Veterans Day 2020

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a day of honor a day of thanks

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VETERANS DAY • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • NOVEMBER 11, 2020

MAINE TROOP GREETERS GO VIRTUAL TO CONTINUE THEIR MISSION COURTESY OF BANGOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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he Maine Troop Greeters have a longstanding history with the Bangor International Airport and are known worldwide for their efforts in giving U.S. soldiers a cheerful greeting upon their return home and a proper sendoff as they head out to serve our country.

In March 2020, for the first time in The Maine Troop Greeters 29 year history, the organization’s mission was interrupted by circumstances no one could control. The greeters were told they had to temporarily stop greeting troops in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It took a little while to formulate a plan, but with a little help from the airport and video magic from Sutherland Weston Marketing & Communications, The Maine Troop Greeters created a video that could be played for soldiers during their brief stays at BGR. “Even though we can’t be there in person, it helps us knowing our troops are still getting a warm welcome upon their arrival to BGR even though we can’t be present,” said Cathy Czarnecki, Board Chair of The Maine Troop Greeters. “Although we miss shaking their hands and giving out hugs when requested, it is comforting to know we still have a presence in their journey.”

In addition to the video, each active troop greeter was given the opportunity to send a card or flyer that’s displayed in the area of the airport where troop flights are held.

Although The Maine Troop Greeters Museum was initially closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the greeters opened Sept. 8 following the guidelines of the governor. Located on the second floor of the Domestic Terminal at Bangor International Airport, the museum is open 12:30-2:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday.

All museum guidelines outlined by Gov. Janet T. Mills are being followed closely. New policies include: • Face coverings must be worn to enter the museum.

• There are separate entrance and exit doors to help with the flow of traffic.

• There is a limit of 5 people in the museum at one time, including museum volunteers.

• Gloves must be worn to view any of the books located in the Museum.

• A record of who enters the museum is kept in order to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing if necessary.

• Additional cleaning and sanitization measures are in place, plexiglass shields have been installed at the counter areas, and social distancing signage is in place to create a safe environment for guests and volunteers.

“We are excited to be able to safely be back at the museum and share the many stories of our men and women in uniform,” says Cathy Czarnecki.

For information on how you can help The Maine Troop Greeters, visit their website at themainetroopgreeters.com.

Who are the Maine Troop Greeters?

The Maine Troop Greeters are a non-profit group of veterans and men and women supporting U.S. armed forces serving overseas by greeting troops who arrive at Bangor International Airport. Day or night, rain or shine, it is the greeter’s commitment to welcome each troop home from war and give a proper send off to each of the young men and women heading overseas. The Mission of The Maine Troop Greeters & Museum is to express the nation’s gratitude and appreciation to the troops, for those going overseas for a safe return and for the returning for a joyful homecoming and to make their (hopefully brief) stay in Bangor as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Additionally, we will honor the trust placed in us by these troops by preserving and perpetuating the donations entrusted to our care, through display, education and sharing of these collections.

VETERANS DAY • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • November 11, 2020

Welcoming Military Service Personnel, Veterans and their Families for over 55 years COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA

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t the University of Maine at Augusta, veterans and active duty military personnel will find a wide range of courses, degrees, and services available to them at campuses in Augusta and Bangor, at eight statewide UMA Centers, and online.

Since the University’s founding in 1965 when a sign that read “Welcome Veterans” encouraged Vietnam-era Veterans to enroll, UMA has continued a tradition of supporting militaryexperienced students. Currently, UMA has over 300 students that are using federal education military and veteran benefits. UMA’s commitment to educating and providing opportunities to veterans, service members, and their families has earned it the following designations: Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs Magazine, Best for Vets by Military Times, and Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

Popular programs for veterans include Applied Science, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Cybersecurity.

These and many other programs are available

completely online, an area of expertise for which UMA is also recognized. While delivering college courses via online platforms and video conferencing is new for most institutions throughout the U.S., UMA has been a leader in distance and online education for 30 years.

Online classes at UMA are facilitated with state-of-the-art videoconferencing software and a Learning Management System such as Brightspace. Many faculty members allow students who are not able to attend at the scheduled time to participate by viewing lectures recorded from class and collaborate with classmates to complete and share work. Faculty can provide feedback directly on papers submitted electronically without ever having to print them. Audio feedback can even be attached to assignments for students to download and respond, and quizzes and some tests may be graded instantly!

