33, of Westbrook, Maine; assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Battalion, 304th Regiment, 98th Division, Army Reserve, Lewiston, Maine; killed April 26 by a large explosion while performing site security in Baghdad.
To honor SGT Lawrence A Roukey, his sister, Dotty Roukey Collins stealthily retrieved this stone from their childhood home in on Aldworth Street Portland, Maine.
Watch this video to learn why this stone is significant and what it says about SGT Lawrence A Roukey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tndJzkRT_Bk&rel=0
31 Comments
I can’t believe 10 years have passed since we lost Larry. Dottie Larry was a peace keeper at work. I can’t tell you how many times he used his sense of humor to diffuse arguments and of course his “can’t we all just get along”.
I had the great privilege and honor of carrying
SGT Roukey stone to Millinocket on May 23 with the Patriot riders it was a.very moving experience at each stop along the way And.will be a memory I will always cherish and I will keep Larry’s memory alive
God bless
Raymond Bickford
Dear Dotty,
What an honor it was to carry your brother’s stone up to the summit of Owl Mountain. This hike was the culmination of months of preparation and anticipation. From the first conversation we had with Dave about The Summit Project, I have been excited to be a part of honoring Larry’s memory and his ultimate sacrifice.
Having not been afforded the opportunity to meet Larry, The Summit Project has allowed me to connect with Larry on a very intimate level. Each step on the trail with his stone gave me the chance to reflect on his service, commitment and great sacrifice. I talked with him about our shared love for the Red Sox and the Fighting Irish. I forged a bond and connection with my brother in law climbing that mountain that will remain always and forever.
I’m grateful that our children, Sadie and Bronson, were able to take part in The Summit Project and learn about their Uncle Larry. They will be able to carry on the memory of the uncle they never met and do their part to ensure his service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
I look forward to future hikes with Larry as I intend to climb all of Maine’s summits of over 3000 ft with his stone in my pack. I am truly humbled and honored to be a part of carrying on the legacy of Sgt Lawrence A. Roukey – a true Maine hero who will not be forgotten.
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association’s National meeting is in Gettysburg, PA this year. SGT Larry Roukey’s stone from The Summit Project will be making that trip with me this year. There will be pictures on the trip down, on the Gettysburg battlefields, and at the CVMA National meeting posted on Facebook and the Summit Project page. I served with Larry in the 3/304th and work at the Portland Maine MEPS where the stones are kept. My mission is to make sure he is not forgotten!
Good Morning Dotty: I don’t know if I can put into words my hike Saturday with Larry’s stone and spirit but I will give it my best. From the time that I read that he wanted to through-hike the AT, I have felt a very special bond with him and I’ve thought about him every single day. So few people would actually want to do that hike… SO..I carried a pack that went the distance on a through-hike two years ago, and I filled it like a day on the AT and when I added Larry’s stone it went perfectly in the center of the pack and did not shift as I climbed over rocks (not sure if you are a hiker, but balance is EVERYTHING in a big pack especially when there is rock climbing happening), which lead me to think of Larry as steady and unwavering in his service to our country. As I hiked I thought about you many times. As I watched again the video of you talking about Larry’s stone this morning, I am humbled by your own bravery. I also thought many times of Larry’s son and step daughter and wife and hoped they knew that TSP will keep Larry’s memory alive. Several times during the hike and the ensuing ceremonies I was unable to speak because of the emotions connected with what I have learned about Larry’s dedication to his country. Please know that I honored your brother and will keep his memory in my heart forever. I am also planning a trek up Machu Picchu in 2016 and would be honored if I could carry Larry’s stone.
Sgt. Larry Roukey will forever be remembered as a hero and his bravery will be an inspiration to me every day. I hope to someday meet you and express this in person. Blessings to you and your family, Debra
On Dec 2014, Zach Thompson wrote —
To The Roukey Family,
Thank you for the privilege of hiking with Army SGT Lawrence A. Roukey’s stone on a winter hike up Borestone Mountain in Piscataquis County, Maine. Since meeting my wife, I have been able to join my wife and her family in the tradition of hiking Borestone on Christmas Day. Our Christmas hike was quite a unique and meaningful experience this year because I was hiking with Lawrence and an active service member, that just returned from Afghanistan, I had never met before. I was unfortunately feeling sick the day of the hike and questioned whether I would even go in the first place. I felt a responsibility to summit for Lawrence, and I pictured him sarcastically making fun of me, which after hearing Dotty talk about him would playfully ring true.
