47, of Freedom, Maine; assigned to the 133rd Engineer Battalion, Maine Army National Guard, Belfast, Maine; killed Dec. 21 when his base dining facility was attacked in Mosul, Iraq.
To honor SGT Lynn R. Poulin, Sr., his wife, Jeanne Poulin retrieved a stone from Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine where SGT Poulin worked for many years. More at this link. MHANF.
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condolences….may his memory live on
I worked with Lynn for many years at BIW and he was a very jovial smiling person and great to work with He is sadly missed at the shipyard.
Never Forgotten!
Well, here it is, the end of one of the most moving, awe inspiring Memorial Day weekends I can remember. I had the honor to be chosen to escort the stone and memory that represents Lynn on several legs of the Summit Project on Friday 5/23/2014. When I learned of my assignment several weeks ago I started to do some digging to find out as much as I could to convey his story to the people I knew I would meet. I was surprised to find out that several of the men I work with and Patriot Riders in my chapter were friends of his. While talking to them I found that I am much poorer for never have made his acquaintance. I feel so blessed to have been able to play a small part in this wonderful project. I guarantee that for as long as I live I will continue to tell the story of this man. He Will Not Be Forgotten!
FREEDOM
Freedom isn’t free! The cost of Freedom is paid with sacrifice and loss. To the family of Lynn Poulin you know this all to well. The sacrifice that your family has paid cannot be put into words or easily understood by someone who hasn’t experienced it. Just know that Lynn’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, especially by me! Let me share a few words about my experience carrying our hero’s stone that day on Mount Desert Island.
As my trip began at 3:30 the morning of the 4th my thoughts were focused on the task ahead. As I drove the two hour trip to MDI I couldn’t help but to wonder how the day was going to play out. A bunch of strangers coming together to show tribute to these hero’s. As I arrived on Thompsons Island, a bit early, the morning was just cutting through the ocean fog. I exited my vehicle and instantly made contact with my team leader. I quickly realized that none of us were strangers. We were all family. As everyone trickled in the meeting area, the stones were laid on the table to be retrieved by each hiker. When I gathered your stone, the mission all of a sudden was clear. I was ready to make it happen!
When we boarded the bus and started down the road to the trail head, the stories from us military guys started. We all had one about PT or Bus rides or the life of being a soldier. We soon departed the bus and began the hike up the mountain. As I hiked up trail I could feel the weight of your stone and thought about the memories at BIW. The co workers who knew you and shared so much time in your life must think of you often. The stories that all your friends and family must have. I wish I could have meet them and listened to some of those stories. I am forever grateful to have known you from the information I’ve gathered. The stone that holds your initials is perfect. I carried your stone with honor up that mountain. When we reached the summit of Cadillac, all of us took turns sharing feelings and thoughts about the day. It came to be my turn to speak and all I could think of is how all the soldiers that gave their life make it possible to live ours. You and your family are truly in my heart. You will never be forgotten! THANK YOU LYNN!
SPC Julian Szabo
MHANF
Julian, I am so proud of you! The experience you shared shows deep respect and greatfulness to those who have served so we all can enjoy freedom. Thank you for allowing those of us who may never have a chance to experience such a humbling mission to be a part of it through your sharing. You are so right in saying, “Freedom isn’t free”.
Dear Jeanne Poulin & Family,
I wanted you to know that on Oct. 18 I was honored to carry Lynn’s stone on a 15 mile hike. Lynn was joined by 8 of my friends also carrying stones. This hike is an annual one that we started 3 years ago in honor of a dear friend we lost. We decided that each year we would walk for a charity of our choice. This year we chose the Summit Project.
When trying to decide which stone to carry I felt an immediate connection with Lynn because my nephew was also at that base dining facility that was hit. My nephew survived but to this day still struggles emotionally.
It was truly a magical day getting to know these brave men and sharing their stories. Even though I did not know Lynn, I feel as though I will never forget him. He died for me….for all of us.
I can not imagine how difficult it has been for you and your family. I know you walk with him everyday and I thank you for the honor of walking with him on Oct. 18, 2014.
