Dustin J. I. (Hadfield) Eldson, 26, of Mechanic Falls, died unexpectedly, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014 in Lewiston.Ā Dustin was born on Apr. 5, 1988, in Lewiston, a son of Linda (Strout) Lajoie. He attended Mechanic Falls and Poland schools, graduating from Poland High School in 2006. During high school he participated in the LRTC law enforcement program and was awarded the David R. Payne Memorial Award in 2005 for outstanding performance by a junior cadet and in 2006 was awarded the CPT Raymond Lafrance Award for patriotism, professionalism and outstanding performance.
He enlisted in the US Air Force out of high school in 2006 and served until 2012, having done a tour in Afghanistan.Ā As a young boy, he enjoyed camping, bike riding, swimming, baseball and playing with his brother and sister.Ā He most recently worked at Radio Shack in Lewiston and enjoyed music, electronics and video games.Ā Dustin could find humor in almost any situation and his ability to make others smile and laugh is how he will always be remembered.
OnĀ September 11thĀ Dustin came home and told his mother he wanted to join the military, he was 12 years old.Ā It was after watching our Country Ā suffer a terrible blow he made a choice, the choice to become a defender of our freedom and our way of life.Ā To prepare for this he joinedĀ LRTCĀ program for law enforcement.Ā He worked hard and was dedicated to his studies.Ā He was even awarded the David R. Payne Memorial Award in 2005 for outstanding performance by a junior cadet and in 2006 was awarded theĀ CPTĀ RaymondĀ LafranceĀ Award for patriotism. professionalism and performance.Ā Dustin was passionate about helping others and even had aspirations of becoming a paramedic.
Working hard was not Dustin’s only passion.Ā He loved Halo, camping, swimming, sports and bringing humor to any situation.Ā Dustin loved making people laugh!Ā It was one of his best qualities.Ā Dustin could always be found smiling or sticking out his tongue in a picture.Ā He had an infectious laugh and a huge charismatic personality which drew people to him.Ā He made friends easily and is loved and missed by many, especially his brother Adam and his sister Amanda.Ā The three of them that a very special bond.Ā When they were younger Adam and Dustin would babysit Amanda .Ā It has only been in now in the recent years that the stories of cookie bribery have come to light.Ā The boys always kept her safe, though she made out like a bandit in cookies.Ā She new how to play her big brothers VERY well.
The TSP stone for Dustin was found in the family flower garden in Mechanic Falls, ME.Ā Dustin and his mother Linda, and brother Adam helped to build the garden when they first moved into that house many years before his death.Ā Linda went out to visit the old abandoned garden just before the families recent move to Gardiner, Maine. While sitting on the edge and remembering about the day she and the boys had build the garden and all of the unique things they had found while making it Dustin’s stone revealed itself to her.Ā It was the perfect stone to represent Dustin.
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qaoJCJpbQw&rel=0
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk_Pfto9efE&rel=0
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8S6j5Yl8oI&rel=0
Snow Patrol – Run: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS8IZcx7tJY&feature=youtu.be&rel=0
Dear Family of SRA Dustin Hadfield,
On Wednesday September 23rd, Heather McGlauflin brought Dustinās newly engraved stone to a small gather of TSP folks. She brought his stone to share his story and welcome his stone into the TSP family. She stood there near the campfire and told us of Dustin and my eyes locked in on his stone and the four letters that immediately called out to meā¦USAF. My husband has served in the USAF and currently serves full time with the Maine Air National Guard, 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor. He has been in the service for over twenty years. We also have two nephews, around the same age as Dustin, who serve with the Maine Air National Guard and USAF. As an Air Force Wife of 16 years, those four letters drew me like a moth to a flame.
The 101st ARW, also known as the MAINEiacs, has a5K every September to help raise money for their non-profit organization MAINEiacs Charities. This year there 5K was being held on Sunday September 27 and I was already planning to walk with a team of 11 people. Our team would all be carrying stones from The Summit Project to honor some of Maineās Fallen Heroes. I couldnāt help but feel it would be a wonderful way to honor Dustin by carrying his stone in the 5K as wellā¦surrounded by other airmen/women.
The night before the 5K, I sat at my kitchen table with Dustinās stone and read his story on the TSP webpage. I watched the videos and studied the photos. As I made my notes to have for our stone ceremony, I got a case of the giggles thinking of the story about throwing water balloons off the porch with Adam and them having to bribe Amanda to not say anything to you about it. You see, I come from a long line of pranksters. Iām known for hiding in closets or dark corners waiting for any one of my family members, including my kids, to come walking by so I can jump out at them. I also have a tendency to laugh at the most inappropriate times to break any tension. So I can certainly appreciate Dustinās sense of humor and love to make others laugh.
Dustin found his calling at the tender age of 12. It took me a little longer to find mine, but when I didā¦I jumped in feet first and continue to strive to do it the best I can. My calling is to support and honor those who wear a military uniform. Past, present and future. I was honored to carry Dustinās stone in my hands for the entire 5K. After we crossed the finish line, our team gathered at a nearby Vietnam Memorial to hold our stone ceremony, and we formed a circle to tell each other about the fallen hero whose stone we carried. As I spoke about Dustin, the moment was filled with laughter and tears.
I liken my carrying Dustinās stone to the story of how his stone was chosen for TSP. I did not seek out his stoneā¦rather his stone made its presence known to me. I did not even think I would be going to that gathering on September 23rd. But, that morning things clicked into place and I was able to go. I truly feel I was meant to go that night so I could see Dustinās stone and feel that pull to carry it in the 5K.
Sunday night after the 5K, I found myself sitting at my kitchen table again holding Dustinās stone. I recalled the dayās events and emotions. Iām not much of a drinker, but I did have a Hard Root Beer and toasted Dustin. I told him that I will always think of him now when I play a prank or am hiding in a closet waiting for someone to walk by. I promised him I would not forget him, a fellow mischief maker.
Thank you for participating in The Summit Project and for sharing Dustinās story. SRA Dustin Hadfield is NOT forgotten!
Love and Blessings,
Heather āGraceā Audet
Grace, I cannot begin to express to you how thankful
I am to you for carrying Dustins stone and keeping
His memory alive! You are absolutly right I think
You and Dustin are kindred spirits! His laugh after he
Would “get” somebody was so contagious there was
Almost no way anyone could be mad at him even if they wanted to be. Dustin was also a master at saying the most inappropriate things at the worst time which always ended with me giggling or having to outright leave the room. Again I would try to be mad but it was almost impossible! Thank you again for the laughter and tears as I read your letter! This has meant the world to me!
To Linda & Family,
Thank you for the opportunity to honor your son for his service to our country. I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope you can take comfort in the fact that on October 17th, 2015 – Air Force SrA Dustin J. Hadfield was not forgotten, and his life mattered to me!