UMA’s previous 30 years have demonstrated the vital role that technology can play in delivering education outside a traditional classroom, and thereby making education ac-

cessible to those who seek to obtain their degree, while maintaining work and family commitments. As technology improves, so does the level of engagement between professors and students, as well as the ease of access.

Whether taking courses online or in person, the Veterans Academic Center (VAC) on the Augusta Campus, and a Veterans’ Lounge on the Bangor Campus, provide dedicated space for UMA’s veteran student population. These areas provide a safe environment and place for fellow veterans to seek and lend support to each other and interact with the UMA Office of Military and Veterans’ Services staff.

Amy Line is a UMA alum, adjunct faculty member, a Navy veteran, and Director of Military & Veteran Services at UMA. Line helps students navigate veteran benefits and resources, and was instrumental in securing the private grant funding allowing for the creation of the VAC and its opening in late 2017.

Line also seeks ways to expand UMA’s support for veterans in the community. Last winter, UMA veteran students and staff took part in the National Salute to Veteran Patients by visiting Togus VA Hospital in Augusta. The group handed out donated new winter coats to veterans, along with UMA T-shirts, and most importantly, visited with veterans. With these events, UMA and its veteran students are able

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UMA veteran students and staff at Togus Veterans Hospital in February 2020 delivering donated winter coats to veterans. From left to right: Melissa Cowing, Salute Coordinator at Togus Veterans Hospital; Michael Malone, UMA Veteran Student; Amy Line, UMA Director of Military and Veteran Services; Jacqueline Thiel, UMA Veteran Student; Leo Porter, UMA Veteran Student; Laurie Krzywda, UMA School Certifying Official; and Vaunalee Foster, VA Veteran Volunteer.

to bond with and support the broader network and community of veterans and active duty military personnel in the area.

UMA will continue to pursue cutting-edge technologies and seek opportunities to provide high quality education and student support to veterans and others in fulfilling its mission of making higher education accessible to those in Maine and beyond.

Learn more at uma.edu/veterans.

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VETERANS DAY • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • NOVEMBER 11, 2020

The Donlons and Gold Star parents, Toni and Craig Gross of Florida.

COURTESY OF WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Decorated Vietnam Vet Honored in Maine

BY ANNE GABBIANELLI

“W

e have participated in hundreds of events over the past 50 years of our marriage, but none as meaningful as our 10-day journey from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery with the Wreaths Across America Convoy in 2017,” says Col. Roger Donlon and his wife Norma, who speak collectively about their respect for Wreaths Across America (WAA), headquartered in Columbia Falls.

That’s why the Kansas couple came back to Maine last month for the dedica-

tion of the Vietnam Room in the WAA History & Hospitality House. The 1820s home, one of the oldest in the community, was acquired several years ago and is located next to their national headquarters in Columbia Falls. The goal is to restore history while continuing to teach, says Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America.

“The house had been empty several years when we acquired the property,” she says. “We were pleasantly surprised at its

good condition.” Each room will be decorated to represent a period in US history associated with a military conflict. Col. Donlon, the first American soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor in 1964 during the Vietnam conflict, was honored again while visiting WAA. “We hope the Vietnam gathering room dedicated in Roger Donlon’s name will honor all Vietnam-era veterans and teach all of us more about that difficult time in our nation’s history, thus supporting

WAA’s mission to Remember, Honor, Teach,” Worcester said.

Worcester calls this History & Hospitality House an extension to the national museum nestled in the small community on Maine’s east coast. “For people visiting, it’s a step back in time and a hands-on learning experience.”

At the October ceremony, she continued in a tearful voice in introducing the iconic military couple, “The Donlons to me represent so much of a history… but the courage

VETERANS DAY • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • November 11, 2020

and character, they are the best people I know. You both have amazing stories.

Norma is a Gold Star wife … and has an incredible life story, and Roger exemplifies all that’s good in this country.”

Standing tall, sporting his mask and aided by a cane, Col. Donlon watched as artist and Gold Star father Craig Gross unveiled a painting hung over the mantle of the young Green Beret. In response, in his soft, aged voice, Donlon said, “We’re only young once,” which brought on a chuckle throughout the room. The colonel kept the moment light hearted, noting one of the medals he is wearing in the portrait, saying, “This medal for good conduct was the hardest one for me to earn.”

In an earlier phone conversation from the Donlon’s Kansas home, the colonel said, “It’s embarrassing. I think it should be named in honor of Norma,” showing respect for his wife who has been by his side throughout his career stateside and abroad. As if on cue, Norma chimed in, “We find equally dedicated people and each place has its own unique take on patriotism, but to find people like the Worcesters is rare to the depth and breadth of the impact they have made. We are very proud of our association with them and we consider that a blessing.”

