Marine Sgt. Joshua Ashley is an American hero who lost his life in 2010 while fighting for our country in Afghanistan. Joshua was a local boy who grew up in Rancho Cucamonga. He had a towering presence and magnetic personality that left an indelible mark on those who knew him. Joshua was moved by the events of 9/11 and felt called to join the military forces after his graduation from Etiwanda High School; his mother, Tammie Ashley, asked that he would attend at least one year of college. Joshua agreed but it seems as though he had his mind made up. After that year Ashley pursued his dreams dreams with the Marine Corp. Joshua took to the Marines right away becoming a military policeman and eventually entering the canine handler program…thats where he first met Sirius. After training at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina Joshua and Sirius were deployed to the front lines in Afghanistan. The relationship with the K9 Sirius grew over their time spent overseas and soon Joshua made the decision to adopt his K9 companion. However, there were regulations that prevented this from happening right away so Ashley asked if his mother would adopt Sirius first and later he could take control of the german shepherds care. Tammie agreed to this and soon after Sgt. Joshua Ashley was KIA. Sirius miraculously survived the incident that results in the Sgt.’s death and Tammie immediately began the process of an not so normal adoption of her son’s K9. Sirius continued to serve with the Marines during the adoption process. During that time Sirius had a non combat related accident that left him near death. Despite injuries that left Sirius unable to open his mouth, Tammie went through with the adoption. Sirius has since played an instrumental role in helping his family keep the memory of Sgt. Joshua Ashley alive in their hearts as a constant reminder of his bravery and sacrifices. The bill of freedom is high and Sgt. Ashley paid the ultimate cost, may he rest in peace and his memory live on.