38, of Houlton, Maine; assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas; died Dec. 14, 2007 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit using small-arms fire.Â
On August 16, 2015, Justin and Jessica Cloukey of Lincoln, Maine met with Jon’s brother and sister-in-law, Win and Janice Lowery. Together they discussed Jon and the tribute stone they selected to represent their fallen family member.
“The stone was retrieved from the shore of Drew’s Lake in Linneus (near Houlton) at the family camp. We found it near a memorial created for Jon by his brother Mike. The stone is granite, tough and resilient like Jonathan.”
Jon grew up in Houlton and wanted to be a soldier from an early age. He played “Army” with his childhood friends. He joined the Maine National Guard at age 17 and attended UMPI for a couple of years after high school graduation. In 1990, during Desert Shield, he enlisted in the Army full time. He deployed to Kuwait and Iraq for Operation Desert Storm and eventually became a tank commander. For most of his career he was based at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. He had been an Intelligence Analyst, Howitzer Chief, Drill Sergeant, Gunnery Sergeant, and Senior Drill Sergeant. He had deployments to Kosovo and Guantanamo Bay. In 2003, Jon deployed to Khanaqin, Iraq with the 1-17 Field Artillery out of Ft. Sill. Their mission was to train Iraqi Civil Defense Forces. The troops were welcomed by the local Kurdish population. Jon was touched by the poverty he saw and shared the candy from his “care packages” with the local children.
In 2007, a year away from retirement, Jon volunteered for one last deployment. As a drill sergeant, he felt guilty about sending his young recruits to war while staying behind in safety. With the 3/3rd ACR out of Fort Hood, he was sent to Mosul. Win got to see him one last time when his plane refueled at BIA. He was killed a few weeks later.
Jon had two sons, Sean and Dawson, who were 11 and 8 at the time of his death. He loved them more than anything else in life. The absences imposed by Army life were emotionally painful for him.  They have grown into fine young men and he would be tremendously proud of them. We are participating in the Summit Project for them as well as for their father.
The family received online condolences from several of the men Jon trained. A common theme was that he was tough but fair and had a huge heart. More than one stated, “he helped shape the man I am today.”
28 Comments
RIP SGT Lowery….NEVER FORGOTTEN!
My heart is saddened by his loss. My thanks to him for trying to make a horrible situation better for people that he didn’t even know. He was from Maine and he could have been anyone”s Son, Husband and Father and Brother.
My name is Jeffrey Paradis and I had the Honor of carrying Sgt. First class Lowery’s stone to the Summit of Cadillac Mt. I was not sure what to expect of this trip/hike or how it would effect me. In the beginning it starts out as just a hike, another physical exercise we put ourselves through to see what were capable of, it wasn’t very long into this particular hike before we started to get rain and hailed on.
My first reaction was oh great this is going to be a miserable day, Fortunately the adverse weather didn’t last long! By midway threw this hike I started to realize, The family of this fallen Hero (Lowery) as to get up and deal with the horrible reality that they can never see their Son/ Father ever again!!
We, as a society must remember the Sacrifice the Soldiers have made for us!! I Thank Major David Cote for starting this Organization and hope I can be a part of it in the years to come. A very Heart felt Thank you to Jonathan Lowery for his Service to his Country!
To Sean and Dawson, the sons of Army Sargent First Class Jonathan Allen Lowery. Hiking with the Courage stone in your fathers memory was a life changing experience. After learning about your father, and the leader he was a few words come to mind. Selflessness, bravery and commitment, qualities I am sure live on thru you and the young men you are becoming. While hiking with the Courage stone my thoughts were on the both of you. To me you both are the antithesis of courageous. Your journey thru life keeps your fathers spirit alive.
I assure you the memory and story of Jonathan Lowery are strong in the energy of The Summit Project family. I hope you will one day have an opportunity to experience The Summit Project bond and share your story of your father. Your fathers story of courage and sacrifice will continue to impact the lives of many who hike with his memory .
You have the support of strangers, in this world, but more important you have the strength of your fathers love and that is never ending, like the mountains. Hiking with his memory has been the most important reminder of the sacrifice of those who work to protect our freedoms. I will never forget your fathers sacrifice, he will always be with me on the trail and the miles ahead. Let us celebrate his life and keep his memory alive. Thank you for your courage Sean and Dawson. – JAL julie anne lachance puleio
My name is Lydia Jacobs and I had the honor of carrying Jonathan Lowery to the summit of Owl a few weeks ago. I had a heavy pack and even heavier heart carrying Jonathan’s stone and story to the summit on this last hike. It was my first Summit Project and I wasn’t truly sure what it would be like, what I was supposed to say, or how I would feel. Being brought into it last minute, I lost sleep for the few days leading up to the hike. I worried that I wouldn’t do my heroes justice at the summit, or that I might not be strong enough or fit enough to take on the challenge.
