CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Close friends, family, and Marines who knew Sgt. Joshua Ashley came to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 27, 2015 to pay their respects to him while attending the commemorative naming of 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion’s Military Working Dog Kennel Building, which was named in his honor.
Ashley was killed in action during combat operations while participating in Operation Enduring Freedom. Ashley was born on May 27, 1989 in Upland, California, to Jon and Tammie Ashley. Growing up, Joshua lived in both Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga, California, and graduated from Etiwanda High School. Joshua was a letterman in water polo and swimming, and played for the school’s roller hockey team.
“I knew Sgt. Ashley when he came into the kennels,” said Sgt. Eduardo Garcia, a squad leader with 2nd LEB, and native of Downey, California. “When Ashley left to kennel school, I left a week after so we attended school together and that’s where the bonds started forming.”
Ashley enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2008 and completed boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on October 3, 2008. Following recruit training and Marine Combat Training he attended school to become a Military Policeman/Military Working Dog Handler. Ashley was first stationed overseas for two years in Okinawa, Japan when he was a lance corporal.
“At first glance he was an intimidating guy,” said Sgt. Kent Ferrell, a Military Working Dog Handler with 2nd LEB, and native of Bel Air, Maryland. “He’s probably the most genuine person I’ve ever met in my life.”
During his time in Okinawa Ashley was selected as Marine of the Quarter and subsequently Marine of the Year for Marine Corps Base Okinawa. Ashley was later transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in 2011.
“He led by example, there’s no other perfect Marine that I know of,” said Garcia. “He always stood up for his junior Marines no matter what.”
Shortly after arriving at Camp Lejeune, Ashley was assigned his Military Working Dog, Sirius. In May 2012, Ashley and Sirius deployed to Afghanistan in support of Marine Special Operations Team 8132.
“Ashley was a true non-commissioned officer, a true leader,” said Ferrell. “What happened to Ashley motivates me to be a better person and better handler.”
Sergeant Ashley’s personal awards include the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Expert Badge and Pistol Expert Badge.
“Even though he’s gone, he’s still leading the way,” said Garcia. “Everybody that comes through that building will see his name. There’s nobody else you can think of other than him.”