20, of Lisbon, Maine; assigned to the 27th Main Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; killed May 24 during a mortar attack on Camp Cooke in Taji, Iraq.
A 20-year-old soldier who died of injuries sustained in a mortar attack in Iraq represented another tragedy for a family that already had suffered an incredible loss.
Army Spc. Beau R. Beaulieu’s stepfather, Frederick Field Jr., was the brother of Staff Sgt. Thomas Field, who was dragged through the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia, after being killed in the 1993 firefight detailed in the book and movie “Black Hawk Down”.
“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 friend of the Fields who is now city manager in Lewiston. “It has to be the most challenging circumstances anyone can go through.”
Beaulieu died Monday at Camp Cooke in Taji, on the northern outskirts of Baghdad, while serving with the 27th Main Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. The Army is investigating the incident.
Beaulieu and his wife Christina were members of the class of 2002 at Lisbon High School and were married shortly before he left for Iraq.
This is what Christina said about her husband:
| “Beau: the nicest guy you would ever meet in your life. He would give the shirt off his back to help you before himself. Extremely hard worker. Knew nothing in life was free and you had to bust ass to get where you want to go in life. Quiet and reserved yet had the most contagious laugh. Once you heard him laughing it was almost impossible not to laugh with him. Believed family came first. Loved his mom brother and sister more then life itself. Joined the army to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and really believed he was making a difference after 9/11. His heart is made of gold. I have never met another person who loved so much. He gave me everything. He was my best friend. My confidant my world. He was not one for recognition he said he doesn’t need it, the feeling he got for doing everything to the best of his ability was enough. He was the most squared away soldier in his unit. Before you asked him something it was already done. He loved the army and was good at his job. He would’ve been a lifer and gone up thru the ranks quickly and would’ve been a great asset to the u.s army.” |
“He’s a person who believed in what was right,” said Jill Hooper, his former 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.”
**
Beau’s wife, Christina, indicated that the stone to honor her husband must be retrieved from Bradbury Mountain State Park in Maine, where Beau loved to hike and enjoy the fresh air and great outdoors. He spent hours hiking those trails and staying grounded and centered.
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My name is David J. Cote, nickname “Sandman” and on Oct 17, 2015 I carried the story and and memorial stone Army Spc. Beau R. Beaulieu, a post 9/11 fallen Maine hero from Lisbon, Maine, to the top of Cadillac Peak on Baxter State Park as part of The Summit Project at Acadia National Park 2015 while a member of TEAM BLACKWOOD.
The Summit Project is a nationally recognized, Maine based, 501c3 community service organization. In 2.5 years, and with thousands of miles hiked, hundreds of volunteers and dozens of fallen honored, we have fundamentally changed the way our state pays tribute to our post 9/11 fallen service members. With every hike, every new relationship, and every post hike reflection letter (like the one here) we have shown that TSP inspires service, strengthens communities and changes lives. Most of all, we have shown that Maine heroes are NOT forgotten – we have a very special way of keeping their memories alive.
There is no doubt that I felt inspired, our communities are strengthened and my life was changed again on Oct 17th as I learned about two Beau Beaulieu who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the defense and protection of our great country.
Beau paid the ultimate sacfice at the young age of 20 – far too young. He was from Lisbon, Maine; assigned to the 27th Main Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; killed May 24, 2004, during a mortar attack on Camp Cooke in Taji, Iraq.
Beaulieu and his wife Christina were members of the class of 2002 at Lisbon High School and were married shortly before he left for Iraq. This is what Christina said about her husband:
“Beau: the nicest guy you would ever meet in your life. He would give the shirt off his back to help you before himself. Extremely hard worker. Knew nothing in life was free and you had to bust ass to get where you want to go in life. Quiet and reserved yet had the most contagious laugh. Once you heard him laughing it was almost impossible not to laugh with him. Believed family came first. Loved his mom brother and sister more then life itself. Joined the army to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and really believed he was making a difference after 9/11. His heart is made of gold. I have never met another person who loved so much. He gave me everything. He was my best friend. My confidant my world. He was not one for recognition he said he doesn’t need it, the feeling he got for doing everything to the best of his ability was enough. He was the most squared away soldier in his unit. Before you asked him something it was already done. He loved the army and was good at his job. He would’ve been a lifer and gone up thru the ranks quickly and would’ve been a great asset to the u.s army.”