It was quite a rainy start to the day, I did not feel great, the roads were bad, we somehow got lost on the way to the mountain we had hiked many times before, basically nothing was going right. When we finally made it to the parking lot and I took Lawrence’s stone out of his bag everything changed. The focus shifted from being self-involved to an overwhelming range of emotions of love, compassion, pride, and gratitude for Lawrence’s ultimate sacrifice. I felt Lawrence’s presence as we hiked, I felt thankful for his purpose, dedication, discipline, and sacrifice. He helped me see the active service member that I was hiking with and all service members for that matter in a new light with a higher level of respect and appreciation. The weather seemed to clear with every magical step. A beautiful snowy sunset was a fitting backdrop to take our summit pictures honoring our Maine fallen heroes.
I truly admire that Lawrence rejoined the Army after the Sept 11th terrorist attacks, it clearly shows his deeper purpose of service to protect the goodness of all humans and his sacrifice. He is truly inspiring I feel compelled to show my appreciation to service members, be more disciplined, and give back to the community that he and all military members protect. I was truly honored to carry his stone on this journey, his legacy will live on through me and I will never forget this experience.
Thank you,
Zach Thompson
Dear Zach: Thank you for writing such a beautiful account for Larry and his family. MHANF
For the 8th Annual Spring Ride for the Troops, I had the honor of carrying SGT Lawrence Roukey’s memorial stone. Each time, I wonder what the personal connection to this stone is that I’m going to have. This year I listened to the video about SGT Roukey before our ride, but hadn’t thought a ton about what the connection would be. However before I began writing this, I went back to watch the video again. It seems that SGT Roukey and myself are similar, generally a quiet person, but when he did speak about something, it was with a lot of passion. But that’s not what really stood out in my mind. One was that this year’s Spring Ride fell on the 11th anniversary of the tragic event that took his life. But the thing that stuck to me most, was the exercising that he partook in to become more healthy. That is actually something that I have just recently started myself due to family history. Since I’ve started writing this, I’ve had to get out of my chair a number of times for different reasons. Every time I get up, I feel just how sore my legs are from starting a new workout, but then I think of what our troops go through on a daily basis in order to keep our country free, and the pain in my legs doesn’t seem to bother me as much. I think to myself, if he could do it, for a second time, I can do it.
On 4 June Dotty Roukey Collins wrote — We did it Larry!!!!! We made it back to Katahadin. I am almost sure the last time the two of us hiked Katahdin was our first hike 2000. And let me tell it was so good to be back. We were so blessed with an amazing hike and beautiful views. It was everything and so much more.
During the hike up I really didn’t think about what you endured and all of our losses. All I kept thinking of was hiking with you and how you would always go first and lead the back and then when I caught up you were ready to go b/c you had your break….. That made me chuckle a few times on the trail. I guess I sort of mimicked you as well during the hike. I led the pack a majority of the time and had to remind myself that I might be going too fast and that others need a break as well.
However when we got to the top of the mountain and we all went around telling each other about the falling hero each was carrying, I lost it. So many emotions came over and I actually got angry….. Angry that you are not here anymore, to do these hikes, watch Nick, meet my family….. Then the rational Dotty kicked and I am so honored that you are my brother and what you did for our country. I still can’t fathom what you went through…. I never will but I thank you so much for your unselfish act and bravery.
On the hike down I was really fortunate to share your story with a fellow Hiker Ian, who knew nothing about you or anyone close to him that was in the military. I was sharing with him why you choose to go into the army, and our strong family of military ties, and what life is like when you have a member of your family in the military. It was so nice to share your story and share who you were as a person.
