Waterville, Maine
Marine Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin was so kind, so friendly that his Marine buddies nicknamed him "Sweet Pea." "He could make a 7-year-old girl feel like she was as important as President Bush," said his mother, Nancy Chamberlain. Aubin, 36, died March 21 in a helicopter crash in Kuwait, near the Iraqi border. He was stationed in Yuma, Ariz., and lived there with his wife, Rhonda Aubin, and their children, 10-year-old Alicia and Nathan, 7. He grew up in Skowhegan, Maine, and joined the Marines after high school. He served four years before going to the University of Southern Maine, then re-enlisted after graduation. "When he was 4 years old, we all went to the airport and he had sat on one of my airplanes like a grown man," said his father, Tom Aubin, who operates a small airstrip in Texas.
I've never met any of your family, but I've been aware of you for a long time. This had made news when Jay died, and I've always felt a strange link to your family... because my name is Nathan Aubin, and my sister's name is Alicia. We're up in Canada. Though I was 15 and my sister 13 when this tragedy struck your family. Strange world. I sincerely hope you all are doing well, from a complete stranger. Much delayed condolences.
Nathan Aubin
July 16, 2025 | Other
ryan harrington
May 17, 2021 | Gggg, IN | Coworker
love
ryan harrington
May 17, 2021 | Pop, ID | Military
To the family of Jay,
I know from experience that the pain of losing a loved one never really goes away; we just learn to hide the hurt. I met Jay when he checked into HMM-265, Okinawa Japan. He was first assigned to the S-4 under Capt Dave Kase. I was the Logistics Chief. I was one of the few non-wingers. Jay was a joyful officer. I spent some quality time with him on ship and in Korea. For me the pain of the war started with him. I was stationed at the Pentagon when his face...
Michael Hurd
July 21, 2017 | Suffolk, VA
Sir, I never met you. I met your cousin and his family March 20, 2016 at Fort Rosecrans. Their love endures. Thank you for your service and inspiration.
Ruth Adams
March 25, 2016 | San Diego
Twenty years ago I met Jay when we were fellow students in The Basic School. My favorite and enduring memory is of him firmly straightening out an immature young officer who desparately needed an attitude adjustment. Though I never served with Jay closely after 1995, we crossed paths numerous times as Marine pilots. I still have the same reaction now as when I learned of his death: why are the best among us often the first to go? Jay was as good as it gets, in every way. We remember you...
Mike Boorstein
May 24, 2015 | Alexandria, VA
I will always remember Jay. I will be a better man because of him.
Lucas Strange
January 07, 2014 | Pineville, LA
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Aubin Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May...
Charlie Gili
April 05, 2013 | Brooklyn, NY
March 21, 2013
To the family and friends of Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin:
It has truly been my honor to sign Jay's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Jay will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy
Peggy Childers
March 25, 2013 | Carson City, NV