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Massachusetts Guardsman Remembered For Selfless Service
(April 14, 2011) | 
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 FORWARD
OPERATING BASE WRIGHT, Afghanistan (4/10/2011) – Comrades and leaders of
U.S. Army Spc. Dennis C. Poulin described the fallen warrior as a hero
who was committed to his family and always put the needs of others ahead
of his own, during a memorial ceremony at Forward Operating Base Wright,
Afghanistan, April 9.
Poulin, a native of Pawtucket, R.I., was a
gunner with the Massachusetts National Guard's Alpha Company, 1st
Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, assigned to the Kunar Provincial
Reconstruction Team. Poulin died March 31 after suffering injuries from
a vehicle accident while conducting a mounted combat patrol near Chowkay,
Afghanistan.
U.S. Army Spc. Kirby Williams of Waterbury, Conn.,
is also with Alpha Company assigned to the PRT. Williams was Poulin's
closest friend in the unit and spoke at the memorial ceremony.
Afterward, Williams reflected on his battle buddy's life.
“He
looked out for everybody. He always put people first,” Williams said.
“I'd tell his mom that her son's a hero. He died for his country, and he
died doing what he loved.”
Another unit member and close friend
of Poulin's, U.S. Army Spc. Antonio Richardson of Brooklyn, N.Y.,
recalled Poulin's close bonds with family. Those bonds, Richardson
added, extended to Poulin's comrades in arms.
“He always talking
about his son; whenever he talked about him, his face lit up. He was
always about his family,” Richardson said. “We were fortunate enough to
be in that same fold; he treated us all like brothers out here, and
everyone that was a part of his life was lucky, lucky to be able to say
that, and he's going to be missed.”
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Anthony
Couture of Sterling, Mass., commander of the 1st Bn., 181st Inf. Regt.,
noted Poulin's deep commitment to both his son and his unit. |
“He had a young son about 5-years-old and was really dedicated
to his son,” said Couture. “So he was a true family guy and always
looking out to do the right thing, not just by his family, but for all
the Soldiers of the PRT.”
U.S. Army Capt. Ryan Oliver of Lake City,
Ga., is the operations officer for the PRT and oversees the PRT's
security forces. He praised Poulin's professionalism.
“He was a
soldier's soldier,” Oliver said. “He was the best battle buddy any of
these guys could have asked for.”
The civilian team lead for the
PRT, Bert Braun of Silver Springs, Md., emphasized the critical role
Poulin played in the PRT's mission, and thanked Poulin's family for
their sacrifice. |
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Soldiers assigned to the Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team salute during a memorial service April 9,
2011 for U.S. Army Spc. Dennis C. Poulin of Pawtucket, R.I., a gunner with the Massachusetts National Guard's Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Division, assigned to the Kunar PRT. Poulin died March 31 after suffering injuries from a vehicle accident while conducting a mounted combat patrol near Chowkay, Afghanistan. Photo by Capt. Peter Shinn |
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“We rely every day on the security force to keep
us safe; we couldn't do anything without them, and this is very tragic,”
Braun said. “Spc. Poulin was obviously very well loved here and very
much a part of the team, and I very much appreciate all he did to keep
us safe. We're very grateful to his family. It's a terrible loss to all
of us.”
U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ed Stallworth of Pensacola, Fla., the
PRT's executive officer, remembered Poulin as “one of those individuals
who gave all of himself to make sure that the welfare of others was
secure and safe.”
Stallworth also had a message of condolence
and gratitude for Poulin's family.
“I just wish that his memory
is carried on through his son, and that his family cherishes the fact
that he gave all for us, and that we appreciate it, and we're sorry for
their loss,” Stallworth said.
Poulin's awards and decorations
include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good
Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, National Defense
Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal
and Combat Infantry Badge. | |
By Army Capt. Peter Shinn
Combined Joint Task Force 101
Copyright 2011
Provided
through DVIDS
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