I wasnāt supposed to be carrying Dustinās stoneā¦
The stone I was assigned to carry would not be available, so Dustinās stone found itās way to me instead. Iād already done some research on my first assignment, but was more than happy to shift focus and learn about Dustin. When I was assigned his stone and read about his story, I felt pain and sadness at first when watching your interview. I canāt even imagine what you went through, and I was a bit overwhelmed for a while.
As I learned more about Dustin he always liked to make others laugh, had an early passion to serve, had a big heart and a very meaningful positive impact on those around him. I hope to apply these traits that Dustin had in his life – daily to mine. In this way, his life will continue to impact me and others – and his story will carry on. Over the next few weeks before the hike, I went with my kids on several practice hikes to prepare for the TSP event. I thought of you and Dustin often during some difficult times on my trips, even before I was carrying his stone, his life was affecting mine, and challenging me!
The day of the hike arrived and I woke up early excited and honored to be able to participate again in a TSP hike! While packing the night before I took a sharpie and drew an upside-down smiley face on my forearm – to remind me of the tattoo Dustin had and his view of the smile! I hoped it would remind me of him throughout the day and maybe I could share the story with someone else too! I met my teammates and had my first look at Dustinās stone, it was a cool shape and it felt good to hold it in my hands.
It always amazes me how something so simple as hiking with a memorial stone can have such a huge positive impact on so many livesā¦
I took his stone and walked away from the crowd for a bit, to look it over, hold it in my hands and focus on his life. The sun was setting over the ocean and I took a picture of the stone with the sunset in the background. Taking that time to reflect on our mission for the day and reading over Dustinās card and looking at his and your picture kept the story fresh in my mind. I also put a name tag on my shoulder, with the upside down smiley on it, and someone asked me why it was upside down, so I was able to share Dustinās story with a woman before I got on the bus to begin the hike. It made me smile, and felt good to tell others about Dustinās story.
The hike was not very physically difficult, and the weather turned really nice as the we got closer to the top. Throughout the hike I tried to move around a bit, meet and talk with as many of my team that I could, sharing stories back and forth as we made our way up the Mt. We even saw a rainbow at the top, which was pretty cool! Soon the time came to circle up and each of us would hold our stone and tell a little something about who we carried, I was taking it all in and listening to the stories about why each person represented there was important.
I had a plan of what I wanted to say, but while I was listening to others and watching each person place their stone down around the TSP flag after they were done, I noticed that a bunch of the stones with my team had been with before more than once. I remembered hearing about their stories, and I was feeling a strong connection to their lives and the stones. When it came my turn to speak – I had a hard time choking back tears and trying not to crack my voice. I tried to explain my feelings as best I could, and told everyone about Dustinās honorable service, his good personality traits, and the hard reality of him finally succumbing to his psychological wounds here back at home.
I showed everyone the smiley face on my forearm, and wrapped up with an apology to Dustin for not sticking out my tongue in our photos – and there were smiles around the circle – mission accomplished. š
Someone said he would be disappointed if I didnāt do it, so I made sure to in one of the group shots later on – in his memory. Once we were all done with the memorial tribute session, we headed out to bring the stones back to you. On the trip back down the mountain, I was trying to think about what to say to you if you were there. What kept going through my mind was that Dustinās life mattered to me. I never knew him while he was alive, but his life meant something to me and other people today, that made me feel proud to be carrying his stone!
When we arrived at the tents, everyone one was clapping and cheering, they lined up to meet the busses. It seemed a bit awkward at first, but when I walked out of the bus with Dustinās stone in my hand, it felt as though I was escorting him in a parade to honor his service, and his and your sacrifice. It made me smile to see so many patriot riders and people coming together to celebrate his life!
Once we all circled up together it was an awesome sight to see everyone there! I wasnāt sure if you or any of his family would be there to receive his stone but my focus and concentration was in making sure that I pronounced his name and rank correctly, and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear me so that Dustin would be honored. I wasnāt sure what to say to you when I saw you and your husband walking out to meet me and Dustinās stone. I was very happy to give you a hug and let you know that I cared about you and your sacrifice. After we met, I stood near you watching the ceremony play out, and my heart felt awesome just being able to be with you both during that time. Thank you for spending time with me, it was a pleasure to meet you and to be able to honor your son for a brief moment in time. I hope to see you again at TSP events, maybe even hike sometime with you. Feel free to friend me on Facebook, or email me anytime. Thank you again for sharing your sonās story with us, and allowing us to honor his service to our country!
Love and Prayers,
Chad āVangoā Januskiewicz
Chad,
The experience was so overwhelming for me. I had to fight to hold back the tears so many times throughout the whole day. I was awe struck by the number of people who care enough to give up a Saturday to honor people they haven’t even met. The fact that you would take the time to get to know Dustin on a personal level means more to me than I could ever express. I love the fact that you put the upside down smiley face on your forearm and got the group to smile about the way he always stuck out him tounge in photos. I had to laugh when I read that. It was always a point of contention between us as I could never get a “decent” photo of all the kids. I can just hear him saying “see mom told you it was funny”. It seems that you really did get to know Dustin. Reading your post about the experience made me feel as if Dustin was really with you and he never will be forgotten. I feel as if I keep saying this over and over but I truly cannot thank you and TSP enough. I know Dustin would be honored to know that you carried his stone and story ( an smiley face)! Thank you just doesn’t come close to what I am feeling!
-Linda
Linda,
Please email me I just found out a year later. I am shocked.
E
E email me at linlaj@yahoo.com. I didn’t know how to get a hold of you. So glad you reached out!
E email me at linlaj@yahoo.com. I didn’t know how to get a hold of you. So glad you reached out!
I had the great honor of carrying Senior Airman Dustin Hadfield’s stone up Big Moose Mountain on May 19, 2016. learned that Dustin was an athletic person and loved his family and during the climb, I realized that he must have been a great person to be friends with and was a great warrior and protector to our country
I conducted the climb of Big Moose Mountain with the Nokomis JROTC program in memory of Maine’s fallen heroes. The climb was hard and at the summit, it started hailing and raining while we were talking about the stones we carried. The way down was slow as there were slippery rocks and mud. Every time my battle buddy or I slipped, we would make sure we were ok before we continued the climb.
It was an Honor to carry Dustin’s stone.
Sincerely,
Cadet Captain Caroline Littrell
Hi Caroline,
Thank you so very, very much for carrying Dustins stone and story! It means so much that he be remembered. It sounds like you had an exciting trip up the mountain and back down. I love the fact you had a battle buddy. Always have a battle buddy. Someone that you can turn to when times get tough and somone that can lean on you when they need to. We all need someone from time to time. I wish you the best of luck in everything you do, thank you for taking the time to learn a little about Dustin.
<3
Linda
Dear Linda, Rick, Amanda:
I came to Katahdin with a conversation over the phone and some study time about Dustin on this page here. I had hiked one prior hike with TSP and knew the gravity of the challenge ahead and although eager I was nervous that I would not have a connection to the stone but BOY was I WRONG!!!
