2nd Lt. Tara Utecht Davis, Air National Guard, 33, passed May 27, 2023, at a Bangor hospital after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Tara was born in Peterborough, New Hampshire on March 10, 1990 and graduated from Hampden Academy in 2008. After graduation, she enlisted in the Bangor Air National Guard. She was an avid learner, and while serving earned her Bachelors of Science in Zoology from the University of Maine followed by a Masters of Science in Sustainability Science from Unity College. She was promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant after completing Air Force Officer Training School. Her love of learning earned her the nickname “Google”.
On August 25, 2018 Tara married the love of her life, Aaron Davis. The two shared their home in Bangor with their two dogs, Luna and Beacon.
Tara is described by her family as having been an extremely loving and kind young woman. She had a passion for hiking, yoga and fitness and loved to challenge herself in the gym. A soccer player, she later coached the girls JV soccer team at Hampden Academy. In the summer of 2021 during the pandemic, she hiked more than 100 miles of trails over the beautiful Maine countryside. She founded the hiking group, Maine Peak Seekers to share her experiences with others and encourage them to do the same. Tara and the story of what inspired her to found the group were featured in a Bangor WABI news story on National Take A Hike Day: https://www.wabi.tv/2021/11/17/maine-womans-journey-about-more-than-reaching-peak/
At the time of her passing, Tara was working as a Field Epidemiologist for the Maine Center for Disease Control.
To honor Tara, her family chose a heart shaped stone from the site where she and her husband married in Brooklin, Maine.
11 Comments
I had the honor of carrying 2nd Lt. Tara Utecht Davis tribute stone for the Flags on the 48 Hike in the White Mountains this year. It is a patriotic day so I knew it would be a nice event to carry on. I loved the heart shaped stone and received many compliments and inquiries about Tara while on the summit of Mount Pierce. I told Tara’s story to others and really enjoyed talking about that with people that were all interested and engaged. She was so impressive in many ways, least of which is from an academic standpoint coinciding with her commitment to support her Country. Many asked me to pass along their Thank You for service replies and I obviously want to share my thanks as well. Thank you so much for trusting me with this gift for the day, it was really pretty special. MHANF Joe Connors
I was deeply honored to carry 2nd LT Tara U Davis stone and story on September 21, 2024 to the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park for TSP at ANP 2024.
Earlier that week, I had signed up to become a hiker at TSP at ANP. I gathered some information about Tara from the Summit project, watching a YouTube video of her talking about Maine peak seekers and looking into her blogs about her hikes.
The day started early and the anticipation of climbing to the summit of the iconic Cadillac Mountain. I gathered my hiking gear, placed it in my vehicle and finished my travels to base camp. Upon arrival, I was greeted by familiar faces with a giant smile and a very warm welcome. Right then, I already knew this would be a special day!
I milled around chatting with some familiar faces and took some time to learn some new ones.
Alas, the time came where we loaded the buses to depart for our assigned trails and begin the trek up the mountain carrying the honor stones and memories of those Heroes that have been lost from Maine.
After a quick photo and group discussion, we were off. We departed the parking lot into the canopied trail of Acadia National Park.
The hike up the mountain was nothing less than spectacular. From the crisp Maine air, the beautiful fall foliage, the wonderful company we shared, and the breath taking views, to the moments of self- reflection. You cannot help at times to wonder what a conversation with your hero at a specific moment would be like.
When we reached the summit of Cadillac Mountain, everyone went about their own agenda chatting with others, congratulating the other teams who had made the trip ahead of us, some silently taking it all in, and some just kicking back and relaxing in the moment.
When I walked over to a quiet spot that had a rock, I climbed upon it and had a seat. I had the stone of Tara in my hands as I looked out upon the base of the mountain and out to the expanse of the frigid Atlantic Ocean. In that moment I realized a point of significance and a wave of emotions came over me.
Now here I am, atop Cadillac Mountain on a beautiful Maine Fall September day, sunshine upon me and the brisk ocean breeze diluting out everything but my thoughts. I am here overlooking the Atlantic and sharing the moment with the memory of Tara, lying beside her honor stone. Moments like this don’t come about every day and it is through TSP that I was able to experience it, share it with others, and that I will be able to remember it for a lifetime! Because of moments like this, MHANF!!