As I dedicated my hike to Beau, I tried to embody his character of kindness, dedication, commitment, reserved confidence, loyalty, compassion and organization. Beau kept me focused on that hike because I thought of him first. I wanted to live at least one day that would be like the one he would live, as if he were on that trail, with team Blackwood. He would have shown his big heart, his kindness and compassion. He would have laughed louder than anyone and because of his laugh, others would laugh. He would have never complained despite the discomfort he might feel. He would have powered through the pain, working as hard as humantely possible and never giving up. That is the legacy I hope to carry on, in the spirit and rememberance of Spc. Beau Beaulieu.
MHANF.
On December 4, 2015 I carried the memory of the fallen soldier, Beau R. Beaulieu. I’m honored to have carried the rock of Beau with my group. Overall it was a great experience for everyone. As I climbed the mountain I thought about what Beau has done for us and our country; going out to fight for our freedom. Army Specialist Beau R. Beaulieu’s stepfather, Frederick Field Jr., was also the brother of Staff Sgt. Thomas Field, who lost his life fighting in Somalia. It must’ve been hard going through and dealing with two tragic loses. It must of been hard but I’m really sorry for what happened.
Beau was always a hard worker. He knew nothing in life was free and you had to give your all to get where you want to go in life. He also believed family came first. He loved his mom, brother and sister more than life itself. Growing up I was surrounded by a loving family that taught me to always work hard. Joined the army to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and really believed he was making a difference after 9/11. On May 24 at the age of 20 Beau R. Beaulieu died from a mortar attack in Camp Cook in Taji, Iraq. After seeing and hearing stories of the soldiers I just can’t imagine the pain the families went through after losing someone so precious in their heart. Beau was like a superhero; a hard worker, loved his family, and would do anything to be at the top. He might’ve died at a young age, but his spirit will always stay with us. He was a great man and even a greater soldier. I was honored that I carried Beau R Beaulieu rock up Bradbury Mountain he might be gone but he’ll forever be a honored citizen of the United States and an army hero.
Sincerely,
Abdi Ali
Dear Summit Project Peers,
I was honored to be able to hike up Bradbury Mountain for the Summit Project. Both my history and English class went to hike the mountain and I thought it was a great experience. Carrying the rock up the mountain made me realize how lucky and thankful I am for what I have. While carrying the rock up the mountain, it made me think about how hard it must be to be so far away from your family and home and to fight for our country.
I would like to thank Beau who sacrificed a part of his life to fight for our country so we can live ours. The job he has must have been very difficult and while I hiked up the trail at Bradbury I thought about how difficult it must have to be for the family as well.
Their bond of citizenship, their vision of our beauty, and their sacrifice is a fundamental teaching about what it means to be a citizen and soldier. They teach us to strive to be our best and to give our all to the common good is the duty of every citizen. We cannot repay the fallen for their gift. Their reward is beyond our grasp. I’m sorry for your loss. Beau was a hero in my eyes.
Thank you, Maddie Allen
Two peaks were summited while carrying the memorial stone of Army Spc. Beau Beaulieu: Megunticook, ME on 1/8/16, and Mt. Hight, NH, on 1/17/16.
On 1/8/16, I had the honor of hiking to the summit of Mt. Megunticook (1,385′) and to Maiden Cliff, in Camden, Maine (6.5 miles RT). I did this hike to remember a fallen soldier from Maine, Army Spc. Beau Beaulieu, who lost his life in 2004. I carried his stone in my backpack, stopping along the way to speak to folks out on the trails about Beau, who sacrificed everything for our freedom. The ultimate sacrifice, he will never be forgotten, and he was so young. Beau was dedicated to protecting all of us back here in the States. Beau grew up just a few towns over from me, so even though I never met him I will never forget his name and the stories his family has shared through The Summit Project. Every fellow hiker that I spoke to understood the meaning behind TSP, and all were greatly appreciative of Beau’s sacrifices. I felt like Beau had made new friends today!
