[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 158 (Thursday, September 28, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING SPECIALIST 5TH CLASS GENE WESLEY BEAUCHAMP

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                           HON. DOUG LaMALFA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2023

  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service 
of Colusa County resident Gene Wesley Beauchamp who tragically passed 
away earlier this year at the age of 75 years old.
  Gene was an exceptional member of our community; he was deeply 
devoted and loyal to our nation. He could always be found helping 
others. Gene was a truly selfless servant and will be missed by all.
  Gene was born August 14, 1948, to Leonard and Lona Beauchamp. He 
attended local schools, graduating from Colusa High School. On October 
3, 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he would serve 3 years of 
active duty and 3 years in the reserves.
  From 1968 to 1969, Gene served in Vietnam as a Helicopter Aircraft 
Mechanic. He was trained on several army helicopters and even acted as 
crew chief. Gene was one of our nation's most highly decorated 
servicemen, being awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars for valor, 
a Purple Heart and fourteen Air Medals.
  After his military service, Gene came back to Northern California and 
attended Chico State University. After which he would return to his 
family's rice farm in Colusa County. In 1975 he married his wife. Lana, 
and they raised a family on the rice farm in the very same home he grew 
up in.
  After retiring from farming, Gene could be found volunteering with 
his local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2441 and the American 
Legion Post 218. During his time with these organizations, Gene could 
be found serving at fellow veterans' funerals, carrying the American 
flag in parades or local football games, and participating in 
ceremonies honoring the U.S. military and our treasured veterans.
  Gene is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Lana Beauchamp; his 
children Lance and Kimi, and his many grandchildren and great 
grandchildren. In honor of his outstanding military career, Gene will 
be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. His presence will be 
greatly missed in our community.

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