24, of Bangor, Maine; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died March 29 in Korengal outpost, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from a rocket-propelled grenade explosion.
Christopher was born April 20, 1982. As the son of a military mom, he relocated with his family many times during his childhood years and even spent the first half of his teenage years living in the Caribbean islands of Puerto Rico and St. Thomas before returning to the United States. He was a charmer by age two and it was clear his personality was one that would draw others to him. A joyous boy, he snapped out of sour moods very quickly and was difficult to stay mad at when he misbehaved. Like most boys he enjoyed playing with Tonka trucks, but he learned to shoot his first rifle by eight years old and grew up idolizing his grandfather who himself was a thirty year veteran. He was an enterprising youth – earning money by age 13 scraping barnacles off boats. His mother realized quite early in Christopher’s life that he lacked a level of fear that most have – whether it was swimming riptides, the way he greeted or behaved with strangers, or other pursuits, he jumped into everything feet first. His happy go lucky attitude continued as he grew up. Often compared by others to Jim Carey, he truly lived by the phrase “laughter is the best medicine”. Animals (especially his two labs) and children alike were drawn to him.
His family returned to the United States and settled in Boston when he was 15. He took a different path, dropping out of High School and joining on with the Job Corps (a program administered by the United States Department of Labor that offers free education and vocational training to young men and women). While participating in the Job Corps he received culinary training up in the Bangor area of the state of Maine. He would later go on to earn his GED. Christopher was a young man who learned from his mistakes. To his friends and others he was a trusted mentor and a mediator, helping one friend by convincing him to stay in school.
Influenced by his strong relationships with his grandfather, a Vietnam veteran friend, and his mother, Christopher enlisted with the Army in 2002 at age 20. His plan was to join the state police in Vermont post his active duty military career. He left behind a daughter.
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I had the honor of hiking with Christopher’s stone up Cadillac Mountain on October 4, 2014, as part of TSP at ANP. I grew up in Charleston, Maine, but haven’t lived in my home state since high school. I’ve been based in Washington, D.C. for most of the last ten years. It isn’t easy to get away from my busy job for more than a couple of days, and this short weekend trip would involve traveling solo for many legs – planes, trains, and automobiles (literally!). But something was pulling me toward home. As a last-minute participant in the event, I wasn’t expecting to hike with a named stone, but just before we hit the trail, there was some reshuffling and I got my opportunity. I was immediately drawn to Christopher’s stone. I carefully placed it in my backpack and pulled out my phone to see if I could find out a little bit about him before the hike began. I had come all this way for an opportunity to honor Maine heroes, and I wanted to be able to picture Christopher and share his memory with my fellow hikers.
Christopher was compassionate, spiritual, friendly, loyal, and funny. He served because he wanted to make the world a better place. By all accounts, he saw the good in even the harshest of conditions – telling his family that Afghanistan was a beautiful country and that knowing his service was really helping people made it easier to get through his deployment.
I woke up Saturday morning thinking the long Friday trip would wipe me out, but with Christopher’s stone in my backpack, I felt energized. The air felt fresher, the leaves seemed a little brighter, and even the rain was refreshing. I felt stronger. Christopher spent his adult life protecting America, but for these few hours, I was his protector – and this mission felt more important than anything I’ve been tasked with in recent memory. A few hours later when I handed over Christopher’s stone to a Patriot Rider, it was harder to pass on that role than I had thought it would be. I wasn’t ready to part with him so soon.
As it turns out, I haven’t parted with him at all. I have thought of Christopher many times in the days since the hike. As I’ve settled back into my routine in Washington, I find myself feeling a little more at home. Here, it can be easy to feel lost in the shuffle, become too immersed in work, and feel distant from what is really important. The world is a confusing place – especially now. I, like so many people I know, struggle to find my place in it, how to make it better, how to stay grounded and in touch with what’s important. But, Christopher’s memory has stayed close by. I find myself looking for the good, giving people the benefit of the doubt, and taking time to be in the moment, just as I did when I carried his stone.
I recently learned that Christopher’s final resting place is Section 60 in Arlington Cemetery. My office overlooks the Potomac River, separating DC from Arlington. And so, our paths have crossed again. If I happen to look out the window at the optimum moment in the afternoon, and the light is just right, I can make out a few of the rows of headstones. Every afternoon since I returned from Maine, I pause for a few minutes to gaze outside, to slow down and remember.
Getting to know Christopher has been such a gift. I am incredibly grateful to his family for sharing his memory. I couldn’t be more proud to have spent the day with his stone, and I hope it gives his family some comfort to know that he continues to serve even those who never knew him in life. MHANF.
I had the honor of carrying Chris’s stone in the saddle bag of my husbands motorcycle as part of the Patriot Rider convoy from Cadillac mountain on October 4, 2014. I received the stone from Kirsten White. She hiked his stone up the mountain.
When I got home I read about Chris. I have a few connections with him that make things in my life much more meaningful. Before my mom deployed in 2004, the unit she was in stayed at Fort Drum. I visited her there before they left. My 10th Mountain Division sweatshirt has so much more meaning now.
Chris and I were born in the same year making us the same age. The year I was born has a more then just being a number.
I feel I have made 2 new friends. Chris being one of them and Kirsten White being the other.
Thank you
3 April 2015, Doug Comstock wrote —
To the family and loved ones of Christopher M. Wilson,
I heard about The Summit Project (TSP) about a month ago. I asked Major David Cote if I could take a memorial stone with me on a recent trip, and I was given the honor of having Christopher Wilson’s stone accompany me. Before the trip I learned a little about Chris, he was 24 years old, has a young daughter, he lived in Chicopee, Massachusetts and Bangor, Maine. Chris was a good son, brother, father, friend, soldier, hero.