Dustin was an amazing soul who after returning to a normal life as a civilian struggled with not having the same camaraderie as he did in the Air Force. It is so sad that we lost him so early because I know that he would have been someone that I would have loved to call a friend. I know that in another life, we will share stories and then get to work playing pranks on as many people down below as we can!!!
When I met you all I felt an instant connection with you. Being able to spend that quality time with each of you before Sunday was paramount to me learning Dustin’s story. When I returned to base camp to share with you my adventure on the mountain the prank Dustin had thought it funny to play on me by misplacing not just my hiking equipment but also his stone followed by my mind once I realized at the summit that the stone was missing, I felt like I was carrying the weight of the entire team on my shoulders. Perhaps I was. I knew I was not leaving that mountain until I found Dustin.
The many great things that came of this mishap lead me to exactly the adventure I was supposed to have. It taught me to look down and enjoy the beauty that Katahdin had to offer, it forced me inward. A challenge that is not only difficult for most but my daily struggle. I feel like Dustin helped me to actually deal with many of my own challenges that very day and not did I just overcome them; I DEALT WITH THEM.
I carried Dustin’s story without even realizing that I did not actually have his stone in my pack and two weeks later, I realize that although that is the mission; it is not the stone that makes the hike, it is the committment to give yourself to something greater. I completely gave myself to this mission and will continue to because I know how much this organization changes you, your life, but more importantly, how it keeps the families of the fallen going with theirs.
Linda, Rick and Amanda I will forever hold a very special bond with you in my heart and promise that no matter what happens, I want to live my life to ensure that your son and brother’s is never forgotten. Dustin, buddy, when I meet you face to face, we are going to have a blast…BUT, I owe you one!!!
Sincerely,
Jenn Lynch
MHANF
Hi Jennifer,
It seems as if Dustin was having fun at your expense. His sense of humor was something else! Amanda, Rick and I are so greatful to each and every person that carries Dustins stone but I am particularly thankful to you because I feel that his story may have had an influence on your life. I really love hearing the stories from the hikes and what people learn about Dustin and take away from the hike. You learned that Dustin could be frustrating lol. When he and I would butt heads when he was younger he would often say or do something so ridiculous that it would leave me speechless. It was these moments that we would laugh about later on. Maybe something about you reminded him of me and he decided he would see how much he could frustrate you haha. Thank you for being such a good sport and such a strong person.
Hugs <3
Linda
A couple weekends ago I had the honor of hiking with my brotherās stone. I didnāt think of it as hiking with his stone, I thought of it as if I was actually hiking with him. I always carry a picture of him everywhere I go; I have a picture in my car, in my wallet and I had one in my pack. I thought I was going to have a difficult time climbing up that huge, never ending mountain. But, like David Cote always says; āitās not about the hiker, itās about the person youāre carrying.ā I reflected about how Dustin always put me before he put himself. Though I did not notice that until I was older, I realize it know. When I was hiking with his stone, it was my turn to put him in front of me. I believe that he helped me up that mountain, and I believe that he made me work hard, but reliving his memories the whole way up the mountain make the climb easier for me.
Losing a best friend or brother is not easy at all, and I know losing a son is not any easier. This has definitely been more than a bump in the road, this has been more like a mountain, and again I was reflecting on that as I was climbing Bubbles. When I finally reached the summit, I thought of it as a milestone and me finally reaching the top and sharing how great and annoying my brother was. That gave me a great feeling of relief. It was not a push to āget overā the loss of my brother, but it was a great step in recovering and taking steps forward.
There is no other family or place I rather have Dustin in. Every hike that Dustin goes on, we know he is living on and his memories will live forever. This was not easy for me, but I know I have the best support system behind me. I also know that Dustin would be proud of me, and he probably would have āvetoedā me when I started to chock up half way up the mountain, but in the end he would have punch me in the arm when he told me he was proud of me.
Dustin is very well honored and is loved so much, he has touched many peopleās lives and hearts. I wouldnāt change the time I had with him for anything. When carrying his stone, it felt like I was with him again and in his presence. Almost like he was right there behind me, pushing me up the mountain. I did not expect to have such an easy time going up the mountain, and I also did not expect all the emotions that I experience.
Dustinās story lives forever, and I really hope that sometime Dustin will help you up the mountain (figuratively and literally) and make you feel the emotions he made me feel. You do not need to worry about Dustin not being honored, because he is in great hands. No matter who climbs with his stone, I have great faith in them and hope they feel the way I did.
Thank you for standing behind me and thank you for letting me honor my best friend. I love you and so does Dustin.
To have you carry his stone was so bitter sweet. To have you share your memories and personal stories with the group just meant the world to me. He did love you more than you know and he would have done anything for you. He often did put you before himself and the part you wrote about putting him first now was wonderful. Very fitting. I am so sorry that you had to go through this terrible tragedy. I am in awe of how you have carried yourself with grace and dignity through all of it. I know Dustin is VERY proud of you , just as Rick and I are every single day. Love, Mom
On 15 OCT 2016: Cherie Sackville wrote:
On Saturday, October 1, 2016, I had the privilege of being a hiker and part of Team Bubble. I was assigned the spirit stone, Honor. As our team gathered before boarding the busses, our team leader, Lisa came to us with two stones that were not picked up. One was for a soldier. The other was the spirit stone, Service. I offered to take the Service stone as well. I feel that Honor and Service go hand-in-hand. It just felt right and complete to have them both in my pack together. My pack was a little heavier but I was willing to take the challenge on as part of our mission to bear the weight that the families of our fallen bear every day with the loss of their loved one.
This was my second hike up Cadillac Mountain with TSP. In October 2014, I was part of Team Kebo for the first TSP@ANP. I was so honored to be part of the team.
I had know idea at the time what an impact this project would have on my life and it continues to this day. Last year I stayed behind at base camp. I look forward to our TSP events and seeing friends I’ve made through being involved and to making new friends. As you get to know more of the families of the fallen, you learn different things about them through their stories and remembrances. It’s really true what Dave says about TSP becoming family.
Having some of my family join me for this years event was special. They have heard all about TSP but not been with me for any of the hosted events. I was looking forward to having my husband, son and my mother there so they could learn about it firsthand. They were able to be at the campground for the circle ceremony which was incredibly moving.
We had a great group of hikers on Team Bubble this year. I didn’t know anyone on our team and had only briefly met PJ Laney this summer at the bridge dedication for Captain Jay Brainard. We fell in together and shared our TSP experiences. It is interesting to find out how people heard about TSP and became involved. I have met the most wonderful people from every part of our state through TSP.
It was an honor to learn about SrA Dustin Hadfield from his little sister, Amanda. As we were all hiking, climbing and scrambling up and over the rocks the stories begin to flow. For myself, I struggled getting up the flat rocks but listening to Amanda share about the loss of Dustin made my thoughts go to their family and how they must miss his presence every moment of every day. Amanda is a bright, lovely young woman and it was wonderful to meet her and to be able to learn about her brother who she really looked up to and who also took care of her.