Dear Family of Air National Guard 2nd Lt. Tara U. Davis. First and foremost my apologies for my tardiness writing this note to you. I carried Tara beautiful stone at the Oxford/ Norway Parade in November. My life and Tara’s life were very similar with certain circumstances. I was immediately moved by her lifes journey, and was swept away with emotion reading about her. I know we often write that it was an honor carrying all the soldiers stones, but this time this one hit home on many levels. I was meant to carry Tara at that parade in November. Take Care. Every time I see a heart shaped stone on my hikes, it will have new meaning. I see them often.
To the family of 2nd Lt. Tara U. Davis:
I participated as a hiker in The Summit Project this past Friday at the University of Southern Maine. I’m an advisor with Veterans Upward Bound, a non-profit organization located on the Portland campus.
I had the honor and privilege of carrying Tara’s stone and sharing her story. I moved to Maine six years ago and its landscape speaks to me deeply. I imagine it was the same for Tara. Her hiking record is impressive, as is her background in science and her work with the CDC.
I am a veteran, as was my husband, who I lost in 2016 after a three year battle with ALS. I felt a deep connection to Tara’s battle with cancer and the devastating effects it has on family. Battling a disease is not the same as going to war against an enemy. In so many ways it’s harder, because you are fighting a faceless, invisible foe and it can be impossible to tell if treatment strategies are effectual or futile. Grief that stems from loss is indeed, heavy like a stone. I know you must miss her.
I hope that you will take comfort that on a cold, rainy Friday in April, a group of strangers sat in a circle near the sea and remembered her. Her heart-shaped stone, a reminder, that deep pain is evidence of great love.
Her memory lives on.
To the family and loved ones Air National Guard 2nd. Lt. Tara U Davis,
First off I’d like to thank you for letting me take Tara out on some fun adventures. I picked her up August 9th at The Ruck For The Fallen. Once I got her home that day I carefully took her out of her bag and just took some time to gaze at her beautiful stone. After that I placed her next to one of my cats. Digit looked right at her and made sure to leave her scent all over each side. All I could do was smile. The next day my husband’s family was having a reunion so I packed Tara up in a homemade bag to bring her along. While we were there so many people wanted to learn all about her. I introduced her to them and explained to them what The Summit Project is about. They were very intrigued. While at the reunion one of my husbands cousins took a long look at Tara stone and let me know that it was a Gneiss stone. She told me that these stones are very unique and usually made of minerals such as quartz, feldspar and minerals. I found that very interesting and it made her even more special. I proceeded to let them hold her as long as they wanted to. Then I made sure that those who wanted them took some pamphlets about TSP. Once it was time to leave I placed her back into my bag and back home. On August 11th I brought her to work with me. I nanny/clean houses. The kids have a soccer net. After reading about Tara’s background I found it fitting to make sure to get a picture of her with the kids soccer ball and net. The next few days I packed her up in my car and I just went about my daily routines. We stopped at several places to put up more pamphlets. The backpack that I had made has an American flag on it and says please ask me what is in my bag. That way if anyone asked I could introduce her easier. On August 15th my husband and I began our drive to the blueberry festival in Machias, Maine. Our first stop was Cabela’s in Scarborough. We both went in with our stones and did a little shopping. My husband also had a memorial stone out at the same time. Once we were done shopping we took some pictures outside. Just to capture the moment and that we love to spend our time there. Not necessarily shopping but slowing down and watching the fish. We then went along our way. We took rt. one to enjoy the coastline. We have been to the festival before and on our way up I always need to stop for ice cream. There is delicious place called Morton’s Moo Homemade Ice Cream in Ellsworth. It is this tiny little shop down a side street but it has the most unique flavors and ice cream is always perfect for a warm day. I packed Tara up and it took me forever to figure out what flavor I wanted. I ended up getting a chocolate frappe with peanut butter mixed in with it. It was amazing as it always it. I took some pictures of Tara with it. It melted all over me but I made sure that Tara did not get sticky. After that we loaded back into the truck to proceed on our way. We got to our cabin in Jonesboro late in the afternoon. After that we went for a little swim than tucked in for the night. The next morning we both got up early to make sure that we got a free blueberry muffin from the front desk. Next stop the blueberry festival. I packed up Tara in my backpack and off we went. After we parked we entered the festival and went to this waffle food truck that was there the year before. It is so good and the toppings are endless. I got mine with bacon and Nutella on it and made sure Tara was there to check out my weird creation. Throughout the rest of the day we explored the festival. I was able to take multiple photographs with Tara. Anything that I felt seemed right was when I captured the moment. As I approached one table I noticed that it was a fly fishing programs for veterans. They take them out, give them a rod and teach them how to fish. After speaking with them I made sure to take Tara out yet again. They loved hearing about her. And they are hoping to tag up with TSP so that more memorial stones get taken out especially for their fishing trips. While I was chatting with them I noticed that one of the men had a dog. I simply asked his name and it was Rudy. He was Nova scotia duck tolling dog. As soon as I put Tara near him he embraced her with an open paw. Me being someone who cries had a full circle moment. I felt like he knew her and in some way she was connecting