We left Bangor, Maine on March 28 and drove to Gaspesie National Park in Quebec, Canada for two days of hiking in the beautiful snow covered Chic-Choc Mountains. On March 29 we went up Mont Lyall, and on March 30 we went up Mont Albert. Both are in the 3,000 feet high range and take several hours for a round trip climb. My climbing partners, and people we met on the trail, helped take photos of me with the stone, and they were all very interested in hearing about Chris. I thought back to when I was 24 and tried to put myself in Chris’ situation in Afghanistan, I’m sorry for all that he went through.
When I was learning about Chris last week, one of the online photos I saw was his tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery with a bag of gummy bears beside it, I assume it was a favorite of his and a family member or friend took the photo. By coincidence someone in our hiking group had the exact same kind, Haribo Gold Bears, so the last photo on my CD has that in it.
Another coincidence is my first hike on this trip was March 29, which is the anniversary date of his passing. And finally, on the drive up we stopped at a store in Houlton, Maine where I glimpsed that day’s Bangor Daily News with a front page article about TSP. The four other people in my group didn’t know that I was participating in TSP yet, so I bought the newspaper, showed them the article, then took that opportunity to tell them that I had Chris’ memorial stone with me.
I hope that you get some comfort knowing that people are still getting to meet Chris and hear about his life. I believe his spirit joined me on this trip, and I won’t forget him.
Sincerely,
Doug Comstock
June 6, 2015
To the family of SPC Christopher M Wilson:
My name is Kathryn King. I live with my family and teach high school in Hampden, Maine. On Sunday of Memorial Day weekend this year, as part of The Summit Project’s living memorial, I carried Christopher’s stone up to the summit of a mountain called The Owl, adjoining Mount Katahdin, which is the northernmost mountain on the Appalachian Trail. The weather was gray and cool with breaks of sun. The wind gusted hard enough to make us want to keep our feet firmly planted on the rock at the peak.
I learned a lot about Christopher before the hike. I learned that he went to high school in Massachusetts, and then came to Maine to study culinary arts at the Job Corps program in Bangor. I was excited that I knew where Christopher went to school! I learned that Christopher loved to go places with his friends, especially on road trips to concerts, and that he was the proud, loving father of a beautiful little daughter. He was funny, kind, and loyal. He looked for the good in people; and wherever he was, he could see beauty. So that I could picture Christopher while I was hiking, I found one photograph of him from when he was living in Massachusetts and a second photo taken of him during his deployment in Afghanistan. I learned that he was a son and a father, a friend to many, and a brother-in-arms.
And I learned that Christopher was loving and brave. I read that shortly before he died in the Korengal Valley, Christopher wrote on his MySpace page that he was afraid. He simply wanted to stay alive. He wanted to come back home, to take his daughter on a special trip to DisneyWorld, to watch her grow up. He was afraid, but he stayed where he was ordered to stay and fought where he was ordered to fight.
I thought about all these things as I climbed with Christopher’s stone to the summit of The Owl. I thought about how mountainous, how unforgivingly rugged a part of the world the Korengal is, and how Christopher just wanted to finish his tour of duty there, and make it home. He didn’t make it home, I thought, as I watched my teammates hoist The Summit Project and KIA flags and let the wind unfurl them. He was young and he was brave, and he didn’t make it home. And I understood then, just a little, what Major Cote had told us the night before the hike. Major Cote told us that in a sense, the post-hike presentation of stones to the families of fallen servicemen and servicewomen symbolizes a homecoming that the families never got to experience. When our hiking group came down off the mountain, a couple who also has lost a son received Christopher’s stone on your family’s behalf. I gave it to them gently and respectfully. They took it carefully, and hugged it.
I deeply appreciate your entrusting Christopher’s memory to The Summit Project. Because you chose to do that, I had an opportunity that I would never otherwise have had to learn about Christopher’s life. It was an honor to carry a representation of his courage, endurance, and dedication to his buddies and to the United States military. It will be an honor to tell Christopher’s story to my students at Hampden Academy and to my friends and family, to carry Christopher’s stone to other high places in this beautiful state where he chose to spend a part of his life, to keep his memory alive.
MHANF.
The Army Cadets of America when on a hike for The Summit Project on June 22,2015. It was a 7 mile hike and we shared some of the fallen heroes.I chossed Spc. Christopher M.Willson. It felt very good to be able to talk about him, it brought tears to my eyes when I told everyone about him. He was a great soldier,Husband,brother, and a father. He gave his life for this nation. I’m very grateful and thankful for what he did and what the other soldiers are doing for this country. I’m honored to be able to research and learn about him. It gave me more reaasons to join the U.S. Army when I grow up. Thanks and God bless his family.
Sincerely,
Paola Hernandez
On 2 Sept 2015, Catherine Gordon wrote:
Dear Family of SGT Christopher Wilson:
My name is Catherine Gordon and I carried Christopher’s stone on a nighttime hike up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.
