Specialist Joshua Marcum was beloved by his family, admired by his friends, and respected within his community. Today, he is remembered as a hero by the grateful nation for whom he gave his life. Spc. Marcum was a proud member of the Arkansas National Guard's 39^th Infantry Brigade. He served with the 2^nd platoon of Bravo Company, 3^rd Battalion of the 39^th, a close-knit group who quickly earned a reputation for dependability and whose soldiers were known to do absolutely anything for each other. It was obvious to those who served with him that in addition to being an outstanding soldier, he was so much more. His easy-going way could always be counted on to brighten a mood with his trademark humor and infectious smile. Throughout his service, he held a firm belief that he was doing what was right; helping rebuild the lives of a people he had never met and bringing stability to a nation he had never known. Spc. Marcum was from the small northern Arkansas town of Evening Shade, where he lived with his wife, Lisa, and their five children. Friends and family describe him as one of the nicest people you could ever meet, a unique individual who disliked cursing, avoided arguments, and had a special calming effect on those around him. He was also the type of person who found pleasure in bringing joy to others; a gift of his that was attributable to his sense of humor and his loving heart. While serving in Iraq, Spc. Marcum, who had always wanted to be a soldier, was remembered by his comrades as a quiet guy who naturally went out of his way to lend a helping hand to those in need. He kept in frequent contact with his wife throughout his deployment and sought to comfort her by keeping her up to date on his welfare and relaying his positive experiences along the way. With his time in Iraq nearing its end, he was looking forward to returning to his friends and family back in Arkansas and often spoke of taking a float trip down the Spring River soon after. Tragically, he was one of three Arkansans killed on January 4^th when their humvee was struck by a roadside bomb. Their vehicle, which was traveling as part of a convoy, was leaving an Iraqi National Guard bunker in the al-Shaab district of Baghdad. The loss of these heroes will be felt by not only their comrades in Iraq, but by the many friends and loved ones they have left behind. The courageous and selfless way in which Spc. Marcum served in uniform brings honor to our nation. The impassioned and generous way in which he led his life, brings honor to us all. On behalf of a grateful nation, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Joshua Marcum. Although he may no longer be with us, we must find some solace knowing that he died for a cause in which he believed. His legacy and his spirit will forever live on in our hearts.