with him. That is only one of the many moments that I experienced with her where I felt she was right there with both of us. After that we went about our day and sharing her story with whomever asked. We decide to leave the festival after a woman told us about a very cool beach nearby. We drove to Jasper beach in Machiasport. It is a beautiful beach that is mainly rocks. I took Tara all over there. I let the sand touch her, the rocks and did a little climbing. After that we went to Roque Bluffs and did some walking around the beach. Then it was time for some dinner. We went to Mason’s Brewing Company in Machias. I am not sure if Tara was a meat eater or not but I got a steak & cheese with a nice cocktail to end the day. We went back to our cabin and the tv had Godzilla vs Kong so we sat and watched that until falling asleep. Sunday August 16th was our last day in that area. We wanted to make sure to take the scenic route again on the way home. That way we could stop at more places with Tara and my husbands memorial stone. We went back to the blueberry festival to have a homemade blueberry hand pie. I captured this with Tara. Then we hit the road. We stopped at the wreath across America sign. We tried to visit the museum but it was closed. I grabbed Tara out and took a picture with her. I placed her back into my backpack. Our next stop was Fort Knox in Prospect, Maine. I took her up into the observatory first to see the water surrounding the fort. This is the tallest bridge observatory in the world it is 420′ feet high with 360 degree views. At the top I introduced Tara to some lovely people and they were able to take a picture of my husband and I with our memorial stones. After taking a lot of pictures there, it was down to the Fort. The weather was perfect and we explored it inside and out. I made sure to get Tara out to embrace the moment. We drove for a while, had a quick dinner and then came back home. Tara and I next adventure was spending some time at my local farmers market and celebrating my moms birthday. The same day my family got together for a reunion. There we had some lobsters, smoked pork and many other sides. I made sure that my family knew all about her. One of my cousins had just won the lobster boat races of the year. I found it fitting being from Maine to have some pictures taken with the lobsters and his super fast boat. That next weekend I brought Tara to an antique car show in Eliot, Maine that I am a member of. I wanted to share that part of my life with her. I was able to capture a photo of her with a military vehicle and my dad’s coupe. And yet again bring her along with me everywhere I went. On Friday September 5 we went out for a boat ride in a tug boat. I knew the Blue Angels were in town and practicing for the day. My husband works at a marina and was able to get us out to see them practice. This was beyond incredible. Holding Tara in my arms watching the show, being on the tugboat and seeing all the wildlife around us just made me cry. It was in that moment yet again I felt her with me. September 6th we went to Pawtuckaway. There we did a little hiking and enjoyed the nature surrounding us. The funny thing is while we were there and I was trying to take pictures we got stuck in the rain. We had to hide under some huge boulders to get out of the storm. I thought it was going to just go by but nope in came a huge thunderstorm. I quickly got into the truck and made sure Tara was safe and sound. The next day I knew it was my last full day with Tara before returning her to TSP. My husband and I love North Conway, NH. We packed up and headed that way. We stopped at a little diner in North Conway called Pricilla’s. It was lunchtime I got a Ruben. As we were sitting there this older gentleman noticed my husbands shirt and was a little confused. It is a shirt with MHANF(Maine’s Hero’s Are Not Forgotten). We both then described what TSP is all about and I introduced Tara to him. He loved the beauty of her stone and learning about her. While we were talking with him he told us about this picture on the wall. He took it down so I could read it. It had the American flag on it and said What Is A Veteran? I had Tara out and put her close to it. I captured the moment. Meanwhile unbeknownst to us a couple beside us had been listening the whole time. Little did we know we were sitting next to a Marine Veteran. We immediately thanked him for his service. I let them hold Tara and read her story. They were so touched by it and beyond thrilled that her memorial stone was a way to have her out for new experiences. All of them including the staff thanked us for what we have been doing and will continue to. We drove around but it was raining and I was afraid to get Tara out in the rain. Once it had cleared off we went to Cathedral Ledge. This is a spot to walk in and enjoy the mountains. I was extremally nervous taking pictures there but I made it happen. I figured it was a walk in the park compared to anything Tara had done. With the help of my husband we climbed a path less taken by others. It was one that took you to a higher spot with no fence. I decided it was best to scoot across it with Tara in fear that I was going to drop her. Thankfully I was able to take some stunning pictures there. Holding her tight in my feet we spent time just sitting. It will forever be etched into my memory. I knew Tara liked hiking and I like to indoor rock climb. It was a moment where we could join as one. The next day it was time to bring her back. I felt so empty on the way up to bring her memorial stone back. Outside was this wonderful man who was in the Army. I needed a little help getting into the building. He was able to put his code in and then they buzzed me up. Upon reaching the third floor a nice guy brought my mother and I into the room. I just started to cry. He told me to take as much time as I needed. So I did. I spent time just sitting there reflecting on the time we spent together. I took her out of my homemade backpack and then out of the TSP one. I made sure to find her name and put her back where she needed to be. As I walked away I just kept thinking about her. I am beyond thankful and blessed for you giving me the time to bond with her. I look forward to taking her out again.