At the trailhead I was anxious and nervous for the hike ahead. I felt the weight of the stones in my pack and put one foot in front of the other. I figured, if nothing else, I could at least do that. A mile into the hike, the rain began, soaking through layers of clothes and through my backpack. But there were no complaints. There was this feeling of stubbornness among us. Like we weren’t going to stop for anything. No matter how tired we were or how soaked we were or what we were feeling or thinking, it didn’t matter as long as we got to that summit.
When it was time to pull our stones out and tell the stories of the fallen, I was overwhelmed by the emotions that took over in that moment. I felt incredible sadness for the losses of these people that I just wish I had the chance to meet. I had rehearsed and rehearsed Jonathan’s story, thinking over and over about what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it. I even wrote it down on a piece of paper and stuck it in my bag. However, in that moment, I forgot about the paper, I forgot about what I rehearsed and I realized that there is no script that would do a hero like Jonathan justice. My heart ached and the tears were pretty much uncontrollable but I had this huge sense of pride in him. He’s the selfless, kindhearted type of person that I hope someday I can be and I don’t want anyone to forget that. I carried a hero and a friend back down the mountain that day.
To the friends and family of Jonathan,
Today Greg Johnson and I hiked up Table Rock Mountain in Maine with 44 children who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. They carried 27 stones up the mountain today. Here is a letter from the campers that had the honor of carrying your hero.
“I was fortunate to carry this hero’s stone up a mountain with my friends at camp. This stone was taken from a place not too far from where my camp is! This soldier sounded like an awesome guy and it is tragic that he passed. We wish the best to all of you.
Love,
Sam and Tyler”
For Jonathan’s Loved Ones:
I had the honor of having Jonathan’s hero stone travel with me for a week, along with the stone of Marine Cpl Mark Goyet. Since I returned the stones to The Summit Project, I have been struggling for the words that would give justice to their sacrifice and the impact I felt by having them with me. The connection that comes from carrying the stone is something that cannot be described in words. Something happens in my heart , a better understanding of life, of sacrifice, duty, family and of love every time I carry a stone.
While I had the care of these stones, I brought them to work with me each day and was able to talk about Mark and Jonathan and share their heroic stories with many people.
While I have not yet carried Jonathan’s stone on a mountain trip, I carry his story in my heart forever. I look forward to sharing that story for the rest of my life to ensure that he is never forgotten.
For Jonathan’s Loved Ones:
I had the honor of caring for Jonathan’s stone for a week, along with that of Marine CPL. Mark Goyet.
While I had the care of these stones, I brought them to work with me each day and was able to talk about Mark and Jonathan and share their heroic stories with many people.
While I have not yet carried Jonathan’s stone on a mountain trip, I carry his story in my heart forever. I look forward to sharing that story for the rest of my life to ensure that he is never forgotten.
To the Lowery Family,
My name is Doug Zogby and I had the honor, privilege and pleasure of carrying Army Sargent First Class Jonathan Allen Lowery stone to the top of Laura’s Tower in Stockbridge, MA. How we ended up in this location is an interesting story. Our initial plan was to hike a location in the NH White Mountains on our way to my granddaughters christening in Central NY . Our plan was to be up early that morning and hike and then head to NY. We received a frantic message from my daughter saying that she left Maine for NY without the baby’s bag, which not only had her clothes, but her Christening Gown as well. So we had to drive close to 3 hours back to Maine, get the bag and head to NY. This necessitated that we take the more traditional interstate route to NY and as such seemed to scuttle our plane to hike. For me this was my first hike honoring a Maine Fallen Hero and while this was not Debra’s first HMFH hike, she was just as disappointed as I was…but the Christening Gown was needed to so our mission was clear. So as we hit the road I was trying to think of a place to stop which would be scenic and serene so we could get out hike in. The Berkshire Mtns. called to us, specifically Stockbridge, and thanks to our smart-phone we found a trail. We completed our hike and I was so honored to carry Sgt. Lowery’s stone to the top of the fire Tower. Never was I so gratified to turn a 6 hour car ride into a 14 hour one, the stone had to be hiked. What I did pales in comparison to what he did for our freedom. In some way I hope that Sgt. Lowery was looking down upon us knowing that his ultimate sacrifice allowed us to celebrate the new life of a baby girl who will live in freedom because of his service.
