I have. I will always remember your family in my prayers. Though time has passed, you are still close in my heart. No words can express my sorrow for your family. With deepset love and sympathy. Linda Funk

May 20, 2010

I wish we had meet Josh. Our family is taking it awfully hard. We feel so terrible about your loss, and Andrews. God bless & take care.

(Grandparents on Andrew Rouser on mothers side.)
Ron & Nell Ron Johnson

May 20, 2010

Joshua I did not know you, but I did meet you sister and parents as they are friends of my son, daughter in law and granddaughters. Thanks for protecting me and the USA, RIP. Thoughts and prayers be with the family. Florence Dupuis, Ludlow

lynda tallman

May 20, 2010

As the mother of two facing their second tour of duty, my heart breaks for the loss of such a fine young man... God bless the family of this troop, and thank you for having a son who loved his country so much... may time and memories help ease your pain.

May 20, 2010

I send my deepest sympathies to Arlene, Dave and Jenelle and all of their extended family. The memories I have of Josh are of what an amazing young man he was and all of the love he had for his family and his country. Sending all my love and prayers to you all. --Kristen (LaValle) Schindel

Joe Tereso

May 20, 2010

Dear Desforges family and friends, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Take comfort in knowing that you raised a very fine young man who served his country with honor. My prayers are with you all in this time or sorrow.

Jeanmarie Fraser

May 20, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. There are no other words to say. Know that many of us are holding Joshua and all of his family in the light. -- Another mom of a Marine in Afghanistan

Carolyn Paulin

May 20, 2010

My brother John served 30 years in the Marines and his son is in the Navy. My sister June and I wish to extend our condolences to Josh's family at this time and will pray for you. Words sometimes are not good enough.
Carolyn and June Paulin, Granby, MA

Alexis Hanson

May 20, 2010

My heart goes out to the family who lost such a good man. Josh was a great person and a hero.

Laurie Hayes

May 20, 2010

I am so terribly sorry to hear the news about your son and brother. I also lost my Marine son, Lcpl Kevin Preach in 2009 in Afghanistan. Please know your are in my thoughts and prayers at this painful time. God Bless you all. Rest in peace Joshua.

May 20, 2010

Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Arline, Dave and Jenelle, in the days ahead. We have fond thoughts of the old days-little boys playing in the back yard-lots of giggles-may you find comfort in the good memories of Josh, and the support of all your family and friends-Love, Don and Penny Gordon

The Schellhase Family

May 20, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kathleen Monast

May 20, 2010

I don't know Josh or his family, but I was brought up in the military and my oldest son - also Josh's age - is in the military as well. Yet I still (or won't) imagine the pain associated with his death. My heart and prayers are with all of you.

Michelle Libby

May 20, 2010

To the whole Desforges family and friends: We do not know you but your grief is shared by so many at this awful time. Josh was a great man and soldier & we are so sorry for your pain and for your incredible loss. Sincerely, Greg, Michelle, Evan (7) and Natalie (5) Libby

Lisa Salvador

May 20, 2010

Dave, Arlene & Family,
May the peace which comes from the memories of pride and love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Salvador & Family

May 20, 2010

The Desforges Family, Josh was a true American Hero, He walked tall and proud with great Honor. Josh, will always be in your hearts and always watch over you in the streets of heaven with the other hero's. Sgt David A. Croft, taken Jan, 5, 2010. God Bless, Wayne & Judy Plouffe. The Croft family.

Michele McLean Biathrow

May 20, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bob Gordon

May 20, 2010

Dear Dave and Arlene - I hadn't seen Josh since he was a little kid running around with my nephew Bryan, but clearly you raised a wonderful boy into a great man and a hero who warmed the hearts of all those who met him - we're so sorry for your loss and wish you the deepest sympathy...With love, Bob Gordon and all of us in the Gordon Family in Springfield

Eric Baker

May 19, 2010

I did not know him, but with my deepest condolences I wish his family and friends my sincere wishes and prayers in this time of need. I was a soldier briefly and may have been called to make that sacrifice myself. I pray for the day that the efforts, pains and blood of the soldier can finally be laid to rest and be at peace. You shall always be remembered in my prayers.

Joshua Hamre

May 19, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. Words fail me now. If there were anything I could do, please ask. (gold star family)

Rod Skaggs

May 19, 2010

Mr. and Mrs. Desforges, my prayers are with you.
I will miss Josh's enthusiasm, energy, and friendliness. We were generations apart in age but on common ground with our Jeeps and trail riding. I bored him to tears with my "old man" tales and he teased me for being old but acting young. I'll remember always.

Respectfully, the "old man" of the Carolina Full Size Jeep Club

Cheryl Davis-Messer

May 19, 2010

Dear Arlene and family, my deepest condolences of your loss of your precious son. My prayers go out to you and Joshua. He is a hero and we were blessed by his dedication to our country. May all your wonderful memories help ease your pain.

Tom, Maria and Joseph Gamache

May 19, 2010

Dave, Arlene and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your son, Sgt. Joshua Desforges. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Savitt-King

May 19, 2010

Dear Arlene and family,

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. I'm so happy that Collin and the class had the opportunity to write to Josh. I hope the cards and letters made him smile. From all of the pictures I've seen, he sure had a beautiful smile. Josh, thank you kindly for your bravery and service.