Lynn will not be forgotten,
Bonnie Taylor
War in its own right, is a gruesome, ruthless, and heartless way to force an idea. Whether the idea is good or bad, whether it’s right or wrong, there’s always sacrifice. A sacrifice that tears families apart emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes, even physically. Sgt. Lynn Poulin served for an idea, and he paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Sgt Lynn Poulin died on December 21st defending himself from insurgents when they attacked an US army base. To be honest, I’m at a loss for words. Losing loved ones is something you never really recover from. For me, having lost loved ones, it’s difficult to describe an idea of how his family must feel.
Sincerely,
Daveon Brooks
To The Family of Army Sgt. Lynn R Poulin,
I am extremely honored yet humble to have carried your loved one’s memorial stone to the top of Mt. Katahdin. I can’t thank the Summit Project and Team Red for allowing me the privilege to participate and truly helping me get his stone to the top. I learned so many things on so many levels while most importantly honored Army Sgt. Lynn R. Poulin Sr.
First thing Saturday morning in Portland I located Sgt. Lynn Poulin’s stone and said a prayer for him and your family. With his stone and all the other Maine Fallen soldiers’ stones, I rode approximately 211 miles on the back of a motor cycle with the Patriot Riders all the way to Millinocket. There were just over 100 motorcycles and the energy was indescribable. It was actually AMAZING, which was the word of the weekend.
Unfortunately I wasn’t there at the time, but one of SGT. Lynn Poulin’s friends came to Dysart Restaurant in Bangor in search of his stone. Another hiker tracked his stone down amongst all the motorcycles so he could hold his friend’s memorial stone, which he had never seen.
I’m proud to say this was my first hike, and having never hiked a mountain before it was a struggle right from the bottom. On some level, it made me wonder if this is how our soldiers feel when they go off to war. When we’d get to a steep section, I’d look up and think to myself, “How can I possibly do this?” Then I’d quickly remembered this is nothing in comparison to what our Maine Fallen endured.
The hike taught me an important lesson about the value of team work; and that with the right team, you can climb a mountain levels above your ability. It taught me the soldiers are a team, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Sgt. Poulin’s friend who came to Dysart tracking down his memorial stone. I would have loved to meet his friend and learn more about him. Maybe someday I will.
As I learned about my soldier, I poured through many newspaper articles and websites. I couldn’t help but think about one article ten years later to the day where five survivors talked in great detail about the bombing in the military dining hall where he lost his life. The date 12/21/2004 is forever etched in my mind.
Throughout the hike we honored our fallen and talked about the things we knew about them. Not only did we know things about the person we were hiking for, we learned many things about the others and their families. The stories were again, amazing! One hiker carried her husband’s stone, and yet another went to high school with their fallen. Another fallen was 19 the age of my son was when I met their fallen friend’s parents a few years ago. All of these stories created images that are forever imprinted in my memory.
At the top of the mountain, we truly honored Sgt. Lynn Poulin and Maine’s Fallen. On team red, there were also two high school students. Words cannot describe the passion these young people contributed to the memorial; especially when it came to the Service stone.
At the return, I was so happy to see Dean & Sharon Barron who accepted the memorial stone. I tried to share words about the hike, and I know I got some out, but tears and emotions completely overtook me. We just shared a powerful hug. As the other teams came in, I couldn’t help but notice, as I looked around and took many pictures capturing the weekend, that all ages were present, all types of people, and I know our fallen families know Maine’s Fallen will NEVER be forgotten.
Forever grateful for your sacrifice
Sincerely,
Michelle R. LaChapelle
On Aug 7th, 2015, when TSP came to Lincoln, I had the honor of being chosen to carry Lynn’s stone. Upon being chosen, my three daughters spiked an interest, and asked if they could join. I was so excited for the opportunity to experience this together.
As we walked through town, the streets were lined with supporters. Many were holding American flags, some were clapping, some had their hands over their hearts, and some were crying. I was overcome with an array of emotions that are indescribable.
I learned after the walk, that Lynn and I had a mutual friend. My friend and Lynn were in the same unit. I asked him to share a few words about Lynn. What he had to say, echoed the words that I had read, written by other fellow comrades. I learned that he was a hard worker, that also enjoyed down time with his friends. He was always ready to help, and never gave up. He loved his family, and was a great welder and mechanic. Had a soft personality, and was a man of great faith. I can guess that anyone who knew him was very fortunate.