Early Monday morning at 2:30 AM, my friend Kirsten and I began our climb, where the nearly full moon lit our path better than any flashlight could have and the weather couldn’t have been better. With me leading the way, we started the hike. Kirsten was carrying SGT Robertson’s stone and I was carrying Chris’ stone, a stone that Kirsten herself had carried on a previous hike. As we hiked we talked about Chris and I learned some wonderful things about him. I learned that he had been a culinary student here in Bangor where I teach. I learned how he always tried to see the good in every situation – like how even in war torn Afghanistan, he thought the country had a rugged beauty. I learned he had a young daughter and wanted nothing more than to make it home to her. But instead, he was killed on March 29th in Afghanistan from wounds sustained from a rocket-propelled grenade explosion at just 24 years old……
As Kirsten and I had hoped, we made the summit in time to see the sunrise. We placed our soldiers stones so that they would have the perfect view. What a stunningly beautiful moment it was. It was a moment where thankfulness washed over me that I was there able to take it all in, but also sadness that Chris wasn’t there to see it….. although I think maybe he was in a way….
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that I can live a life worthy of Christopher’s sacrifice. I may have only carried his stone for a day, but I will carry his story in my heart forever. Maine heroes are not forgotten.
On 10 Sept 2015 – Kirsten Stelmok wrote —
“We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” – Joan Didion
One week ago today I woke up at 2:00 AM to catch the sunrise on a ten-mile traverse of the Moat Mountains of New Hampshire. This hike was special for two reasons: it was my first Summit Project hike, and my hiking partner was one of my oldest and dearest friends (and Summit Project board member) Kirsten White.
The hike itself was beautiful – the sky was clear, the breeze was warm, and the White Mountains spread out endlessly in front of us. What made the day most meaningful, though, were the stories we told each other. We tried, in ten hours, to fill each other in on the past twenty years of our lives. We also talked a great deal about the lives of “our” soldiers (Sgt. Christopher Wilson and Sgt. Nicholas Robertson), their sacrifices, and those they left behind.
……….
As a teacher and scholar of literature, I look to books and to stories to help make sense of the world. Stories help us understand people whose experience of life may seem vastly different from our own. Stories help us make connections across time and great distances. Stories are how we share our lives, and telling stories is what makes us human.
……….
Sgt. Wilson’s stone is a metaphor for the gravity of his sacrifice, and holding it felt solemn and humbling. But the stories I read about Sgt. Wilson made his life, and thus his sacrifice, even more real to me. I learned that Chris Wilson had a strong bond with his sister. I learned that he loved his daughter and worried about not being there for her as she grew up. I learned that he loved cooking and that he was a fiercely loyal friend. Hundreds of people left messages on his legacy page, and I read all of them. Chris Wilson had a relatively short life, but he made a great impact on those who knew and loved him.
Carrying Sgt. Wilson’s stone was an honor and a deeply meaningful experience. I hope to carry his stone again and to have the chance to tell more people about the Summit Project and its mission. I won’t forget Chris Wilson, and I’ll keep telling his story.
#MHANF
To the family of Christopher Wilson,
My name is Suzy Wieland and I was given the honor of carrying Christopher’s stone on September 27th in the MAINEiacs 5k in Bangor. I made a quick detour after leaving my house that morning for a bag of gummy bears and headed to our starting point. There were about a dozen of us, most meeting for the first time that day.
I was almost immediately asked about “my soldier”. As crazy as it sounds, especially since I had never heard Christopher’s name prior to these preparations, he really was “my soldier”. I spent weeks poring over any and all information I could find about Christopher. His likes, personality traits, story of his time before and in the service. I soon realized I had become responsible for his story and it was important to tell it well.
I shared the stories of his silliness and his love of food. His fear of not seeing his daughter again and his struggle to find himself. His love for his family and his devotion to his brothers. As we stood in a circle, eating some of his favorite treats, my TSP family learned about Christopher. He is not forgotten. He will never leave me.
On October 17, 2015 I had the honor of carrying Army Spc. Christopher M. Wilson’s stone to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. This was my first hike to this summit as well as my first hike with a TSP stone. I got to learn a lot about Chris before I started my journey. The morning of the hike was early, chilly and remarkable. I thought a lot of Chris and what his early mornings were like in Afghanistan. Did he think of home? What the rest of us Americans were doing so far away? I am certain he did.
Chris was loved by all. He was a giver, a bother, a son, a father and a friend. Of all the things I had heard people say or read about Chris was that he cherished life, the world and wanted to make it better. He held no negativity to the parts of the world he had to leave his family and friends for. He saw the beauty in it all. Cherished the mountains of Afghanistan and its lovely country side. Chris wanted to be part of making the world better. He made ultimate sacrifices in doing so. I cannot imagine putting thousands of miles between myself and my son. Even to go fight for what’s right. To fight for others freedoms. Chris did though, everyday. He never made it back to his beloved daughter Jayden. Chris wanted to take the weight of the world, do his work and make it back home to Jayden. I will never forget Chris. His love for cooking and gummy bears. We both share those loves. I hope to hike with him again one day. Take him along with me on more summit hikes and reflect on men and women like Chris who make it possible for my son and I to live in a wonderful county. Thank you Chris! I will see you again one day my friend!
Saturday, December 12th, 2016 started like any other day, but it would be unlike any other day. This was the day I had been waiting for since July; visiting Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of so many of our Nation’s finest men and women.
This was the day I chose for one reason; the arrival of the Wreaths Across America convoy delivering Christmas wreaths to every grave in Arlington. This convoy begins in my beloved state of Maine, where I grew up and still call home. More than that, it begins in Washington County, in a small town missed if you blinked. However, this small town shares a large part of who I am. My love for this area was forged at an early age, as my father grew up not twenty miles away. Visits to grandparents over holidays and for extended stays in the summers, both of which have long since been gone, has given me an appreciation as I’ve grown older for what used to be.