Army Spc. Beau Beaulieu, aged 20, from Lisbon, was assigned to the 27th Main Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX. He was killed May 24, 2004 during a mortar attack on Camp Cooke in Taji, Iraq. Beau’s wife Christina has posted information about him on the TSP website. Christina, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Also to Beau’s parents and family members, my sincere condolences. From what you have written about him Christina, you two were truly in love. You wrote that Beau was the nicest guy you would ever meet in your life. He also joined the army to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Beau wanted to make a difference. He had a heart of gold. I want you to know that he will never be forgotten, and I spoke of him and all the things you wrote about him during my hikes.
On 1/17/16, I was fortunate to have along two friends, one being Army veteran Gerry Vaillancourt, from Lewiston, to carry Beau’s stone to the summit of Mt. Hight (4,675′) in NH (9 miles RT). Gerry never met Beau, but he felt a strong bond and commitment to take part in this event. Gerry wanted to add this: “I am a veteran from the Vietnam War. Although I didn’t serve in Vietnam, I was in the U.S. Army and felt a brethren to Beau, who gave his life in Iraq. It was an honor to partake in this hike, carrying Beau’s stone, that the family members picked to represent him. I felt like Beau was with us. Thank you Summit Project for putting this together for the Veterans and their families”
Winter hiking in the high peaks of the White Mountains can be quite precarious, and as we hiked to the summit, we commented on the challenge of this hike, and how it must have paled in comparison to the challenges facing Beau during his time in Iraq. Once at the summit of Hight, I read information that Beau’s family had posted on TSP site. The three of us chatted about him, his sacrifices, and shed a few tears along the way. We saw 6 other hikers throughout our decent, and spoke to each of them about Beau. Keeping his memory alive is so important to the families and the nation. We must never forget him, and all soldiers serving and that have served. It was a glorious day to be up high, with friends, and making new friends with Beau, who has now traveled with me for many miles.
What a beautiful person he was. I’m very glad that he is in The Summit Project. His beautiful soul will be remembered always. MHANF. My deepest sympathies to his widow, Christina and his family,who also have endured the pain and loss of a previous war hero. My greatest wish peace, my deepest thoughts of sympathy
Annette Koziol
To the family and friends of Beau,
Today Greg Johnson and I hiked up Table Rock Mountain in Maine with 44 children who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. They carried 27 stones up the mountain today. Here is a letter from the campers that had the honor of carrying your hero.
“Today was such a great experience. We had a beautiful view at the top with Beau. We read the Beau also enjoyed hiking which made our hike with his stone even more spectacular. At the top of the mountain when all of the campers shared who we had the opportunity to carry many tears were shed and many emotions were shared. The fact that he was determined to make a difference after 9/11 was really moving. He is such an inspiration to both of us.
Love,
Maddy and Audrey “
A few weeks ago, my husband and I took a trip to Hawaii and we brought Beau’s stone. As soon as we knew we would be hiking, I contacted TSP and was assigned Beau’s stone. I took it home, read about him, his life, his family. He was born the same year I was and his stone was chosen from a mountain just a few miles from my home.
I was honored to bring his stone on our hike up Diamond Head, which was used by the federal government for defensive purposes in 1906. The hike is very steep in some spots and there were a couple of places where we had to travel through a tunnel with no light, not knowing where we’d end up. Neither my husband or I like small, dark places, so we were very anxious about it. I couldn’t help but think about all the times Beau and his military family had to enter unfamiliar places with no idea what was ahead of them.
I know Beau enjoyed hiking, so to bring his stone to such an incredibly beautiful place full of so much history was really humbling. We were honored to carry his stone and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Beau and his family.