I feel so privileged to have carried Lynn’s stone. Much thanks to Lynn and your family for your sacrifices. This experience is one that I’ll never forget.
Sincerely,
Tracy Botting
To Lynn’s Family: I am honored that I was assigned Lynn’s stone to carry on a 5K walk last weekend. I carried his stone in my arms throughout the morning, thinking about his strong work ethic and the many comments I had read about Lynn regarding his hard work and that he could always be found working on something. It will be a privilege for the rest of my life to honor him every day by remembering his work ethic and making my commitment to my work, and my life as honorable as Lynn’s. Lynn is a hero and will never be forgotten. Debra Smith
On October 17, 2015, I had the distinct honor of carrying both the stone and the story of sargeant Lynn Poulin for TSP ANP. I desperately want to avoid cliche when speaking of this great experience, but truly, I can only start by stating that words do it no justice. Only through participation and raw emotion will one truly understand how connected they feel to an individual whom they never met and who gave so much for the simple freedoms we enjoy.
The task of carrying SGT Lynn Poulin’s story and stone through some of Maine’s most rugged terrain had its moments of strain and difficulty, but the purpose of this journey was about this brave man’s courage and sacrifice and that is what made it easy to push on through.
Being a civilian with no personal military background, I will never be able to fully understand the drive and dedication of a service hero such as SGT Poulin. All I can do is appreciate him and the thousands of others who gave all. My duty to honor his memory through TSP will not measure up to his duty and sacrifice to our freedoms, but if nothing else, I hope it demonstrates gratitude and awareness.
To the family of SGT Lynn Poulin, my heart is with you all. You have so much to be proud for what your loved one gave to someone like me through the TSP experience. I will forever value Lynn’s memory and service.
Thank you SGT Poulin and all of our fallen heroes. Thank you TSP for the camaraderie, the vision and this great purpose.
J.R. Thompson
Team Tarn
Dear Poulin Family.
I am writing to you today to tell you what an honor it was to be able to carry SSG Lynn R. Poulin’s stone in The Summit Project March in Newport April 16, 2016. , I learned of Lynn’s sacrifice to his country back in 2004, as I had a family member in the 133rd Army National Guard in Iraq with him(now Major Timothy Smith), as I waited that day to get a call to see where he was, I found out about two others in the dinning hall that paid sacrifice that day. l earn that Lynn was hero for our country with his loyalty, devotion and sacrifice , I learned Lynn was in the service for 23 yrs, he was a go to guy when you need things done Lynn always willing to help at home and in the service. He loved his family and he talked about them often. He worked hard at BWI as a welder and ship fitter.. He also worked at a trucking co.,Lynn Poulin was a hard worker , according to most Lynn had a smile on his face most of the time, he was compassionate caring person that put other before himself. I truly believe that it would have been a pleasure to meet this man. . I am extremely proud to have carried Lynn’s stone and I never forget him . I am very grateful for being able to learn the Life and Legacy of SSG Lynn R Poulin who gave so much.. Maine Heroes Are Never Forgotten.
On October 1st 2016 I had the absolute honor and pleasure to carry the stone and the story of SSH Lynn Poulin up Cadillac Mountain Acadia National Park. He was with the 133rd Army National Guard’s Engineering Battalion. I found out what my assignment was for this mission I got this overwhelming honor to carry the stone for such a wonderful happy man. I felt attached to this stone for many reasons he was a welder I’m a welder he worked at Bath Iron Works and I as well welded in Bath Iron Works yard. They started this hike up this mountain and I never felt like I was doing this for me I was carrying the stone of a man the lost his life fighting for my freedom, I don’t feel like I carried him up the mountain it kind of felt like he was carrying me up the mountain.
He was a happy kind soul that love to smile love to help others and loved working mechanically. As the weeks have passed and I’ve had time to reflect back on this very humbling weekend I would like to say thank you to the family of mr. Poulin and all of the soldiers fight for our freedom.
