A seventh Kane'ohe Bay Marine with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment, has been killed in southwestern Afghanistan since the unit deployed in late May.

The Pentagon yesterday said Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, 21, of New Portland, Maine, died Friday while supporting combat operations in Helmand province. Bernard's cause of death was not disclosed.

Michael Grooms, a close friend, told the Morning Sentinel newspaper in Waterville, Maine, that Bernard was an active member of the youth group at his church, Crossroads Bible Church.

"He was inclined to help people if they needed it," Grooms said. "That's a lot of the reason why he went into the Marines, is to serve."

Grooms said Bernard was shy but loved to have fun.

Bernard was given the nickname "The Holy Man" by fellow Marines because of his beliefs, Grooms said.

Last week, 400 Marines — including Hawai'i troops — launched operation Eastern Resolve II in Now Zad district in Helmand province, battling Taliban fighters who at times put up heavy resistance.

Seven members of the 2nd Battalion have been killed in southwestern Afghanistan. The previous six died as the result of improvised explosive devices.

Bernard joined the Marines in November 2006 and reported to the 2nd Battalion in May 2007. Bernard previously deployed to Iraq with the unit in January 2008.

His awards include the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, according to the Marines.