When he attended USM, he was known as Jay Aubin. In death he is remembered as Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Aubin, 36, was one of the first to die in the war with Iraq when the helicopter he piloted crashed in Kuwait, killing four U.S and eight British soldiers. Before being dispatched overseas, Aubin resided in Yuma, AZ with his wife and two children. He taught flight at the Marine Corps air station in Yuma.
A Maine resident for the majority of his life, Aubin was born and raised in Skowhegan. His mother and stepfather currently reside in Winslow, ME. Aubin, a USM alumnus, graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology in May 1993.
Richard Carter was the assistant dean in the School of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology at the time of Aubin’s enrollment at USM. Although he wasn’t Aubin’s advisor, he knew Aubin on a somewhat personal level. Carter remembers Aubin as a conscientious student who worked hard to obtain his degree. “I was really impressed with him,” said Carter.
Aubin was an admirable student throughout his scholastic career. In his graduating year at the Skowhegan Area High School, he was honored with the Student of the Year award.
After graduating high school, Aubin enlisted with the Marine Corps, putting off his studies for four years. Once his four year commitment ended, he left the service and enrolled at Southern Maine Technical College where he earned an associate’s degree. Married and working as a machinist at the time, Aubin waited two years before pursuing his bachelor’s degree.
Once he obtained his degree from USM, Aubin re-enlisted in the Marine Corps as an officer. In his death he was awarded the title of Major. Aubin was given a full military service at his home and base in Yuma and was then buried in California, his wife’s home state.