I had the honor of carrying the story and stone of Lynn R. Poulin. I respect the Poulin’s family and the summit project team for allowing me to hike with Lynn’s stone and story. As we hiked to the church my backpack felt heavier as we went, but then I thought of the soldiers that carried backpacks ten times the weight of mine. It reminded me of a quote from a book “It could be worse”. It makes you think instead of doing a mile hike with a heavy backpack and a small flag you could be running through a field with a backpack ten times heavier while an armed soldier fires his gun at you, and that’s a scary thought. Some soldiers expirence this and it really makes you think “they did it for our freedom”. Every soldier does that at some point in their career. I would be honored to do this again next year.
– Dylan, Boy Scout, troop 310, Saco
To the friends and family of Lynn,
My name is Andy Pattle, I was deployed with Lynn in Iraq. I wasn’t in the same platoon with Lynn, I was one of the guys Lynn supported. I had the privilege of carrying Lynn’s stone Memorial weekend up Mount Katahdin. I specifically requested his stone so I could take the opportunity to pay my respects to him.
Lynn worked hard ensuring our trucks were properly protected in order to keep us safe on the road. The weight of his stone was insignificant compared to what he did for us. It was such an honor to hike with him, it also brought back some fond memories of him. I remember him really enjoying microwave popcorn almost every evening. He was always willing to help us out when we worked on our tucks. He even let me use the welder once for a project for my platoon, he gave me some great tips that I still remember.
Very Respectfully,
Andy Pattle
MHANF!
Thank you for the wonderful tribute to my husband. I appreciate all the Summit Project does in keeping our family members and your memories of them alive.
I worked with Lynn both in the 133rd as well as at Bath Iron Works. I will always remember the time that we spent in Iraq discussing what we would do when we get home. We had many discussions about work as well, he was truly a great friend to have. I appreciate Andy Pattle taking his stone to Mt. Kahtadin as a salute to his faithful service.
Thank you. Lynn was a wonderful man. He is missed greatly. I really appreciate everything you do for this country and what you do for the families of the fallen.
On Thursday, July 6 I was honored to carry Army Sgt. Lynn R. Poulin Sr. to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. As we started out from the parking lot, I carefully placed his stone in my pack. We, this organized group of women, can be identified as teachers, social workers, Mothers, wives, friends. As we gradually made our way up the South Ridge trail of Cadillac Mountain, I appreciated and wondered how much load each soldier carried during his time of service. I was feeling camaraderie with my cohorts and understanding the way soldiers bond. I am thankful for the service of Army Sgt. Poulin, his smile (that must have cheered those around him) and his love of work. At the summit of Cadillac Mountain we placed the stones of the fallen, spoke of each soldier’s story and felt the emotions. I’m thankful to have had this time to remember and honor Army Sgt. Lynn R Poulin Sr’s service to our country .
On Sunday November 12, 2017 I had honor to carry Army Sgt. Lynn R. Poulin Sr. stone during the Veteran’s Remembrance 4 mile race. It’s so hard for me to find the words to express the feelings I had the moment I received the stone and along the race course. But during the race seeing runners and walks showed respect to Sgt. Poulin was awesome. I am so grateful to have had the oppertunity to learn about Sgt. Poulin and how he served our country. Thank you for giving me the chance to honor your Hero this day.
Dear Poulin family and friends,
On Sunday, May 27th, 2018 I joined 9 incredible hikers on Team Blue and hiked Owls Head at Baxter State Park. I had the honor and privilege to carry the stone of Army Sgt. Lynn R. Poulin Sr. I was able to read through the comments and go through articles online to learn what a great man Lynn was. However, I also had the privilege to be attending the TSP event with Andy Pattle, who knew Lynn when they were both deployed in Iraq. It was great to hear first hand stories that I was then able to share in the circle ceremony on top of the mountain. On the day that Lynn lost his life for our country, Army Spc. Thomas Dostie was also in the dining hall and also paid the ultimate sacrifice. Since Lynn’s family was not able to be at the TSP event, it was incredibly moving when the family of Thomas Dostie met me at the end of the hike to collect Lynn’s stone. A moment of true raw emotion that I will never forget.
