20, of Sommerville, Maine; assigned to 133rd Engineer Battalion, Maine Army National Guard, Portland, Maine; killed Dec. 21 when his base dining facility was attacked in Mosul, Iraq.
To honor SGT Thomas J. Dostie, his mother, Peggy Dostie retrieved this stone from their one-of-a-kind home in Somerville, ME. More at this link. MHANF.
32 Comments
– In remembrance of a young man from Somerville, Maine –
I didn’t know Thomas J. Dostie, nor had I heard of this young man before 23 May, 2014. However, my climb to the summit of Owl Mountain the day after would make his name unforgettable.
My name is AJ Scotti and I currently live inside the diverse city of Long Beach, CA. In October of 2013, one of my dear friends, Major David Cote, asked me to be a part of an incredible project executed on Memorial Day weekend-2014, where individuals would remember fallen Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen by carrying stones inscribed with their names to the summit of a mountain.
Without even the slightest hesitation, I said, “Yes.”
Six months would pass before I was jet-bound eastward to my final destination: Baxter State Park and the summit of Maine’s tallest mountain, Mt. Katahdin. For months I contemplated which service member’s stone I would carry up to the summit. The day before traveling to Baxter Park, my mind was filled with pictures of close U.S. Marine friends that had lost their lives either in combat or from indirect actions correlated to PTSD. I spent time reading the profiles of all the heroes that we would honor, and I remember reading Thomas J. Dostie’s comments:
20, of Somerville, Maine; assigned to 133rd Engineer Battalion, Maine Army
National Guard, Portland, Maine; killed Dec. 21 when his base dining facility was
attacked in Mosul, Iraq.
The weather the morning of the hike was perfect. I arrived at the gathering point at 0434 along with another fellow hiker and within minutes David was greeting me. We embraced, quickly exchanged brotherly salutations, and then centered ourselves to our cause. He briefed me that due to patches of snow and ice on the main trail to Katahdin summit, we would be shifting to a new summit. Dave then explained that my mission was to carry Army Sgt. Thomas J. Dostie’s memorial rock up to the summit of Owl Mountain. He placed Thomas’ stone in my hand and I observed that it was a small. Thomas’ stone was a black-white & brown speckled igneous rock that had his initials, rank, service and year of birth & death etched into it. I looked at Dave and thanked him for giving me the opportunity to carry his stone. He smiled and then as he always does, reciprocated my gratitude by thanking me.
The trek started off by getting to know my fellow hikers, but eventually evolved into our primary mission; to bring our stones up to the top of the mountain to pay tribute to fallen service members of Maine. Ironically, the trail up to the summit was littered with stones, rocks and boulders that our team had to navigate both through and around. I observed that I passed many stones that were similar to the one I was carrying in my daypack, but then I quickly drifted to thinking that Thomas’ stone was different. It was intrinsically tied to his mother and father, his brother, his fellow warriors and friends, and to the tens of hundreds of supporters that made this summit hike possible. Thomas’ mother Peggy personally found this stone on their family’s property. I thought about the energy it took to find it, polish it, personalize it and stage it for this hike. I reflected on how much he is loved and how much he is thought of each and every day. He could never be forgotten.
During our adventure I made friends with a young man that struggled in the last couple miles of our team’s arduous climb. The hike was taking a toll on our feet and scrambling up rocks and small boulders was energetically exhausting. I found myself drawn to assisting this young man with any resource I had on my person, to include verbal motivation. I sensed that Thomas would have done the same thing and it made my hike all the more enjoyable.
At the summit, I set my backpack aside from the rest of our team to give my mind time to regroup. I silently paid homage to this young man, thanking him for his unselfish contribution to his community, to his fellow warriors, to his mother, father and brother, to the State of Maine, and to his country. As our team reflected on each fallen warrior’s rock I realized that through their death they catalyzed a group of individuals, who had never met before, to unite and celebrate not only their lives, but life in general. Before I put Thomas’ rock in my pack I thanked him one more time.
While our team was regrouping to descend down the mountain, I met a gentleman named Peter, who personally knew and served with Thomas Dostie in the 133rd Engineer Battalion, Maine Army National Guard. He portrayed an image of him that will never escape my mind. Apparently, Thomas loved to tinker as much as he loved to help others. To protect his comrades from improvised explosive devices that were placed on the roads by local insurgents, he would retrofit large metal panels cut from the hulk of damaged tanks and armored personnel carriers onto less protective mobile vehicles. He would execute this endeavor during the time he could have been either sleeping or eating. Peter said that this action directly saved many lives in his battalion. I could tell that Thomas had a special place in Peter’s heart.
Our team’s travel back to our original point of departure was more solemn. You could tell that our group was emotionally affected. I was affected. When we arrived at our campground Dave told us that we would personally speak to the parents and loved ones of the fallen. This situation caught me off guard and made me feel uneasy. I had thought that my mission was mostly a physical execution versus a mental one. However, my introduction to Thomas’ loved ones had the opposite effect. Meeting Thomas’ mother Peggy, his father Mike and his brother Tim solidified a deeper understanding of who he was and what he stood for. I felt honored to carry his rock up to the summit of Owl Mountain. I felt privileged for knowing about Thomas J. Dostie from Somerville, Maine.
