Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard: the real story

I see this as a simple question; does AP treat our US Military fallen and their families with dignity and respect?
In the case of, Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard and his family, many believe the Bernard family has earned the right to be treated with respect and dignity. The image in questioned is not dignified. Publishing and distributing the image, after the soldier’s family specifically requested it not be published, is not respectful.
As a courtesy to his grief stricken parents and sister please join me in contacting AP to recall the image, dismiss the decision makers, and issue a public apology to the Bernard family and the Americans they have offended.
We as one nation, under God and indivisible; need to ensure that we fight on behalf of our fallen soldiers, as they valiantly fought on our behalf, and be given the dignity and respect they deserve.

AP email: info@ap.org
AP Sr. Mgmt Team-
Thomas Curly, President and CEO
Ellen Hale, Director of AP Corporate Communications
Jon Petrovich, Vice President, Domestic Broadcast
Greg Groce, Director of Business Operations and Development
Brad Kalbfeld, Deputy Director, Managing Editor
Lee Perryman, Deputy Director Broadcast Services
Roger Lockhart, Director of Marketing and Communications
Montrese Garner-Sampson, Director of Human Resources
John Phillips, Director of Financial Planning

Your assistance in this matter is appreciated.

Jerry Castillo
Producer
US Military Fallen,
as seen on YouTube

The AP can broadcast their side of the story, worldwide, in 60 seconds. LCPL Bernard’s family doesn’t have those kinds of resources at their disposal. The full truth about this story can’t be understood without hearing the family share what the AP and Julie Jacobson have done to them. My newspaper column on the topic has just been posted at the same link.

The rules for embedded journalists, the very conditions to which these reporters agreed, prohibit what the AP and Jacobson have done. But they felt the picture was so “important” that they simply made their own rules. I understand that some of you believe there’s a broader point at stake, but at least consider what the family has had done to them. It’s called “empathy.”

Hey Devil Dog, They screwed your parents, but I guess you know that. F*&%’em! You and I knew they would all along and still we go. Why? Because we know somewhere out there, each night a child prays to whatever God it is he or she prays to, that you and I will come save them. What they don’t know is each night, you and I pray we can!!!
Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard,
When you receive the command fall out, You will fall out and carry out with the plan of the day. FALL OUT!!!!!!!!
Now go guard those streets of gold, I’ll relieve you when my orders to PCS arrive. Your in good company.
Look my Dad up, he’ll buy you a drink of whatever it is they serve up there. (He was USAF from 56-77, but don’t hold that against him, he likes Marines. )
“Look around theres a few empty chairs honored comrade’s should be sitting there. Some lie dead where they fell. Some fight on from a cell. Charge your glass and raise it high, drink to them” Quote by: Dick Jonas

People forget (or aren’t aware) that this kind of coverage was common during VietNam - i.e. showing the reality of what’s going on. There are many who would prefer that reality be hidden from public view, and likely not so much out of “respect” as to perpetuate an agenda. They didn’t even want you to see the coffins of the dead soldiers. The spin doctors want what you see to be sanitzed, not have you reminded of the blunt reality.

Joshua Bernard’s father John, USMC First Sergeant (Ret.), has given only one interview about the matter, and he really speaks his mind. You can only hear it here: https://thebloviatinghammerhead.wordpress.com

AP are full of craps !! i am ashamed of american media of today, that can’t even support the government to make peace reign, really this is real fuck up, how did u want the taliban to look at the american with this useless images that can’t help peace but add to the downfall of the USA emperror

Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard is a HERO .

A Marine’s death should not be a public spectacle. Shame on the AP for releasing this, especially after the Lcpl’s father asked them not to. To his family- thank you for raising a strong young man. LCpl, thank you for your service and sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family tonight.

Semper Fidelis.

To Joshua Benard’s parents I want to convey my deepest sympathy for the sacrifice of your family. What has our news media come to that they cannot understand that the dignity and respect due one of our own fallen soldiers far outweighs any of their arguments. I am so ashamed of the AP for distributing this photo. Your son deserved much better. Hold your head up high and rest knowing that you raised a son that lived a life you and he can be proud of. I can’t say the same for the people that made the choice to publish the photo. They should hang their heads in shame.

Sick! Just plain sick.