PFC Andrew Small PFS Andrew Small

Wiscasset has lost one of its own to the war on terror. Governor John Baldacci announced on August 12 that PFC Andrew Small was killed August 11 in Afghanistan by hostile fire during a routine patrol. He was with the 10 th Mountain Division, based in Fort Drum, N.Y.

Although all the details have not been released, it is known that U.S. forces have been operating in the remote mountainous areas of Afghanistan; his unit was ambushed.

Andrew's grandfather, Richard James, told Reverend Wally Staples, Pastor of the Church of the Nazarene where many of Andrew's relatives worship, that he died a hero. He took action that saved many lives, his grandfather said.

Pastor Staples said he believes the family is comforted by knowing he did not die in vain.

"Andrew felt called to do what he was doing," said Staples. "He loved the military."

A soldier in the U.S. Army, he was the youngest of four sons of Terrence and Cynthia Small of Shea Road in Wiscasset. Pastor Staples said the couple is not ready yet to talk about their son with members of the media.

Andrew worked for Mary Ann Canfield several summers while he was finishing high school. She remembers him as "a kind, courteous, and very caring person. He also had a fun side to him," she said.

"He is a kid you just don't forget - he will not be forgotten."

Canfield said that they talked a lot about the military before he enlisted.

"He always wanted to serve his country," she said. "He wanted to better himself. Actually, he did. He not only became a man; he became a hero."

Canfield, high school teachers and another former employer at the Dairy Queen in Woolwich, Richard Ranta, all remember Andrew's love of a good laugh. Canfield said, "He was a happy kid."

U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, issued a statement Saturday saying that Small made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his nation.

Like many young people, Andrew posted his thoughts on the website "My Space."

One note was recently added by fellow soldier, Derek Heiner, who was caught in the same ambush that took Andrew's life.

"Dear Brother," wrote Heiner, "I am so sorry I had to come to this hospital and leave you to your fate… I will never get the chance to tell you or your family what a great soldier and how much of a brother you were to me."

"We suffered in the cold together, we starved together, and we went countless nights without a single wink of sleep together… you were not only a good soldier but a great man. I will never forget you and the kind things you said to me to help me through my time of need. All gave some, some gave all… and it's because of great Americans like you, I am proud to serve my country. I miss you bro… Love always, Derek."

Before he left to go to Afghanistan, Andrew answered a number of questions posed on the My Space website. One of these was, "How do you want to die?"

He had written, "Honorably."

Indeed.