Thomas, you gave your life unselfishly. You will never be forgotten. I will never forget you.
V/R,
Anthony “RA” Scotti
31 May, 2014
Great Story of thomas ,I did not know him but,know the family,Great family.
Great story!!
Just wanted to let you know that I was honored and humbled to have carried Thomas’ stone on a charity hike on Saturday October 18th 2014….For the past 3 years myself and any of my friends who are able and available do a 20 mile walk for the charity of our choice….Gives us a reason to make sure we get together at least once a year in our otherwise busy lives…This year I chose “The Summitt Project” as my charity….And in doing so we also decided to each carry a soldiers stone in our pack for our 15 plus mile hike…While going through the stones trying to pick one to carry Thomas’ picture grabbed me as he looks so kind and so young……When I saw his name I knew he was my guy (both my Dad(1985) and my brother(2011) were named Thomas…..9 of us girls all carried our stones with pride, we made many stops along the way, took pictures and talked about the sacrifices made by young men and women like Thomas, that allow us the freedom to take these beautiful fall hikes we all enjoy so much…..We started our hike at my house on the Elmwood Road in Pownal, each of us read the cards with our stones and talked about our guys….Thomas had a beautiful walk through the trails in Pownal in and around Bradbury Mountain State Park, to the summit and back down.. On to more walking trails, then on the road to Freeport eventually landing at Gritty’s Brew pub for some much needed beverages and food…Thomas will always be a friend of mine now…. “The Summitt Project” is such a wonderful way to keep these memories alive for you and all the other families and loved ones…Thank You ..
Hello Dostie Family.
I am writing to you today to tell you what an honor it was to be able to carry your son Thomas’s stone up to the peak of Cadillac Mountain on October 4, 2014. It was definitely an eye-opening experience, being that the weather was absolutely atrocious. Slippery rocks, fogged up glasses, and the extreme winds. I found myself feeling pain and coldness along the hike, and when I thought of that, I kicked the thought right out of my mind. This was not about me. This was about honoring Thomas, about honoring you, the Dostie Family. I am so thankful for The Summit Project, because without them, I would not have been able to learn about Thomas, not even know who he really WAS. He was a very caring young man, never left anybody unloved. He was a volunteer fire fighter, and loved the outdoors. He loved fishing, soccer, wrestling, and most of all, he loved just being out on his boat. I truly believe that it would have been a pleasure to meet this man. After the Cadillac hike, I’ve had a totally different aspect on who Thomas was. I had only heard his name before. Now I feel as if I am connected to him, and I can never forget that. I am extremely proud to have carried Thomas’s stone up Cadillac, and I never forgot about him throughout that hike. I am very grateful for being able to learn about your son and brother Thomas Dostie. I thank you for letting me carry his stone. Maine heroes are never forgotten.
Ben Hutchins
Tommy Dostie and Chris Gelineau both were in the 133rd engineering battalion with my dad Todd Crawford when they got deployed to Mosul Iraq in 2004. They are the reason I participated in The Summit Project. They are the reason I can eat dinner with my dad every night. To them I am grateful and to them, I owe everything.
Starting this project I didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into, and I didn’t know the emotions that would be brought up. Immediately I knew my dad needed to participate in this hike with me. The days leading up to the hike I got very nervous, I knew my dad has PTSD and I didn’t know if the hike was going to trigger anything. My dad was very close to both Tommy and Chris which just made everything more emotional and nerve wracking. When we got to the high school the emotions started, tears when I saw the rocks, nerves while looking at my dad, nerves hoping I can help take grief from the family. While hiking there was so much laughing between my dad and me; he told me stories about both Tommy and Chris. The stone wasn’t on my mind so much, it was almost as if the stone didn’t exist. While hiking it felt like Tommy and Chris were there with us and that they weren’t just stones.
It’s like, I could feel the grief leave the families shoulders and fall on mine. The rock got heavier and heavier the more I hiked the mountain, and I loved it. I know the weight of the rock didn’t actually change, but it felt like it and it made me feel like I was doing something right. Getting to the top of the mountain was a breath of fresh air, literally. It was as if all of the trouble and pain shared with everyone who lost a soldier went away for a few minutes. During the ceremony at the summit, listening to everyone talk about yet another lost loved one was hard. I felt so blessed to be able and grab my dad’s hand knowing he was so close to not coming home. I was blessed; blessed to have my dad home safe, blessed to be able to carry Tommy and Chris, blessed to know that they are at peace.
Speaking while holding Tommy’s rock, a heaviness overcame me. All I could think about was how Tommy and many other deaths could have been prevented. How if one person said the bomber wasn’t a soldier, Tommy could still be alive. I carried Chris’s rock down the mountain and it was as if I was carrying two people. Chris and his wife both knew my father and so while I was carrying Chris’s rock, I was carrying her with me too. All I could think about was that it could have been my dad that I was carrying.
