24, of South Portland, Maine; assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died March 25 in Baqubah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Also killed were Cpl. Jason Nunez, Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez and Pfc. Anthony J. White.
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On October 4th I took part on The Summit Project’s hike up Mt. Cadillac. I had the humble honor of carrying the stone of SGT. Jason W. Swiger. In the weeks leading up to the hike I did a lot of research on this brave young man. He was a poet, singer and had planned on making the military his career. I found more than one testimonial about Jason’s great sense of right and wrong and how he always stood up for what he believed in. He was a selfless person who grew up amongst many foster children. As I hiked the mountain it was not lost on me the significance of his sacrifice for this country. Were it not for the actions of this great soul and many others like him I may never have even had the opportunity or freedom to take part in a leisurely hike let alone one with this much significance. When times got a little tougher on the mountain I just envisioned what Jason had been through and how he wouldn’t let something as small as rain, wind or slick rocks stop him from reaching his goal. This gave me all the strength I could ever need to complete the hike. I feel now that I have a new appreciation for Jason and all other fallen heroes. These people sacrificed their time, energy and lives all in the name of what they thought was right. Jason answered the call of his country and the amount of respect I have for him is endless. I pledge that I will do everything in my power to keep Jason’s memory alive. I will share his story and encourage others to do the same. Thank you to all my fellow hikers and The Summit Project for this incredible experience. Finally and most of all I want to thank the Swiger family for allowing me the honor of carrying Jason’s stone. Your hero, is not forgotten.
Hello – My name is Andrew Coleman, living in Portland now, I had the honor and the privilege of carrying Jason’s stone up Cadillac Mountain in a recent hike. While parsing through the stones available, Jason’s caught my eye for his age and where he grew up/went to high school.
After doing some reading up on Jason prior to the hike, and even more after the hike, it soon became apparent how good of a man Jason was. Looking through some of the posts on Jason and some of the entries on his passing, I noticed that he and I shared similar interests which made doing the reading even more difficult.
The hike up Cadillac Mountain was my first hike with a stone in which Gold Star family members were present. In the weeks leading up, I had not realized how tough that was going to be for that reason. Despite the emotional rollercoaster, everyone I met was incredibly encouraging and loving and I am sure that not only Jason shared those same qualities, but his entire Swiger family and I look forward to connecting with them at a future event.
Overall, the gist I got from doing some reading on Jason is that the world could use more people like him. A line from Monsignor Paul Stefanko that caught my eye while doing some reading was:
āHe will be remembered as a man of his word. As a man who stood up for what he believed in. As one who was willing to fight for those beliefs and values,” Stefanko said. “As a man who was proud to be serving in the military.”
I can only hope to share even one or two qualities that his hero possessed. Thank you to the Swiger family for allowing me to honor Jason by carrying his stone.
-Andrew Coleman
I was graciously given the opportunity to honor of carrying the stone of one of Maineās fallen soldiers, SGT Jason Swiger. This will be one of the more memorable experiences of my life. I cannot thank the Swiger family enough for letting me become a part of Jasonās memory through this small gesture of gratitude. This single event has changed me forever.
Many might wonder why I requested his stone, considering we were neither close friends nor family. Unlike many of the other people who walked in this event, my connection to the Swinger family is truly unique. Roughly 6 months into my first deployment I received a care package from a woman in South Portland, Maine. Not knowing who it was, I returned to sender fearing it was a mistake. About a month or two later I received the same box, but this time with a note. The note was from Mrs. Swinger who told me that she intended to send the care package to me because it reminded her of Jason, her son. She went on to tell me how he was killed in action just a few months prior to my receiving the box and how continuing in this tradition helped her to stay connected to him. She continued to send them to me in his memory and I will forever be honored to be on the receiving end of her courage and selflessness. I have always wanted to return to my home town of South Portland and thank her in person, but have never been able to.
I was approached later this winter and asked if I wanted to be a part of the Summit Project. I agreed, but with one condition; I would carry SGT Jason Swingerās stone. Truth be told, I was also hoping this might finally give me the opportunity to embrace and thank the woman who sent me care packages all those years ago.