The couple offered a lively conversation about our nation’s military conflicts. Roger was enlisted in both the Air Force and Army and in 1959 he was commissioned as an Infantry Officer.

“My first deployment was in 1964 with Special Forces. Our mission was to train the Vietnamese… a Civilian Irregular Defense Force (CIDG) at Camp Nam Dong in the mountains near the Lao border. It was situated on the Ho Chi Minh trail and caused an impediment for the North Vietnamese Army as they marched to the south.

Our battle was the first where the North VN Regular Army joined forces with the guerrillas from the south and attacked an American outpost!”

As a result of this battle, Col. Donlon became the first American soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor in Vietnam for his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty, on 6 July 1964.”

Reflecting on the history of wars in our nation, he shared, “Many wars are driven by politicians, commerce, trade, economics, greed, religion and ignorance — we just don’t know our neighbors. We need to look before we leap, study other countries and cultures and languages, and try to understand what’s in their best national interest and as well as ours.”

Norma added, “All wars are driven by politics — soldiers don’t make the decision to go to war.” This stoic woman speaks from experience. At the age of 22, she became a widow when her first husband, John Irving, was killed in action in Vietnam, but the tragedy of his death did not stop there. “California was a hotbed of dissent against the Vietnam War and after every award ceremony (John was a recipient of the Silver Star), the newspapers would run a column and the late-night phone calls would begin… ‘your husband got just what he deserved!’ and then the person would hang up.”

She claims she “accidentally” met Roger. “I was on a flight to visit my in-laws — it was the beginning of the good, the bad and the ugly… my feelings confused me… I did not want to feel anything… I was going through my life numb.” The colonel recalls, “My plane was delayed — the delay turned out to be a pair of good looking legs and the only seat left was next to me. She had to sit there for the 19 minute flight and then it took me three years to catch her after that.

Now we are celebrating over 50 years of marriage,” he shared with a tone of pure satisfaction.

As for being a military spouse, Norma shared, “In my generation, most soldiers’ wives were active partners in their husband’s career. Today, many wives and now husbands of our military have their own careers. We also have paid employees of the Department of Defense who take the place of helping families and coordinating events so wives/husbands no longer have this role.”

When reflecting on life in the battlefield and beyond that earned Roger Donlon endless awards and decorations, he simply replied, “What we are is God’s gift to us… what we become is our gift to God.”

Col. Roger and Norma Donlon.

COURTESY OF WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

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VETERANS DAY • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • NOVEMBER 11, 2020

In Loving Memory Of ALAN D. DEWITT

In Honor Of ARTHUR D. HENRY

22 years in the U.S. Navy Gone but still in our hearts.

Love, Mom and sister, Cathy

95 yrs old WWII Veteran, 45th Thunderbirds Infantry Division Thank you with love, Your children and their families

In Loving Memory Of

In Loving Memory Of

GEORGE D. THORNDIKE

Who served with the U.S. Army, Yankee Division during World War I.

Missed by his daughter, Faith T. Roberts; and granddaughters, Kathi and Karen

In Loving Memory Of

LEROY L. KNOWLTON

Who proudly served our nation in the U.S. Army Air Force in the Pacific during WWII. From, Nancy, Brian and Heidi

1ST LT. GUY F. HUNTER 1S ER U.S. Army - Yankee Div. Field Artillery

Fought with pride and honor in France, WWI, for our great nation, that he loved so deeply

In Loving Memory Of LOWELL W. VOSE JR.

Who proudly served in the U.S. Air Force flying jet fighter planes over Korea and Vietnam.

Wife, Doris; and children, Susan, Jeffrey and Sally

In Honor Of BARRY BENNETT

Uncle Barry, Your family loves you.

In Loving Memory Of

LT. COL. HENRY W. STUPAKEWICZ L LT ICZ Army Bomb Disposal - EOD WWII - Korea - Vietnam

He bravely served his country.

A soldier and patriot here and hereafter sadly missed everyday, but especially on veterans parade day.

Norma

In Loving Memory Of

MAURICE "BUD" PIERCE

Who proudly served our nation in World War II. He was a loving and caring person.

We miss him.