These wreaths aren’t just any Christmas decoration to me. Having lost my father to cancer in 2004, holding one of these wreaths is a connection to my past. I can’t help but feel his presence in these wreaths; from the same salty Atlantic Ocean air he grew up with, to the aromatic balsam fir that now represents my life now as a forester.
These wreaths aren’t just Christmas decorations to the families of the fallen who now reside in Arlington National Cemetery. Just as they are for me, it is a connection to past holidays shared, memories that are forever kept alive, and a longing for just one more special moment with them.
Our visit to Arlington National Cemetery on Wreaths Across America Day was to honor your loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice, to respectfully support you as a Gold Star Family through a difficult time of year, and to form a bond between you both through your chosen Summit Project stone. Your son’s passion and commitment to protect this Country will live on through his marble marker in Arlington, his Summit Project stone in the State of Maine, and with his life’s story to those we both meet in the future. Your son, our Hero, Will Never Be Forgotten.
Respectfully,
Renee Fournier and Jonathan Kelley
My name is Kelly Meggison, I’m a retired SSG, US Army, and I went to basic with Chris at Sand Hill, Ft Benning Ga in 2002. We went through basic and AIT together, then we both went to the same company in Ft Sill, Oklahoma, and were roommates in the same barracks until I went off to Iraq on my first tour!
When I got back to Ft Sill a bit over a year later your dad had gone to Ft Drum, NY, and within 4 months i was back in Iraq on my second tour!
My third tour in Iraq came and went, and I was back in Iraq on my fourth tour when I started trying to get ahold of him, at first by text the message on AKO, to no avail! Then later on in my fourth tour i found out that hed been killed in Afghanistan!
All the memories came flooding back to me, the funny and serious moments in basic and AIT, his rap music choices, his reactions to events and his chats about his girlfriend (your mom, whom I met in Ft Sill when she came out for a visit), more serious chats about combat and how different it is for each of us, and so many other things it’s hard to remember them all!
He was much younger than I, about 12 years younger, and saw things much different, so our chats were always a bit of a revelation to me on how some things had changed, but the majority of his chats were about your mom and what he planned when he got home next! I helped him plan a bus trip home once, even!
I miss him, and very much wish I’d been there to help him that day, as I was for so many others in my tours in Iraq! I’ll never forget him, he’s my brother forever now and I remember him much as you see this picture of him here!
God bless Chris’ family!
On May 19 2016 I carried the stone of Army Spc. Christopher M. Wilson’s up Big Moose Mountain in Greenville, ME. I did The Summit Project for JROTC out of Nokomis High school with 31 other students. The hike was relatively steep after the halfway point. I hiked in a group of three with Michael Cuchelo and Felix Thibodeau JROTC’s old BC until he graduated but he carried a stone also. We were the first group to reach the top. After we reached the top we talked about the view, complained about our legs, took pictures, ate lunch and waited for the rest of the Cadets to reach the top. After everyone reached the summit they ate and we started to talk about the stones we carried. It started to rain and spit hale when we got done summarizing about the stones of the fallen soldier’s. Then we all packed up and headed down the mountain. It’s always tragic when a daughter loses her father, Chris died at the age of 24 on March 29, 2007 when she was only four. I was very honored to carry Christopher’s stone.
-Josh Neal
It was my honor to carry the stone of SGT. Christopher Wilson for team TARN. I was able to learn about Christopher in the weeks building up to the hike through his TSP bio as well as various articles I was able to find online. While I did not speak to Christopher’s family it is something that I look forward to. As hiked and shared thoughts on our soldiers I began to reflect on Christopher’s presence with us as well as his similarities to my own fallen brother Sgt. Joel House. They were both KIA in 2007 and both had a light that they shared with everyone they met. Christopher loved the Lord as did Joel and I could not help but know that they are together in heaven watching down as remembered them. Although I have no met them I embrace Christopher’s family in my heart and share in their pain as well as their wonderful memories of their fallen soldier.
This hike turned out to be more special than I could have imagined. My 5 year old son Joel had come along and to the campground and my wife and I had expected that he would stay with her while I hiked and we would regroup at the end of the day. When the alarm went off on Saturday morning Joel was more than adamant that he would be joining us on the hike that day. As “Luck” would have it, there was a last minute no show on our team and we were able to add “little Joel” to the hiking roster.
This of course meant that there was another stone that needed to be remembered and Joel and I received the stone of Major Jay Aubin to also carry on the hike. I had not had time to learn a lot about Jay due to such short notice. I had heard memories shared of Jay at previous TSP hikes and already knew that he had left behind a loving family with children. Jay was 36 when he was killed in 2003 which is also my age at the time of this hike. 13 years ago and I know it feels like yesterday for his family. As I walked I thought of Jay’s family and how they miss him as they reach new milestones in their lives. I know that his memory and spirit lives within in his family and they will forever have him in their hearts to help them navigate the passages of this life.
The conversations and sharing that take place include conversations that will be remembered for a lifetime and some that will never be shared again. As a dad I could not have been more proud to watch Joel hiking at the front of the pack and feel the sense of family as the other hikers helped him the occasional times that his little legs just weren’t long enough to climb. I am proud that Joel is able to learn of our fallen heroes at such an early age and I know that this will have a positive impact for him as he grows to be a man.
Luke House
Gold Star Brother of SGT Joel House
Dear to the family of Spc. Christopher Wilson,
I had the privilege and courage of hiking the top of Streaked Mountain carrying a special rock in honor of soldier Christopher Wilson. As I was reading about Christopher’s life and experiences, I learned about his bravery and his loved ones. Christopher had the courage, pride and scarifies to fight and defend in our country for people like me.
