Honoring Maine fallen heroes

This past weekend I hiked with The Summit Project's annual signature event at Acadia National Park, making my second hike with this amazing organization. Their mission "is to honor our state's post-9/11 fallen Service Members and–through education, fellowship, and physical activity–provide assurance to their families that these sacrifices will never be forgotten."

At Acadia National Park, four teams of 10-15 hikers climbed four different trails summitting Cadillac Mountain - the tallest peak on Mount Dessert Island. Months before the trek, hikers were assigned a fallen hero and were charged with learning about that service man or woman. The morning of the event each hiker received a stone engraved with the initials, rank, and dates of the hero. We then carried the stones top of the mountain. Along the journey we would reflect on our hero and take photos with the memorial stones. At the summit our team found a semi-out-of-the-way spot to sit. In this circle-time, we shared with our fellow hikers what we learned about our hero. The stones are not left at the top. They are returned to the families at a ceremony back at basecamp, then after the event they are showcased in a display at MEPS in portland.

My hero was Army National Guard Sgt Richard K. Parker, born December 9, 1980 in Strong, Maine and graduated from Mount Abram High School in 1999. He was the son of Scott Hood and Dixie Parker and had one brother, three sisters, a fiance and a son, as well as many other surviving family members and friends. He enjoyed many things such as coins, rocks, fossils, reading fantasy books, and collecting wizards and dragons. Apparently he loved picking on his sisters. 🥰

Sgt Richard was killed in action in Irag on June 14, 2007 during his second tour overseas. Richard found his place in the world in the military and amongst his brothers in arms. He served with the ABTRY 152 FA for nine years. He truly loved what he was doing and in serving his country. He received the Bronze Star posthumously. Maine Governor John Baldacci commemorated him as "well-loved and greatly respected by his unit." Flags flew at half-mast across Maine to remember Richard. He also received the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and posthumously, the Purple Heart.

I am moved each time I read about all our veterans who have sacrificed all, so others may have a better life, but when I was reading about Richard, I didn't make it far before my heart shut down. You see, he never got to meet his son Keegan. Sgt Richard was killed in action before his little boy was born. What a loss for his family.

The Summit Project's mission is to honor Maine's men and women like Sgt Richard who leave behind family and friends. And with the mission of this incredible group, we hope that in sharing the stories of our heroes, it will in some way help to lesson the pain suffered by those left behind.

If you would like to support this organization, please visit their webstie at thesummitproject.org to see how you can be a part of this family. There is an event this weekend, Sunday, September 29 at UMaine. The Motsay Warrior Trek. This is a hike to bring awareness to those who are veterans, active duty members, and/or family members of those who serve that struggle with suicide. During this event, competitors will complete as many 1-mile or 1/2-mile loops as they can between sunrise and sunset. U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kenneth C. Motsay was a Marine Officer Instructor of the NROTC program at the University of Maine Orono who passed unexpectedly on February 13th, 2023. Cadets from the NROTC Program created the Motsay Fund, dedicated to advancing the careers and leadership experience of MIDN who show prominence and dedication within the unit. 40% of the funds raised will be used to support this fund, while 60% of the proceeds will be generously donated to The Summit Project.

To register please click this link. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSciXp8-s-uUn6Vn4m6BckQNlPVZD4I2skdPGs4lou8P6oBebg/viewform

Maine Heroes Are Not Forgotten (MHANF)

Happy Hiking,

Emily

Credit: Most of this text was taken from TSP's website and from Sgt Richard's Obituary from the Bangor Daily News

More photos from TSP at ANP Team Gold