By LORI SZEPELAK
Contributor
WESTFIELD – U.S. Army Cpl. Jeremy Bouffard had his future in plain sight. On Aug. 22, 2007, a tragic helicopter crash in Iraq ended his life, and the lives of 13 of his fellow soldiers.
“He was a patriot and wanted to serve,” said his mom, Paula Bouffard, on Wednesday afternon in the family’s living room with the fireplace crackling. “We were all so proud of him.”
Bouffard shared that love of her son and her love of country during a recent presentation at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke when she announced the formation of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Western MA Chapter 1. The term “gold star mother” refers to any mother who has lost a child in the service of our country. In 1928, a group of gold star mothers formed the private national organization, American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
Bouffard, who also served in the U.S. Army for several years, noted she knew the dangers inherent with the role her son was taking on as part of an elite unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and also knew in her heart her son was pursuing his dream.
“He wanted to be the best in his unit,” she said, adding that he ultimately wanted to attend helicopter pilot school.
After 9/11, Bouffard said it was evident that her son knew his calling and announced he was following in his parents’ footsteps.
“Jeremy knew he wanted to join the Army from an early age,” she said, adding she told him about the sacrifices some soldiers ultimately make.
“He always said, ‘I know,’” she said.
Bouffard noted her son joined the Army in 2005 and after completing basic training, was pinned by his father, retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Stephen Bouffard, at a special ceremony at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee.
“We were so proud of him,” said Bouffard, adding that all members of her family had sent him letters weekly during basic training to encourage him and to “keep his spirits up.”
“He was ready for his mission,” she said.
Jeremy Bouffard had been scheduled to depart Iraq after his first year’s deployment but the timing of his departure had been extended.
“He died during the last week of his tour,” she said.
The family lived in Middlefield for many years and Jeremy attended Gateway Regional High School in Huntington. Jeremy married Huntington native Amanda Burgess one year before he was deployed. Their son, Caleb, now 8, is “an angel” in his grandmother’s eyes.
“We have photos in every room of Jeremy and his family,” she said.
For years, Bouffard sought out emotional support from family and friends, and was aware of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., but all of the meetings were conducted in the Boston area.
“I had no idea how many gold star moms there were in our area,” she said.
When Wreaths Across America came to Stanley Park last year, she made a connection that changed her life.
“I live practically across the street from Stanley Park so I visited the presentation and met other gold star mothers that day,” she said.
Since then, Bouffard has been on a mission of her own – helping to establish Gold Star Mothers, Inc. in western Massachusetts.
“We just received our charter and had our first meeting,” she said, noting there are currently nine members. The women range in age from 50 to 93, and reside in Chicopee, Springfield, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Granville and North Adams. Bouffard is serving as president but still seeks a treasurer, secretary and chaplain.
She said her hope is that this chapter will be a “healing group” for the local mothers.
“We need to support each other and flow with the changing times,” she added.
Bouffard said veterans of all ages need support and help upon their return from serving our country.
“We will especially be reaching out to younger vets,” she said.
Bouffard expects the group will meet every two months and she has plans for several events this year to introduce the new chapter to the communities across the region.
“I was able to leave my job as an X-ray technician to watch my grandkids and concentrate on this organization,” she said, noting her husband’s job at Baystate Medical Center has allowed her that freedom.
Bouffard noted in her heart she knew she wanted to do “something that matters” and now she can.
Upcoming events in the early planning stages include a military friends picnic and a marathon.
“We will welcome community support that will help our gold star families,” she said.
In the coming months she will also launch a website and a Facebook page with the assistance from one of her three daughters who specializes in design work.
In the interim, gold star mothers from across western Massachusetts are encouraged to email Bouffard if they are interested in more information about the chapter. Area residents who are also interested in lending a hand with future events can contact Bouffard at [email protected].
As Bouffard embarks on a new chapter in her life, she looks forward to reaching out and helping others.
“I hope with our involvement we can help others heal,” she said. “Our vets also need support and we can help those who come back.”