Once we returned back to Twin Pines I was able to share your stone with Chris. I know you would have loved him as you share many of the same traits and a love of the Red Sox and Notre Dame!
I will continue to honor you and share who you were with anyone that will listen because damn it, you deserve it and so much more!
Love
Dotty Roukey Collins
Dotty, Congratulations for doing the climb in honor of your brother. I never did catch up with you at Twin Pines. Anger does come into the loss of one we lose but like you stated the rational side does kick in and your feelings are such as I am so glad you were in my life and still are. All I can say is job well done.
Cheryl (the across the hall neighbor 2014)
It was with great honor, that I was asked to Carry the stone of Army Sgt. Lawrence Roukey on May 23, 2015 as part of the Summit Project ride, with my fellow Patriot Riders. I had not had the chance to get to learn about Sgt. Roukey before this years ride, but as I was handed the stone I knew that there was someone special that I was entrusted with. The ride to Millenocket was freezing, but I knew that I was on a very special mission. As we entered the town of Millenocket, something in the air shifted, and out of no where tears started to fall. I could feel all the emotions of this town and I knew that what I was doing was of great honor. Delivering the stone to Dotty was of great pleasure. My husband and I were blessed to have a pic with Dotty and her family, and It is one that we will treasure forever. We look forward to riding the Summit Project ride every year!
To the families of Sgt. Lawrence Roukey and Sgt. 1st class Shawn Dostie;
I want to start by thanking you for allowing us to take your loved ones on our trek, they made our trip what it was,
so very inspiring and special.
I as well as 17 year old Parker Bradbury, his twin brother, Noah, their 13 year old sister Faith and their Dad, George
Lee Bradbury had the honor of taking not only Sgt. Lawrence Roukey’s stone to the summit of Moxie Bald but also
Parker carried Sgt. 1st class Shawn Dostie’s stone to the summit.
Parker and I signed the stones out of the MEPS office in Portland on August 14th, at approximately 0910 hours, we
were a bit late due to traffic we were supposed to be there at 0900, the thought that kept going through my head as I
clock watched the entire way from Windham to Portland was; these two Sgt’s would be put together and would not
be late. I called and explained we would be a few minutes late however, I was still feeling guilty as I would expect
my new CO recruits to be on time and I was at this point not holding my end of this bargain. As I reminisced I felt
this may be par for the course for this trek as the original trek was supposed to be Katahdin and over knifes edge but
reservations being what they are we had to make lemonade from lemons and it turned out sweeter than we could
ever have expected. We left for Kew Bear Camp late that afternoon with Sgt. Roukey and Sgt. 1st class Dostie
tucked comfortably in my and Parkers packs, they were protected by the shroud type bags dusted with American
flags that came from MEPS. Saturday morning, our hostess and chef Chrissy Cota made breakfast as an Appalachian
Trail through hiker stopped by the cabin for fresh water and we invited him in for a bite to eat. Parker proudly
displayed the Summit stones and explained to “Fin” what they were and all about our trek to this hiker who had
come from Georgia and was on his way back to clear his head. One and a half hours with us and “Fin” was ready to
leave trail and go home, apparently he thought we were crazy or we inspired him, personally I think the later is the
truth.
We hit trail starting at the Baker run river at 1100 crossing the river with Sgt. Roukey and Sgt. 1st class Dostie was a
bit of a challenge however rock hopping no one got their feet wet and we were well on our way. The weight of Sgt.
Roukeys stone was measurable to an extra water bottle, Sgt. 1st class Dostie’s was a bit more, but Parker carried it
with out complaint. This was Faith’s first hike since she was very small; however, she hiked like a Trooper, we can
only say that the two Sgt’s we carried and God were with her and the rest of us as we walked and climbed to over
2600 feet. Along the way we met many through hikers, as we stopped and spoke with each, I thought of being in the
field with Sgt. Roukey and Sgt. 1st class Dostie and what they would have said to these hikers, they both were
Leaders, they both were trainers, they both had words of encouragement, wisdom and honesty for the men and
women who worked with them.