Love, Family and Friends

In Loving Memory Of

BERNARD R. STAPLES

2nd Lieutenant, United States Army Air Force, 1945

Remembering you every day and especially on this Veterans Day. Gloria and children

In Honor of

BONNIE SAWYER

CLOW BRO

Who p serve nation United Air Fo Who served our country as a Major in the Army Nurse Corps

In Loving Memory Of

In Loving Memory of

IRENE B. INFERRERA

James and Jesse Wood

May 31, 1918 - Oct. 22, 2005 Lt. in the U.S. Army

Served as a nurse in Taunton, England, in the 67th General Hospital during WWII.

In Remembrance Of

CPL OSCAR L. SPRAGUE of Milbridge

Missing in Action, Sept 3, 1950, during the Korean War and finally remembered Sept 5, with full military honors, after the family has waited for 70 years.

In Loving M

Brothers,

U.S. Navy

We are very proud of you!

Love, your family

In Loving Memory Of

CW02 PAUL M. DAYTON U.S. Navy, Retired Jan. 16, 1950-July 3, 2014

Love, miss and proud of you.

Forever in our hearts.

Ellen, Chris, Cory, Crystal, Delina, Alison

Wife &

In Honor Of My H

JOE LO

TSgt. 101st Refuel

In Loving M

RICHARD

Who proudly serve Specialist 5 in

We lov Wife, Linda; and

VETERANS DAY • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • November 11, 2020

In Loving Memory Of

Memory Of

CLARENCE M. ABBOTT JR.

WES OWN

My Daddy, Hero

OZIER

ling Wing MEANG

Memory Of

D D. COOK

ed our nation as a the U.S. Army

ve you. daughter, Tanya

BRIG. GEN., USA,

In Loving Memory of WALLY SAWYER

DAVID J. ALLEN

proudly ed our n in the States orce.

Family

In Loving Memory Of

Who served in WWII Company E, 120th Infantry European Theater Campaign, Battle of the Bulge.

Daughter, Alice A. Mills, granddaughters Lisa & Trudy and family

In Honor Of JOHN CASHWELL “Pops” 2 Tours Vietnam; Desert Storm; Maine National Guard

Thank you for all you've done.

Thank you for all you do.

Love, Your Family

In Loving Memory of ROBERT PRINCE

Who proudly served our nation in time of conflict in 1st. CAV. DIV., Army Air. Brother Dr. Arthur Allen & wife, Bonnie

In Loving Memory Of

JOSHUA TREAT III

Who proudly served as Chief Warrant Officer during World War II, Manus Island, Pacific Theater.

Gone, but never forgotten.

Nancy & Philip Burnham, Emily Burnham & Zach Robbins, Josh & Katie Treat, Hunter, Colby & Sully Treat, and the rest of his loving family

In Loving Memory Of ROLAND J. NADEAU

Jan. 5, 1935 - Feb. 24, 2001

Who proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy on the USS New Jersey during the Korean War. We love you & miss you, your family

In Honor Of SSG ERIKA YATES

DAVID R. BLACK THOMAS COPELAND BRUCE DOWLING KENNETH DOWLING JAMES DOYLE RYAN FREEMAN ROBERT HARVEY NATHAN HASTINGS GARY HUFF TIMOTHY TRUE Who proudly served our nation while serving in the US Navy during WWII.

Thank You from the Holden Town Council

In Loving Memory Of

In Loving Memory Of my brother

KEITH B. ROBERTS

Who served on the USS Franklin CV13 during World War II

Love and missed by his wife, Faith; and daughters, Kathi and Karen

LARRY W . LEIGHTON

We are proud of our daughter SSG Erika Yates, flight paramedic with the 126th Aviation Maine Army National Guard 2 deployments and 3 Air Medals

In Loving Memory Of LAWRENCE 'BUD' LYFORD

Who served our country in the U.S. Marines in the Vietnam War

We think of you often brother, and miss you.

Love, Judy & Weezy

Greatly missed by your love ones. Wounded in Germany, Combat Infantry, receiver of the Purple Heart.

In Loving Memory Of MSgt. RYAN LOVE

March 7, 1978 - July 19, 2012

They say that times a healer, but as the time goes on, we seem to find it just as hard to face the fact you've gone.

You'll never be forgotten and every day we shed a tear, but it's only because we love you and wish you were still here.

Who proudly served our nation in the Army Air Corps, ultimately retiring as Lt. Col. in the US Air Force

In Honor of

TOWN OF HOLDEN EMPLOYEES WHO PROUDLY SERVED OUR COUNTRY.