On the morning of March 6, 2015 I woke up in bed eager, energetic, but anxious for the journey that lie ahead. Carrying SGT Jason Swigerās stone on a six mile trek through Portland, Maine was an incredible honor– one that I would not take lightly. Being charged with this responsibility, walking in memory of a fallen hero, was not only an honor, but one filled with great humility. I arrived and stood in line to receive my stone. The lump in my throat became harder to stifle as I grew closer ton receiving my stone. I was next to receive my stone. I walked into the room and informed them of whose stone I had requested: SGT Jason Swinger. When the stone was handed to me, I grasped it and held it close, fearing the thought of dropping it, or worse, losing it.
The stone carriers lined up. The brisk morning air bit at our throats with each breath we took. It was eerily quiet as the carriers stood waiting for the march to begin. People were taking pictures, cars honked as they passed, and onlookers waved their flags. All the while I kept thinking of how those whom we were remembering would never experience any of these sensations againāand through their sacrifice, I could. This sobering reminder heightened my every sense. The scent of the sea to my left, the weight of the assault pack on my shoulders, and the sound of American flags flapping in the gusts wind.
I spoke with several other carriers along the way, listening to their heart wrenching stories. I felt privileged to walk among some of the friends and family members of these fallen soldiers, all walking in their memory. The entire time I reflected on the significance of my stone, what it meant for me, his family, his sacrifice. I felt a tremendous burden to do him and his family justice. As I stood there thinking about Jason, I felt he lump reemerge in my throat, only this time, I couldn’t gold it back.. I thought of Jason and how he couldn’t be standing there next to me. I thought of his family and how much they must miss himāhow I am only here today because he gave the ultimate sacrificeā¦ his life.
As the long, cold journey went on, I kept thinking of how tired I was. Every time it started wearing on me, I would talk to Jason. I assured him not to worry and that I would bring him home. As our journey came to an end, I walked Jasonās stone down the sky bridge and into Abromson Hall where family and supporters from all over Maine were waiting to welcome the fallen heroās home. Individually, we handed our stones over to be placed into the memorial case. This was a difficult point in time because I was relieved the trek was over, but saddened because my journey with Jason was finished.
When I walked to my car my mind was racing, trying to analyze the past eight hours. I started my car and sat there for a minute, thinking. I meditated on the fact that Jason would forever be a part of my life. I am honored by his sacrifice and the sacrifice of his family.
Thank you SGT Jason Swiger. We miss you, and we will never forget you.
I cried from beginning to end when I read your entry on carrying Jason Swinger’s stone. Its been 10 years since his passing and we (myself, husband & 2 sons) think of him often. Jason was our next door neighbor from a very young age playing everyday at the neighborhood playground with my boys and the other neighborhood kids. He was such a smart and funny child growing up. Coming into the Swiger family in his early years was such a wonderful thing for Jason and all the children that Valerie opened her home up to. She loved everyone one of them as though they were her own flesh and blood and helped each of them become amazing adults. Sadly, Valerie has also now passed but like Jason, her spirit and what she did for others will also not be forgotten. Thank you for writing such a heartfelt tribute to the Jason and the Swiger family.
On May 29th I had the honor of carrying Jason W. Swiger’s memorial stone up Bigelow Mountain. It was a truly moving period of time for me, while I was hiking I thought of Jason the whole way up, I thought about how much he loved his service and his passion for so many things and I thought of his family and how they have to endure to lose such an important person to them. It was definitely a struggle at some points but I was completely worth it to honor Jason.
Sincerely, Alec Young
My name is Dan Tereshko, over Memorial Day Weekend, I had the privilege of carrying the stones of three of Maineās fallen to the summit of Mt Katahdinās, Owl Peak as part of The Summit Project.
Reaching Owl Peak was the culmination of weeks of preparation, mentally, physically and learning as much as we could about the heroes that we would be carrying up the mountain. The process of preparing for the hike has a profound impact upon each hiker and I am grateful for the opportunity to had the opportunity to carry on the memories of:
Army Sgt Jason Swiger, 24, of South Portland, ME; 5th Squadron, 73rd Cav, 3rd BCT, 82nd Airborne, killed March 25th, 2007, Baqubah, Iraq when a suicide bomber detonated himself while Jason and his team were distributing candy to Iraqi children. Marine Major Samuel Leigh of Belgrade, ME; HMLA-469, MAG-16, 3rd MAW, 1st MEF, killed October 29, 2009 when a USCG C130 collided with his helicopter on a training mission off the coast of San Diego. Army Spc. Daniel Cunningham, 33, of Lewiston, ME; 41st Field Artillery regiment, Fort Stewart, GA killed April 3, 2004 when his convoy came under mortar fire and his Humvee swerved and went into a ravine.