When I carried the rock up the mountain I was thinking about Christoper’s life experience and what I knew about him. I have so much respect for people who serve for our country to keep us safe. I am definitely proud of the scarifies that Christopher made and so should everyone. Bringing the rock up the mountain got me wondering and imagining the difficulties that Christopher faced while I was having trouble going up the mountain. I told myself that this is nothing compared to the obstacles that Christopher faced. Knowing this, pushed me to continue to the top.
Carrying Christoper’s rock up the mountain was truly a privilege. As I reached the top of the mountain, I imagined Christoper sitting next to me telling me he was happy and honored to fight for our country and freedom. I want to live the way Christoper lived by putting others before myself. This is why I want.
I will never forget Christoper for his bravery to protect us and take us under his arm. Christopher was a great man and will always hold a special place with me on the top of Streaked Mountain. I hope I can make Christopher and soldiers like him proud.
Sincerely, Shukri Abdirahman
My name is Ashley MacKenzie and I have been involved with The summit Project events over this past year, but this hike was my first hike carrying the stone of Army SPC Christopher Wilson, who died at the age of 24 in Afghanistan of wounds sustained from a rocket propelled grenade explosion.
What I had the opportunity to learn about Christopher was that he truly was positive person who saw the best in situations, and loved his daughter Jayden very much. I read when on his first tour in Afghanistan, he got his first opportunity to call home and speak to his Mom. And even though they were in the middle of a dessert war zone, when his mother asked him how it was, he described it as “ruggedly beautiful”. Christopher was also very concerned that he wouldn’t get back to see his daughter, and he posted that on one of social media accounts.
I thought of these bits of information about Christopher with me on the hike. It happened to be raining extremely heavy that day, and we were all soaking wet within the first few minutes, but I thought of Christopher being positive no matter what. I thought about his daughter a lot on this hike, and how Chris wanted to get back to take his daughter to Disney world. He never made it to take her, but I hope at some point that Jayden was able to go.
Christopher, and hiking with his stone, has reminded me to find the good in every situation, because it’s there. It’s so easy to think about or talk about the negative, but there’s good in everything and there’s good in everyone, so lets focus more on that. Thank you Chris.
My name is Dave and at TSP at BSP 2017 I had the honor and privilege to complete the spirit hike while carrying the story and stone of Army Spc. Christopher M. Wilson. Chris was 24 when he died. Like me, he was from Bangor, Maine. Chris was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. and perished March 29, 2007 in Korengal outpost, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from a rocket-propelled grenade explosion.
It breaks my heart to think that Chris left behind a young daughter in Maine and he verbally expressed that his greatest fear was “not coming home to his little girl.”
Before he died Chris made the remarks on a social networking site. He epressed his love for his 4-year-old daughter, Boston sports teams and his “buddies back home.” He said his goal for 2007 was to “stay alive.”
When I think about his tragic loss, I think about MY responsibility as oen of the lucky ones who lived. What do I need to do to carry on Chris’s work to strengthening our democracy and making the future safer, sounder, more just, more prepared for the future.
I think that part of the answer is Edcuation. Chris was making a personal investment in himself, which is why he was at the EMCC in Bangor, Maine. He was motivated and committed to his goal of imporoving himself so he could influence the lives of others.
I kept that idea in mind as I reflected on the amazing and unforgettable weekend of TSP at BSP 2016.
Since coming off the mountain, extinguishing the campfire, driving back down I-95 without the buzz of 100 motorcycles and the Maine State Police, there is a lot of processing required to make sense of all that happened.
In the last couple days, I asked some of our hikers and volunteers to share their favorite memory of the weekend. Their answers continue to surprise me and remind me that TSP means different things to different people for SO many different reasons.
One friend turned the question back on me – What was my favorite image or memory of the weekend?
After considerable thought, I think I have my answer.
For me, the MOST gratifying moment comes from an image that combines the THREE strength sources of TSP.
First, the interactions with our TSP Gold Star Families. We learn about our heroes through their voices. We invite them to share the very best in their loved ones and themselves. We want to reassure them that their loved ones are NOT forgotten. In them, we see examples of extraordinary courage, hope and vulnerability. While they lost a loved one tragically and unexpectedly, they hope to pass on their legacies and wisdom in other ways.
Second, we see the power that TSP has to fortify connections and relationships. Old friends, new friends, we accept each other, and we live up to our code of treating everyone with dignity and respect and we don’t tolerate anything less. TSP erodes barriers and unites us all. We feel like a family, because we are a family.
Finally, a weekend like this gives us a glimpse into the future. It tests us and examines our ability to push ourselves to surpass personal limits. Our TSP family achieved things that they previously thought were unachievable. It’s inspiring to witness, it’s humbling to watch. It suggests that we can accomplish more and do more.
With all this in mind, I reflect on an image that truly combines all those concepts and depicts the most fulfilling moment of my weekend experience.
Pictured in the middle is Howie Francis. I met him four years ago when I visited his grandmother’s home to learn about fallen Maine Hero Army SGT Blair Emery. Seated in the Emery’s living room, Howie shared with me his college goal. Upon his graduation from Lee Academy this Saturday, Howie will make that goal a reality.
In the black shirt is my good friend Trevor Miller who learned about TSP last year and wanted to get more involved. He jumped right in and led TEAM WHITE up OWL Mountain. Trevor recently transitioned from 10 years as an USMC Infantry Officer and moved his family from California to Boston to start a new civilian life.