From your Maine family Rhonda & Bert, Dennis & Regina, Raye & Luther, Rachael & Dan

Proud of my son: MM1 Seth Duston, U.S. Navy nuclear Submariner 1980s; and his son, my grandson, Cadet Stowe Duston, University of South Florida ROTC, recently selected for Military Intelligence as a Russian Linguist and carrying on three generations of military service. I love you both, Dad/Grampy Peter, U.S. Army Retired (Russian Linguist)

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VETERANS DAY • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Patriotic Secret Santa

BY JODI HERSEY

Makes Flags for Emergency Workers A

fter a long work week, most of us are ready to relax and put our feet up, but not Mr. E. He heads straight to his wood shop to cut, sand, paint and assemble personalized wooden flags that he simply gives away.

This Patriotic Secret Santa, who prefers to remain anonymous, creates these gifts of gratitude to honor and thank Maine’s veterans, service men and women, emergency responders and game wardens.

“It’s incredibly rewarding and great therapy for me,” said Mr. E. “I love the quiet woodshop time in this crazy time we all live in.

What I’m doing should be the norm, not the exception. To say ‘Thank You’ to anyone who is a first responder or veteran or currently active in the military should be the norm.”

Mr. E, a longtime resident of Penobscot County, grew up in a generation that admired and respected anyone in uniform. He and his wife have passed on those traits to their children and grandkids who often help him distribute his works of art to unsuspecting recipients. Sometimes though, the family knows the recipient personally.

“The smiles, hugs and many times the tears that come with presenting a flag are all the reward I need,” Mr. E said. “I really feel this is all about the recipient and not about me, which is why I want to keep a low profile.

I sometimes think I should be writing down the reactions and stories that have come from my flags. I can’t tell you how many tears I have shared with recipients.”

Mr. E has made and delivered over 200 flags. He pays for all the materials out of his own pocket and neither expects or wants anything in return.

Two of his flags have gone to the families of Somerset County Sheriff Corporal Eugene Cole and Maine State Police Detective Ben Campbell. Cole was shot and killed on the job in 2018. Campbell was struck and killed by a tractor trailer tire that separated from a logging truck traveling past him on I-95 as he was assisting a vehicle that slid off the interstate in Hampden in 2019.

“They are the reason I started this hobby,” he said. “Both died serving their communities. One died at the end of his career and the other nearer the beginning.”

One veteran and flag recipient who has left a lasting impression on Mr. E is a man named Maurice.

“He is a paraplegic. He was a team leader on a security force charged with protecting a general. The motorcade came under attack.

The general was unharmed but he lost two of his troops and he, himself, was severely wounded. He, as any good team leader would, blames himself. But he’s not sitting around doing nothing. He has an incredible mind and works with adaptive companies that design and build equipment for disabled veterans,” Mr. E explained. “He also does a lot of sewing and he came into my store and told me he had some reusable masks for me, camo material of course. He said he was only

VETERANS DAY • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • November 11, 2020

making them for friends and family and that included me. I’m crying now just thinking about it. I am considered part of ‘his friends and family’ and all I did was thank him for his service.”

Paul Gauvin, a retired member of the Air National Guard and Sergeant with the Brewer Police Department has one of Mr. E’s creations on display at his home.

“It was a surprise to me. It caught me off guard. I’ve been in law enforcement for over 25 years and it’s the first time I’ve ever received something like that,” Gauvin shared. “I’ve seen the changes in law enforcement.

I remember where I was on September 11, and the reaction I got back then was good but now it’s not so good.

People like [Mr. E] have never ever wavered and that’s a testament to his generation.”

Many of Mr. E’s flags can be seen at the Lincoln Town Office, Penobscot Valley Hospital, American Legion buildings and various businesses in and around Penobscot County.

“He does beautiful work and it’s so meaningful,” Gauvin said.

Mr. E hopes Sgt. Gauvin and others like him don’t have to wait another 25 years to hear thank you.

“I feel we need to get back to common respect and appreciation. If someone, just one person a day, sees one of my flags out in public and thinks about thanking a first responder, veteran or an active duty military member, then I have made a little difference,” Mr. E said.

For now, he will keep whittling away, creating one flag at a time for those who have sacrificed so much, hoping his small present can show others how appreciative we all should be to those in uniform.

“I have more to make than I have time for,” Mr. E said. “Maybe someday, when I retire, I can make it more of a full-time endeavor.”

One of over 200 patriotic wooden signs made by Mr. E in his wood shop to give to veterans, members of the military, and emergency workers.

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VETERANS DAY • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Carrying the Memory

How The Summit Project honors fallen service members

BY JOSH DEAKIN

C

arrying the memory of fallen service members is the literal objective of The Summit Project, a nonprofit organization that honors those killed in post-9/11 conflicts.

