WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vermont-Raised Soldier Slain in Iraq
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Springfield, Vermont - May 18, 2009
Violence is again escalating in Iraq and a Vermonter is among the latest American casualties. Army Corporal Ryan McGhee, 21, mostly recently lived in Virginia, but he did spend a good part of his life growing up in Springfield. And the people there remember him well.
McGhee's life was taken suddenly last week during a shootout in central Iraq.
McGhee's mother told friends in Springfield that her son died a hero.
"Apparently there was a sniper who shot down at Ryan and his company, mortally wounding Ryan, but he was able to get ground cover for his troops and return fire," Michael Laplante said.
Laplante's stepson and McGhee were best friends. And Laplante said he treated the soldier like one of the family.
"He had the best attitude, was very trustworthy, he had a great smile. Just a lot of charisma," Laplante said.
McGhee was originally from Tennessee but attended junior high in Springfield. He left a lasting impression on teachers there.
"As soon as you walked up to him, his hand was out before yours and he was going to shake your hand. Which is unusual for a 14-, 15-year-old kid," recalled John Swanson, a middle school teacher.
Swanson knew McGhee from a trip they took together to Gettysburg. The social studies teacher says he still remembers the last time they spoke.
"Walking into high school, he was walking out, and he shook my hand and said, thanks for everything you have always done for me," Swanson said.
McGhee was planning to come back to Vermont to introduce his fiancée to old friends. Now, they will hold on to him with memories.
"He was extremely positive in life," Laplante said. "He wasn't a negative person; he didn't let a lot get him down."
McGhee died during his fourth tour overseas. He was in Afghanistan three times before his most recent tour in Iraq.
Laplante is helping to organize a memorial service with both friends and family in Springfield, but a date had not been set.
McGhee is the third student from the middle school in Springfield to be killed in Iraq. National Guard Sgt. Kevin Sheehan died in 2004. Marine Lance Corporal Kurt Dechen lost his life in 2006.
Adam Sullivan - WCAX News