During the hike our team shared stories about their fallen heroes, why they joined the military, how they volunteered for multiple deployments, and what personality strengths they brought to their respective units and how they bound their teams together. As our team climbed I reflected each of the three heroes best trait and focused on how to make those traits a part of my daily life in order to keep their memories alive and ensure that Maine Heroes Are Not Forgotten.
I had a special connection with Jason in that I was operating out of FOB Warhorse in Baqubah as an EOD technician when Jason was killed. One of our primary jobs was to render safe the never ending stream of IEDās emplaced along the roads we had to travel everyday. It weighs heavily that we were not able to eliminate every IED. Jason was a Role Model that led by example and a Volunteer, offering to go so others would not have to. Jason was unable to return and continue to volunteer, he has strengthened my resolve to give back to the community through volunteer work for non-profit Veterans programs.
Iāve always had a deep respect for Marines between their professionalism, integrity, honor, loyalty and selflessness. Major Leigh had been to Iraq twice and was preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan. In between deployments he volunteered his time teaching, contributing to aviation blogs, teaching and preparing young aviators to give them a leg up in their professional development. Hearing of his passion for teaching has inspired me to make sure that I teach and lead those that work with me and help develop future veteran entrepreneurs.
Daniel Cunningham inspired me in a very different way. Daniel joined the Army in order to provide a better life for his family. He gave his life making sure he could support his wife and son. āGreater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friendsā. Danielās greatest trait was his selfless sacrifice. Through his sacrifice and memory Daniel will be a constant guiding light of the bigger picture, to always give back to the less fortunate, those who are unable to defend themselves, and to make things better for those that come after us.
As I stood on the top of Katahdin it was impossible to ignore the emotions and thoughts going through my head. But most of all I was grateful that these heroes sacrifice was not in vain. Looking around at everyone in our team I was amazed by how the memories of the falen could foster such a sense of community, perseverance, teamwork, selflessness and service to others.
Thank you to everyone who has stood the watch, and those still standing the watch.
On Sunday November 8th, on a beautiful fall day, I had the distinct honor of carrying Sgt. Swiger’s remembrance stone to the summit of Blue Hill Mountain. Sgt. Swiger was known for his love of poetry, his dry sense of humor, a signature smirk and having lived with reckless abandon.
I enjoyed learning of Sgt. Swigers passion and determination in seeking the hand of his wife Alanna.
Sgt. Swiger served several tours in defense of our Country and enjoyed serving in our Nations Armed Forces. Sgt. Swiger was remembered as a “man of his word who stood up for what he believed in, as one who is willing to fight for those beliefs and values.”
Many thoughts came to my mind of Sgt. Swiger’s commitment and bravery, and his passion for returning to Maine, often visiting the same South Portland school were he graduated. Sgt. Swiger would often visit the school in uniform and speak in the same military history class that he had attended as a student.
In reading the news accounts of Sgt. Swiger’s passing, I could only cringe when I learned that Sgt. Swiger and several other members of his Humvee crew had stopped to pass out candy to children when a motorcyclist approached the group and detonated an IED, killing Sgt. Swiger and three others.
I will always remember that although in a time of conflict, Sgt. Swiger was a man who died as he reached out his hand to a child in friendship.
In thinking of Sgt. Swiger and his family I offer my heartfelt appreciation and thank you for your service.
In reading of Sgt. Swiger’s fun loving personality, his warrior spirit and his fondness for poetry. I would like for Sgt. Swiger’s own words to carry on that passion for his wife and family:
“Our wedding vows shall always stand true because not even death will be able to sever our love for one another.”
To all our service members who are currently serving, have served or have been called home,
Warm regards and Be Safe.
Bravo Zulu
Tom Reardon
I had the honor of running with SGT Swiger’s stone this year in the veterans 4 miler. From what I have read about Jason Swiger, he was a honorable, well rounded man who payed the ultimate price to protect our freedom. He will be missed and remembered. But your memories and honorable life will echo through history.
Hello my name is Mekhi Bitjoka and I carried the stone and the story of Jason W. Swiger. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to carry this stone in Jason Swigerās name. It was such an honor to even be a part of organization like this. It feels good to help the fallen troops because my dad is also in the Navy and he is currently stationed in Hawaii. It was an honor to help out all military members. So I say thank you and I hope I get the chance to do this again.