Our team was blessed by having our very capable corpsman–Tony Lombardo with us. Luckily we didn’t need any of the supplies he carried in his pack but I was grateful for his help on the many challenging areas. He was always there with a hand, a smile and a funny story or comment. I think he did double the mileage since he was constantly moving from the front to the back of our group the entire way. Please be safe, Tony. I send a special prayer your way everyday.
When we made it to the summit, it was beautiful as always. It takes my breath away each time. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to live in the United States and especially in the state of Maine. These blessings and freedoms do not come without a heavy cost and through TSP the average American can learn about our heroes, honor them and their families.
Our circle ceremony was unique and heartfelt. It was an honor to meet Bucky Love who carried the stone of his brother MSGT Ryan Love. Thank you for sharing your very personal thoughts and stories of Ryan. I hope we get to meet again at another TSP event. I wish you and your family all good things.
Thank you Team Bubble 2016!
MHANF
Cherie Sackville
Cherie, we do miss Dustin so very much and to have others hear his story and get to know him brings some piece knowing that he will be remembered and honored for his sacrifice. You probably got to hear stories I don’t even know about. Amanda and Dustin were partners in crime! Dustin was 9 years older than Amanda and she was the apple of his eye, there wasn’t much he wouldn’t do for her. Every once in a while Amanda will share another “adventure” they had while Dustin was babysitting her, usually involving something they were NOT supposed to be doing haha. Thank you for not only getting to know a little about Dustin but also making Amanda’s first hike with TSP so special. Sincerely, Linda
Dear family of Justin Hadfelid,
I am proud to have gotten the honer to carry his rock up streaked mountain. I’m sorry for your lose. Carrying his rock up the mountain wasn’t fun the mountain was pretty vertical an rough but once you got to the top and seen the view it was awesome and the most perfect place to do this project, once I reached the top it seemed to be worth the hike up to pay our respect to our soldiers an it was a good time, until the hike back down that vertical rough mountain.
I would like to thanks you for your sonās service to make this country safe.
Thank you Ben! I am very greatful that you carried his stone and story. I have been up Streaked MT and it is a tough climb. You are right, the view is spectacular. Thank you so very, very much from the bottom of my heart. ā”ā”ā” Linda, Dustin’s Mom
Dear Linda, Adam and Amanda,
I am Sheila Pinette, I walked the Summit walk in Cape Elizabeth on March 11, 2017, from the Town Library to Fort Williams and back on probably the coldest day of the season 9 degrees with a signficant windchill. Fort Williams is a former Military installation commissionerd under President Geroge Washington and overseen by LAfayette . There is much History of how we as Americans have fought to protect our freedoms, just like Dustin did. I walked with 9 others and carried your son and brother Dustin’s Rock . That walk was cold and a challenge, but it was nothing compared to the sacrifice that your son and you as a Gold Star family have given to the American People. As we arrived at the Fort we felt it fitting to have each member on the walk pay tribute to each fallen soldier. We walked to one of the most pleasant areas in the park where there was a band stand Kazebo. There is where we chose to pay tribute to each of the Fallen soldiesrs we carreid on our walk. The bottom of the Kazebo had a lattice base foundation, which we crawled under to prevent further windburn. We felt this so fitting to be in a small crawl space with stones and soil, similar to a bunker…nothing fancy… symbolic of the sacrifice of our heros in challenging situations everyday.
I chose to carry Dustin, as I am a “USAF military BRAT” and my father died active duty in the USAF. My Mom too was military, so I so much appreciated his dream to become an airman …to strive for honor, integrity and excellence. I am also a Federal contractor for the USAF and just finished 5 months at Lackland AFB in 2016, where all airman start their Basic Training, so I smiled when I saw his picture… a site I saw everyday where hundreds of young men and women trained to serve our country. A great achievement to make it through Basic training. I felt so much pride to carry Dustin’s rock , because I know the tremendous dedication, effort and commitment he made to become an Airman. I would often ask the Airman, “Are you afraid to go to war? The answer was surprisingly “NO, That’s what I am trained for … I want to serve!” Thank you, senior Airman Dustin Hatfield for your service. May you fly high with the angels and sore like an eagle, knowing you lived your dream. I know there is no greater loss than that of your child or sibling, as I lost my Dad as a little girl….Forever, Dustin’s name will be remembered as a Fallen Hero for the state of Maine. We will help to keep his memory alive. My heart is with you and your family, for the pain will always be there, but know the Summit Project will take the rock from your Garden and continue to honor Dustin for his service in many different ways, which will bring you much pride.
Thank you so much for carrying Dustin’s stone! It is always so moving when I hear about the experiences people have hiking with him. It means so much to have people learn about him, knowing he won’t be forgotten is so important to me as his mom.
Linda and Amanda,
I had the honor of carrying Dustinās memorial stone and story to the summit of Katahdin on a beautiful day over Memorial Day Weekend as part of Team Gold.
The hike was amazing and I couldnāt have asked for a better team to ascend Katahdin. Dustin helped me on my journey by thinking about how he would have approached the trail. He would have made fun of the rocks while also respecting his mission.
With his love of junk food, I carried plenty on the trail, and at one point a fellow hiker said she was craving Cheetos. I laughed and said I had some. She gave me a quizzical look and I said, yes, in the top compartment of my pack. She opened it and the first thing she saw was Cheetos. I told her she needed to thank Dustin! She did.
Dustinās humor was on the trail in many forms. We had one hiker in particular that was (trying to be) quite humorous. Iām not sure it was Dustinās brand of humor, but we (mostly) laughed. I think his humor is something we have in common. I do believe his use it of is much better than mine. Itās a gift to be able to ease a tense situation with humor.
Being able to make new friends is not easy for me, but Iām going to take a page out of Dustinās playbook and talk to people I donāt know.
Amanda was amazing with the stories that she told me to help understand her brother. I wonāt give up those stories here as others need to take the time and learn about Dustin and go out of their way to make a new friend like I did with her. If Dustin is anything like Amanda, he was an amazing person.
In our ceremony, I shared a few things we should do to honor Dustinās life: Laugh! Don’t take everything too seriously. Make some new friends (at least go out of your way and talk to someone you don’t know). And most of all…Laugh!
