MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Family members, friends and fellow Marines gathered to pay their final respects to a fallen explosive ordnance disposal technician, Nov. 23.
Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Cullins, the 28-year-old Simi Valley, Calif. native, gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Helmand province, Afghanistan, with 1st EOD Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward).
Cullins, also known as “JJ,” was remembered for his laid-back style, but most importantly his smile.
“Every time you’d see JJ he would have a smile on his face,” said Capt. James Shelstad, the company commander of 1st EOD Company, 1st MLG. “He would always cheer me up on the days I felt down.”
Shelstad also added that Cullins had a knack for using the word “bro” in every conversation he had.
Cullins joined the Marine Corps in June 2000. Later in 2004, he made a lateral move into the EOD community. He reenlisted as a reservist EOD technician in June 2008 and was employed by the Los Angeles Police Department. Cullins deployed to Afghanistan in May 2010 and was killed in action Oct 19 2010.
“He was a very good Marine, but more importantly he was a good friend,” said Shelstad. “JJ will be missed.”