A New Portland man whose son died while serving in Afghanistan is ramping up his battle against what he sees as a failed war strategy.

John Bernard met privately Wednesday with U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in Biddeford and emerged with the impression that Collins is a key ally.

“I think she’s legitimately concerned about what’s going on, but she also expressed frustration with the upper echelons of military leadership,” Bernard said. “There’s very little suggestion that’s going to change.”

Bernard, a 56-year-old former Marine, said he’s trying to reach more of Washington’s “movers and shakers” about the war strategy. He hopes to have similar meetings with Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, and Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass.

Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard, 21, was killed in action in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province on Aug. 14, 2009, when his patrol was ambushed by Taliban fighters.

John Bernard believes his son was a victim of U.S. efforts to win the hearts and minds of Afghans and prevent civilian casualties — as outlined by the military’s rules of engagement and counterinsurgency strategy — instead of focusing on defeating the Taliban.

Collins said she appreciates John Bernard’s dedication.

“His son, Joshua, paid the ultimate sacrifice and we owe it to him and so many others to ask tough but necessary questions about our military policy,” Collins said. “I share Mr. Bernard’s concerns about the rules of engagement for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and I have repeatedly raised my concerns during private meetings and public hearings with our nation’s highest military officials … and will continue to do so.”