Mike āBazookaā Peterson
Maine Heroes Are Not Forgotten
Hi Mike,
Thank you so much for carrying Dustin’s stone. Amanda is A LOT like Dustin in many ways. Her sassy little attitude is all him haha, and like Amanda he had a big heart. I love the Cheetos story! I think you found a great way to honor him ā¤ā¤ā¤. Dustin’s sense of humor ran the gambit from cutting sarcasm (he loved David Spade) to completely corny like “What has 2 knees and swims in the ocean” answer “A two-knee fish”. That would always make him giggle especially when he told it and we would all groan. Dustin did make friends easily even after making corny jokes. Thank you for keeping his memory alive, it really does mean the world to me ā¤. You will have to fill me in on the “Bazooka” nickname , it seems there may be a story there. . Amanda said the weekend was amazing and you had a big part in that, it’s like you took the whole family under your wing and for that I am truly grateful. Looking forward to seeing you in October. ā¤ā¤ā¤
I Truly Believe the Summit Project Memorial Stones are placed in the caring hands of those that are meant to carry them and continue to carry the story of that Fallen Hero. Common Threads, a shared birthday, the same favorite foods, family or friend, someone they Served with, etc., that ties the Hiker to the Stone or the Stone to that Hiker.
I think the Memorial Stone actually chose me a year ago, when I was helping unpack the Stones at Smuggler’s Den. As I held each stone, waiting to lay it on the table of the Team that it was to be carried
on, I’d say his or her name aloud. Of course, many Stones I’ve come to know either through carrying them, looking at the initials & dates and recognizing whose stone it was or had that particular stone on my Team. My Heart would swell with Pride because I knew that Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, or Marine. They have come into our lives as Family, Very Bittersweet for this Gold Star Mother to say the least. One of the last stones I picked up that day, pulled a little tighter on my Heart for a couple of reasons. The other reasons I would find out throughout the months to follow, and in September it would come back to me Full Circle.
Reason one, was that carved into this stone were the initials: DJH, the same as my son, Dustin J Harris. I asked Angel who the Stone belonged to & she told me. I would later learn that it was Dustin J Hadfield’s Memorial Stone and that he died by suicide in 2014. Over the next year my mind would often wandered back to him, and so many other Servicemen & Women with the Invisible Wounds of PTSD from Serving our Country.
In June, I found out the platform for 2017-2018 year that I serve on the board at the National level of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. would be Military Suicide Awareness. Throughout the year we will be having 2.2 Mile Walks to raise funds for Working Dogs for Veterans. In Honor of the 22 Veterans that die by Suicide a day.
It only seem fitting when I found out which Stone I’d be carrying up Mt. Cadillac – Retired Airman Dustin J Hadfield. I would soon find out more about him when I participated in the Silhouette Project 5k. I could never imagine all the similarities that would tie us all together, not just by the same DJH initials. I read that Dustin & his mom Linda found his TSP Memorial Stone together & it was placed in their flower garden, after making a rock garden. ( Anyone that knows me, knows I love flowers & gardening and have a few rock gardens. ) When, On September 11th Terrorists attacked our Nation, each boy making the decision to Defend our Country. Enlisting in Law Enforcement prior began preparing him for the Air Force & serving for 6 years, Dustin Hadfield was awarded for his Patriotism & Professionalism.
After speaking with Dustin’s mother Linda & sister Amanda, we continued to find out that both Dustin’s were kind, cared greatly for all those around them and were charming around the “ladies”. Just before boarding the bus to hike, I found out that Amanda had another brother named Dylan (did I also mention my younger son is Dylan & their birthdays both fall on the 31st) Amanda hiked with my son’s Stone & was on my Dylan’s team.
While hiking I told my Team to be on the lookout for a Mossy area so that we could take photos with the stones. Upon finding the perfect spot, I wanted a photo with my travel buddy “Courage”, one by one my teammates began pulling from their backpacks – some favorite things of their Heroes too, a stuffed dog, tie die bandana, chocolate, a Troll & lastly SpongeBob Squarepants. Which I found out was Dustin Hadfield’s favorite cartoon. (I had to chuckle when I shared with my teammates that SpongeBob was not allowed in my house) During our Sacred Circle I shared more “coincidences” between Dustin Hadfield & myself. A couple nights before our hike when I spoke with his Mom, I learned that he loved Slim Jims & Mt. Dew (Mt. Dew is my weakness & morning cup of caffeine, plus I only thing I carved when I was pregnant was Slim Jims) I couldn’t believe it when she said she would called Dustin, Amanda & Adam her Three Musketeers. ( I too called my Dustin & his two best friends my Three Musketeer’s because of the closeness they shared. I also nicknamed 3 Vietnam Moms that I’ve gain great Inspiration from my Three Musketeers)
If I’ve learned anything in the last 11 1/2 years since Dustin was Killed in Iraq, I’ve come to know that there are “NO COINCIDENCES”. We are placed in the right place at the right time, and those meant to impact our lives are brought into them. There are Always many Reasons Why.
I was Honored to carry the Memorial Stone & Story of Retired Air Force Senior Airman Dustin J Hadfield.
Linda – I am Grateful to finally have had the chance to meet you, get to know you, Amanda & certainly Dustin. I have Treasured our moments together.
a Very Humbled & Honored Gold Star Mother
Lorna Harris
Patten, Maine
Two stones – one Adventue
When I was much younger a friend and I watched the Perseid meteor shower streak across the night sky and light up the darkness from atop the Barren Mt ledges. It was an amazing sight to see and I have always wanted to duplicate that adventure. I’ve been waiting for years to find another weekend date for the shower so that I could re-live that experiance. August 11th 2017 was that date. We had big plans… I requested special permission to hike to the top of my favorite mountain – Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary. Usually you are not allowed to climb at night, but we called and they gave us permission to do so – I was getting psyched! I know this trail very well and it would make the perfect viewing spot for the shower. I started to plan, pack, invite friends to the event and the anticipation built for weeks. I really felt like this was going to be an epic adventure – one for the books!
Since that time many years ago I have been introduced to The Summit Project, there was of course no better way to add real meaning and purpose to my planned adventure than to carry a stone with me on this trip. It was the perfect fit, an epic adventure and carrying with me the stone of some very amazing people that have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. Yes this would be a very fitting hike to carry a TSP stone!
One stone I chose to bring with me was going to be: Marine Sgt Kevin B. Balduf.
My son and I had a brief moment in the past where we happened to see #baldufstrong come across my social media news feed in May 2015. We put together a balloon with the marine colors on the strings and sent it up that day just as a symbol of our thoughts being with his family, but he never really left my mind. We thought about Kevin and his family often after that, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that to honor and remember his life – I wanted to do something special for his family someday. We met his wife Amy for the first time at a bridge decication event for Army Capt. John R. āJayā Brainard III. She unexpectadly gave something very special to my son that day and it reminded me that I wanted to carry Kevin’s stone somewhere deserving of his sacrifice.