David, Lisa, Collin & Cameron King

May 19, 2010

The Canal Family had the honor of meeting Joshua at the wedding of Marla Canal and Travis Bartlett which was relocated to Kings Bay due to Katrina. He made a lasting impression on us all, a fine young man. He will be in our memories and prayers forever. Susan ,Lauren and Marcus Canal , Slidell, La.

Mom

May 19, 2010

Thank you Josh for serving our country! You are a true hero and will never be forgotten!

Donna McEachern

May 19, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Thank you for letting him protect mine and my families freedom.

When you look up at the stars at night, look for the brighest one. Joshua will be looking down upon you and still protecting you and your family.

Our thoughts and prayers are withh you.

May 19, 2010

Dave, Arlene, and Jennelle,


I want to express my deepest sympathies to you and your family on losing your son and brother, Josh. I feel for you from the bottom of my heart. I grieve for you. I know there are no words that can alleviate your pain and suffering. Josh gave up his life for our country but he gave you something far greater. The gift he gave you is love. LOVE transcends all things. Always. He will forever be in your hearts.

My son, Lcpl John C Lopes, wanted me to send his condolences to you and your family. John says he has an extreme respect for Josh for serving like he did.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of sorrow.


Marine mom - Doreen R. Lopes

Angela

May 19, 2010

To The Desforges Family,
I graduated with your son Josh, he was a loving person, who made everyone laugh. He will be missed very much. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family at this time.

Josh,
Thank You for being a hero and fighting for our country. It takes a real man to do so, you will be greatly missed. Keep smiling, until we meet again.

Renee Owens

May 19, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Hero, and my sincerest gratitude for his service. May God grant your family peace ans strength. Semper Fi SGT Desforges.

The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

Proud aunt of a Hero
PFC Chase Edwards, USMC
KIA 06Apr2006, OIF

John & Bobbi Canterbury

May 19, 2010

To the Desforges Family: May God be with you today and in the days ahead. Our condolences to your family. Know that you are in our prayers. Our son, LCpl. Joshua Canterbury served with your son in the 1/6 Weapons Co. in Marjah, Afghanistan. We spoke with him at 3:15AM this morning and he said that he really liked your son. Thank you for giving your son for our freedom. He is a true hero. We honor him.

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

May 19, 2010

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Sgt Joshua Desforges our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Joshua. And to Joshua it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Joshua, you are a brave Marine Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,353 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Joshua’s family and loved ones. Semper Fi !

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Don Elseroad

May 19, 2010

In recognition of Sergeant Joshua Desforges' Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the members of the SSgt Walter F. 'Trae' Cohee III Detachment # 115, Salisbury, MD of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.

SEMPER FIDELIS

Don Elseroad
Staff Sergeant USMC (Ret)
MCL Detachment # 115

Ginger Archambault

May 18, 2010

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Desforges family.I met Josh awhile back when he came to Florida on leave with my son Nate.Our hearts are broken for you. Please know that we will always remember Josh and keep your family in our prayers.

Garnet Jenkins

May 18, 2010

The price Sgt Joshua Desforges and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten. Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of your Brave Young Marine.

There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank our Young Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them, killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." ~ John 15:13 ~

May you find Peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Grateful Country Will Not Forget Joshua's Sacrifice.
You are in my thoughts and prayers

Stephanie Salvador

May 18, 2010

My deepest condolences to the family.. RIP JOSH - You always made everyone laugh in school, you were such a loveable, funny person... you always made me laugh no matter what.. thank you for being a hero. *SEMPER FI*
Your old classmate,

Jackie (Lysik) Jablonski

May 18, 2010

David, I don't know if you remember me or not but we worked together at Big Y many years ago. My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Patti & Dan Beaudette

May 18, 2010

Dear Desforges Family,
Although we have never met you or your heroic son we would like to offer our sincere condolences. May the many wonderful memories you have help you through the difficult days ahead. We are forever grateful to Joshua and are once again reminded that "Freedom isn't free." God bless you!

Chris Allen

May 18, 2010

David and family. My heart aches at hearing the passing of your son. Please remember that your son is a hero to all of us.

May 18, 2010

God Bless Your Family for raising a son who was willing to fight for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Parents of two young men serving in the Army.

sharron harris

May 18, 2010

Sorry for the loss of so young a life, but given in service to this country. Your son will remain a hero to those who never knew him-to those who did the heartache will seem unable to bare. Just remember he is in god's hands now-forever your angel. God bless you all at this time.

May 18, 2010

Arlene, Dave and Jenelle,
We were very sorry to hear of your loss.
Arlene I will always remember the pride in your face when you would talk about Josh and his young marines group.
Jay remembers him as a great kid, always up and always smiling
Danielle remembers the great times she had going to babysit Jenelle, and just keeping an eye on Josh cuz he was "too old" to be babysat. She always loved to go and loved being with them.
Very few people can honestly say that they "love" what they do, Josh was one of those few people and if that helps you get thru this sad time then HOLD ON TO IT TIGHTLY.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family

Marie, Jeff, Jay and Danielle

George & Pam Biedenbender

May 18, 2010

On behalf of the LCpl Caleb Powers Young Marines (VA) and Division 2 please accept our deepest condolences. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
We will not forget!
Semper fidelis!
CWO5 G. Biedenbender USMC (Ret)

May 17, 2010

I did not know your son nor do I know you, but I am so sorry for your loss. You all have my deepest sympathies and are in my prayers.
Michele DeGray-Ludlow, MA

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