On October 1, 2016, I had the honor of taking part in The Summit Project as we climbed Cadillac Mountain. The day dawned grey and cool, but throughout our hike patches of sun shone down through the clouds onto the ocean surrounding MDI. The fall leaves were just beginning to change, painting the edges of the trail with a hint of autumn colors. It was a perfect day to be outside.
Perfect day or not, carrying the stone of Army Spc. Beau Beaulieu, sharing his story, and hearing the stories of the other soldiers honored by the stones carried by my teammates made for a very emotional day. Beaulieu was described as someone who loved to hike and spent many hours in Bradbury Mountain State Park, worked extremely hard, and put family first. He was killed in a mortar attack in Iraq at age 20, less than half my age on the day of the hike.
Along the hiking trail, I thought about how his service helped preserve the freedoms of our country. I reflected on how a fellow hiker would have loved the views from near the top where we set the stones down for photos with trees and ocean in the background. I thought about how lucky I am that my children and I have years of hikes ahead of us because of people like Beaulieu making the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation.
Back at the campground after the hike, I felt so humbled by all of the people who had turned out. It was an experience like no other handing off that stone after being entrusted with it for the day, and an emotional end to my small part in paying tribute to Spc. Beaulieu and his family.
October 26, 2016
To the Family of Beau R. Beaulieu
It was a true honor to carry the rock of a true American hero up Streaked Mountain. Beau may have died young, but his impact on me, my family and everything I hold dear to me will never be forgotten. Thanks to him, I get to wake up every morning and go to school and be with my friends and do my favorite things like play football. Beau went through a great struggle for me and I could never thank him enough. There is no ones rock I would’ve wanted to carry up that mountain than his because of how great of a man he seemed and the family of vets he grew up in. I have so much respect for this man and everything he’s done for me. Something I would like to do if I ever get the chance is to carry Beau’s rock up Bradbury Mountain. I want to do this in honor of him since he loved to hike it and for everything he’s sacrificed for me.
Sincerely yours,
Terrell Thomas
To the loving family and friends of Beau R. Beaulieu,
Just two weeks ago today I carried Beau’s rock and a small toy American flag from Thomas Memorial Library to Fort Williams Park and back to the library. It was a beautiful day; bitter cold, crystal clear and very windy. The offshore islands appeared to hover above the surface of the water as we looked out to sea from the Lighthouse at Portland Head. We stood there admiring the beautiful scenery while thinking of your terrible loss. We walked back across Fort Williams and huddled under the gazebo to remember Beau and the others whose rocks we carried that day.
Though a beautiful day it was a somber walk back to the library. There I returned Beau’s rock to those of his comrades, but I kept the small flag which now rests in the visor of car. Every day it serves as a reminder of Beau, and all of you, his family and friends and the incredible loss that you have experienced. My heart goes out to all of you. I am so sorry for your loss.
There are no words to do justice to Beau’s memory. I never met him but after carrying his rock for just a few hours, I miss him and will remember him always.
With Sympathy,
Kathleen Kent
Dear Family of SPC Beau R Beaulieu
I once again had the pleasure of the company of Beau, this time during a hosted hike. November 2015 was the first time I had the opportunity to learn about Beau – as I was honored to speak at the local high school in my hometown as an ambassador for TSP. My then 7 and 11 year old daughters each read, carried and wrote letters about each of the two stones I was assigned.
This time for TSP@ANP, I received my assignment and laughed when I opened the email. Reading his wife Christina’s words two years ago regarding his personality, his work ethic, and that contagious laugh, I found it humbling he chose me again.
The heavy rounded stone from Bradbury Mountain felt heavier than I remembered; solid and steady, just as Beau is described. I packed him carefully among my things, and off we went. The day was cool, cloudy and windy the entire hike up the North Ridge trail, but his weight soon lightened in my pack. Once we reached the summit – the sun came out – it warmed a bit and the sharing began.