As we started out of the wooded cover and onto the rock face near the summit, a light rain started to fall, this was a
blessing as the heat was approximately 85 and the humidity made the day about 95. We commented that the Sgt’s
and God were definitely walking with us, watching over us and helping guide us and keep us safe. As we reached
the summit for lunch and pictures the rain stopped, again we knew Sgt. Roukey and Sgt. 1st class Dostie were with
us making sure our trek was memorable and impressive. As we ate we conversed with a few more hikers on their
way to Katahdin and the summit we were supposed to peak this particular weekend. We all made a pact sitting on
top of Moxie Bald that we would take these two Leaders and Military Hero’s to Katahdin with us and started to plan
our second Summit Project trek, “Maine the Way Life Should Be” yes so very true especially when you have the
privilege of sitting on top of beautiful mountains with Military Hero’s.
Our trek down the mountain was uneventful, we played in mud, saw minimal wild life due to the heat, but enjoyed
the peace that comes from the wilderness. On September 11th we will once again sign out Sgt. Lawrence Roukey
and Sgt. 1st class Shawn Dostie’s Summit Stones and take them to Katahdin with us we will be hiking to the summit
and over Knifes edge on the 12th. This is an open invitation to anyone caring to come with us, make your
reservations now the more the merrier. Ryann Roukey, we said Happy Birthday to you at the top of Moxie Bald and
I know Larry was with us saying it as loud as he could, I could not quit get them to sing. We are so very proud to
have taken these stones with us on our first trek, we will so proudly take them on our second, and as they are both
avid hikers we know that is why we will have yet again another aw inspiring trip as we carry them because they will
be with us in spirit.
Thank you again for allowing us into your life, and letting us be a part of helping to remember who these Hero’s
were.
Respectfully
Carol A. Waig and the Bradbury Gang
This is our essay for the Summit Project, get involved peeps take a stone on a trek and help us all remember who
they were least we forget….
Two peaks were summited while carrying the memorial stone of Army Sgt. Larry Roukey: Megunticook, ME on 1/8/16, and Mt. Hight, NH, on 1/17/16.
On 1/8/16, I had the honor of hiking to the summit of Mt. Megunticook (1,385′) and to Maiden Cliff, in Camden, Maine (6.5 miles RT). I did this hike to remember a fallen soldier from Maine, Army Sgt. Larry Roukey, who lost his life in 2004. I carried Larry’s stone in my backpack, stopping along the way to speak to folks out on the trails about Larry, who sacrificed everything for our freedom. The ultimate sacrifice, he will never be forgotten. Larry was dedicated to protecting all of us back here in the States. Even though I never met him, I will never forget his name and the stories his family has shared through The Summit Project. Every fellow hiker that I spoke to understood the meaning behind TSP, and all were greatly appreciative of Larry’s sacrifices. I felt like Larry had made new friends today!
Army Sgt. Roukey, aged 33, from Westbrook, was assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Battalion, 304th Regiment, 98th Division, Army Reserve, Lewiston, Maine. He was killed April 26, 2004, by a large explosion while performing site security in Baghdad. The video I watched on TSP website, was done very nicely by Larry’s sister, Dottie. I could picture Larry as I listened to her speak about his newly found passion for hiking, which he took up to get back into shape and improve his health. I love the way Dottie retrieved the stone for TSP from their childhood home in Portland, Maine (a bit on the sneaky side!). And what a brother Larry was, to hike with Dottie up to the summit of Mt. Washington for her very first hike! Larry was the 3rd generation of army men in his family, he made them all proud, and I know that our nation is grateful for his service. I would like to say to Larry’s family that I am truly sorry for your loss.
On 1/17/16, I again carried the stone of soldier Roukey, this time to the summit of Mt. Hight (4,675′) in NH (9 miles RT). I was fortunate to have along two friends, one being Army veteran Gerry Vaillancourt, from Lewiston. Gerry never met Larry, but he felt a strong bond and commitment to take part in this event. Gerry wanted to add this: “I am a veteran from the Vietnam War. Although I didn’t serve in Vietnam, I was in the U.S. Army and felt a brethren to Larry, who gave his life for his country, while in Iraq. It was an honor to partake in this hike, carrying his stone, that the family members picked to represent them. I felt like Larry was with us. Thank you Summit Project for putting this together for the Veterans and their families.”