And then there is me. The special part that you may not know – Howie will soon become a servicemember himself as he prepares to enter his Plebe Summer at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. With any luck, Howie will graduate USNA in 2021. Trevor is a 2008 USNA grad, and as the old guy in the red checkered shirt, graduated back in 2001. We are tied by our college alma mater, but also so much more.
We stand on that New England Outdoor Center – NEOC field together, united by our connection in honoring our fallen through the voices of our Gold Star families. We hope that the healing, bonding and inspiring work of TSP can reveal and reinforce our shared values of service, integrity, remembrance, community and duty, and we all want to push ourselves to do more.
Finally, the three guys in that pic, along with everyone who was part of TSP this year, stand on the shoulders of our state’s fallen, and together we made a deliberate choice this weekend to honor them and carry the torch forward through servant leadership to others. When tomorrow is never guaranteed, and history will judge us all on how we treat others and solve problems, we chose to give rather than take and serve rather than be served, and we know there is more work to do.
It’s the singular image that will stick with me for a long time and it makes me think of Army Spc. Christopher M. Wilson who gave his life for this country and will NOT be forgotten.
MHANF,
David J. Cote
Major USMCR
Founder The Summit Project
Dear Family and Friends of Army Spc. Christopher Wilson,
My name is Stefanie Duron, and I am a teacher at All Saints Catholic School in Bangor, Maine. I had heard about the Summit Project from one of my 4th grade students who hiked Mt. Katahdin with a stone. When one of my friends suggested I join a group of female hikers on a Summit Project, I was quick to say yes. When I received Christopher’s stone, I read as much as I could find about him. It touched me that he was right around the age of my daughters when he was lost. I was very proud to carry his stone to the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on July 6, 2017.
When we reached the summit, I removed my pack and immediately noticed how off balance I felt without the stone. It hit me that Christopher had become a real part of my life that day. He had kept me balanced as I hiked. Even though I had never met him, I knew his story…his love for his family and country…his desire to make it home to his daughter…his support to others in his life. Please know that even though Christopher is lost to you, he is remembered for his service to all of us. He will help to keep me balanced from now on when I think of him.
Our group set our stones on top of Cadillac Mountain on a beautiful summer day with the wind blowing the flags we carried along and made tribute to Christopher and others for their sacrifice for us. We thank him for his service, and we thank you for the sacrifice you gave.
With love and respect,
Stefanie Duron
Hampden, Maine
I had the privelege and honor of carrying the stone, and sharing the story of United States Army Sgt. Cristopher Wilson. Chris was close to me in age, and like the last hero that I met while hiking with TSP, I found many things in his life that parallel mine.
Something that really stood out with Chris was he was a father. His daughter will not know what it feels like to have him in her life. She is now ten years older and lives with just the memories of the hero that her father is. I hope that she can find comfort in the idea that her father’s life was not in vain and that he died fighting for God, Country and Family. With team bubble, atop the windy peak overlooking the beauty that is our National park Acadia, I was able to share his story. With The Summit Project, we are all able to share the stories of the men and women that said no to inaction.
I am forever changed by my experience and that is my contribution. That, and continuing to speak of the brave souls who have slipped the surly bonds and left us with only a memory.
I will speak of you forever, Sgt Christopher Wilson
On the summit project I was honored to climb Tumbledown mountain on the friday of June 8th, or at least try as I only made a mile up. Unfortunately I did fall down on the mountain and rolled my ankle. However, I don’t regret trying as when I heard of the story of Christopher M. Wilson I knew at that moment in time that I would try for his sake. I would not let anything stand in my way. There was a great many of hurdles that weighed me down such as charley horses and exhaustion. Even when it was time to leave and I did not reach the top, I still wished to reach the summit; to do what Christopher did for many and carry the weight for others. Just as he did by being strong enough to carry the problems of others so that they didn’t have to. I know that he would have carried more than I but for even a split second, I felt as if he pushed and encouraged me to continue forward, so that we could both make it. I know he has been through more pain that I could ever imagine, so I would protect him even before my own. The trail was very rigorous and rock ridden. The boulders going up Tumbledown mountain were very treacherous and some felt ever looming as they struck fear into the minds of those who dare climb them. But still, I proceeded, still wary of the possible drop and tumble with one misstep.
The stone in which I carried was that of a great man When I heard of his story about how he was stationed in a Korengal outpost in Afghanistan and was killed by a rocket propelled grenade, I was at a loss, I couldn’t believe that a great man like Christopher could have been killed. The sadness crept closer to my heart when I knew that it was true, but then my teacher told me that I would be able to climb a mountain to remember our fallen troops, and I knew that I must march up that mountain.
The name Christopher M. Wilson should not be lost to time but rather remembered as he was a good man, who had been there for others who couldn’t carry the large and heavy burdens of life . While returning down from my attempt of the climb where I had fallen and bruised my ankle, I still wished I made it to the top for Christopher, as his stone made me feel powerful, like I could carry the world.
In the end I would say that my climb up Tumbledown mountain was a humbling experience while at times were painful, but I would I do it again, yes I would, to help keep his legacy alive.
To the Family & Friends of Army SGT Christopher M. Wilson,
On Saturday September 29, 2018 I had the honor & privilege of carrying the stone and story of Army SGT Christopher M. Wilson who was from Bangor, Maine up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. This was my second hike with TSP here in Acadia. I live here in Southwest Harbor and Acadia National Park is essentially my backyard.
