IRAQ – PFC Tyler Jacob Smith, 22, of Bethel, died March 21 in Iraq in the service of his country.

He was born in Lewiston on Nov. 15, 1985, to Martin and Wendy (Hall) Smith. He was a graduate of Telstar High School in Bethel. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Dec. 27, 2005. He received his training at Fort Stewart in Georgia. He served as a combat engineer receiving the following awards: the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, pending, posthumous, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Weapons (expert) and the Right Sleeve Overseas Bar.

He married the former Heather Bolstridge on May 28, 2006, at the Old Covered Bridge in Newry. He started helping and working with his dad at an early age. He enjoyed helping his dad in his construction business. He enjoyed Region 9 while at Telstar.

He is survived by his wife, Heather of Georgia; parents, Martin and Wendy Smith of Bethel; a sister, Jessica Rose of Springfield, Mo.; two brothers, Chad Allan Smith of Toms River, N.J., and Benjamin Martin Smith of Bethel; his maternal grandmother, Vivian Hall of Toms River, N.J.; his paternal grandmother, Rosemary Smith of Lakewood, N.J.; and niece, Kadince Marie Smith of Bethel.