I've been meaning to write about The Summit Project (TSP) for quite some time, but it always seems I cannot set aside the time to write that this organization so deserves. I should probably start with explaining what exactly TSP is. In the words of Major David Cote -
"The Summit Project, a nationally recognized, Maine based, 501(c)3 service organization, is a living memorial that pays tribute to the fallen service members from Maine who have died in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. We have changed the way we honor our post 9/11 fallen heroes from Maine. The mission of The Summit Project is to honor our state’s newest war casualties and the faithful spirit of all Mainers."
The Summit Project honors Maine's fallen heroes with memorial hikes (and other events) throughout Maine and even further from home. Participants Learn about our soldiers, they Launch their event, and they write a Letter to the Gold Star family. Those are the details... that sums up what TSP is but it falls short on conveying what it means.
To know what The Summit Project means, you really have to experience it. I had that opportunity through a hosted event at Acadia National Park, and through several other smaller non-hosted hikes over the winter. During each hike, I learned about a soldier's life. I carried a stone that was carefully selected by his family and engraved with his information, and I wrote a letter to his/her family to remind them that their solder is not forgotten. And yet still I did not fully understand The Summit Project.
I never reached my full understanding of The Summit Project and it's impact until I handed the stone of SPC Dustin J. Harris back to his father, Scott, after hiking The Owl on Memorial Day weekend. I honestly feel like that moment was the "summit" of the journey I took that day.
The day started very early with a 430am wake-up call. Team Red was to be the first team to hit the mountain that day, and as TL, I had an example to set. Everyone was geared up and ready to go on time. We did a final radio check and hopped in the van to head for the gate. Togue Gate opens at 6am, and we planned to be there first in line.
We were not first in line, but we still stepped onto the trail around 7am. Mike Winslow, a BSP Park Ranger, saw our rag-tag bunch off. As TL, I remember looking at my crew on the way to the trail and thinking on how diverse they were both in terms of hiking abilities and personalities. There was a last minute addition to the team who had never hiked a mountain of any kind. There were seasoned hikers that had seen mountains far more intimidating. There was a 17 year old man that had just signed up for the military. There was an Army Ranger who had just retired from a 20+ year career. It was amazing seeing such a great group of people from such varying backgrounds come together for a common goal.
Our least experienced hiker set the pace for the team, and everyone pulled together to support her as she made her first climb. She didn't think she could do it, but she kept putting one foot in front of the other. Her teammates rallied behind her providing both physical support carrying her pack at times and emotional support encouraging her when the going got tough. There were many great moments on that hike that would have made the soldiers and their families proud.
Reaching the summit of The Owl, we each pulled our memorial stones from our packs. Some of us had one stone, others had two some even three. But each soldier was paid the same respect as we went around the circle sharing their stories with each other. As each hiker finished speaking, the stone was placed in the middle of the circle before the next hiker began. When all were finished, the last stone to be spoken about was the "Service" spirit stone. It was carried by 17 year old Anthony Mason who had just enlisted to become a Combat Medic. This young man was wise beyond his years, and there was no need for me to close out the circle ceremony, as he said it best. Our country is very lucky that he has chosen to serve, and he will do amazing things.
After a few photos for the families, we began our hike back down. The hike back is always quieter than the hike up as everyone processes what they just experienced. Before we knew it, we were at back at the trailhead and signing out on the hiker registration. We pulled together for one last chat before getting in the van to head back to the families. I had one last piece of advice for my team, and that was to keep in mind that our work was not done yet. We were not done until we had handed the stones to the families and shared our experience with them. All of the hikers removed the stones from their packs and we rode with them back to Twin Pines - physically holding them for the trek back.
When we reached Twin Pines, the families were all waiting for us in a line. Gunny was there to help connect hikers with families if needed, but I did not need his help. The Harris Family is well known to me. I grew up with their son, Dustin, in the small town of Patten, Maine. I approached his father, Scott, and as gave him Dustin's stone, we hugged. Scott thanked me for carrying Dustin that day, and when his voice cracked, I finally cried. I did not realize until that moment the grief that I had held back at Dustin's passing. We cried together, and while it was an emotionally overwhelming experience, I like to think that it was good for both of us.
The Summit Project is changing lives. The soldiers' stories are having an impact on all of us that learn about them, and through remembering them we are helping their families to heal. I still do not think I have done TSP justice, and so I encourage you to learn more about The Summit Project and to learn more about SPC Dustin J Harris. If you are interested in getting involved, please click the "Get Involved" link on the website and join us in our mission to ensure that Maine Heroes Are Not Forgotten.
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