Sincerely,
Mekhi Bitjoka
At the TSP at BSP 2016, I had the honor to carry the stone and the story of SGT. Jason W. Swiger. Jason has a plaque that hangs in the lobby of the South Portland Boys & Girls Club and I was lucky serve as the Unit Director of that Clubhouse for close to 4 years. Every day I walked by his plaque several times, multiple times a month, hundreds of times a year. I knew of Jason and his story but it wasnāt until his niece and nephew started coming to the Clubhouse did everything start to connect.
We hosted the Honor Case at the Clubhouse this past winter and Jason was a big reason why we wanted to participate. He was a club member growing up just like all the club members that walk in every day. We wanted to honor him and all the fallen heroes. I have heard so many people talk of Jason over the years. I was honored to carry his stone and share his story on behalf of his community.
Carrying Jasonās stone brought our relationship full circle. The weight of his stone created an unbreakable bond while we hiked up the mountain. I no longer work at the Clubhouse so I donāt see his plaque often anymore but I enjoy hiking and I often walk alone. During these walks I promise to slow down and think of Jason and the sacrifices he made for me and our country. I can now share my story of Jason. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to honor SGT. Jason W. Swiger.
-Raymond Ruby
On October 1, 2016 I had the honor of carrying Jason’s stone with me up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. I wasn’t planning on hiking until a week or two before the event. I thought it would be very difficult to learn about my hero in such a short amount of time, but thanks to his wonderful personality, so many people had so much to talk about. The number one thing I learned was that Jason was very proud of what he did. He died doing what he loved and for that I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to carry his stone. The weather was perfect as we hiked. Jason’s stone was a little bigger and heavier than I had anticipated and I grew exhausted very quickly, but I knew he was with me every step of the way. Jason Swiger is NOT forgotten.
My name is Sebastian Sirois, and on October 20, 2016, I had the privilege of carrying the stone of Jason Swiger up Streaked Mountain. It was a tough hike, but I tried my hardest to make it up knowing that Jason and his family have had to deal with much more. Although I didnāt know Jason, or have a lot of time to research who he’s was, Iām thankful for who he was and what he did. He was a man who almost immediately found his place in the military after he graduated high school. He was proud of who he was and what he did. But some years later, and IED went off near his vehicle in Iraq, killing him and three other men in the process. They died for what they believed in, and to protect us, so Iām grateful for all they did. Again, it was a great honor to partake in this event.
– Sebastain Sirois
To the family of SGT Jason Swiger
I had the honor of being selected to carry the stone and story of SGT Swiger for the Baxter park 2017 event. I was humbled reading his story of service and the unfortunate circumstance surrounding his loss. I was moved by the article about his mother and the Yellow Ribbons in Portland and could remember the time that it was in the news. Receiving the large dark dense stone was humbling…it was almost as though it was like his spirit..intense with layers and loyalty.
My plan for the trek was to keep the memory of how he was bringing joy and a humanitarian side to the war when his convoy was attacked alive through team spirit and being upbeat. He was remebered as a man of honor and of his word by his peers and his gesture of friendship in his last moments was so impressive and humbling to me.
This was not my first trek of The Owl and my goal was to be like SGT Swiger…a messenger of joy and positivity in the midst of a difficult time and task. However due to personal tragedy in my work family I was called back to town and unable to hike. I carried the spirit of friendship and humility with me through the day while comforting my friend. I returned to base camp to see the team’s return and cheer them on just as I suspect Jason would have done for his peers.
I truly hope I have the chance to hike with him again as our mission was partially completed. We may not have hiked to the summit together, but his story was told and his life lesson of friendship helped carry me through a difficult day almost like he was here.
Thank you for the honor
Sincerely
Jacqueline Carter
Millinocket ME
Dear family of Jason,
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 Jason
“As I brought down Jason’s stone, I could feel the connection between us as he had to carry all of our weight when protecting us. The Summit Project is a really great team as it makes people realize what these soldiers have done for us. Learning about the person was a very nice experience for me as I learned about someone that has passed away fighting for my freedom.”
“I thought getting up the mountain was difficult with the weight both physically and symbolically of the rock. It was worth it in the end because the view was cool and because I know I can continue the soldier’s legacy.”
I would like to personally thank you for sharing your son and his life with us and others who take part in this amazing program.
