1st Lt. Joshua Palmer, U.S.M.C (KIA)

Over the weekend we first brought you news of the death of a Marine from Banning, 25 year old Joshua Palmer, killed by a sniper's bullet in Iraq. NewsChannel 3 talked with Palmer's family on how they’re coping with the loss.

You could describe First Lieutenant Joshua Palmer any number of ways - an American, a patriot, a Marine, also a son.

"It's worse on his mom than anyone, but the whole family is torn up."

Randy Kennedy is engaged to Josh's mother, Jackie Palmer. He says he'll never forget when the platoon commander called to tell her how her son had died.

"There were snipers. They put his unit out to get them and one of them shot him."

It happened in Fallujah, one of the most dangerous cities in Iraq right now. In recent weeks fighting there has killed scores of Americans and Iraqis. Still, Randy says Josh Palmer, an officer, volunteered to lead his men into Fallujah on foot.

"He said it was unusual for an officer to volunteer for work like that, and that's just what he did, volunteer."

Josh's family says they've been overwhelmed by the support from the community. Many people have brought in flowers to the family's restaurant to pay their respects.

"Everybody brings in the flowers and customers are offering to work for free to help us out," says restaurant employee Donnie Stefan.

And Randy says the whole family appreciates that support in a way they never thought they would.

"You can read about it in the paper, and feel bad for the people going through this, but you don't understand it, till you go through it yourself, there are no words for it."

No words, but tears and memories for a Marine and a son who died serving his country.

Josh Palmer was promoted from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant two days before he died. His mother says he never knew.

There will be a viewing held on Thursday from 4 to 8 pm at Weaver Mortuary in Banning. Joshua's funeral is Friday at 11 am at Banning 1st Baptist. A procession to Riverside National Cemetary will then follow