Joshua R. Whittle, 20

Marines, Lance Corporal

Based: Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force

Supporting: Operation Enduring Freedom

Died: June 6, 2009

Helmand province, Afghanistan

Single

Gender: Male

Hometown: Downey

High School: Columbus High (Downey)

Burial: Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside

Although he was only 12 years old, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks profoundly changed Whittle and eventually sent him down a path from which he never wavered. Whittle wanted nothing more than to become a U.S. Marine. Three weeks after he arrived in Afghanistan for his first combat tour, Whittle was dead, the victim of a land mine.

Eduardo S. Silva, 06/09/2009

Rocco M. Barnes, 06/04/2009

79 memories of Joshua R. Whittle

“

Dear Josh, "MD" I am writing this note as if you were still here because I don't think I could endure it to think that you have left us. I know we will see each other again in heaven it's just that it wont be soon enough for me. The year and a half the you stayed with our family I will treasure forever. Josh wanted to stay in Downey, CA to graduate with the friends he grew up with, but his family had moved to Fontana, CA. So, without hesitation our took him in and he became apart of our family and us a part of his. I will miss you "MD"! Thank you for your courage and bravery I would also like to thank those that took care of him when he got hurt and to the fellow marines that he was deployed with. I also know that being a Marine was more important to "MD" than anything. It doesn't surprise me that he was on point. He was always rushing in head first thinking more for others that himself. I love you Joshua and I don't know what we are all going to do without you. I love you, your other mother. Lorie

” — Mrs. Lorie Palma, June 10, 2009 at 12:15 p.m.

“

Josh,
You were one heck of a guy. You loved your friends and family so much and that is so admirable. I was so heart broken when I heard of your passing. You were always such a genuinely nice person. I admire your courage and passion to serve in the military. I was driving around Downey today and I notice all American Flags where at half mass. In honor of you. I've always been patriotic but it's never meant so much to me. We didn't hang out with the same friends but you were still so welcoming. It's not fair that you had to go at such a young age, so full lof life and dreams, but you will forever be remembered for your bravery, love and your passion. Thanks for fighting the big fight.
When I first heard about you passing, I didn't think I would so heart broken, but your passing has effected me deeply. It's been a great pleasure knowing you. God Bless

” — Jen Preda, June 11, 2009 at 6:42 p.m.

“

It is so unfortunate that the young and innocent can be stripped away from our lives in a blink of an eye. We may ask why but usually never get an answer. Just keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. Even when it doesn't seem fair or right, there is always a reason. Josh, you had such a beautiful heart and soul. Even though you are not here, you're presence will always remain. My Father who has passed served as a soldier in Vietnam. He always said that when he dies he will be a soldier for God. He said that when heaven and hell meet for battle he will be there in front fighting for Christ. You will be there as well, Josh. Fighting for good. Remember, good will always triumph over evil. You will always be a hero, a fighter, and a United States Soldier. God bless you, Josh. May you rest in peace our loved one.

Poem by:Sri Chinmoy

Death is not the end
Death can never be the end.

Death is the road.
Life is the traveller.
The Soul is the Guide

...

Our mind thinks of death.
Our heart thinks of life
Our soul thinks of Immortality.

” — <3, June 16, 2009 at 2:03 a.m.

“

Dear Josh,

Your passing is something that has greatly affected everybody. I heard about it the day you passed away, and I chose to not believe it because I wanted to know you were still coming home. I did nothing that day but dwell on the fact that you could be gone, and I wont be graced with your presence anymore, however you will be in peace.

Your passing is something that wont ever be healed. I sit and hold onto my chest because I have a broken heart. I sit and think about you and tears run down my face because it shouldn't have been you.

My prayers go out to your family, because they loved you so much, and they miss you more then anything. If i could trade places with you and give you back to all your family and friends, i would.

I love you Joshua Whittle. See you someday.

” — a friend, June 19, 2009 at 8:45 a.m.

“

A day doesn't go by when I don't think of you. Whenever I'm driving I look at your dog tag hanging from my rearview mirror and I talk to you.I get chipotle at least once a week for you, and I can never finish it because I start to cry when I remember you. I'm in a crappy relationship, and I can't seem to get out of it. Each night I come home I start to cry because I wish I had someone as great as you to call my own. So many people loved you, and that degree of love doesn't matter when it was someone as great as you. You touched and moved so many people, especially me. If I could trade places with you and give you back to your mom, I would. She loves you so much, and I hope you visit her as often as you can because she is such a good women with such a good heart. I love you joshua r whittle.

” — heart broken friend, July 7, 2009 at 11:45 p.m.

“

Ohh my MD . I miss you so much. My heart aches. 4th of July just passed. Brought back so many memories with youvand fireworks, you were absolutly in love with making the biggest boom!! Just last 4th of July you were at our house like normal causing rukkas.. and we were walking in the house together and I had seen fire crakers in your hand .. I was like ohh no what are you going to do with that?! You looked and me and said just watch.. You stand right outside my brothers room while he was laying on his bed and you light the firecrakers and throw it in his room and close the door and run so fast and laugh so hard and hid under my blackets in my bed because you knew that Daniel was going to come after you .. Gosh you always were laughing , and even though sometimes I was so mad at you for play fighting too hard with me or catching me and took pictures of me when I was waxing my lip .. Haha .. I still love you like my own brother because you loved me like I was your real sister, and I miss you so much MD. Come see me in my dreams and talk to me . I love you so much . Ps. I found your YMCA card .. :-( I forgot it said Joshua Palma on it.

” — Lindsey Palma, July 9, 2009 at 1:46 a.m.

“

Damn Josh.. I can't believe it man. I can't believe im just hearing about this yesterday.. this is madness.. You were a good person man I'm glad I was able to know you and hang out with you in highschool. We had some goodtimes going to shows or when you'd come to my band shows eh? Sucks it had to end this way man.. I remember when I was just getting out of Army bootcamp I came across your myspace and was like "whaaat josh is a marine now!" haha.. than i messaged you and we talked about the marines and u.s. army.. damn dude.. I'm sorry man. Wish we would of talked more these past few years you were a great person to hang around with and had everyones backs. I salute you bro your a hero.. you will forever be in my thoughts bro. R.I.P. LCPL Whittle

- Ramos

” — Luis Ramos, August 3, 2009 at 12:09 p.m.

“

Hey Honey,
Today like most days is hard. I was looking at your myspace and read what your mom had written. It completly broke my heart. I don't even like turning on the TV because if a news broadcast is on all you hear about is the dealth tolls rising in these middle eastern countires. I wish there was some way or somehow time can just be turned back and bring you back to us. I thank you so much for serving our country, but the selfish part in me wishes that you never became a Marine. And I feel so stupid even thinking something like that because I know how prideful you were to become a UNITED STATES MARINE. I really honor and cherish the memories that we have had and I have an aching heart because I wish I didnt take time for granted. It's true what they say baby 'You dont realize what you have until it is gone." Josh, you really have helped me become a stronger person and live each day to the fullest. I was actually just looking into bungie jumping too and i want to make it a tribute to you sweetie. Ive been meaning to visit you. But things have just been so hectic with work and school, time isn't my friend right now. But I will visit you, and I will bring by some chipotle and eat it for you. Heck, I might even get that today. Please be with your mom in this time. I know I say that each time I write in here, and each time I pray at night, but she is hurting and I just wish her pain would go away, and that she would just live remotly happy. Remind her that you love her, come in her dreams and embrace her baby. I love you.

” — -, August 17, 2009 at 2:10 p.m.

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Joshua R. Whittle, 20

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79 memories of Joshua R. Whittle

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