Dear Family of Sgt. Jason Swiger,
It was an Airborne Day on Sunday, September 30th, 2017. The mission took us to Old Speck Mountain, the 4th highest summit in the state, located in Oxford County, Maine. The summit of Old Speck is on the southern boundary of Grafton Notch State Park with an elevation of 4,170 ft. with prominence of 2,730 ft. The route chosen for the mission was the Eyebrow Trail to the Old Speck Trail. Once at the summit, the fire tower was climbed for a breathtaking view of the Mahoosuc Range and the White Mountains.
I had an opportunity to pay my respects to a fellow Airborne Solider, Sgt. Jason Swiger by carrying his stone. Although we served at different times, we shared similar experiences of being a solider in the 82nd Airborne Division. I felt an instant connection with Sgt. Swiger knowing we ran the same roads, sang the same cadence’s, conducted the same drills, and lived life at Fort Bragg, NC..
During this mission, we were accompanied by my friend Jennifer and fallen hero MSgt. Robert Horrigan. It was quite an experience hiking in honor of Sgt. Swiger. I took great care to pack his stone in my army pack with the yellow parachute rip cord hanging in the wind. Along the way, I sang a few cadences and added some my own words thinking Sgt. Swiger would have enjoyed my humor as much as I think I would of have enjoyed his.
Throughout the mission, I thought about what I had read about Sgt. Swiger’s service and his characteristics as a person. I would have proudly served under you, Sgt. Swiger. You have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and through this project and many others, your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Stewart Dillingham
CPL, US Army
313th Military Battalion
82nd Airborne Division
Fort Bragg, NC
To the family of Jason Swiger
My name is Shawn Boutaugh myself and my son Scott who is eight years old Carried Jason stone and the Ellsworth Veterans Day memorial 4 Miler Rd. race. We ran together and we swapped halfway through the race caring Jason. As a veteran myself, It was a true honor to be a part of the race on Veterans Day with a Veterans stone, especially with my son. I read as much information I could find about Jason to my son, to help educate him about our fallen heroes and the life that they live both before and during their military careers. I would like to thank you and The Summit Project for allowing me to be able to carry Jason stone at such a memorable event. Sincerely yours,
Shawn Boutaugh and Scott Boutaugh
On Saturday 11/10/18 I had the honor of carrying the stone and story of Army Sgt. Jason W. Swiger in the first half of a two part event that has occurred over Veterans’ Day weekend in Ellsworth Maine for four years. It was a cold and wet morning, but when we gathered at the base of Blue Hill Mountain I knew that our team of 15 was ready to honor our heroes as if it were bright and sunny. We were prepared, bundled up and ready! We had 12 TSP stones among us and, despite a brief conversation about whether we would wait for the weather to clear, we had decided that the rain and cold were nothing compared to the sacrifices that our heroes had made for us.
We hiked together as a team up the Mountain and gathered on the Summit for our circle. As often happens in TSP events, the sun did peek through a couple of times on our ascent, but in our circle we stood in a fog bank and I watched as our teammates began to shiver and visibly shake. Despite the cold we stood strong. As the event leader I went first and was honored to speak about Jason. I handed out small bags to each of my teammates that contained a piece of candy and a small yellow ribbon. In my research prior to the event I read things that quickly triggered my memories of our 2016 event in which we were also honored to have Jason’s stone. I remembered that Jason was handling out candy to the children of Iraq when he was killed by a suicide bomber, and I remembered how the previous hiker to carry Jason in the same event had brought a bowl of candy to share with everyone in Jason’s honor. I think this is such a wonderful way to be remembered – bringing happiness and smiles to people despite the circumstance. Jason knew from a vey young age what he aspired to do and become. He knew, from watching his Uncle, a role model in his life, that he wanted to be someone who served his country. He worked hard and he achieved his goal to serve in the 82nd Airborne. I like to think that Jasonās actions and gentle kindness toward the children of Iraq may have helped to steer one child toward the path of this role model who emulated kindness and warmth toward others. Jason was a role model to many children here at home as well and often visited his High School in South Portland to speak in the military history class. It was said that Jason wore his uniform and “walked tall and with great pride.” I also learned how he was a man of his word, stood for what he believed in and led by example.
It seems likely that Jason learned many of these characteristics from another great role model in his life, his mother, Valerie. The articles about her yellow ribbon campaign hit home for me as my mother also started a yellow ribbon campaign at the local K-8 elementary school where she taught. We had one in the bedroom window at my childhood home long after I moved out. We removed it only when the yellow had faded to white. I have the yellow ribbon magnet still with the words, āWe Still Remember,ā from June 2007, on my refrigerator at home.