I thought about how squared away he was, how he was explained as one who knew “nothing in life was free and you had to bust ass to get where you want to go in life” – this fit my recent life in many ways this year – thank you Beau, for recognizing and selecting me to carry your memory. Your life and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Sincerely and with gratitude,
Jackie Carter
Blue Hill, ME
Last weekend, I carried Spc. Beau R. Beaulieu’s stone up Gorham Mountain and the Beehive Trail in Acadia. Spc. Beaulieu was 20 yrs old when he was killed in a mortar attack on Camp Cooke, Taji, Iraq- he died May 24, 2004. He was assigned to the 27th Main Support Battalion, 1st Cav stationed at Ft. Hood.
I carried Spc. Beaulieu’s stone on the first of many Summit Project stone hikes and journeys to come. I wanted to choose a stone that would mean something to me personally. When reading his biography, it stood out to me how much I had in common with this man. He spent his life in the same towns I did growing up, loved Bradbury Mountain (I have lived near and hiked Bradbury countless times in my life), and even his funeral was held where I went to my first two years of high school. Lastly, and most importantly to me, he was stationed at Ft Hood and deployed to Iraq. My brother is at Ft Hood and deploys to Iraq in a few weeks. Our lives, or his and the lives of people close to me, paralleled in many ways, and we could have easily crossed paths. I chose Spc. Beaulieu’s stone because he hit me as somebody SO close to home who had sacrificed his life for mine and others.
I thought during my hike about the character traits Spc. Beaulieu’s wife Christina had written about him- intelligent, quiet, yet hardworking, selfless, and loving. He had quiet strength and a heart of gold, always willing to put others first. This was the way he lived, and the way he died, and I am so deeply grateful that men like him exist. Thank you, Spc. Beaulieu, for your service and sacrifice. Thank you, Christina and family, for yours. I wish I could meet and thank you in person. It was my honor to remember Spc. Beaulieu’s life in the best way I could, and please know that he will never be forgotten.
My name is Chris Lanigan, on September 29, 2018 I had the honor and privilege to carry the stone and story of Army Specialist Beau Beaulieu who died May 24 2004 in a mortar attack on Camp Cooke, Taji, Iraq. The day was beautiful, the trail gave many views, and the weight of the stone was a reminder that I was doing this in Beau’s honor.
He loved to hike in the woods and he was the nicest guy you would ever meet according to his wife Christina. His stone came from Bradbury Mountain State Park, and I was hiking with Team Blackwood up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. Beau used nature to “staying grounded and centered”. I use Acadia for the same reason. So I felt like I was bringing Beau to my playground, but he was going to teach me a few things.
Beau died too young as did all of the Fallen Heroes. But even at the young age of 20 he left ideals for us all to follow.
Beau helped his crew by listening to their stateside problems. I think it must have been his laugh that made him so approachable. And it must have been his smile that gave them the sense they were heard.
Beau did not complain about the amount of work, he just busted ass and got things done. I loved reading the comment “Beau was so squared away whenever asked to do a task 8 out of 10 times it was already completed”. Everyone knew if Beau worked on their equipment it would be right.
Yes he got into mischief, and was often being goofy. He tried to make the work easier to take.
But his biggest impact on me was that he “believed in what was right.” This seems very similar to one of my guiding values.
So now a couple days after my first TSP experience, I am still reminded of a man I never got the chance to meet. A man I would have enjoyed spending time with, in the woods. Beau gave his life so mine could be better. I will never be able to thank him. But I believe I will never forget him.
MHANF
Army Spec. Beau Ramsey Beaulieu was a “revered and loved” graduate of Lisbon High School who joined the army in June 2002 to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He was assigned to the 27th Main Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas, in February 2003. He married his high school sweetheart, Christy, in December 2003, shortly before being deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died in May 2004 at age 20 from wounds sustained during a mortar attack on Camp Cooke in Taji, Iraq, where he was serving as a signal support specialist. Beau was buried with full military honors at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, ME.