This was my first TSP event and even though I knew what I could expect, I cannot put into words what I took away from the most memorable Memorial Day weekend I have ever had. I am forever grateful for Lynn and you as his family for your sacrifices. “May we never forget Freedom is not free.”
It has been said that “Our debt to the heroic and valiant men and women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” These profound words were at the center of my thoughts as I carried the stone and the story of Sergeant Lynn Robert Poulin Sr. this past Sunday, May 26th.
A gentle man of few yet often profound words, one who loved God, his country as he proudly served the 133rd Engineer Battalion, Maine Army National Guard of Belfast for 23 years, his family, and friends, a man skilled at his craft and often sought guidance by those with whom he worked as his extended “family of friends” at BIW…all help describe the soul of this well-loved Dad, friend, and respected soldier.
As I prepared to meet the challenge of carrying Lynn’s memorial stone, many thoughts came to mind as I so wanted to give purpose and meaning to this incredible experience. I discovered that gone were my petty aches and pains, the occasional preoccupations of daily life, all that could stand in the way of giving Lynn the respect and admiration he deserves. I believe Lynn helped to make that possible as I quietly made my way with my TSP brethren.
Through my experience, I learned much about selfless dedication to a worthy cause, the importance of family and friends; I also believe I have made a friend in heaven. In living his principles, Sergeant Lynn Robert Poulin has taught me that we come nearest to God when we are great in humility. To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals is courtesy, to inferiors is nobleness.
Thank you, sir.
SSG Poulin’s friends and family:
I had the absolute privilege and honor to carry Lynn’s memorial stone and story to the top of Mt. Agamenticus here in York, Maine with some colleagues of mine from Pratt & Whitney who carried the stones and stories of other fallen Maine heroes. We hiked proudly displaying an American Flag and a flag bearing ‘Honor and Remember.’
I feel so blessed and honored that I had the chance to get to know Lynn’s story. The fact I saw him referenced as having a ‘quiet sense of humor’ and a ‘loyal friend’ stood out to me. He sounded like a very well loved man. His years of service and dedication to our country and his men and women are beyond admirable. I also read a news bit regarding the day Lynn’s life was taken by a terrorist in Iraq and his comrades were interviewed to speak of that day. I sat at my desk and wept reading their words – I am so sorry for your family’s loss.
I had not heard of The Summit Project until it was brought to my attention here at Pratt & Whitney when they asked for volunteers to participate. Without hesitation, I dropped my name to participate. We had a ribbon cutting ceremony for their stones arrival that was emotional for all who attended. Lynn was a true American hero and I am proud to have had the opportunity to get to know his story and to share it with colleagues. I hope it brings you some small level of comfort in knowing that he is not forgotten and his story lives on. I would also like you to know that I did share Lynn’s photo that you provided here on The Summit Project’s website and his story on my social media so others could hear about what a wonderful man he was and his sacrifice for our country. I have included a link to the post I shared below under ‘Your Website” where I also posted a picture of Lynn’s stone from the scenic outlook on top of Mt. Agamenticus.
Eternally grateful,
Tarsia M. Robinson
Dear Mrs. Poulin and Family,
This past Saturday, September 28, 2019, I had the honor of carrying Lynn’s memorial stone to the top of Cadillac Mountain with The Summit Project. This was an experience I will hold with me forever, and I will hold SSG Poulin in my heart forever. Finding the words to convey how this experience has changed me, for the better, has been impossible. I am humbled and eternally grateful for Lynn’s service and ultimately his and your family’s sacrifice. There is no doubt that the world is a better place for having had Lynn in it.
Following the hike SGT Thomas Dostie’s family accepted Lynn’s stone and I had the honor of breaking bread with the Dostie family. Mr. Dostie shared how much he appreciated getting to know Lynn over the phone while Lynn and Tom were stationed in Iraq together. He said he always felt comfort knowing that Lynn was looking out for Tom (and teaching Tom to weld so perhaps he could fix all the things he managed to break).
Lynn’s selflessness, story and memory will live on. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be able to honor him and your family.