[Editor] The following videos were submitted along with the reflection letter:
Video 1
Video 2
Warmly, Danielle Ely
Danielle, thank you so much for taking her traveling! There were so many things that you did that were unintentionally perfect. I could imagine her physically doing so much of this and some of it she had! Morton’s Moo, Fort Knox, classic cars, and of course hiking. She was so absolutely amazing, my best friend, and my biggest fear is that people will forget her. Thank you for sharing her story with others and keeping her memory alive.
You’re very welcome. It was my pleasure to take her to as many places as I could. I promise you I will never forget her. And wish I had met her. She seemed like an incredible woman. Thank you so much for responding. I will make sure to take her out again. I just need to figure out some more spots. If you have any ideas, feel free to reach out.
Take Care.
To the family of Lt Tara Davis. For my first hike with The Summit Project the stone I carried was Tara’s to the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on 20 Sept 2025, a place I’m sure Tara hiked many times. It was my honor and privilege to carry such a precious stone.
The research I did on Tara was very rewarding and touching. I soon got a picture of a young lady who was so outgoing that I figure few could every keep up with her. She just wasn’t fit she was superiorly fit. I was highly impressed with her climb up the ranks to get a commission, she took advantage of the military educational programs, not all do. Certainly she had the traits that make an excellent leader; smart, confident, fit, and decisive. Traits that others look up too and traits our military need. She continued that same attitude in the civilian sector as a field Epidemiologist. It seems she was well known in the state, my nephew who works in the medical field in southern Maine had heard of her passing.
I was very impressed with her interview where she shared her story about the Maine Peak Seekers group she started where she she shared her love of hiking with others. Again, showing her love and leadership.
Having spent 20 years in the Navy and another 20 years working with the Navy as a civilian I worked with patriotic people every day. What was so heart warming about the people who do these hikes and those who volunteer to support it is that many have no close connection to the US Military but they just love this country and those who serve it so much that they’ll go up and beyond to honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes.
No doubt I’ll alway remember this hike as well as Tara every time I see a heart shaped stone, it’ll bring me back to her memory. My deepest condolences to all her family and friends. God Bless.
To the Family of 2nd Lt. Tara Davis,
We carried Lt. Davis’ stone during our Honor Hike. I love honoring Veterans, so this was a very special moment to honor Lt. Davis’. When we were walking with her stone, it made me feel proud and happy for me, and my whole class, to honor her. I think that it is important to honor our Veterans who have passed, and the ones who are still present.
With gratitude,
Brooklyn
Old Town Elementary 5th Grader
To the Family of 2nd Lt. Tara Davis,
At OTES, we carried her stone for The Summit Project. I hope she is remembered by you and your family. I think that being a Veteran is important. When we walked, we were honoring her, and I think being in the Air National Guard is being a brave person. She is definitely a hero in the eyes of my class. Thank you.
From Griffin
Old Town Elementary School 5th Grader
To the Family of 2nd Lt. Tara Davis,
We carried Lt. Davis’ stone during our Honor Hike. It made me feel proud. We honor this Veteran because she was willing to sacrifice her own life and faced cancer for all of us in America. She will be remembered as a hero for us all.
With gratitude,
Sam
Old Town Elementary School 5th Grader