Hello TSP. My name is Chris Whytock and I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone of SFC Jonathan Lowery for TSP at ANP 2016. TSP does an amazing thing for not only the memories of Maines fallen heroes, but their families as well. Jon’s story seems to be focused around his family and the strength his family gained from him.
The Hike up Bubble and to the top of Cadillac gave me more than enough time to think about Jon’s amazing story and I could feel him with me as I struggled up a few sections of trail. Jon seemed to be a man who didn’t back down from a challenge. In fact his Army brethren often called Jon a tough but fair man. One of his subordinates described a time when they were deploying overseas and as the bus pulled away, a wife was running behind it and trying to catch up but to no avail. SFC Lowery stopped the bus and told the soldier he had on minute to comfort her and say goodbye. Tough but fair.
As the stone ceremony began I knew it was going to be an emotional one. Jon’s older brother and sister in law were joining TSP for the first time and when I handed over his stone to them I had a hard time talking with them. I couldn’t help but feel sorrow for the loss of Jon. But in talking with his family after the ceremony they spoke of Jon’s love for his family, his calling to serve,and love for the country he literally gave his all for.
They told me his two sons were growing up and he would be very proud of them. They said he always found joy and piece within his family and that was the connection I drew to Jon. Family means the world to me for so many reasons and to know and understand that makes me, and Jon, a better man.
I hope this experience was worth if for Win and Janice. I hope it shows that Maine Heros are Never Forgotten and that Jons story will live on through others because of TSP.
Dear family of Jonathan A. Lowery,
I was honored to be able to hike up Streaked Mountain for the Summit Project. Iâve never hiked up a mountain before but hiking up this mountain for the Summit Project was a great experience.
While carrying the rock up the mountain, I realized how lucky I was for what I have. Hiking up the mountain, I had Jonathan on my mind, and I kept on thinking what he went through. I was complaining about going up this mountain but I realized other people probably have it worse.
It means a lot to me that Jonathan gave his life so that his loved ones and his country could stay safe. I wish I wouldâve met Jonathan before he passed away. I wouldâve loved talking to him and ask him questions about what went on behind the scenes. He seemed like a really loving and caring guy and I’m really sorry for your loss. Iâll always remember Jonathan as Hero for our country.
Thank you for letting me have the honored of carrying Jonathanâs rock!
Forever in my thoughts.
Dear Family of Jonathan A. Lowery,
I was very honored to carry Jonathans stone to the top of Little Bigelow. My name is Ian Simpson and Iâm a sophomore at Nokomis Regional High, I am in Jrotc and we as a class participated in the summit project. I chose Jonathan’s rock because when I read his story that he went overseas with his men and didnât stay in the US where there was safety, I thought he was a strong and brave man when he made that decision.
When I was hiking the mountain I kept thinking of how good I have it with both of my parents and I couldnât imagine what Iâd do without them. So Jon definitely had an impact on my life and made me appreciate what I have everyday.
I hope Jon’s legacy lives on forever and I will remember Jon for the rest of my life.
To the Family of SFC Jonathan Lowery,
It was an absolute honor to carry the stone and memory of Jonathan. Iâm a very visual person, and looking at pictures of Jonathan showed me exactly the person that Jonathan was. An extremely dedicated, disciplined, and selfless man. Additionally, the photos with his family showed the softer compassionate side of Jonathan. Being complete in both aspects of his life clearly enabled him to be the wonderful man that he was.
Carrying Jonathanâs stone up Katahdin was very fitting after talking with this brother Win. He let me know that Jonathan was always looking for a challenge and loved to push himself and those around him. Iâm sure Jonathan was always the one adding a little extra weight in his ruck, or helping those around him through either motivation or shouldering some of their weight.
Following our hike, Jonathanâs story got a bit more personal for me. One of my friends from flight school, Ryan Owen saw my post on facebook about Jonathan. He is currently medically discharged and hiking the Appalachian Trail with his family to âwalk off the warsâ. Ryan served with Jonathan and they had deployed to Kosovo as well as Iraq together in the same platoon when Ryan was an artilleryman. Unfortunately, Ryan lost touch with Jonathan and was unaware that Jonathan had passed. He let me know what an amazing Soldier Jonathan was, how they bonded over being New Englanders and how hurt he was to learn of Jonathanâs passing. Please email me (Michael.keighley@gmail.com) if youâd like for me to connect you with Ryan.