To Beau’s parents, family and wife,
On September 28, 2019, I had the honor and privilege of carrying Beau’s tribute stone and hero’s story to the summit of Cadillac Mountain as part of Team Kebo at the Summit Project’s Acadia National Park hike to remember Maine’s fallen soldiers. In my research prior to the hike, I learned of Beau’s dedication to family, strong work ethic, innate intuition of the needs of those around him, love of nature, and strong conviction in doing what was right. I also learned that, on the same day that Beau was taking his last breaths, my daughter, Madeline, was born and taking her very first. I was meant to carry Beau’s stone and story.
Prior to the event at Acadia, I hiked Bradbury Mountain and found myself overwhelmed with emotion, as I also did a few days ago when I visited Beau’s grave at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery. I felt so incredibly sad about his loss of life at such a young age and in consideration of his wife’s comments regarding what he could have accomplished for the Army and therefore our country. My heart was also deeply pained thinking of the depth of loss each of you must have suffered when the unanticipated and unwanted news of Beau’s death reached you. I find it to be unsettlingly difficult to thoroughly express my gratitude for Beau’s sacrifice and for your family’s sacrifice. Somehow hiking a mountain and telling’s Beau’s story to anyone who will listen, and thankfully there have been many, doesn’t seem to be enough. Although repayment is impossible, I found some consolation after returning to basecamp. I experienced this encompassing feeling of having truly done the right thing by carrying Beau’s stone that day. What I later realized and still believe, is that it wasn’t me reassuring myself, but rather Beau reassuring me that I had done what was right in my journey to thank and always remember Maine’s fallen soldiers and their families.
Thank you for raising and supporting a young man with such steadfast fortitude and commitment to his country. His story and ultimate sacrifice as well as your own sacrifices will live on every time I look at my daughter, every time that I tell someone about the Summit Project, and every time that I reach a vista on a hike that Beau would have treasured.
Respectfully and sincerely,
Karen Richards-Simboli
MHANF
At the young age of 20, Army SPC Beau Beaulieu’s selflessness in putting his country first lead to his departure, and for that I am forever indebted to him. I put myself in his shoes and at 20 years old, I wasn’t half as brave and altruistic. Heroes come in all forms, and unfortunately, the one I am writing about paid the ultimate price for his heroism.
I feel truly blessed to be a part of an organization that makes it their mission to not let Maine heroes be forgotten. Every hike brings a newer, brighter perspective for me. However, this particular hike was pretty obscure, but in all the best ways.
I set out to hike to Bubble Rock in memory of Beau. I felt that the huge boulder at the summit was symbolic of his stone that I was (unfortunately) unable to carry. Upon arriving in Mount Desert Island, I realized there was no road that wasn’t blocked to get me to the trail head. I was discouraged, but I wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. I searched on my AllTrails app for another hike, and felt called to “Richard’s Trail,” a short loop trail not far from my original route.
I arrived at the trail head, parked my car, and set out into the woods. I go on solo hikes on a weekly basis, but this was obviously no ordinary hike. I felt a sense of peace, tranquility, and protection as I meandered along the trail. I made a cairn in his memory, sat and talked a while (thankfully there were no passerby’s; they would have thought I was nuts), and just paused in the stillness to soak it all in. I could not have chosen a day with better weather for this memorial hike.
I am grateful for Beau’s sacrifice and I truly wish I had had the chance to meet him in person. His legacy lives on through TSP and I am honored to have been a part of it.
I’m Steve Crowell, and I had the honor and privilege of carrying the honor stone and the story of Beau Beaulieu on May 30, 2021 to the summit of Mount Agamenticus in York, Maine as part of Team White.
Thank you, Beau, for joining me on my hike this Memorial Day, 2021. Your story has been an inspiration to me, and you have given me a goal: to live my life in such a way that someone might think I’m like you. In your short time on earth you managed to touch so many lives with your heart. I don’t know if you ever hiked Mt. Agamenticus while you were here, but hope you enjoyed it with me.
