Slain Patten soldier mourned on Web

PATTEN – The distance from here to the World Wide Web is unmeasurable.

But that gap has been shortened this week, as both strangers and friends have gathered at computer keyboards to post Internet notes offering solace to the family of Spc. Dustin James Harris.

Harris, a Patten resident and member of the Army’s 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, was killed April 6 in Bayji, Iraq.

The 21-year-old was stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and was on foot patrol with members of the 101st Airborne Division in Bayji, 150 miles north of Baghdad, when an improvised explosive device detonated nearby, the Army said.

Harris’ funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the gymnasium at Katahdin Elementary School in Stacyville. A reception after the ceremony will be held in the school’s cafeteria, according to school Principal Christine Cunningham.

A representative for Gov. John Baldacci’s office said Wednesday the governor is planning to attend the service, as are representatives from the state’s congressional delegation.

Harris was a motor transport operator who joined the Army in July 2004 and was assigned to Fort Wainwright in February 2005, according to an Army statement.

Friends said Harris had been in Iraq since last August.

The son of Scott and Lorna Harris of Patten, Harris’ brother, Dylan, is a senior at Katahdin High School in Stacyville.

Dustin Harris graduated from KHS in 2002 and aspired to be a diesel mechanic, according to friends.

By Wednesday morning, a section of The Stryker Brigade News Web site had been filled with praise of Harris’ service to his country and words of comfort for his family by readers who had read about his death.

The site is dedicated to providing news and information about the Army’s Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.

“I am so sorry for your loss,” wrote one woman, who referred to herself as a “Stryker Mom.”

“My heart aches with you. …. Your soldier was an American hero,” she continued.

“He will remain a true friend in many hearts,” added Mrs. J., another well-wisher.

One person, saying he was a stranger, wrote: “As an American and witness to the pain of 9-11, I thank you.”

Baldacci ordered last week that flags be flown at half-staff on the day of the funeral.