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<p><em>Scott Alan Belanger</em> was born in Duluth, MN, the son of Carol Elaine Harvey and Victor Allen Belanger. His family moved from Minnesota to Iowa early in his childhood days. When he was not sparring with his older brother, Mark, the boys were often found playing baseball. Their father coached, and it was through this love of sport that Scott became a very skilled catcher. Many trophies later, he was featured as an MVP and team captain for his Bettendorf Bulldogs high school team. Excelling in all facets of his life, Scott graduated as the class valedictorian and gave the commencement address in 1985. Many respected him as a great athlete, brilliant student and trusted friend with a big smile and an even bigger heart.</p>
<p>The United States Military Academy Preparatory School in Monmouth, NJ recruited Scott to play baseball. He often reminisced about the drive that he and his father made from Iowa to New Jersey and reflected upon it as one of the most memorable trips they ever made together. Parting ways at the early age of 18 to begin the journey of a lifetime was one of the hardest things he ever did. One year later, in July 1986, he entered West Point. </p>
<p>Scott excelled in military and physical activities at the Academy, but he had to work especially hard at academics, which demanded his full concentration, especially electrical engineering class. When he was not studying in his room, Scott would either be listening to rhythm and blues music or playing intramural sports. It was no surprise that he became a star team handball player and goalie. This position earned him his nickname of “Steady B” and his team, the G-2 “Gators,” the brigade champions title in the spring of 1987. </p>
<p>In January 1989, Scott marched in President George H.W. Bush’s Inaugural Parade along with other Gator classmates. During his time at the Academy, the Gators grew very close as they stayed together in the same company all four years. In their spare time, they would often hang out together in Ramsey, NJ, where they created wonderful memories.</p>
<p>Scott spent countless evenings catching up with his classmates and filling cadet rooms with laughter from his subtle delivery, sarcasm, and wit, catching them off guard with his straight-face expression. But sometimes Scott would burst out in laughter before delivering the irony or punchline, and that would make everyone laugh even more. Additionally, Scott’s love for baseball and being from Iowa reminded them of Ray Kinsella, the Kevin Costner character in the 1989 film <em>Field of Dreams</em>. Audiences were mostly drawn to the Costner character because of his contemplations and passion, and it was similar with Scott. His mere presence encouraged his classmates to think about the big picture at West Point and in life. Scott’s goodness and innocence shined over his face and brought his classmates closer together. </p>
<p>He and some of his closest classmates spent one break in Myrtle Beach, SC and another in Portugal. His love of the Portuguese language and culture eventually earned him a concentration in Latin American studies. As a cadet, he also completed Airborne School and earned his wings. Scott graduated in May 1990 and commissioned a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery branch. He attended basic training at Fort Sill, OK and then reported to his first assignment at Fort Carson, CO. </p>
<p>Married in June 1991, he lived in Colorado Springs, CO. In his free time, he enjoyed the outdoors, where his adventurous nature led him to skiing and whitewater rafting. While assigned to the 4th Infantry Division, he served as a battery fire direction officer in 5th Battalion, 29th Field Artillery and then as a company fire support officer in the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery before departing active military service through an early separation program offer in 1993. Upon leaving active duty, he became reappointed as a first lieutenant in the Colorado National Guard and continued service for another year before receiving an honorable discharge as a first lieutenant. </p>
<p>As a civilian, Scott became an expert in the water treatment industry and began his career in Denver, CO with Chem-Aqua and then Diversey Water Technologies. In 1998, one year after the birth of his first child, his family moved to Summerville, SC, where Scott continued to work in the water treatment industry with prominent companies such as Nalco Chemical Company, Fuchs Lubricants Company, and Garrett-Callahan Company. His family grew with the birth of two more children in 2000 and 2002 respectively. They eventually relocated to Anderson and then Williamston, SC. </p>
<p>Scott’s greatest joy in life was his children. He shared his love of baseball with his son, Grant, who also became an accomplished catcher. He also attended numerous dance recitals to support his daughters, Alexa and Aubrey. He was proud of their accomplishments and always lent sound advice when they needed it most. Known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor, he was undoubtedly a most devoted and loving father. Scott enjoyed grilling and took tremendous pride in his cooking skills. Some of the children’s greatest memories were of his wonderful barbecue dinners. After a brief and unexpected hospitalization visit, Scott succumbed to illness and passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in Greenville, SC. He left us all too soon, and we are so greatly saddened by his early departure from life. “Steady B” made a lasting impression with so many. It is now his turn to remain forever in our hearts. </p>
<p><em>— Classmates</em></p>
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