BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — This year would have marked the 15th reunion of Illinois Wesleyan University alumnus Ryan Beaupre, the first Illinois soldier killed in action during the Operation Iraqi Freedom.
As a special tribute to Beaupre, the U.S. government has granted permission for a Blackhawk helicopter to land in the practice field near Illinois Wesleyan University Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. The helicopter will remain in the field for three hours, and will be open to the public for viewing and photo opportunities. It will take off just before the 2 p.m. kick-off of the Homecoming game that will pit the Illinois Wesleyan Titans against North Park University.
Beaupre will also be honored with the annual Ryan Beaupre ’95 Memorial Scholarship Run/Walk, which will begin at 9 a.m. at Wilder Field (400 Titan Drive, Bloomington). Proceeds from the run go to support the scholarship for an Illinois Wesleyan student. Immediately before the run will be the annual Kids Fun Run, which also pays tribute to Beaupre.