Jonathan, thank you for your service and sacrifice. The fact that you volunteered for one final deployment prior to retiring speaks volumes about you. From my experience the majority of others that are within reach of retirement tend to do the opposite. It takes an incredible sense of integrity and selflessness to do what you did. You undoubtedly inspired and left an impact on so many Soldiers still serving today. Rest easy Jonathan, you will continue to impact so many through your actions.
Mike âArchangelâ Keighley
Dear family of Jonathan,
I just finished hiking Table Rock Mountain with campers who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. This is what two children had to say about carrying Jonathan
“It was an honor to continue this lost soldier’s journey via the Summit Project. The experience was very inspiring, hearing stories of the different brave warriors who defend our country with their life. I can say for a fact that you’ve chosen the right stone. Although heavy and challenging, to climb with at times, it captured Jonathan’s firmness, emotionally and physically. I know this organization will keep Jonathan’s spirit alive and I wish luck to his family and friends and those who will have the honor of learning his story in the future.” – Lydia
“I’m glad I learned about Jonathan. I had a fun time walking Jonathan’s rock down Table Rock mountain. It was heavy and challenging. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
I would like to personally thank you for sharing Jonathan and his life with us and others who take part in this amazing program.
To the family and friends of Jonathan,
Two weeks ago, Michael Keighley and I hiked up Table Rock Mountain in Maine with 44 teenagers who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. They carried 28 stones up the mountain that day. Here is a letter from the campers that had the honor of carrying your hero.
“It was an honor to carry his stone up Table Rock mountain. His story was touching and we are very glad that we were able to learn about him. Jon was a great man and a wonderful father and friend. Thank you.”
– Emma and Mary-Kate
To Jonathanâs brother Win, it was truly an honor to carry your brotherâs stone to the top of Owl Mountain on Memorial Day weekend. When I read about your brother, a few things struck me very personally. First, that he was born the same year as my brother, who I also lost, many years ago. Second, that he left behind two sons. I have of two of my own children who are about same age as Jonâs sons were when he passed. My heart breaks for them. It makes Jonâs sacrifice all the more painful.
I also came across the words that his ex wife wrote about him. I was moved not only by the words she wrote, but that they were obviously written with love. He must have been an exceptional man.
In all that I read, his dedication to his men and his family were very apparent. As well as the personal sacrifices he made in order to serve his county. Grief often feels like a heavy weight upon your back. It is perhaps appropriate that Jonâs stone was of particularly weighty proportions.
The extra weight in my pack that day wasnât a burden though, on the contrary, it make me feel stronger and more capable of tackling the days challenges. It is the stories that keep our lost loved ones alive. Perhaps we will meet one day at one of the TSP events, and you can tell me about your brother. And to his sons, who would be men by now, there are no words for me to adequately express how sorry I am for your loss. Please know that we at TSP consider ourselves a family, and you are part of that family as well. If you ever decide to come see what we do first hand, youâll be welcomed with open arms.
A link to this site was just forwarded to me. I would like to thank everyone that has carried Jonâs stone. It is very touching that you all take time out of your day to remember the fallen each year. I know that Jon would have been very appreciative of all that you have done. He wasnât one to draw attention to himself. He was always more interested in helping others. He was very respectful and thankful for anything that was done for him. He loved the military and serving his country. He wouldnât have wanted to do anything else. I would like to say thank you on behalf of Sean and Dawson for everything that everyone does to remember Jon and his sacrifice.
Dear Family of Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan A. Lowery,
I had the honor and privilege of carrying SFC Loweryâs stone on my first TSP hike on the Kebo Team hiking in Acadia National Park. They say the stone picks the hiker and I believe this to be true. Although this hike is about his memory, as read about Jonâs life I couldnât help but think about mine and all I have because of the sacrifices he made, even before that last deployment to Iraq. I like Jon am a parent of two boys and as a reservist I have to leave for two week periods every year. This is difficult for me because sometimes I am 3,000 unable to make hockey games, help with homework, or just be there for them to have them tell me about their day. For Jon, and many other active duty, this was just the scenario 2 weeks out of the year. He selflessly made this a career, sacrificing all these things full time and everyday so the rest of the nation doesnât have too. We get to come home each night and see our families and be there for all the small things we often take for-granted. Not only did Jon make this sacrifice but the military family does too, giving up a son, brother, husband or father in the name of this country. I am sure it wasnât easy for Jon to be aware from his children and family. I can almost guarantee that. It is up to us each day to seize the day and the opportunities men and women like Jon provide us, not only for ourselves but in memory of their name. Let us not take these sacrifices for-granted. So the next I have had a long day at work and want to skip my sonâs hockey practice, I will remember that somewhere there is a service member missing their childâs practice, game or graduation so I never have too.