It was my privilege and honor to hike SGT Poulin’s stone at Acadia National Park this year. It was amazing to hear his story and learn about his journey. He truly is a remarkable man who cared deeply for his family, his soldiers and their mission. While we did not get to summit Cadillac Mountain, I know the journey isn’t as important as honoring his life, his sacrifice, and the sacrifices his family have made. I know he was with us in the circle because as soon as we sat down the rain cleared and glimmer of sun shown through.
They say you don’t choose the stone, the stone chooses you. I’m glad this stone chose me. It exemplifies what a good leader and good family man should be, and what is important in life. I will never forget this.
Thank you.
On September 24, 2022, I had the absolute honor and privilege to carry the stone and story of your loved one, SSG Lynn R. Poulin. While sitting down with you and your daughter I learned so much about Lynn that it opened my eyes to why he chose me to carry him. Out of 80 hikers, you knew immediately I was carrying him. When I smashed my knee into the rock while trying to get a photo of him with the beautiful background, you told me it was Lynn who was playing a trick on me. It brought a huge smile to my face. He had a wicked sense of humor that allowed people to flock to him, I wish I had the honor to meet him personally. Talking to you though, already allowed me to meet him in your eyes. Lynn and I struggled to get to the summit, but we did it together. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner and backer to push me through it. I cried together with him when we reached the summit.
Being in the military myself, allowed me to have a deeper connection to Lynn then most. He is and forever will be my brother in arms. May he continue to live on in others, as he will live on in me. I hope I have the pleasure to carry him again. I will continue to carry his story with me through my lifetime. Thank you for that honor and privilege Lynn and his family.
Sincerely,
Brittany Senft
USAF Veteran
My name is Kolby Collins and on June 6, 2023, I had the honor to carry the stone of SSG Lynn R. Poulin. I went to Tumbledown Mountain. It was lightly raining but pretty good to climb up a mountain. When we were on the top of the mountain it was very windy but we had a great view of the other mountains. I enjoyed carrying Lynn’s stone up and down the mountain because I don’t do many things outside, but doing this was amazing.
To the friends and family of Lynn poulin Sr.
On September 23rd 2023 I was given the privilege to carrying the stone of Staff Sargeant Lynn R. Poulin Sr. I started my morning at 230, Awake before my alarm thinking about the day ahead of me and the challenges that may come. As I gathered my gear to head out to Acadia I found myself thinking about Lynn, and all the early mornings he must have had, getting ready for a mission or to head to the shipyard. Fixed on my mission of the day, I headed out for the 3 and half hour drive to the mountain.
I arrived at the event tent and found myself drawn to a table at the front where all the tribute stones were displayed. Looking through the stones I found Lynn’s stone and the mission became very clear. Shortly after the morning briefing, stone assignment started. Receiving the stone feeling the weight for the first time brought gravity to the situation. All the research and preparation became more real than ever before.
After the stone assignment we loaded up the buses and headed up Acadia mountain to the trailhead to begin our journey up to the summit of Cadillac mountain. On the ride to the trailhead I was recalling all the stories and things I learned about Lynn, his knack for working on things and becoming known for a period as the “neighborhood macgyver”. How he was a hard worker and driven.
As we arrived at the trailhead we all took a group picture and started the trek up. The first 20 minutes or so was just about rock climbing, the group made the joke “this is just the warm up!” That couldn’t have been more true.
Lynn’s stone isn’t the lightest stone however I’m glad, because I felt as if he was with me every step of the way. While we hiked I found myself thinking about the stories I read from Lynn’s time in the military. How he worked on vehicles specializing in fortifying vehicles. I myself have a passion for working on vehicles and found myself relating to Lynn.
During my research I learned that Lynn was a very selfless man. He would go out of his way to help, some even said he would have had to be completely incapacitated to not help.
Along the hike we encountered several hikers, but one couple in particular stood out. They were older, but on one of the more difficult trails very close to the summit. I was following up the back of my group on the hike and at one point stopped briefly to assist the couple with traversing a few rock formations. As I said good bye to the fellow hikers and wished them the best on the remainder of their hike, I felt the weight of my pack, the weight of Lynn’s stone with me and realized this is exactly what Lynn was known for.
