COLUSA COUNTY, CA (MPG) – The Colusa County Board of Supervisors last week posthumously honored Vietnam Veteran Gene Beauchamp for his exemplary military service and as a beloved friend and citizen of Colusa County.
Supervisor Janice Bell, who had requested the action, read the Proclamation honoring Beauchamp, who died at the age of 74 on Jan. 11, 2023, in a storm-related accident.
David Morgan, representing Rep. Doug LaMalfa, also honored Beauchamp by presenting his family with a Special Resolution of Congress.
“Gene was somebody who put service above self and was very willing to do anything for anyone,” Morgan said. “We are grateful for
his service.”
The presentation on Oct. 10 was well attended by Beauchamp’s family, including his wife Lana, friends, and members of Colusa VFW Post No. 2441 and Maxwell American Legion Post No. 218, of which Beauchamp was a dedicated member.
“Gene was an exceptional member of his community and was deeply devoted to his country,” Bell said. “He could always be counted on to help others, with no hesitation, and made sure to check in with everyone around him.”
Beauchamp graduated from Colusa High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army on Oct. 3, 1967. He served in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam (1968-69) as a helicopter aircraft mechanic and crew chief.
“Gene was one of the nation’s most highly decorated servicemembers,” Bell said. “He was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars for valor, a Purple Heart, and 14
Air Medals.”
Following his military service, Beauchamp farmed rice and was an exceptional water douser.
“Gene loved his community, and he loved his service in the Armed Forces,” said Lana Beauchamp, his wife of 47 years. “I was fortunate to be married to him. He was a good husband, father, and grandfather – and a wonderful member of this community. I’m so proud of that.”
In addition to losing Gene, Lana Beauchamp lost her brother Phil Mabray, 61, in the same accident that took her husband’s life.
Mabray, like Gene, had attended school in Colusa. He was a military veteran, serving in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years and achieving the rank of master sergeant.
Mabray was also a dedicated family man and well-respected member of the Biggs community.