In addition, Jonâs service in particular continues on within the TSP. Through Jonâs memory I was able to many amazing people while enjoying the beautiful landscape that is our home state of Maine.
Thank you.
LT Kristen Van Meter, USN-R, NC
Dear Family of Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan A. Lowery,
I had the honor and privilege of carrying SFC Loweryâs stone on my first TSP hike. They say the stone picks the hiker and I believe this to be true. Although this hike is about his memory, as read about Jonâs life I couldnât help but think about mine and all I have because of the sacrifices he made, even before that last deployment to Iraq. I like Jon am a parent of two boys and as a reservist I have to leave for two week periods every year. This is difficult for me because sometimes I am 3,000 unable to make hockey games, help with homework, or just be there for them to have them tell me about their day. For Jon, and many other active duty, this was just the scenario 2 weeks out of the year. He selflessly made this a career, sacrificing all these things full time and everyday so the rest of the nation doesnât have too. We get to come home each night and see our families and be there for all the small things we often take for-granted. Not only did Jon make this sacrifice but the military family does too, giving up a son, brother, husband or father in the name of this country. I am sure it wasnât easy for Jon to be aware from his children and family. I can almost guarantee that. It is up to us each day to seize the day and the opportunities men and women like Jon provide us, not only for ourselves but in memory of their name. Let us not take these sacrifices for-granted. So the next I have had a long day at work and want to skip my sonâs hockey practice, I will remember that somewhere there is a service member missing their childâs practice, game or graduation so I never have too.
In addition, Jonâs service in particular continues on within the TSP. Through Jonâs memory I was able to many amazing people while enjoying the beautiful landscape that is our home state of Maine.
Thank you.
LT Kristen Van Meter, USN-R, NC
My name is Jodie Dyer and I work for a non-profit in Bangor. We currently have the honor of hosting the display case with all the stones. I just wanted to say a very Happy Valentine’s Day to the family of SGT Lowery. As I read his biography I couldn’t help but feel so grateful for his service to our country and beyond. I’m deeply saddened that he lost his life, but please know he will never ever be forgotten and his legacy will live on through his boys. We will never forget!!
On August 10, 2019, I had the privilege of carrying SFC Lowery with me at Huskyruck 2019. Already carrying one Hero, I didn’t hesitate when I read Lowery’s biography to take him with me as well. The thing that stuck out the most to me was the hardship his service caused him with his children and the sacrifice he and the family made while he served.
While on the trail and hiking with a friend, I’m pretty sure his inner Drill Sergeant was channeling through me “encouraging” my friend to push through and remember why we were doing the Ruck. Other times I would get completely quiet and get shivers throughout my body thinking about the Man I was carrying that gave everything for all of us.
It was truly and honor to carry such a Hero with me and I thank both SFC Lowery and his family for his service and sacrifices.
Recently, I had the honor of carrying the Stone of Army SFC Jonathan A. Lowery on a hike up Blue Hill Mountain and for the Veterans Remembrance 4-Miler on Veteransâ Day weekend. I learned that SFC Lowery was a man who played Army as a child, not unlike my own child does, and who knew very early on that the Army was his calling. His list of accomplishments clearly highlight his commitment. He served many deployments and accumulated a long list of awards. But of all these achievements, he was most proud of his two sons, Sean and Dawson. In carrying his granite stone, which is tough and resilient just like Jonathan, I learned about the weight that each deployment and assignment had on his family. I learned that balancing Army life and family life was not easy for SFC Lowery and that it had a significant impact on his family. When we stood on top of the mountain and shared thoughts in the Sacred Circle, I shared that each time I had carried a stone, the Hero had a message for me. I wasnât sure at that time what Jonathanâs message was for me â but I knew it would find me when it was time. It was during the Remembrance Race that it came to me. My family had purposefully chosen to walk the race and enjoy the route and being together. During the race, it was hard to ignore the competitive side and not want to pick up pace and run the course. We talked as a family about my Hero and his story and thatâs when the message came through. We were meant to stick to our original mission and that was to spend time as a family. We were meant to slow down and be present. These are areas that Jonathan Lowery the father and SFC Jonathan Lowery the soldier struggled with at times. Just as he had trained soldiers during his time as a drill sergeant and helped them learn, grow, and come together â he was helping us learn, grow, and come together as a family. I am thankful to have been able to learn about his life, his achievements, and his lessons on balance and staying true to the mission whether it be a personal or professional one.
