Afghan crash claims life of Cumberland soldier

April 2, 2011

MILFORD, Mass. (AP) — A vehicle designed to protect soldiers from armor-piercing roadside bombs has rolled over in Afghanistan, fatally wounding a member of the Massachusetts National Guard from Cumberland.
Maj. Gen. Joseph Carter, the officer in charge of the Massachusetts National Guard, says Spc. Dennis Poulin died Thursday in Germany, where he was evacuated for treatment.
Poulin's "mine resistant, ambush-protected" vehicle rolled over on Monday in Afghanistan's Konar Province.
The 26-year-old Poulin was a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard. He was a gunner in the armored vehicle that killed him.
Carter says circumstances surrounding Poulin's death are currently under investigation.
To honor the memory of Specialist Poulin, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee has ordered U.S. and Rhode Island flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff until the young man is laid to rest.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Specialist Poulin,” Chafee said. “My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. To mark his passing and honor his memory, I have ordered flags on all public buildings lowered to half-staff until he is laid to rest.”