My original intent was to hike Bradbury with you, but the weather prevented that. Because you and others like you have sacrificed, I had the option of taking a safer route. The day began as overcast, with rain predicted most of the day. Not best for a solo hike on unfamiliar trails.
To your family, I offer my humble prayers of thanks for your service. You will not be forgotten, and you will always be a hero to me.
MHANF
To the Family of Beau R. Beaulieu,
On Friday, September 9th, I carried the memory of the fallen soldier, Beau R. Beaulieu. It was a great honor to have held this rock in his memory as I was wheeled along the Eastern Promenade in Portland, Maine with a great team. I held this rock with both hands and my heart was heavy with pride with recognition of his service. One thing we had in common was working hard to get where you want to go in life. I imagined his comradery in service, his laughs, tears, strength, and commitment to serve our country. Though I did not know Beau, the memory of his dedication to serve and his sacrifice will forever be within me.
Thank you for the opportunity to carry in his memory.
Respectfully,
Allison Bubier
To the loving family and friends of Army Spc. Beau R. Beaulieu,
Thank you for sharing Army Spc. Beau R. Beaulieu’s story with the world. The Summit Project transcends the state of Maine, and it is my hope that others like myself that are especially grateful to the men and women that serve in our country’s armed forces would be captured by the bravery that your son exhibited.
I was struck by the words of his surviving wife, “He was not one for recognition he said he doesn’t need it, the feeling he got for doing everything to the best of his ability was enough. He loved the army and was good at his job. He would’ve been a lifer and gone up thru the ranks quickly and would’ve been a great asset to the U.S army.” What powerful words to describe a young man’s nature.
Though I did not know Army Spc. Beau R. Beaulieu personally, I am inspired and in awe by his commitment. There are no words to do justice to Beau’s memory and carrying a stone in a contemplative state changes the way you view sacrifices and mortality. The memory of his dedication to serve and his sacrificial character will live on forever.
May the memory of Army Spc. Beau R. Beaulieu live on forever.
To the family of Army Specialist Beau R. Beaulieu,
My name is Scott Meyer, and I recently had the privilege of hiking with Beau’s tribute stone in Baxter State Park. This was a little different for me this time, as I knew Beau growing up. I lived in Lisbon Center as well, and rode the school bus with him and his brother, Brandon, for a time in my high school years. I did not know him personally, as our ages and friend circles were not the same. I distinctly remember the news of his passing. Even before the days of social media, that news spread quickly in our little town. I think he was one of the first from our high school, that I actually attended with, to have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It was an eye-opening harsh reality felt by quite a few our age, about the real world, beyond our small town of Lisbon.
Prior to this hike, I reached out to friends from Lisbon on social media, and made them aware of this event. I asked for memories, or additional things I could add to his story beyond my own research and experience. I learned a few things that seemed to be unanimous among those who commented: Beau had a warm smile, a kind heart, and a sense of humor! I already knew he had a love for football, and that was also reaffirmed in the comments. I did not realize prior to this event, the connection between Beau and Thomas Field. That was bittersweet to read about. I consider myself a good friend with Jimmy Field (Thomas’s nephew), and remember the day he came to school with news of his uncle, many
years prior to Beau’s passing. Another interesting connection, is that one of the soldiers involved with Beau’s recovery was also from Lisbon, and one of my best friends, Patrick McCoy. He was also in the Army, and in Iraq at the same time as Beau.
There are no words, either written or spoken, that can make up for our loss of Beau. I only hope that knowing his stone was carried this time by another Lisbon kid might bring a smile to someone. These Summit Project events are always humbling for me and others, and the importance of their mission is reaffirmed every year. Beau will never be forgotten, and his service to our country will be remembered as above and beyond anyone’s expectations.
It was an honor for me to carry Army Specialist Beau R. Beaulieu’s memory stone. He tragically died of injuries sustained during a mortar attack on Camp Cooke, Taji, Iraq on 5/24/04 at age 20.