I chose to join TSP @ANP 2 years ago (and again this fall in 2018) as I thought “Why not? It’s a great event and how could I not join as I hike in Acadia everyday so why not thank our fallen heroes as I get to do something I love?” Little did I know it was more than “just a hike”. When you participate in TSP you feel a sense of belonging to a family with folks you’ve never met before. You are all there to thank our fallen heroes and honor them for their service as well as the ultimate sacrifice they all made for us. It brings you together so the feeling of true humanity is tangible and that gives me such hope for a better tomorrow.
Army SGT Christopher M. Wilson died at the age of 24 and will never get a chance to hike up Cadillac Mountain or any mountain for that matter. He left behind a 4-year-old daughter whom of which I hope and pray has found peace with not ever really knowing her father. Maybe one day she will join a TSP event in honor of her Dad.
Listening to the stories of all the fallen heroes of my Team mates was an emotional time. It was the first time I did it as I’m sure it will be again in the future. It’s important to hear these stories so our fallen heroes’ lives do live on and remain a part of all of us. We have the freedoms we do thanks to those who served, continue to serve and sacrificed all for this great nation. Many thanks from the bottom of my heart to Army SGT Christopher M. Wilson and all of Maine’s fallen heroes. I salute you and I will never forget you. #MHANF
Hi my name is Hunter im 16 and is a sophomore at Nokomis Regional High School. I run for track and do soccer I love the outdoors and since I was young I wanted to be in the army like he did and I still do my favorite thing to do is to run my favorite snack was gummy bears just like him.
I found out about the summit project in JROTC and when I was scrolling through I saw Chris and thought it would be cool to do a fallen soldier who was in Afghanistan. I looked up why he died when and where and saw that it was from a rocket propelled grenade explosion. Even though i’ve never met him he seems like he would be a nice person and a wonderful father.
I had the honor of hiking with Christopher knowing he was watching over me and assuring I would be fine. I had a wonderful hike with him. I am glad that I was able to do this with Chris. To his family I am proud that he fought for our country and he will always have a place in my heart. Thank you for giving me the chance to let me carry his stone
On Saturday the 10th of August I woke up and headed to pineland farms for the husky 10k. As I stood there I overheard some of the other people talking about rocks you carry for the fallen. Not quite sure what they were talking I walked over and started reading the cards with each of the rocks. When I got to Christopher’s card and rock I knew that I wanted the honor of having him with me. Participating in this was a very humbling experience. I’d just like to thank both the family for letting me get to know Christopher.
I’ll share your story whenever I can and you’ll never be forgotten.
-Spc. Romo, Tyler U.S. Army
To the Family of Sergeant Christopher M. Wilson,
On November 9th, 2019 I had the honor of carrying Christopher’s stone up to the summit of Blue Hill Mountain in Blue Hill, Maine. Though a little chilly, you could not have picked a more perfect day to hike the mountain. It had snowed a couple days before and the trees glittered when the sun hit the snow covered branches. I bet Christopher would have loved it.
As I hiked, I thought about all the things I had learned about Christopher over the few weeks prior. Though a stranger, I felt a connection to him, as though I had known him when he was alive. We shared much in common: he was an 80’s kid, he liked gummy bears (which I had for the hike), lived in Massachusetts for part of his life, enjoyed the outdoors, loved being surrounded by family and friends….. and we both have daughters. This is what struck me the most when reading about him and what saddened me most about his death, as I know he loved his daughter so very much and wanted so badly to be back home with her when he was serving in Afghanistan.
He accomplished so much in his life, even before the service. And when he enlisted in the army he served and fought so bravely and selflessly. Through tough times he remained positive, even while stationed in one of the most dangerous places in Afghanistan. He looked out for his fellow soldiers and was always there when someone needed guidance or someone to talk to. I would have been lucky to have him as a friend and I find myself constantly reflecting on his sacrifice and bravery.
When the World Trade Center was attacked, that was such a terrible and frightening time. As another hiker, who was just blocks away when it happened, commented on during the hike, was the fact that we all wanted that feeling safety and security back and that the loss of so many innocent people was just so incredibly devastating. I know it impacted Christopher and though so young, during such a unsettling and scary time, he made the selfless choice to protect the innocent and his country.
Taking his stone to the top of the mountain was truly, a very humbling experience. As others who have carried his stone have said in their letters, he still has not left my thoughts and I still carry him in my mind, thinking of his sacrifice and your loss. I am so very sorry for what you have been through. His spirit still lives on and the light his life brought into this world will never diminish.
Thank you to your son, brother, father, for all that he did serving and protecting his country.
Forever honored and grateful,
Julie
To the family of Army SGT. Christopher M. Wilson,
Thank you for allowing me the honor and privilege of carrying Christopher’s stone in the Veterans day Race November 10, 2019. Being able to carry his stone and share his story with my fellow racers was a humbling experience.
I started my day by getting up about a half hour before sunrise. I made my first cup of coffee and organized all my research about Christopher’s short but heroic life. Though it was chilly, I sat out on my back deck and watched the sun rise. Thought’s of Christopher’s short but heroic life swam through my mind as I finished my coffee and watched a spectacular sunrise. I remembered reading a comment on his memorial page from his big sister stating that she and others always mailed him beef jerky over seas, so he could have a some comfort food from home “I made sure to buy a bag for him just before the race”. I also remembered how fiercely he loved his daughter and wanted nothing more than to return home to his baby girl. I too have a little girl at home and just before leaving I made sure to give her a extra big hug as Christopher’s story reminded me that you should never take a moment with your little one / family for granted.
