(18 August 1985 – 5 November 2012)

 

Lehigh Valley Resident Joshua B. Smith joined the Marine Corp in 2003 and was meritiously promoted to PFC upon graduation in Parris Island, SC. He served in Afghanistan and South Korea as a diesel mechanic and convoy driver as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

 

He was also stationed in Kanehoe Bay, HI and Camp Pendleton CA, where he served as the Color Sergeant. He earned his National Defense Service Medal, along with many other awards, medals and ribbons during his 8 years of service.

 

After being honorably discharged in 2011, Josh returned home physically, but we were not aware of the severe emotional and mental issues he had brought back with him until it was too late. On November 5, 2012, he lost his battle with PTSD and TBI, a day that changed our lives forever.