Winter hiking in the high peaks of the White Mountains can be quite precarious, and as we hiked to the summit, we commented on the challenge of this hike, but how it must have paled in comparison to the challenges facing Larry during his time in Iraq. Once at the summit of Hight, I read information that Larry’s family had posted on TSP site. The three of us chatted about him, his sacrifices, and shed a few tears along the way. We saw 6 other hikers throughout our decent, and spoke to each of them about Larry. Keeping his memory alive is so important to the families and the nation. We must never forget Larry, and all soldiers serving and that have served. It was a glorious day to be up high, with friends, and making new friends with Larry, who has now travelled with me for many miles. I was so happy that we had spectacular views of Mt. Washington, and it made me smile knowing that Larry had hiked Washington, and had also enjoyed the same views as we did today.
The Summit Project was an emotional remembrance for those who had fallen. A reminder of the sacrifice, bringing a reality we don’t often see firsthand to the forefront.
Carrying the stone for the families made a connection in honor and respect for those who fought. Learning of their personal lives, their interests, their goals and dreams was a sobering and humanizing experience.
Dotty,
On Saturday May 28, 2016, I had the honor of carrying and presenting your brother’s stone. As I read the card with his story, I felt close to someone I have never met. When I read about your “stealthily” retrieval of the stone from the family home, again I felt close to someone I have never met. Your stealthy mission made me smile for that is something I would absolutely do.
You and your brother will forever be in my mind and heart.
(Hugs)
Dotty,
On Friday November 11th I had the amazing honor of hiking Blue Hill Mountain with Sgt Roukey in my arms. The following Sunday November 13th he embarked on a 4 mile race with me as well. I know Larry was an avid hiker and enjoyed running as well, so being able to take this journey with him doing the things he enjoyed most really made my heart happy. I may not have known your brother as a person but I wish I had, someone to drag me out to be active and explore the beauty at the top of each summit. The honor and dedication he gave to our country does not go unnoticed and everytime I hike or run I will forever have Sgt Larry Roukey on my mind.
Thank you for allowing me and many others the opportunity to spend time with Larry.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Dotty,
A couple of weekends ago I had the honor of carrying your brothers stone up Owl Moutain. This was a very emotional and inspiring event. When I was researching your tragic loss, it really hit home because I too lost my brother. The Moutain was a very challenging one, but I was so very excited to reach the top and tell everyone about how amazing and brave Larry was.
We were standing in line receiving the stone from the riders, and I introduced myself to a lady whom I’ve never seen before, Kristen. We got talking and she asked who’s stone I was carrying. When I said Larrys, her eyes lit up! She proceeded to tell me how you two were best friends growing up. I thought about what a small world it is to run into her! So that was a great start to the weekend.
I was telling everyone the story of Larry, and they all loved the story about how he had a sense of duty growing up, and showed that with your doll house! I started to get very tired throughout the hike and thought about how Larry loved to hike and knew he’d be enjoying the hike, and I had to do the same. And I did!
Larry was a very brave, and a very honorable man and I loved carrying his story. I didn’t stop talking about him when I reached the summit, I talked about him befire, during and I still continue to talk about him. I know he is dearly missed and so very happy he is in the tsp family and will never be forgot. A man like Larry should alway be talked about.
Your brother, in many ways reminded me of my brother and the sense of honor, duty and bravery they had. They would have got along just fine! Thank you so much for allowing me to carrying the story or this wonder full man, and his story will never be forgotten by me, and I will tell many people! Sgt. Lawrence Roukey will never be forgotten.
Dear family of Lawrence,
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 Lawrence
“I had a great first experience carrying his stone up the very long and steep mountain. It was challenging going up all the way but I accomplished my goal by reaching the top.”