My name is Joseph Morse and I had the honor of carrying the stone of Jonathan A. Lowery. I think the summit climb is a great opportunity to remember the fallen and acknowledge the sacrifice they made for us, our country, and their friends and family. The climb represents the hard work and dedication that these heroes used every day; they were loved by many and that is the reason that The Summit Project is where it is today. It was an honor to carry his stone.
Running tomorrow (Memorial Day) in honor of Army 1st Sergeant First Class Jonathan A. Lowery and his family. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom – a debt we can never repay.
I have had the honor and privilege of carrying Sgt 1st Class Jonathan Lowery. I carried his stone on the Ruck to Remember on May 30, it was a fantastic experience with an even greater group of people. He was such a great guy and was taken from everyone too soon. He touched so many lives as the person he was, dedicated. He was so dedicated to his family, his work, and every single thing he touched. He made sure everyone he knew would know him as a great man through his actions as a human being. I am glad I was able to do my part to keep his memory alive.
More than 15 years after he was killed in the line of duty, I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and sharing the story of Army SFC Jonathan Lowery on The Summit Projectâs Sept. 23, 2023 hike up Cadillac Mountain.
I hiked as a member of Team Gold, and we could not have asked for a more beautiful day to remember those who lost their lives in service to our country. It is always both haunting and humbling to listen to the stories shared by team members about the heroes whose stones they carried.
I was grateful to have the opportunity to learn and share about SFC Lowery, a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Though words can never truly capture the depth of gratitude I feel toward SFC Lowery, I endeavored to paint a portrait of a remarkable life devoted to service, duty, and selflessness as shared by his family and friends in their memorials to him.
His unwavering dedication to preserving the freedoms we hold dear, his willingness to stand on the front lines in defense of those principles time after time, and his selflessness in training and supporting his fellow soldiers set a profound example for us all. He understood that the freedom and security we enjoy are not guaranteed but must be safeguarded through sacrifice and service.
Through TSP, we will continue to remember, honor, and salute SFC Lowrey and all of our fallen soldiers, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who are touched by their story.
SFC Lowery’s story was a reminder to me that freedom is not free, and it is our duty to uphold the legacy of those who gave everything for it.
On February 2nd, 2024, I was honored to be carrying Jonathan A. Lowery’s stone with a group of students from my school. Although I got to learn about many soldiers who gave their lives in service, I was honored to learn about Jonathan and explore his personality. What really stood out to me was how caring and compassionate he was. For example, he took a younger person’s place of duty to keep them safe knowing the possible consequences. In my opinion, Jonathan seemed very loving especially when I found out his two boys meant the world to him. This was a very meaningful experience and a privilege.
I had the honor of participating in The Summit Project at Acadia National Park, where I carried the stone of Army Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan A. Lowery to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. This experience was deeply meaningful, not only as a physical challenge but also as a powerful way to reflect on the life and sacrifice of Sgt. Lowery.
Jonathanâs story is one of resilience, leadership, and selflessness. From his early days playing âArmyâ with childhood friends in Houlton, Maine, to his distinguished military career, he embodied dedication and commitment. His decision to volunteer for one last deployment, despite being close to retirement, speaks to his character and sense of responsibility toward the soldiers he trained.
Carrying his stone, which was taken from the shore of Drewâs Lake near a memorial his brother created, was a humbling experience. I was particularly moved by the fact that Sgt. Loweryâs sons, Sean and Dawson, were 11 and 8 at the time of his death, as my daughters have the same age difference. As I ascended the mountain, I couldnât help but think about the weight of his sacrifice and the legacy he left behind, especially for his family. His memory of being âtough but fairâ resonated deeply with me, and the fact that his stone was one of the heaviest of all the TSP stones felt ironically fitting. No amount of my energy spent carrying that stone in my pack could ever truly equate to the profound loss his family and friends have endured.
Reaching the summit, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and reverence. Sgt. Loweryâs story will remain with me, and I am committed to sharing it with others, ensuring that his sacrifice is never forgotten. It was an honor to carry his memory on this journey, and I thank The Summit Project for creating such a profound way to honor Maineâs fallen heroes.