Joining the L.L.Bean Veterans group at Wolfe’s Neck State Park we walked the wooded trails. The views of the coastline were tranquil and peaceful. At the end of our trek, we formed a circle, and we shared our individual soldier’s story with the group of about twenty people. As a mother of two sons, I was overwhelmed with emotion at the loss of this young hero and at the thought of the pain and sorrow the family had endured then and now, almost 20 years later. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Beau.
Participating in The Summit Project has given me the opportunity to ‘know’ a fallen solider and to remember him forever. Thank you, TSP, for creating this living memorial of Maine’s post 9/11 fallen service members. Thank you, Beau’s wife, and family, for deciding to participate in this program and for sharing him with us. Thank you, Beau, for your service and for your ultimate sacrifice.
Christina, Beau’s widow, says that “he was the nicest guy you would ever meet in your life. An extremely hard worker, quiet, reserved yet had the most contagious laugh. Once you heard him laughing it was almost impossible not to laugh with him. His heart is made of gold. He would give the shirt off his back to help you before himself. I have never met another person who loved so much.” Beau wanted to make a difference after 9/11, joining the Army like his father and grandfather before him. An exceptional solider, always on top of all that needed to be done. At home, Beau found solace and comfort in nature, hiking the trails of Bradbury Mountain State Park where his stone is from. When you look at his photo, you can see it in his eyes, determination, and intelligence with a twinkle of playfulness. Let us remember Beau R. Beaulieu as we try to make the world a better place like Beau would have with, “a warm smile, a kind heart, and a sense of humor.”
On September 23rd 2023 I had the honor of carrying Army SPC Beau Beaulieu’s stone to the top of Cadillac Mountain. As we made the climb I thought of his story and words from his friends and family I had read before the hike. It was saddening to know how tragically his family lost him and at such a young age with so much life left to live. Also to read about his Stepfather’s Brother being Staff Sgt. Thomas Field and that his family had already been through such a horrible loss. My heart was heavy for all of them. I was thinking of his wife who had thought she found her one for life to have to feel that loss so early. The way she described him he sounded like a wonderful person. Reminding me of 2 friends I lost by the age of 22 and it’s so sad to have someone who is so great and kind and courageous to be taken from the world so soon. Doing this hike there were so many more emotions and things that went into this than I ever expected. As we sat atop the mountain and spoke of the soldier we carried it was a hard thing to have to speak of their memory knowing we wouldn’t meet them. It was hard to think we wouldn’t be welcoming these soldiers home and shaking their hand for all they did. I will forever think of Beau Beaulieu and his family, because of this hike I will forever hold his memory in my heart. Thank you to his family for allowing me to carry his stone and honoring him. I am thankful to have been a part of such a great organization in honoring our fallen soldiers.
To The loving family and friends of Beau R. Beaulieu
My name is Chetan Magar. I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and story of Army Specialist Beau R. Beaulieu to the top of Cadillac Mountain, who died on May 24, 2004, in a mortar attack at Camp Cooke, Taji, Iraq, at age 20. He was diligent, helpful, and believed in hard work, with a calm and simple nature. After marrying Kristina, his Lisbon High School sweetheart, he tragically died at a young age. Beau loved hiking and the fresh air of nature, often visiting Bradbury Mountain State Park. Before the TSP hike,I visited the park, spent an hour reflecting on Beau, and imagined his unfulfilled dreams, which brought tears to my eyes. Upon receiving Beau R. Beaulieu’s photo and stone on the hike day, I questioned my capability to bear this responsibility. Nonetheless, I felt honored by the trust placed in me. Appreciative of TSP’s opportunity, I packed the items carefully and climbed Cadillac Mountain with his memory in my heart.
We climbed the mountain, full of excitement and enthusiasm, with his memory in my heart and soul. When our team gathered at the top of Cadillac Mountain, our mission was clear: the memory of his dedication to service and his sacrificial character will live on forever. I am grateful to have been part of such a great organization honoring our fallen soldiers.
Respectfully
Chetan Magar