Volunteers physically carry tribute stones on hikes and journeys, learning about and memorializing our nation’s heroes.

“Surviving families unearth and donate stones that uniquely represent their loved ones,” explains Greg Johnson, the executive director of The Summit Project (TSP). “Volunteers discover the lives of our heroes and then carry these stones and their stories on treks throughout Maine and around the world. We literally share the burden shouldered by our fallen heroes and their families.

Each participant must (1) learn about the fallen hero they choose to honor; (2) carry his/her tribute stone through a physical challenge, trek, or adventure; and (3) compose a post-event reflection letter addressed to his/

her surviving family.”

The Summit Project has expanded across the world to all sorts of physical activities to honor the troops. “TSP stones and stories have been shared on Katahdin, Cadillac, Kilimanjaro, Everest, Denali and been carried through parades, marathons and marches all throughout Maine, across the country, and around the world,” said Johnson.

Johnson has been involved since the organization’s inaugural event on Memorial Day Weekend in 2014. Through the six years of the organization’s life, 80 heroes have been honored.

“The beauty of this organization is the way it brings together people from so many different walks of life within our community and unifies them under a single overarching purpose: to honor these incredible men and women, celebrating their lives and legacies in a way which lets each and every one of them

VETERANS DAY • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • November 11, 2020

live on through us and our actions,” he said.

For Johnson, the motivation behind The Summit Project is a personal endeavor. “I have lost a number of close friends, mentors and fellow Marines during my own 10 years of military service. I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most incredible and selfless people this nation has had to offer. Whether or not those heroes are honored within this Mainebased organization, being able to support and surround myself with other people who understand the enormous WHY behind this sacred mission is one of the most healing and comforting feelings that I could ever experience,” said Johnson.

The Summit Project organizes two main events each year. The first one is held every Memorial Day at Baxter State Park and the second is held in late September at Acadia National Park. They also display the stones at various locations throughout the year to share the story of these fallen heroes.

“These tribute stones are on display at the Portland Military Entrance Processing Station and are available for sign out at any time throughout the year,” said Johnson. The

stones may be signed out by other organizations such as the Scouts of America and various JROTC programs across the state. “We also support individual sign-out requests which is where the majority of the miles are put on these stones all over the world,” elaborated Johnson.

In addition to the display at the Portland Military Entrance Processing Station, there is the The Summit Project Honor Case. This is a traveling selection of tribute stones that go around the state to various not-for-profit venues and promote the educational side of the organization’s mission. “This case was

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built by a Gold Star Dad and resides in each location for about two months at a time, housing approximately 20 tribute stones which are rotated with each location visited,” said Johnson.

This traveling case helps promote the organization, as well as spread the stories of these fallen heroes to community members.

“So many times we are contacted by members of the community who learn about our mission by visiting the Honor Case and will often request to join us for an upcoming hike later in the year,” said Johnson.

Johnson has had his fair share of moving experiences throughout his time with The Summit Project and he’s eager to pass on this tradition to the next generation. “Last year, I carried one of our hero’s stones during a ruck from the summit of Cadillac Mountain to the summit of Katahdin on a 170-mile trek between the two. This coming weekend, my son and I will be climbing Katahdin via Knife’s Edge for the very first time and he will be carrying the same hero’s stone that Dad did to its summit just one year ago,” Johnson said.

It’s important to carry these stories with

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VETERANS DAY • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • NOVEMBER 11, 2020

us to the next generation to ensure the memories of these heroes stay alive and the reason for which they courageously gave their life for is known. “It’s hard to imagine, but many of the kids in high school right now weren’t even born yet when the attacks of 9/11 happened, yet they still feel the connection to these selfless men and

women and they understand the significance of the sacrifice they had made for each one of us. These kids are moving mountains throughout their actions, accomplishing tasks that many adults often never seize the opportunity to do themselves, and there are no words to describe the immense pride I have just knowing

this,” said Johnson.

The Summit Project works tirelessly to ensure the memories of these heroes live on each year. It’s an organization that has successfully dug in and grown roots right here in Maine.

“TSP builds and bolsters our communities by intersecting the lives of the fallen, their families and the faithful,” said John-

son. “TSP has also revealed the character of both Maine and America – a character of service, integrity and loyalty. As Americans, we look after one another, we remember one another, we make sacrifices for one another, we are faithful to each other and we carry each other to higher places, both literally and figuratively.”