Learning about Jason’s story and having the chance to honor him has left me with the following take aways that I promise to try and incorporate into my daily life in his honor: Walk tall with great pride. Do what you believe in. Do what you can with what you have, where you are. Make a child smile. Go out of your way to make the world a better place no matter how small your actions may seem in the moment.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to learn about and learn from Jason through The Summit Project. And, to Army Sgt. Jason W. Swiger, thank you for your service and your sacrifice. #mhanf
I carried the stone of Army Sgt. Jason Swiger on Sunday, May 26th, 2019 at BSP.
I read as much as I could about Jason prior to the event and was struck most by his compassion and desire to make the world a better and safe place. He was determined to join the Army from a young age having an uncle he looked up to already in the service. His family had immense pride knowing that he lived his life according to and doing what he believed in. The circumstances surrounding his death were heartbreaking but I think spoke so strongly about the compassionate and courageous person he was. I was grateful to have the opportunity to learn about him and meet others on the hike who had carried his stone previous or knew him in life.
Thank you for your sacrifice, Jason.
On June 14th, 2019 I had the pleasure of hiking Mt. Agamenticus carrying a stone bearing the name of Army Sgt. Jason W. Swiger of the 82nd Airborne from South Portland, Maine. Like so many other hikers before me, I agonized over what to say about this fine young man that I didnāt know or would ever have the chance to meet face to face. After completing the trek to the summit, I was the last hiker at the circle of testimony to pay tribute to a fallen hero. Jason was without a doubt, someone to admire and to be proud of. The fact that he was on his 4th tour of duty when he was killed is a testament to his courage and valor. His death while handing out candy to children was the most difficult part of his story to tell. I had no idea how powerful and emotional carrying this stone would be for me and yet I would do it again without hesitation if given another opportunity. Honoring Jason has been one of the greatest experiences of my life and words cannot express the sadness I have for his family, friends, and community for their loss. I pledge to all of you as a former Soldier that Jason will be a part of me for the rest of my life. God Bless!
On September 26th 2020, I had the honor of hiking up Cadillac Mountain with the stone and memories of Jason W. Swiger. Being my first summit project hike I wasn’t sure what to expect. Our hike started early in the morning surrounded by dense for fog, everyone hiking pushed through with a positive and upbeat attitude as I imagine that Jason himself would have, by the time we summited the fog had broken and opened to a beautiful day. A truly touching tribute in Jason memory. Prior to hiking I read about Jasons life and had my whole summit speech planned, little did I know the further I went through my hike the more its meaning changed to me. Carrying the Jasons stone, a young man who was killed at nearly my age while handing candy out to children, really put into perspective his ultimate sacrifice. He was a man that knew froma young age he was willing to fight for his country so we could continue to have our freedoms, while showing his courage and compassion to anyone who had the opportunity to meet him.
Thank you for your sacrifice Jason
On August 23, 2022, I had the honor of carrying Sgt. Jason W. Swiger’s remembrance stone through Timber Point Trail in Biddeford on behalf of The Summit Project. In researching Sgt Swiger’s life and service, I am touched by the kind words people have mentioned and we as a country are indebted to Jason for his sacrifice. It is heartbreaking to learn of Jason’s death when IED detonated near his Humvee, killing Sgt. Swiger and three others.
During the hike my thoughts were constantly with Jason and his family as I positioned the stone in my backpack so I could feel it with every step I took. I thought of the grief his family still experiences and the fracture in the community that is never repaired when we lose a service member.
Thank you to Sgt. Jason W. Swiger for his service and ultimate sacrifice and thank the Swiger family for allowing me the honor of carrying Jasonās stone. He will not be forgotten.