We reached a point in the hike about 20 minutes from the summit of Cadillac mountain and took a much needed break. Time to hydrate, snack a little, stretch out, and most importantly take in the view. We set off one last time before the summit, but after about 10 minutes the group started to quiet down a little. I started focusing on Lynn and the journey up the mountain that I just endured and thought about how many mountains Lynn may have climbed in life.
We arrived at the summit and found a spot to get into our circle and start the testimonies of all the heroes we carried. As I took out Lynn’s stone and sat down I reviewed what I had written in preparation. I recited what I wrote a few times in my head before the ceremony started.
Story after story, hero after hero, everyone shared. Tears were shed in happiness and sadness. Fathers shared stories of their children, sisters shared stories of their siblings. The overwhelming feeling of family and community was unbelievable. I learned so much about so many people.
Then it was my turn to share Lynn’s story. “Today I’m carrying the stone of staff Sergeant Lynn R. Poulin Sr.” That was the first sentence I had written down and the only sentence I read off the page I prepared. I was overwhelmed with raw emotion. I choked up.
I started thinking about Lynn and the sacrifices he made for his country and all his family and friends. Through the words spoken, tears formed in my eyes for the man that I shared about. As I looked around the circle, several people were moved to tears for many different reasons but we were all there together for the same reason. To share the legacy of a hero that gave the ultimate sacrifice.
After we shared about our hero we put all the stones together in the center of the circle and took a group picture. As we packed up the stones and tucked them carefully back into our packs, there was a profound silence about the group. Everyone sharing in the same feelings of humble, empathy and sympathy.
The hike was a little under 4 hours and in that time of carrying Lynn’s stone I felt the weight of his legacy with me. I was able to share that and hopefully pass on the memory of such an amazing man.
Staff Sergeant Lynn R. Poulin Sr. is a hero. He was a selfless man in so many ways and I only wish I could have met his acquaintance. It was an honor to carry Lynn’s stone with me on this hike.
I was honored to carry the stone and story of Staff Sargent Lynn Robert Poulin Jr. on my first Summit Project hike. The whole 2 day experience was amazing, and something I will never forget. I am in awe of the Gold Star Families. I don’t have adequate words.
At the end of the ceremony to return Lynn’s stone, after Tom Dostie’s father accepted Lynn’s stone from me, we spoke about how Tom and Lynn were in Iraq together. At that moment, looking at the pride and love in this man’s face… I got it. I mean, I know I can’t KNOW what it’s like for them, but I understand why they come together. I understand why The Summit Project is so important. I understand why we can’t forget. I understand why we must share their stories and say their names.
I’m glad Lynn was there for Tom. Without having met them, I still know Lynn was glad to be there for Tom. He knew he was needed there. Just like everywhere in Lynn’s life, he was there for a reason, and he lived to help others in every situation. A great man, gone far too soon, but what a legacy and inspiration he left behind. What a selfless life of 47 years of spreading kindness ripples into the word. Infinite ripples. Thank you, Lynn Poulin. You live on in everyone you have touched, including me.
To the family of SSG Lynn R. Poulin Sr,
On September 21, 2024, I had the unforgettable privilege of hiking to the top of Cadillac Mtn in Acadia National Park with The Summit Project exactly 3 months shy of the 20th anniversary of his passing.
It was my first hike with TSP. The whole day was well organized with so much attention to even the smallest details creating an event deeply rooted in remembrance and connection. The weather was cool, clear and somber, much like the journey we were undertaking. I was struck by the camaraderie that developed among my fellow hikers on Team Blue as we made our way up the mountain. There was lots of chatter, encouragement and even a helping hand if you needed it.
I had anticipated the weight of the stone in my pack but not the weight of the responsibility I held; telling the story of Lynn in a way that honored his memory. While there was a lot to learn about his death, I chose to reflect on how he lived his life. I instantly felt a connection as he reminded me so much of my own father, they were even born the same year.
It was such a privilege to be able to return the stone after the hike to Lynn’s granddaughter and speak briefly with you all. I will never truly understand the loss you have had to endure all these years. It’s been nearly 20 years but just through learning his story it feels like it was just yesterday that he was lost, as I am sure it does for you as well.
This whole experience has left a lasting impression on me, and I know it won’t be the last time I tell Lynn’s story. Carrying his memory forward is both a responsibility and an honor for me.