Continuations
May 5, 2011, The Bridgton News, Page A
Krista’s funeral
Marine contract
CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY — Tom Bardsley, quality assurance manager at Down East Inc. of Bridgton, demonstrates one of the many strength tests their back pack frames must undergo to pass the rigorous standards of the U.S. Marine Corps. (Geraghty Photo) “They (the frames) have solved so many important problems for the Army,” Howell said. Before, the aluminum and steel frames “would crack and break, sometimes even when they drop them off the truck,” he said. In a recent interview at his business, Howell was understandably reticent about offering too many details of the work that goes into the design of the frames. Suffice it to say that the frame’s composition is “a revolutionary polymer” of plastic, and they have been thoroughly tested for all kinds of combat situations. The Marine packs will be used by Marines doing rotations of up to three days at observation posts, long patrols or helicopter assaults where a trip back to the forward operating
base may not happen for up to 72 hours. “I have a wonderful team here,” said Howell of his 10 employees, who are: Nicky Howell, chief financial officer; Justin Kiger, new product development; Tom Bardsley, quality assurance manager; Michelle Kilgore, director of administration; Ali Kiger, production manager; Mark Smith, prototype and production; Patti Murphy, A.O.R.D.; Mike Libby, maintenance; and Jacki Kennagh, human resources. Howell also owns and operates the Magic Lantern Theatre, and Kiger is proud to say he has the job of picking what movies are shown.
In 2007, the Army gave Down East a special award, recognizing the company as being “The Innovative Small Business Performer of the Year.” Down East, founded by Howell’s parents, Clarence “Pete” Howell and Shirley Howell, began supplying the military in 1973 when it won its first contract with the Navy. In 1964, the Howells also founded Howell Laboratories, now located on Route 117. “My father was a gifted inventor,” Howell said. Down East is currently involved in five or six other development programs “that are in various stages,” Howell said. “We expect to be very busy.”
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(Continued from Page A) armor to be easily taken off or on. It’s called the MOLLEmedium “and works very well,” Howell said. As a first tier subcontractor, Down East has delivered over 200,000 of those frames to defense contractors, such as Boeing Aerospace, who have the billion-dollar contracts for the packs. Last year, the U.S. Marines announced their intention to outfit their corps with a new combat field ruck, and Down East was invited to take part in field-testing and evaluation trials. A few weeks ago, after extensive testing, the Marines selected an updated version of the MOLLE-large system Down East produced for the Army as their new primary combat ruck. “We’re producing 245,000 of them right out of the gate” over the next 12 months, Howell said. Also capable of carrying 200 pounds, the new ruck weighs half a pound less than the Army’s version, and is more versatile. It was recently tested in a fully-loaded 120-pound pack, dropped from a plane. It withstood the impact without a scratch. It cannot withstand a direct bullet impact, but it is very resistant to shattering, Howell said. “The way the frames are shaped are an important part of the new technology,” as they better distribute the heavy loads soldiers and marines must carry,” said Howell. The lightweight plastic frame allows for the main pack to be securely mounted onto it without the use of tools, and allows the pack’s load to be spread evenly onto the user’s hips and shoulders.
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(Continued from Page A) loved her and how protective she was of her sister Kayla. That didn’t mean there was no sibling rivalry, but Kayla said that over the last two years, she and Krista grew even closer.” “Her mother said that growing up Krista was always happy, always singing — Mommy’s little girl,” stated Rev. Mayberry. Referring to her high school life, the pastor said, “She came to this (Lake Region High) school as much to be with her friends than to be educated. She loved her social network — she loved to be with her friends. She was very athletic, participating in track and cheerleading…Life with Krista was never dull. She never had an unexpressed thought — you always knew what was on her mind. And, she was always loyal.” The minister said Krista will be especially remembered “for her love of animals, her love of people and her love of life.” “She loved children, and babysat for families all around the Bridgton area,” said Reverend Mayberry. “That loving, nurturing side of her came in to play, when she became a mother herself.” The minister went on to say that Krista was fondly known as “a social butterfly” — a personality trait that stood her in good stead in her waitressing jobs. “She cared about people,” said Rev. Mayberry. “She was open, caring and loving — perhaps that’s her legacy — she loved freely and deeply — and she was loved freely and deeply.” Kayla honors her sister’s memory Trying to hold back her tears, Kayla said of Krista, “Wow — who would believe one young lady could have touched so many lives?” “Thank you for all the love and support we’ve received,” said Kayla, on behalf of her entire family. “Everyone has asked what they can do for our family. Take a look around — this is all that we need — your love and support.” Kayla then offered a cautionary note to those in attendance, saying, “Think about everything you do — and never lie about where you’re going or what you’re doing — one little moment can change a life.” Kayla then read a poem she said someone gave to her the day Krista’s body was found in the snowmaking pond in New Hampshire. Speaking through her tears, Kayla read the poem that says, in part, “When tomorrow starts without me and I’m not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today; while thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say…So, when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.” Family friend Amy Figoli asked everyone present at the funeral service to not take part in “hearsay, specifically all the what ifs.” “Stay mindful of what you repeat and what you say,” Figoli said. “Do not take her dignity away. Do not take her integrity away. Exercise the wisdom of discretion.” Four of Krista’s best friends — Hope Lanham, Nora Antonio, Kayla Kirk and Jessica Corson — spoke of their love and devotion for Krista and hers for them. “She was an amazing person, a devoted mother and a loyal friend,” said Lanham. The others said they will always cherish the memories they have of Krista and one said, “I hope someday I can share these memories with her daughter Aliyah who will know what a wonderful mother she was.” “Great pain is a sign of love,” Rev. Mayberry said. Saying Krista’s life was “cut mysteriously short,” he then asked everyone to take a suggestion made by Figoli to heart. “There’s a great unknown as to what transpired, and I love Amy’s suggestion that we don’t try to figure it out, but rather let grace and unconditional love fill our space and fill our thoughts.” “Hang on to the love you felt for her and the love she felt for you and let that love wash over you,” Rev. Mayberry said.
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