Sgt. Lucas Beachnaw

I didn't know Lucas very well, but I did know him when he was little.....and I became friends with his mom Jeanne about 15 or 16 years ago. When I found out that Lucas had been killed in Afghanistan last week, I haven't been able to stop crying. I'm praying for strength for Jeanne and her family.

This morning I took part in honoring Sgt. Beachnaw by going to the fairgrounds with Janice, my dad, and Tina. We lined up with many other folks from Lowell and waved our flags. When we saw the first flashing lights of the funeral procession come over the hill and down across the flag lined bridge, I looked at people to my right and left and everyone was crying. It was incredible to see the love and support that Lowell gave to Lucas's family and friends.

The hearse went by us and we could see the flag that covered his casket in the back. His family, military friends, and the Patriot Guard all following. It was the most incredible thing I have ever experienced in my life. I can't even describe it.

Tonight, Janice and I went to Ada Bible Church. Janice works with Jeanne, so we went together. When we got there, there were Patriot Guard guys in the front of the Church and flags as far as you could see. There were photo's upon photo's of Lucas and along with all the tears and sadness everyone knew that this young man was a hero and he died for his Country.

I was standing with Janice and I saw a young man in a uniform across the room. I couldn't stop watching him because he looked exactly like a photo of Scott that I came across a few weeks ago. It had been taken when he was about 20 years old, he had his military uniform on. I kept telling Janice, he looks just like Scotts picture I have at home. She said that we'd sneak a picture of him, and I laughed. I said, Nope! I'm going over to talk to him.

His name is Ross and he told us that he had been with Lucas. I told him my story about looking so much like a 20 year old Scott and asked if I could have a picture with him. This young man was so wonderful. He talked to us and told us how brave Lucas was and that he was a hero. After Janice took our picture, he gave us both a hug. I'll probably never see this young man again but I wish he knew how much it meant to me to talk to him tonight. And I wish that I could tell him how much I appreciate him and every other member of the military. I'd shared with him my fear of my boys going into the military, but I didn't mean it with any disrespect. I meant it as a mother...but I know that Ross's mom must be really proud of the service that her son is giving our Country.

Tomorrow is Lucas's funeral. Janice and I were one of the last ones to leave and when I gave Jeanne a hug she said, "Thanks for coming tonight....I need to go say goodnight to my son."