By Steve White
He was a Marine among Marines. Now Sgt. Joshua Robinson has been laid to rest in Hastings, where he's remembered for wrestling, riding bulls, and tracking the enemy in hostile territory.
Those who knew the Marine said he was definitely among "the few and the proud."
This Marine did three tours of Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He was so respected as a tracker and sniper, he taught others.
The loss hits hard. Even Marines choked down tears as they said goodbye to a fallen friend on Tuesday in Hastings.
Sgt. Joshua Robinson was killed in combat in Afghanistan. The 29-year-old was a proud Nebraskan, and while he called Bennington home most recently, Hastings is where the family calls home.
Mayor Vern Powers said the community is honored to play a part.
He said, "Hastings has a long history of supporting its veterans and current military. Although it's a sad occasion, I'm glad our citizens have rallied around the situation."
Motorcycles roared, breaking the silence outside St. Cecilia's Catholic Church.
Bikes of all colors filled the streets, not just from the Patriot Guard Riders, but a second club.
Far too young to have served in Vietnam, Sgt. Robinson was a member of that era's motorcycle
club.
So his brothers in red and black leather from the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle club traveled from as far as California to be part of the service.
Mark "Ooch" Youtcheff didn't know Robinson but said they're part of the same brotherhood, as part of the Vietnam Vet Motorcycle Club.
Youtcheff said he the community's outpouring of support was evident.
"It's nice to see the community recognize men and women the way they do. It makes us feel good that they're getting the welcome home that some of our vets didn't receive," he said.
Roger Schleicher, Ride Captain for the Patriot Guard Riders said it was their honor to stand with 80 flags in a line honoring this Marine.
Sgt. Robinson is remembered as a proud Marine who taught others his tracking abilities. He was a bull rider and hunter and took that spirit into the military.
A large crowd filled St. Cecilia's, while 130 motorcyclists waited outside.
Sgt. Robinson leaves behind a wife Rhonda and two young sons, Kodiak and Wyatt. According to an obituary provided by the funeral home, Josh taught his sons about animal tracks and they could name them all correctly at ages five and three.
His family had talked to him just the day before two Marines and a Navy Chaplin arrived at their door.
Reporters' Notes by Steve White:
Sgt. Robinson was laid to rest in Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Memorials may be given to the Robinson Family Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank.
Josh enlisted in the Marines with a Nebraska unit, and started basic training in December 2003, two years after September 11th.