“It was an honor for me to participate in this program. Hearing and sharing stories of our fallen soldiers was very impactful in the way that it reminded us that we are part of something much bigger than just ourselves. Thank you so much for giving me his incredible experience.”
I would like to personally thank you for sharing your brother and his life with us and others who take part in this amazing program.
To the family and friends of Lawrence,
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.
“Lawrence reminded us of our Dads. Both of our Dads are in charge of site security, and that’s how you lost Lawrence. Thank you for letting us get to know your son. We went hiking for him because he loves hiking.”
– Lexi and Grace
So glad I found this site. I served with Larry at Camp Slayer. He bunked across from me. I’m the one who took the picture of him in the Humvee before he left on his mission. I would like to know how his wife and son are. Son was just a toddler as I recall. I think of Larry often.
I am at Cobscook State park and discovered a remembrance tag someone left here for SGT Lawrence Roukey. I being a USNavy veteran, I understand and was intrigued to look up this hero. You are not forgotten; your sacrifice is not lost; God bless you and your family Sgt Roukey. RIP.
To the family and friends of Larry Roukey,
I had the honor of hiking with Larry and the Tarn group up Cadillac on 9/29/18. It may sound corny, but I felt a connection to Larry when I found out before the hike that he loved hiking and running and had a family member named Dotty. My favorite Aunt’s name was Dotty and she was quite a character. I run frequently and immensely enjoy hiking. I have hiked most of the trails and mountains in Acadia N.P..
The weather during the hike was sunny and the visibility from the Cadillac summit was one of the best, if not the best I have encountered. Knowing that Larry also enjoyed the views from mountain summits, I walked around a bit with Larry’s stone out so that he might in some way appreciate the magnificent views.
I am so thankful to Dotty for sharing the stories of the stealth stone “capture” and the disposable camera. A member of our group had a recent loss and I believe that this small amount of lightheartedness helped our group with our sharing event on Cadillac.
I am thankful to have been given the honor of hiking with such a brave and dedicated man. I will remember him and his story. May God bless all of the members of his family.
Dear relatives of Army Sargent Roukey
My name is David Young. There was no greater honor than getting and carrying Sargent Roukey’s stone from Dysarts to the Base camp at Baxter State Park . Even though I didn’t serve in the military, I do support our vets and our country for their selfless sacrifices. Never having done this before, I was unsure If I would even have a stone. Looking at the website showed all that the stones taken. Myself and my girlfriend was going to do the ride no matter what anyway, as its a great thing to be involved with. When I got the stone and read about Sargent Roukey ‘s history it made me think about what Memorial day is all about. I usually ride with the radio on my bike going, but on this ride I chose to ride quiet and think. I thought about his sister going onto the families homestead and with stealth, acquiring His Stone and laughed to myself. I was moved and emotional when I passed on Sargent Roukey’s stone. I asked the Hiker to take good care of this stone and keep him safe.
I sincerely thank you for your families sacrifice
David
To the family of Army Sgt. Lawrence A. Roukey, I am greatly honored to have the privilege of spending the day with and sharing your loved one story. It was a beautiful day for the hike to the summit of Mt. Agamenticus, not nearly as difficult as some of the hikes that Lawrence had completed, but still very memorable.
Thank you,
Former SSGT U.S.M.C. Brian Brown
Bro… I miss ya man #highanglhell #ghostride #dodgecolt #wookie
Til Valhalla
What does a family army sergeant Larry roukey. It was my honor and privilege to carry nearest stone in story on May 30, 2021. As we were in the day of COVID-19 I had no idea how we were going to honor the hike but as the day got closer we had of the ruck to remember. This was it 16 mile ruck to remember Ours and your soldier Lawrence Roukey. When the wife and I signed up for this I told myself you got us a 16 mile hike on flat ground with a bad knee, piece of cake right. Well as we started this day on memorial day weekend May 30 I did not know or realize that we were going to do this ruck in formation at a much faster pace then I ever expected.
On this day the 16 mile hike was going to start at Baxter Boulevard, around the loop up through Munjoy hill and down commercial Street over the Casco bay bridge through South Portland then onto the Greenbelt Walkway to Spring point headlight.
