In Memoriam

Marine from Connecticut killed in Iraq

By Shelley K. Wong, Associated Press Writer  |  May 5, 2006

SUFFIELD, Conn. --A U.S. Marine killed in Iraq this week was remembered in his hometown Thursday as an admired young man who excelled at academics and athletics in high school and enjoyed helping others.

Stephen Bixler, 20, was killed Thursday by enemy forces in Al Anbar province, the Department of Defense said Friday. His father, Richard, said he was on his second tour of Iraq.

"He was on a foot patrol, that's all we know right now," Bixler said. "We were very proud of what he was doing. He would say a lot of positive things. He was totally committed to his mission."

An Eagle Scout, Bixler joined the Marines shortly after graduating from Suffield High School in 2003, his father said. He was based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and assigned to the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Bixler is the 30th person from Connecticut who has died since March 2002 in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two of those killed were civilian workers.

Kevin Goff, whose son was a close friend of Bixler, said Bixler was a genuinely nice person who made the choice early on in high school to join the military.

"Stephen was the ultimate person that just wanted a simple life and just wanted to do well for other people," Goff said. "He was the all-American kid who wanted to serve his country."

Administrators and students at Suffield High School were shaken by the news. A moment of silence was held to honor Bixler before classes started Thursday morning and the American flag outside the school was flown at half-staff.

High school Principal Thomas Jones said Bixler was a track star and a scholar.

"Steve always had a quiet presence in school, but there was certainly strength in terms of his will and his sense of himself," Jones said. "Today we were in shock. It was just a very solemn day."

Bixler came back home during the holidays last year and spoke to English classes at the high school about his experiences overseas, Jones said.

First Selectman Scott Lingenfelter said it was a sad time in town.

"Everybody had nothing but great things to say about him, from teachers to coaches to students," said Lingenfelter, who did not personally know Bixler. "It hits close to home. It makes people realize what's going on overseas. It was devastating for us."

Under his high school yearbook picture, Bixler quoted legendary football coach Vince Lombardi: "I believe a man's finest hour is the moment he has worked his heart out and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious."

Suffield, a town of about 14,000 people, is 20 miles north of Hartford on the Massachusetts border.

U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, D-Conn., whose district includes Suffield, commended Bixler and sent condolences to his family.

"As a Vietnam veteran it is always very sad to hear of the death of a comrade in arms," Simmons said. "We are profoundly grateful for his service and sacrifice."

Gov. M. Jodi Rell ordered both the U.S. and Connecticut flags to be flown at half-staff until sundown on the day of Bixler's interment, which has not yet been scheduled.

"The thoughts and prayers of all Connecticut residents are with the Bixler family today," Rell said in a written statement. "Lance Corporal Bixler served his country honorably, and he bravely defended our freedom. His loss is extremely painful to us, but we will remember with deep gratitude his courageous service and will always honor his sacrifice."