BEATTIE, CLIFFORD

Clifford E. Beattie was born on January 3, 1974 in Tempe Arizona to Victor and Rhonda (Fleming) Beattie. Clifford moved to Medical Lake and graduated from Medical Lake High School in 1992. Growing up he was known to be a prankster with a good sense of humor; however, according to his younger sister Anna, “he just had a smile that would light up the whole room and laughter that was just contagious”.  

SFC Beattie joined the United States Army from Washington State in February 1994 and would go on to proudly serve for over 17 years. His military career assigned him to Fort Benning, Fort Drum, Fort Wainwright, Fort Lewis, Fort Leonard Wood, and Fort Riley.  

SFC Beattie was deployed to Haiti to support Operation Uphold Democracy with the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry. He was deployed to Sinai, Egypt in support of Multi-National Forces and Observers mission to facilitate the Peace Treaty between Israel and Egypt with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry. He was part of the Army’s first Stryker Brigade Combat Team that helped develop and demonstrate the capabilities of the Stryker to the Secretary of Defense with the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry. SFC Beattie was deployed to Mosul, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry, and deployed for a second time to Ad Dujayal, Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry. He was redeployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn with the 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade.  

Cliff was an avid fisherman and enjoyed watching Nascar racing, playing soccer, and spending time with his kids. The last few years he became involved in “Bringing Children Home Charity”, a religious charity dedicated to assisting families in need of financial support in local, national, and international adoptions. 

SFC Beattie’s military awards include the Bronze Star awarded posthumously, Purple Heart and an Iraqi Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star. Cliff received his Eagle Scout Rank in the Boy Scouts of America on April 14, 1992 at RAF Upper Heyford, England. 

 

On May 22, 2011, Clifford was killed in action in Baghdad Iraq from injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device when his unit come under attack from enemy forces. He was on his third deployment to Iraq. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SFC Clifford Beattie for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.