I was very introspecitive about bringing Kevin’s stone with me to the top of Borestone. There were some cool connections there – we met Amy at Jay’s bridge deciation and it was Jay’s favorite mountain just like it was mine. The hike would not be easy, but it would be amazing and special – I really was very excited and focused on this being an awesome adventure to carry his stone! The time leading up to the hike – thoughts of a Gold star families pain and loss really weighed on me heavily. I thought about my wife and kids being without me if I was gone, I thought about little things, like a surprise gift for no reason, anniversaries – birthdays things that sometimes we take for granted but the loss of which deeply affects a Gold star family. I kept running into pictures of Kevin’s family and I knew I had to do something to show love to them somehow – since Kevin can’t right now – we will for him – is what I couldn’t get out of my head. I really couldn’t shake this feeling, Needless to say I work with some amazing people (and have an amazing wife). When I offered an opportunity for them to participate in a special token for Kevin’s family they came through in spades. I hope that the Balduf family knows that they are loved and appreciated and it was an honor to carry Kevin’s stone with us.
Another stone that I wanted to carry was Air Force SrA Dustin J. Hadfield.
I met Linda at TSP@ANP in 2015 when I was assinged Dustin’s stone to replace one that was first assinged to me – but I don’t beleive in accidents š I carried his stone with me to the top of Cadillac mountain and I really wanted to bring his stone with me this time as well. Learning about Dustin had a strong impact on me and I wanted to honor his memory on this adventure too. Dustin’s stone and the Silhouette Project born from his memory – is helping to raise awareness about the (way too high) suicide risk faced by our veterans and helps to spread the word about resources available. I haven’t been to event with them yet but I hope to someday.
The trip was planned – bags were packed – stones were selected – friends were coming – I’m not sure if I mentioned it, but my anticiapation level was high for this event! Then came the weather forecast… Good changed to Ok, that changed to Do-able, then it went from Pretty crappy to bad then to worse… š I really was bummed out. They were now calling for a high chance of thunder showers on Borestone Mt. What was supposed to be an epic adventure and fitting tribute to honor and rember – was turing into a mess. I really didn’t want to give up, I spent time looking for alternate locations that maybe might not be affected by the bad weather – there were thunderstoms preditcted all over the state. I was about to just cancel the event, but I felt like I just had to do something. I had the TSP stones with me and allot of people came together behind the scenes to make that work. I didn’t want to give up on taking them somewhere and I didn’t want to give up on the idea of seeing the shower either.
I found a location that was a couple hours away called Pigeon hill. It was little more than 300ft high, and a far cry from the epic adventure that we had planned… but I ran the idea up the flag pole and a few of my die-hard hiking buddies and Skeletor – was still up for going with me. So here we were – driving hours away – to some place we had never been – at about 2am, to walk up a hill. We met in Bangor, then caravaned to Steuben Maine. TSP stones in our packs, headlamps on – ready for whatever was out there. We stayed a little ahead of the clouds and the kids were able to see a meteor or two on the trip to the trail. The trail was very short, but in an odd way exciting and fun. We climbed to the summit and layed down to watch the sky. The clouds were moving in fast but some of our group saw a meteor or two while I placed the TSP stones all together in a group around the summit signpost. I had mixed feelings about this adventure and stayed awake while my hiking team caught some winks in sleeping bags. I thought allot about the freedoms we have here in the US and the high cost that others paid for those freedoms. I explored the peak and trail a bit, while taking in the still night and all of the sounds from the ocean and boats. It was a time of reflection for me. A time to think about Kevin and Dustin. I didn’t think things could have gone any differant than I had expected them to, but because of the ease of the trail and sleeping hiking buddies, I was able to pray and reflect for a while and just listen to the night on that very small peak. It was a welcome time of quiet reflection and pause in this crazy multitasking world we live in.
My team consisted of: my son Shawn, my nephew Cheeto, my good friends the Parks clan (they are always up for an adventure-and show up even when my plans change and the outcome is grimm – more ppl should have friends like them) My friend Deacon (who stayed up late with me and stuck it out all night as well) of course we were lucky to have Skeletor with us – although I might have been secretly dissapointed due to the significant lack of t-rex attacks. All in all it turned out to be a pretty great time with great people and the rain finally caught up to us so we had to head down. It was a bit of a frantic hike back, but we had fun and made it back to the vehicles ok. We parted ways and took the long ride back home. The big adventure that I planned was not meant to be, but I have learned that sometimes it’s the little things in life – the times of pause and reflection that can really help clarify perspective. Carrying Kevin and Dustin’s stone with me that night was meaningful and re-inforced the idea that every day that I wake up is another opportuity to do better than the day before. We as American’s are afforded a heaping helping of that opportunity becasue of the sacrifice of selfless men and woman – and we should always remember that.
“While we can never do enough to show our gratitude to our nationās defenders, we can always do a little more: -Gary Sinese
Chad, you will always have a special place in my heart ā¤ Thank you for taking Dustin on your adventure, it means so much to have his story live on.
Dear Dustinās Mother and family,
It was my honor to carry Dustinās stone as part of the Spartan Ultra World Championship in Iceland in 2017.
When we learned of the TSP, it struck home for me because I along with my teammates served in the Air Force. For myself, enlisting the same year as Dustin, and deploying to Afghanistan in similar timeframes brought his service and honorable dedication in a time or war, much closer to my story.
Our mission in Iceland was to complete as many laps of an approx 6 mile course in 24 hours as we could, all while carrying the stone. The course comprised of 20+ obstacles, hot springs and streams, plenty of Burpees, and 1 very challenging mountain climb, each lap. As a team, we completed 5 laps of this arduous course and on the 3rd lap, witnessed the Northern Lights.
The Iceland terrain didnāt disappoint and it was on multiple occasions that your stone broke my fall after slipping on icy patches in between monkey bars, rope climbs, and scurrying up dangerous pitches.
Iām happy and honored to be a part of your sons continued legacy. Thank you for the opportunity.
Daniel Skidmore
Dear Linda, Adam, and Amanda,
My name is Chrissy LaCrosse and I had the honor of carrying the stone and the story of SRA Dustin Hadfield up Cadillac Mountain on September 29th, 2018. I was told right from the beginning that “I was assigned Dustin for a reason, and that there are zero mistakes in the Summit project”. The more I learned about him, the more that statement became clear.
For the last five years, I have worked at the local hospital. A few of those years I have worked overtime hours as a patient sitter. I have spent hours listening to patients greatest fears and reasons why they don’t want to live in pain anymore. Listening to their pain was gut-wrenching at times, but I have to say it made a lasting impression on me. Since then I have wanted to switch careers and become a counselor at the VA. I have been putting it off the last few years due to my fear of losing health care and income while in school. I thought if I was unable to follow my dream at this moment than I should at least find ways to volunteer for veterans. This was when the Summit Project entered my life. In researching Dustin’s life, I came across the reason for his death. It was then that I realized why Dustin picked me to carry his story and stone.
I was excited to get Dustin’s stone, as the majority of my family are Air Force Veterans. While reading and learning about Dustin’s life, I began to feel more and more of a connection to him. I am certain my family thought I was bipolar for the first two weeks. I was an emotional wreck on a rollercoaster ride full of emotions. The stories would make me laugh one minute and cry (and I am not one to cry for anything) the next. Other times I would just sit in silence and have a complete a loss for words. As more time went by, I had the honor to talk to his mother Linda and felt more joy than sadness.