– Tim Moran
To the whole Swiger Family I want to say I had an incredible hike up Cadillac Mountain with Jason in my pack. He pushed me when my legs got tired and my shoulders got week.. I know it was you when the raven came upon us and gave the spectacular dance through the high winds of Ian and I know you were with me during the difficult sharing circle. You gave me strength to share your funny, brave, persevering stories with tears in my eyes but a big smile on my face. You are and will always be My HomeTown Hero. I was lucky to live the next street over and watch you grow through your many stages of life. Thank You to Alana(Jason’s wife)for taking the time to share your stories and intimate details of the love between the two of you. The love he had in his heart for you and his mom and family kept a warm space in my heart as we climbed. Thank You Dawn, Ande and Jaylyn for eating pizza with me as we reminisced over the love we all shared with him and the funny stories of batman and the stairs to Mrs. Dinsmore’s pine tree, the infamous School Street Playground…spending many hours listening to the laughter, the bossiness, and the love of friendships bonded there, the Boys and Girls club…, to Mrs. Peterson telling me how you spent a lot of time sitting on her couch in the office of Brown School then how when you were home from deployment you went back to that said school and spoke to the staff and students… and Ryan and Linda Wade telling me the story of their very first encounters with you at 4 showing up on their porch wanting to play while you gave your mother a heart attack because she couldn’t find you but what a Beautiful friendship formed between you and Ryan. I am so honored to have finally had the opportunity to carry your Stone and Story and share them with the 17 other hikers and sharing Twizzlers in the circle. You Will Never Be Forgotten and I will continue to Honor the man you became. Keep watching over your loved ones until we meet again. ā¤ļøā¤ļø
To Jasonās family,
This hike, over Memorial Day weekend, was a first for me. This was the first time that I carried the stone of a hero I was familiar with. One I felt the loss, at the time, with the family, with the community. Jason was 15 years younger than me, so I didnāt get to watch him grow up in the neighborhood, but we played at the same playground, had some good times at the same Boyās and Girl’s club, and most likely shared some of the same teachers throughout our years in school. We had the same up bringing, surrounded by family and great friends. We both felt the pull to join the military and be available when Uncle Sam called.
I wasnāt sure how I was going to do on this hike, as I am looking at knee surgery in December, and although it was a fairly level and easy hike, I had my moments where I needed that extra push and Jason was there every time I asked him. He had the qualities of a great leader, and he provided some sense of stability to the children of Iraq. What he faced everyday couldnāt have been easy, but he always had the children in mind. This, Iām sure, goes back to the love of family that he had.
The circle ceremony is always hard for me. I become emotional and stutter and the knowledge I had retained just flows out and I hope I remembered it all. It was different this year. I had a sense of calm, a sense of awareness, a sense of pride. I spoke of his service to this country, but most of what I shared was his qualities as a leader, his pride in his country and the love of family and children. I had to share the prank day story because that just made me laugh after seeing the picture and hearing the story.
Thank you, to the family, for sharing this amazing husband, brother, uncle, human with us. Some say it was for a short time, for me and others who have, and will continue to carry his stone and story, it will be a lifetime.
This past weekend we were blessed with such beautiful hiking weather for our trek up Cadillac. I had the honor of carrying the stone and story of Jason W. Swiger of South Portland. I enjoy learning of Jasonās selflessness and passions. How he returned to his hometown after tours to revisit his high school to speak and even to visit his childhood playground, where he would just sit to watch the neighborhood children play as he used to there. I came to realize after reading up on his life that that was the very same park that I have previously taken my own children to play at, years ago, prior to it being rebuilt in memory of Jason. I will never forget the tragedy of his passing, one can never forget the passing of a man who was killed while abandoning the safety of his military vehicle just to hand out candy to the children of Iraq. Iāve seen this written a few times in various articles about Jason and it resonates well.
Jason died as he lived, reaching out his hand in friendship.
And he will not be forgotten.
26MAY2024, I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and story of Army Sgt Jason W. Swiger with other hikers and TSP Staff at Twin Pines in Millinocket. It was an amazing day to hike and learn more about Maine’s fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.
It is my heartfelt condolences to the family. I did not know Jason but doing research i found Jason was a role model whom lead by example. He was extremely proud of enlisting in the Army as he wanted at a young age. He wore his uniform with pride. Jason was a man of his word and stood up for what he believed in. He wanted to make the world a better and safer place. Learning this and as i hiked, thinking about Jason, above are all qualities we share. Making the hike more special for me. His selflessness and kindness as he was handing out candy to children, when the unthinkable happened, was the most difficult to share to the group. He was a standup guy. I will be proud, honored, and will hike tall carrying his stone and story in the future.
Thank you Sgt Jason W. Swiger for your service to our country. You are not forgotten! #MHANF
I had the honor of carrying your stone to Echo Lake at ANP Sept. 20th. I got involved in 2023 with my girlfriend to help support her and love what this orgnaization is all about. Was pleasure to learn about you and to the family i am so sorry for your loss.