Slain soldier mourned in hometown

By DAVID HENCH, Portland Press Herald Writer

Copyright © 2004 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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File photo Family photo Christina and Beau Beaulieu dated during their senior year at Lisbon High and were "inseparable."

SOLDIERS WITH TIES TO MAINE WHO HAVE BEEN KILLED IN IRAQ Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin, 36, grew up in Skowhegan, U.S. Marine Corps, died in a helicopter crash in Kuwait, March 21, 2003. Cpl. Brian Kennedy, 25, Texas, U.S. Marine Corps, mother lives in Port Clyde, died in the same helicopter crash as Aubin, March 21, 2003. Chief Warrant Officer 4th Class Erik A. Halvorsen, 40, Georgia, U.S. Army, father lives in Richmond, died when the Black Hawk helicopter he was flying crashed near Karbala, April 2, 2003. Spc. Daniel Francis J. Cunningham, 33, Lewiston, U.S. Army, died when his vehicle crashed into a ravine under artillery fire, April 4, 2003. Lance Cpl. Cedric E. Bruns, 22, U.S. Marine Corps, grandparents live in Bangor, died in a collision between two U.S. military vehicles, May 9, 2003. 1st Sgt. Christopher Coffin, 51, Kennebunk, 352nd Civil Affairs Command, U.S. Army Reserves, died after his Humvee ran into a ditch, July 1, 2003. Sgt. Heath A. McMillin, 29, Canandaigua, N.Y., 105th Military Police Company, Army National Guard, mother lives in Biddeford, died while on patrol south of Baghdad from grenade and small-arms fire, July 27, 2003. Chief Warrant Officer Sharon T. Swartworth, 43, Virginia, Army Judge Advocate General Office, father lives in Litchfield, died when the Black Hawk helicopter she was a passenger in was shot down in Tikrit, Nov. 7, 2003. Sgt. Jeremiah Holmes, 27, North Berwick, Army National Guard 744th Transportation Company of Hillsboro, N.H., died when his truck was hit by a bomb, March 29, 2004. Spc. Christopher D. Gelineau, 23, Portland, 133rd Engineer Battalion, Maine Army National Guard, died in an ambush on a military convoy in Mosul, April 20, 2004. Sgt. Lawrence Roukey, 33, Westbrook, 3rd Battalion, 304th Regiment Army Reserve, believed killed in an explosion at a Baghdad warehouse, April 26, 2004. Army Spc. Beau Ramsey Beaulieu, 20, Lisbon, 27th Main Support Battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division, died of injuries from a mortar attack near Taji, May 24, 2004. To top of story

LISBON — Army Spc. Beau R. Beaulieu, who was killed in a mortar attack in Iraq this week, was remembered in his hometown Wednesday as a quiet man with a strong sense of right and wrong. Beaulieu, who was 20, was serving at Camp Cooke in Taji, north of Baghdad, when he was killed on Monday. The Army is investigating the incident.

"He's a person who believed in what was right," said Jill Hooper, who was his English teacher at Lisbon High School. "Him being part of the Army just didn't surprise me. He would have felt that was his duty and something he would be proud to do."

Beaulieu's death stunned the small community, especially because he is not his family's first military casualty. His stepfather, Frederick Field Jr., lost a brother in combat in 1993. Staff Sgt. Thomas Field was one of three soldiers who were killed in a firefight after their Black Hawk helicopter was shot down over Mogadishu, Somalia, as part of a United Nations peacekeeping force.

"I can't even imagine how difficult it would be to have a couple immediate family members, loved ones, lost under these circumstances," said Jim Bennett, a Lisbon native and a friend of the Fields who is now city manager in Lewiston. "It has to be the most challenging circumstances anyone can go through."

News of Beaulieu's death led his brother Brandon to return to Maine from Fort Knox, Ky., where he has been in Army basic training.

Beau Beaulieu grew up in Lisbon, a town of less than 10,000 on the outskirts of Lewiston-Auburn. He was the son of Dona Field of Lisbon and Tim Beaulieu, who has been living in Kentucky and returned to Maine after being notified of his son's death.

Beaulieu had a tight circle of friends and enjoyed mountain biking, according to his graduation yearbook. He was not involved in sports or other school activities, but was a calming force in the classroom.

"He never felt he had to be the center of attention," said Richard Read, former high school principal. "He was kind of a quiet kid in school, always respectful. I don't remember him being in any trouble. He was always smiling, always happy. He never had a bad word to say about anybody."

Beaulieu was a striking figure in high school: tall and well built, always clean cut, with a disarming smile.

"That smile. That sort of subtle, sly smile of his, is definitely something that stands in my memory," said Hooper, who taught him English in 10th grade and talked with him throughout his high school years. "He wasn't like a super chatty kind of person, but when he did tell you things, they were important and things you cared about."

Hooper knows Beaulieu's widow, Christina.

"She's a wonderful person as well," she said. The two dated during their senior year and stayed together, eventually getting married last year.

"When they were dating in high school they were inseparable - big smiles and definitely a whole lot of love going on there," Hooper said. "Beau was a lovable guy, so I'm not surprised."

Beaulieu decided to join the Army while he was still in high school, indicating in his senior yearbook that he planned to spend four years in Army communications before going on to college. He joined the Army in June 2002 and specialized in repairing and maintaining communications equip- ment.

Beaulieu was in Lisbon in December when he married Christina Estes. Both graduated from Lisbon High School in 2002.

Shortly after their wedding, Beaulieu shipped to Iraq as part of the 27th Main Support Battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division. based in Fort Hood, Texas.

Maine's U.S. senators and the state's governor offered condolences and support to Beaulieu's family.

Sen. Olympia Snowe said she will press the Defense Department for details on the circumstances of Beaulieu's death.

Sen. Susan Collins cited Beaulieu's sacrifice and the legacy of service in his family.

Gov. John Baldacci spoke to Beaulieu's mother on Tuesday and expressed his condolences.

"This family has given so much to ensure the freedoms of our nation," he said. "All of Maine joins with Beau's family in their grief. I offer my respect and gratitude to all who have loved ones serving overseas."

Baldacci said flags in Maine will be ordered flown at half-staff on the day of Beaulieu's funeral.

Beaulieu's death brings to 12 the number of soldiers killed during the current Middle East conflict who are from Maine or have family members here.

Students and faculty members at Lisbon High School were told about Beaulieu's death in an announcement over the intercom just before the start of Wednesday's classes.

Teachers told first-year Principal Kenneth Healey that talking to the media about Beaulieu would be too much to bear.

"Most of the teachers said it was just too emotional," Healey said. "He was revered and loved, and there's just too much of an emotional attachment to be able to speak about him."

Beaulieu had pride in his country and in himself, Hooper said.

"I'm extremely proud to have known him and am honored he put his life on the line," she said. "I truly feel honored he made the sacrifice for us."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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