Not one day went by that I did not talk about him to anyone that would listen (and still do). I would often refer to him as “my soldier”, Dustin. I would tell them about his ability to make others laugh, the amazing relationship he had with his family, his wit, spunk, and uncanny ability to call out the elephant in the room. The more I talked about him the more I realized just how important this hike was.
Dustin wanting to join the military at the age of 12 was definitely one similarity I had with Linda and Dustin. I will never forget the day my son told me (at the age of 6) that he wanted to join the military. I thought for sure it was just a phase but it wasn’t. In fact, that is all I heard about for the next 12 years. Like Dustin, my son found ways to become involved in the life of service, and shortly after his 18th birthday, he joined the military. I admire both of them for their willingness to serve and protect our country. I respect them for having the willingness to sacrifice everything for our safety and wellbeing.
I am sure, given the chance, Dustin and I would have become fast friends. Like Dustin, I too absolutely love Halloween, Christmas, camping, sports, rollercoaster rides, junk food (especially mt dew and slim jims), and we even had the same taste in music. I actually had the urge to run to the store at 10:00 the night before the hike to buy a couple of slim jims, chips, and a can of mt dew for the hike. Looking back I may have eaten a little too much junk food (I guess I was eating for the two of us lol).
For my first hike with TSP, I am grateful the South Trail was not difficult. I am not in the greatest shape these days and was dreading the long hike. That dread soon grew into excitement. To hike with the soul stone of Dustin proved to be more enjoyable than painful. The day of the hike was absolutely perfect. The leaves were just starting to change and the temperature was ideal for hiking. I made sure to take advantage of every stopping point and took out his stone as much as possible. Most of the time I would just sit holding his stone, ate junk food, looked at the view, and told him what I thought about the scenery. I also cracked a couple corny jokes. I am sure he was just shaking his head at me and calling me an amateur lol.
Though he was not there in person, I am certain he was there in spirit. His presence was definitely felt at the top of the mountain in the circle. The stories of the fallen soldiers had taken its toll on everyone’s emotions. I am certain there was not a dry eye around. When it was my turn to speak I felt as though Dustin was saying enough of the tears and on with the humor. I had a long two-paged letter that I planned on sharing about Dustin’s life but decided to forgo some of it. The ability to make others laugh was one of his greatest qualities in life, so it was fitting that his humor should shine through now as well. I decided to share the last story Linda shared with me. She told me he had a joke about the dark russet potato chips. She spoke of how he loved them and called them burnt. I thought this would be the perfect story for some much-needed laughter, and it was. In true Dustin style, It was not long before the tears turned to smiles and laughter.
Taking the day to remember Dustin was an honor to me and brought on the realization that every day is a blessing. In saying this, I truly believe he chose me to carry his story and stone in order to help me get past my own fears. This experience gave me the courage to move forward in my life and change careers. Though it will not be easy on me or my family, this January I will be enrolled in college and start my journey on becoming a counselor. Linda, thank you for letting me carry Dustin’s stone and taking the time to share his life and stories with me. I look forward to meeting up with you in person soon!
Chrissy LaCrosse
Dear Linda, Amanda and Adam,
I was honored to remember Dustin, and to carry his stone and story at TSP @ ANP this year. The West Face Trail is, by all accounts, the trail he would have chosen, as it is the most technically difficult trail.
I was blessed to have a fellow team member who actually knew Dustin, and she shared with me his love of fishing and hard rock. Each time we paused to place our stones in various locations she would share another tidbit of information. By the time we reached the summit I felt as if he had actually been helping me on the more difficult sections of the trail, though he did let me almost face plant once! After I got home I listened to some AC/DC in his memory. Definitely not my taste, but he enjoyed it.
His story underlines the importance of our service men and women receiving the help they need in ways other than just physical. I will never forget Dustin, and I look forward to meeting the three of you at a future TSP event. Thank you for allowing us to remember and honor your sacrifice.
God Bless You,
MHANF
Steve Crowell
This past weekend I had the honor and privilege of carrying a stone in remembrance of Dustin. I was to carry his stone up Owl Mountain for the annual TSP hosted hike at Baxter State Park. I also was honored to lead Team White. Iāve done many hikes with TSP and each are memorable, however this hike will be especially so. The event at Baxter was cancelled due to the Coronavirus, and the hike postponed to the next hosted event at Acadia National Park. Although the hike was still scheduled, I was left feeling that there was no reason that the Dustin couldnāt still be honored as planned over Memorial Day Weekend. I was grateful that my team felt the same way about each of their heroes. We agreed to all individually do the honor hike on the scheduled day, to learn about our heroes, to speak their names. So this year was to be different and memorable. I chose to hike in a place that was very significant to me, and I was determined it would be a challenge. I circumnavigated an island that I visited with my family as a child and now own a small parcel on. Iāve done this before and knew there would be some challenging sections. Before setting off, I intentionally chose a heavy stone that I knew would make it a difficult trek. I had to do some rock climbing over the sea, and even fell in once. Thoughts of Dustin never escaped my mind. The knowledge of what a heavy burden of loss is never escaped my mind. Dustinās sacrifice, and those of his family never escaped my mind. When it came for the sacred circle ceremony, I was able to share stories of Dustin with my boyfriend, who was a part of a different team and also carrying a stone. We talked about Dustin and his family, his sacrifice and those of all that choose to serve. Although the dynamic of the Team hike was missing, it was replaced with the ability to speak more in depth and at length. So even though this hike was destined to be different, it was special in many ways. Iāll complete the mission that was started over Memorial Day weekend by carrying Dustinās stone in September at Acadia. And I will finally share with my Team, in person, the story of Dustin.
September has now come and gone. Exactly two weeks ago I was setting up camp at the campground for the TSP hike at Acadia National Park. It was my fourth year doing this hike, and many things had become familiar. The campground, the people who typically hiked, the Gold Star Families that usually attended, even the team and the hero who’s stone I’d hike (Dustin’s) were the same from the Spring’s postphoned hike at Baxter. I have even been a team lead once before for this particular trail. But despite the familiarity, everything was different. I wouldn’t being hearing the roar of the Patriot Riders, I wouldn’t be seeing those people I considered friends and family, I wouldn’t be feeling the warm hugs, or sharing the stories, laughter and tears over a meal prepared with love and later into the night around a crackling fire. Faces would be covered, distances would be maintained, and we’d see almost no one except our teammates. But just like in the Spring when the hike was postponed, we adapted and succeeded with our mission. Acadia was to be the official hike that was postponed in May, and despite all the things that had changed, we carried the stones, the stories, and the memories of our heroes. This time, I had Dustin’s actual stone to carry. This time, I was finally with my team, and I would finally share Dustin’s memory with them. Although I learned much about Dustin in the Spring, I learned a bit more about him this second time around. He was without question a remarkable young man who was taken too soon. I lost my brother at a young an age, and I know these memories are like gold. I am glad you’ve shared them with us, and it is an honor to carry out this very precious mission to keep Dustin’s memory alive. He’s been with me for many months, and to some very special places. Despite this hike finally coming to a conclusion, please know that I will forever remember Dustin and be grateful for the time he spent on this earth. Thank you
To Linda, Family & Friends of USAF SrA Dustin J. Hadfield
On Sunday May 30, 2021 I had the honor & privilege of carrying the stone and story of USAF SrA Dustin J. Hadfield who was from Mechanics Falls, Maine up six summits in Acadia National Park. I was on the virtual Team Blue for TSP@BSP. I carried Dustinās stone with me up Bald Peak, Parkman Mtn, Gilmore Peak, Sargent Mtn, Penobscot Mtn and Cedar Swamp Mountain. This was my sixth hike with TSP. The second time being a virtual solo hike. But even though my teammates were in different places completing our hikes we were all together as our hearts, bodies & minds were still focused and devoted to honoring our heroes.