When we started I told Larry I got you buddy you just hang tight. When we got around the boulevard my knee and ankle were toast( just 3 miles in) I will not lie it hurt and I was sore but I told myself this is for Larry and his family. We made a way though Portland over a Casco Bay Bridge an South Portland down to Spring point for ceremony Circle. It was great to tell his story for people to hear about the amazing person he was.
When we started back to the boulevard. We packed up your packs and headed out with heavy hearts for the ceremony circle. I was in a lot of pain I will not lie. As we got going back on the greenbelt, my body said no more. I had a talk with Larry and told him dude you have beeen though so much but I need you to carry me back. I will be honest, he did exactly that carried me back to Portland. I promise I will carry Larry’s story with me and pass it on, to make sure he will never be forgotten.
I had the honor to carry the stone and story of your Brother.
We had a heck of a ride too. In typical Maine fashion was had all the seasons in one day. Summer season cold season, spring season and mud season.
When i read that you “stealthyly ” retrieved this stone from the child hood home I knew I was riding with the right family.
Thank you for letting me be apart of it for the day.
On September 24, 2022 I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and the story of Sgt. Lawrence Roukey to the top of Cadillac Mountain via the West Side trail in Acadia National Park as part of The Summit Project (“TSP at ANP”). I was born the year before Sgt. Roukey and kept this in mind as I learned about the wife, children, sister, and others he left behind to mourn and miss him. I watched the video of his sister talking about the stone on which his initials have been inscribed. She retrieved it from their childhood home in Portland, a city in which I now work. I was glad to have the history of the stone to more fully appreciate the weight of the actual object I carried, but also to more fully appreciate the weight of the loss of Sgt. Roukey’s loved ones. As I hiked the trail, I was fully aware of this weight, coupled with the weight of extra water bottles and other provisions, in the pack on my back. When I had to reach down to use my hands to help steady myself while crossing slippery rock faces, the weight of the pack was particularly palpable, but the weight of the mission was constant during the windy early fall day. I particularly found myself thinking about Sgt. Roukey’s son who was only a toddler when he lost his father. As the mother of two sons myself, both of whom are near Sgt. Roukey’s son’s age, I thought about my own sons’ reactions to my hike. They were struck by my “rucking,” and I was proud to have made it up the strenuous trail, but I was most proud to share the reason for my journey – to help the name of Lawrence Roukey live on.
My name is Suriana Reimers and I did the Summit Project with my JROTC program at Nokomis Regional High School. On June 6th, 2023, I was given the privilege to carry Sgt. Lawrence Roukey’s stone to the summit on Tumbledown Mountain in Weld, Maine. One of my favorite parts of that climb was how challenging it was for me. I had to keep reminding myself why I was there. I was there to carry his weight to the top and share his story to keep his legacy alive. The climb consisted of many twists and turns, but I was able to reach the top with his weight on my shoulders. This was a very rewarding climb because I had a purpose to be there. It felt like I was a part of Roukey’s life during the whole thing. I was very proud of how far I’ve gone, and I hope his loved ones realize how much of an amazing and brave person he was. Lawrence A. Roukey, your legacy will not be forgotten.
My name is Stacey Morneault, I was honored to carry the stone and share the story of Army Sargeant Lawerence Roukey, for The Summit Project in Acadia National Park 2023. This was my second time participating in this event. When I watched his sister’s video of how she “stealthily“ retrieved the stone from their childhood home. And, how Lawerence was hiking and lost his camera on the trail- so he went back the next day and rebuked the mountain to find it- something I would totally do!!! I felt the connection.
We started our hike on Pemetic West, beautiful sunny day. Took some wonderful photos of the stones. Continued on to Pemetic North then Cadillac West Face to Cadillac Summit. I carried his stone in my pack for the day, I carry his story in my heart for a lifetime. Thank you for your service and sacrifice .
Today I honor the service and sacrifice of SGT. Roukey. I also honor the sacrifice of his family. All gave some, some gave all. God bless family Roukey.