BOONE—Family members added Maj. Larry J. Bauguess Jr.’s name to a list of Appalachian State University faculty, staff, students and alumni who have died in service to their country during a memorial ceremony held on campus July 20.

Bauguess, a 1993 Appalachian graduate, died May 14 in Teri Mengel, Pakistan, of wounds sustained from enemy small-arms fire. He had been assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team’s Special Forces Battalion with the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg.

“Life is simply about the journey and the differences we make along the way and the joy that we bring to the lives of others,” Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock said during the ceremony. “Today, we are reflecting upon the joy he brought to individual lives.”

Wesley Bauguess, left, assisted by her daughters Ryann and Ellie, adds her husband’s name to the memorial plaque located at Appalachian State University’s Veterans Memorial. Maj. Larry J. Bauguess died May 14 in Pakistan. Also pictured is Jesse Johnson, Larry Bauguess’ grandfather. (Appalachian photo by University Photographer Mike Rominger)

While a student at Appalachian, Bauguess was a member of the ROTC Commando Club, Scabbard and Blade ROTC Honor Society, and a battalion operation officer his senior year.

He was deployed to Saudi Arabia for four months in 1997 and served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, among other awards.

“I am proud that Larry Bauguess’ journey brought him to this campus to touch the lives of all of us and to let us remember that we are blessed to be Americans,” Peacock said. “Indeed, his journey made a difference.”

Quoting Gen. George S. Patton Jr., Peacock said, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who have died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.”

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