This event like prior pandemic/Covid events felt very different but my mission remained the same. Honor my fallen Maine hero the best way I knew how. One new change to this event was that we got to pick up our heroes stone a week prior to the event and we were able to keep it until one week after the event. Two whole weeks to honor my hero. I have the privilege of living next to Acadia National Park and I hike every morning. So, I had the honor of taking Dustinās stone with me every day and sharing my mornings with him. I shared all my favorite trails and scenic overlooks with him. I shared his story with family members and friends and folks I met along the trail daily. I managed to cover 59.8 miles and summited 19 summits in the course of 2 weeks with Dustinās stone in my backpack.
On the morning I had to return Dustinās stone I felt a sense of sadness on my last hike with his stone in my pack. As I prepared to leave to drive the one-hour trip to drop it off I reflected on the past two weeks I had time to spend with Dustinās memory. When I dropped the stone off, I became very emotional and wasnāt expecting that to happen. I had become very attached to having the weight of Dustinās stone in my pack and I was seriously going to miss my sense of responsibility of caring for and sharing Dustinās memory.
I truly hope I get to meet Dustinās family in person one day. It was an honor to have carried Dustinās stone and story with me.
Many thanks (again) from the bottom of my heart to USAF SrA Dustin J. Hadfield and all of Maineās fallen heroes. I salute you and I will never forget you. #MHANF
Sincerely,
Florence A. Dunbar
Southwest Harbor, ME
To Linda, Family & Friends of USAF SrA Dustin J. Hadfield
On Saturday, September 25, 2021, I had the honor & privilege of carrying the stone and story of USAF SrA Dustin J. Hadfield who was from Mechanics Falls, Maine in Acadia National Park. I was on Team Bubble for TSP@ANP 2021. We had all gathered at Smugglerās Campground for the annual trek up Cadillac Mtn but the weather had a different agenda for us. The trek was changed due to possible lightning strikes at the time of arrival at the summit. We took all of our teams into a local lake right nearby from the campground and continued on with our mission of honoring our heroes at Echo Lake Beach. I carried Dustinās stone with me with great honor and privilege. I felt like it was āold home weekā for Dustin as he & I had traveled the trails in this area many, many times last spring for the virtual TSP@BSP when I carried his stone with me for 2 weeks. This was my seventh hike with TSP.
It was great to all be gathered again to share our heroesā stories in person with everyone. My group had three heroes that had lost their lives to suicide, Dustin included and it was very comforting to all be in the same group and to know by sharing their stories of suicide they are helping others that may be in the same situation they were. Soldiers and civilians alike were learning and healing from a very real problem that exists not only in our military but in our civilian lives as well. Our heroes gave all and still continue to give even though they are gone from everyday life. God Bless Dustin and I hope and pray he found peace.
Iām glad I got the chance to speak with Dustinās Mom, Linda, before the hike this time. It was great hearing all the stories and memories from his mom. He was truly a wonderful young man and is dearly missed by his family.
I hope I get to meet Dustinās family in person one day. It was an honor to have carried Dustinās stone and story with me again this fall.
A million thanks from the bottom of my heart to USAF SrA Dustin J. Hadfield and all of Maineās fallen heroes. I salute you and I will never forget you. #MHANF
Sincerely,
Florence A. Dunbar
Southwest Harbor, Maine
A week ago on Friday I had the honor of carrying Dustinās stone during a VA Management offsite. In preparation for this event, I read Dustinās story to learn more about the individual I would be walking with during our planned event. As an Air Force retiree, I felt privileged to know I was carrying a stone hand selected by you to carry on the memory of a very proud, patriotic, and professional Airman! I also read some additional articles I found and your efforts (mom) to help others. This was when I realized we have crossed paths in your journey as you advocated for our fallen who have returned from battles fighting for our freedom. This also made me realize that this stone chose me, I did not choose the stone. I was proud on our walk along the Eastern Promenade to share Dustinās story with my co-workers. As we walked that day in the heat, I thought about him, his story, his patriotism and all the friends and family who miss him dearly. At the end of the walk, I paused to say a silent pray thanking Dustin for his honorable service and for allowing me to have the honor of walking with him! I want you to know I will share this experience often with others and feel grateful his stone chose me.
My name is Michelle Bouley and I had the honor of carrying Air Force Special Airman Dustin Hadfieldās stone. This was my second year with The Summit Project and it was such a beautiful day to be hiking to the summit of Cadillac Mountain with Dustin. I am a full-time working mother of 2 but still felt a connection to Dustinās story. I grew up with siblings and the stories of the connection he had with them were beautiful to read. My favorite part was them being called the Three Musketeers. (I brought a few of those, and a few other of his favorite snack foods with me along for the hike!).Ā Ā
Even since the hike I have spent a lot of time reflecting about Dustinās life and story. What he went through and you as a family to have lost him at such a young age.
I have brothers in the military and when I was learning about Dustinās life I reached out to them for help. I felt like I really needed to make this different than the other times his stone had been carried and wanted to find more information. They helped me to realize that I donāt have to know every detail about his life but give you a sense that Dustinās name isnāt forgotten and learn about what kind of person he was. I have a great deal of respect for Air Force Special Airman Dustin Hadfield and it was my pleasure to share his story and I want you to know that I will continue to do so.
I had the honor of carrying your son’s stone to Echo Lake on September 23 at Acadia national park. It was an honor to do this for him and your family, I have never done this before and I just want you to know that on that day I learned a lot about him and our fallen heroes. Your story of how your son worked in the garden where you had picked a stone to represent him was heart felt. I am truly sorry for your loss.
To Linda and the many many friends of Dustin
It was an honor to carry Dustinās stone to and participate in the summit project at ANP
I had great conversations with Linda learning about her son
Dustin lived life to the fullest with a big smile on his face, always willing to help others
He is missed dearly and I know Linda appreciates this amazing organization
Thank you
Donna Flynn (first year participant and God willing many more to follow)