The weather was just right and with Christopher’s stone safely tucked in my bag, I began the four mile race. I thought for sure racing down by the river would be freezing as the wind typically blows at a pretty good clip in that area. Much to my surprise, the wind held off and the view of the water was amazing. I made sure to stop and take a photo of Christopher’s stone near one of the most beautiful spots on the river, and other racers followed suit with their soldiers. This gave us all time to group up and share memories of our soldiers as we finished the last mile of the race.
Looking back, I am certain Christopher was with me every step I took that day. He had the uncanny ability to find the beauty in everything, and I found myself stopping throughout the day for no reason and appreciating the beauty of my surroundings.
Thank you again for the honor and privilege of carrying Christopher M. Wilson’s stone with me for the Veterans Day race. I will be sure to keep his memory alive and share his story as much as possible. I will also make sure to stop and see the beauty of the world around me and not focus on the negative so much.
-Chrissy-
I’m so glad to see all these amazing comments about my dad. He was an amazing man, and I am so grateful for what he did for our country. His biggest fear was not coming home to me. Even though he didn’t get the chance to watch me grow up, I know he did up in heaven. I miss him everyday even though I didn’t know him to well. I was 4 years old when he died, and I’m now almost 18 years old. I’ve been told so much about him that it feels like I already know who he is. Everyday is a different day, but I will forever remember his name, and how important he was to most people. I’m so grateful to call him my father, and I’m even more grateful to be his daughter. Dad, just know I miss you everyday, and it isn’t easy. Rest in Peace, I love you!
-Jayden
I had the honor to carry Christopher Wilson’s stone up and down tumbledown mountain. We climbed the mountain on 5/17/21 and hiked on the Brook Trail. I had a fun time hiking the mountain and carry this wonderful stone with me. One thing that stuck out to me was he was very selfless and he would do anything to make this world a better place. He would place everyone’s needs above his own and I like that a lot about him. He just knew he wanted to be in the army at a young age. It is just very sad to see him pass away so early. I hope the best for his family. May you rest in peace Chris.
I was so honored to carry Army SGT Christopher M. Wilson’s memory and stone for The Summit Project. This was my first time being involved with TSP and it was an incredible, humbling experience to learn about SGT Wilson’s life and sacrifice.
My husband, who was also carrying a stone, and I ended up changing our original hiking plans due to unforeseen circumstances. We hiked Great Pond, which is closer to home and allowed our little ones, Claire and Joel (6 and 3), to join us.
This change in plans ended up being perfect. It was wonderful for our family to be together for this. I am overwhelmed by how blessed I am to be here with my children, when SGT Wilson’s time was cut so tragically short with his own child.
My daughter, Claire, looked at the photo that was provided of SGT Wilson and said “He looks fierce!”. She is so right and that word is just the one. I am so grateful for SGT Wilson, and for all of our fierce warriors who have given it all for love of country. ❤️
I had the utmost honor and privilege to carry Chris’ stone while joining several of my Veterans Benefits Administration colleagues as we trekked across downtown Portland and along the Eastern Prominade on a beautiful summer day.
I truly enjoyed learning about Chris and what a wonderful man he was. I am a fellow Afghanistan Veteran and reading Chris’ story touched me deeply. How remarkable that he not only grew up in the Caribbean, but also got to enjoy the Atlantic coastline of New England.
In bearing the weight of his stone, I thought about how he approached life full on from enjoying the outdoors to being a young entrepreneur scraping barnacles off boats to pursuing culinary arts to service his country with the ultimate sacrifice.
Again, it was truly a privilege and I will always keep Chris’ memory in my heart and his family in my prayers.
Warmest Regards,
Chris Smith
On Saturday, September 24, 2022 I had the privilege and honor of carrying Christopher’s stone up the South Ridge trail to the summit of Cadillac Mountain as part of the Summit Project in Acadia National Park.
This was not my first hike with TSP however like previous hikes it came with it’s own set of challenges and in this case, it was Hurricane Fiona.
We arrived at basecamp under the cloak of darkness, the wind howling and with a chill in the air. After meeting our group (team red), we received our Hero Stone(s) and started our mission.
Whilst I was doing my research about Christopher, I learned that he was a positive person who made the best out of every situation, someone that loved Disney movies especially the Lion King and that he was eager to get back home to his daughter. Like myself Christopher and his family moved to several different places including Puerto Rico however we are both drawn and feel very much at home in Maine.
During the circle ceremony my thoughts would wander and instead of a group of 18 hikers, we became a group of 36. I think Christopher would have loved the hike, the comradery, the laughs and the stories amongst hikers.
Thank you Army Spc. Christopher M. Wilson for your service and ultimate sacrifice and I also want to thank Christopher’s family and TSP for allowing me the honor of carrying Christopher’s Stone.
To the family and loved ones of Christopher M. Wilson,
I was honored to carry the stone of Christopher M. Wilson during a recent hike put on by the Veteran Employee Business Group of a local Maine-based company. His stone was displayed within The Summit Project Honor Case for the past month where people were able to see and read about Chris and others. Although I was paired with his stone through happenstance, I have since heard of and experienced connections that might imply that the stone selects the carrier. While learning and better understanding who Chris was, I found myself looking for connections and relatedness to my own life to garner a better understanding of who he was. We share a birthday, have similar ties to the places lived, appreciate a sense of humor, and share an affinity for gummy bears. While carrying the stone and hiking Wolfe’s Neck State Park with 19 other carriers and 10 or so guests we all found commonality between experiences of service members, the lives they lived and the impact of their sacrifices on the living today. Through the effort facilitated through The Summit Project, the picture of Chris becomes clearer and more robust as to who he was, how he lived and his impact on people today through carrying his stone on adventures.
Sincerely,
Pat