My dad ate lunch at the same time Tommy did the day he died. My dad’s friend had a gut feeling something was wrong and rushed him and a few others out of the dining tent. Right as they got across the street the suicide bomber set the bomb off. Although I didn’t know Chris, his big heart will be the one thing I remember most about him. Chris was selfless; he wasn’t suppose to be on the mission he was on; he was suppose to be asleep. One of the guys in Chris’s group just got back from a mission when he got word he had to leave again. Chris told him he would take that mission for him so he could get some sleep that night. The worst part about this story is Chris knew something was going to go wrong. He knew that he was risking his life to make other people at peace. I guess that’s part of the reason you join the army, sacrifice for the people you care about, but not everyone can do it. These two men will be in my heart forever; they were a huge loss not only to their families but also to the State of Maine and the United States army.
The Summit Project is something I would like more people to participate in; I think that people should sacrifice an afternoon of their lives to show gratitude and appreciation to men and women who sacrificed their lives for us. I am eternally grateful to Mr. Cote and everyone else who is involved with the Summit Project. My dad opened up about his war experience, and I was able to be there in a way I’ve never been able to before. Listening, connecting, understanding; Tommy and Chris helped my dad nine years after he got back from war just because of this project.
What a wonderful and heart felt post. Thank you!
Thoughts about Thomas
To the fantastic Dostie Family,
I was privileged to spend the afternoon with you and remember Thomas through your stories and personal accounts. I truly know who he was after this weekend. As I said yesterday, when I returned his stone to you, Thomas certainly must have been a reflection of his family based on all accounts. The stories of his humor, antics, and clever mind are mirrored in the interactions I witnessed among all of you. I thank you for taking the time to share your stories.
As you know, yesterday I had the honor of carrying Thomas’ stone to the summit of The Owl in his memory. I had not climbed The Owl in many years and I had forgotten how stunning its location is. The mountain literally sits in the shadow of Mt Katahdin. The view of Baxter Park and the rest of Maine stretches as far as the eye can see. The hike was generally easy with perfect weather. Near the summit, we had a short scramble over some boulders before reaching the peak. We met at the top of The Owl in a circle with the memorial stones placed carefully in our center. It was a powerful moment to experience, in perhaps the most beautiful location in the State of Maine. When my turn came to speak, I remembered Thomas as a selfless Soldier who placed the needs of his friends over his own. I remembered him as a joker and lover of tricks and I remembered him as a technically gifted and intelligent Soldier. Most importantly, I remembered him as a brother and son from a good Maine family.
Thank you for sharing your memories, and be assured that the memory of Thomas goes on after his passing.
Respectfully, Nehemiah Nattress
On 21 July, 2015 — Catherine Gordon wrote —
Dear Dostie Family,
My name is Catherine Gordon and I had the honor of hiking Thomas’ stone in Baxter State Park on Saturday, June 27th. I was with several other hikers, one of whom knew your son and hiked the trail with me. Three of the hikers went towards Knife’s Edge while Jack and I headed towards the South Turner Trail passing by the beautiful Sandy Stream Pond on the way. We had the trail to ourselves and found the hike to be a strenuous one ending at 3122 feet in elevation but with gorgeous views across to Katahdin where we hoped our friends were making their own accent with success.
The reflection of our soldiers lives at the top was a beautiful one and touched me deeply. During the ceremony at the top, I talked about what I had learned about Thomas and then Jack spoke with elegance, grace, and deep emotions about him, sharing personal stories about Thomas, of what a good man he was, and of the day he passed. It was a beautiful sunny day and the summit had a quiet peacefulness about it….like it knew we had a special mission that day and the mountain and nature granted us the perfect moment for our reflection.
After our decent, we stopped at the pond and sat on a large rock looking out over the water reflecting on the experience we had at the top, when looking to the right appeared a deer and to the left a moose… thankfulness washed over me that I was here to appreciate the beauty of the day and yet sadness that others had passed too soon.
I hope that I can live a life worthy of your son’s sacrifice. I may have only carried your son’s stone for a day, but I will carry his story in my heart forever. Maine heroes are not forgotten.
Dear Dostie Family
I am writing to you today to let you know how honored I felt to carry your sons stone this morning at the Aaron Henderson 5k memorial run in Houlton, Maine.
I am a Customs and Border Protection officer stationed at the Houlton Maine Port of Entry since 2005. I first heard of this run months ago and I instantly felt compelled to sign up. At that point I had never ran a 5k or for that matter ran at all since my academy training. I am a huge supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and was glad to see that the run was honoring a fallen local soldier.
My oldest stepson Nate who is 16 wants to join the military when he graduates and he ran the race with me along with my other stepson Sam.
Many people spoke in memory of Aaron Henderson right before the race and when I found out that people could carry a stone of a fallen Maine soldier I felt completely honored and humbled to do so. I have the utmost respect for your son who gave the bravest sacrifice a person can give for our great Country… especially at such a very young age. My deepest condolences to all of you that you lost him so early in his life, my heart aches just thinking about how terrible a loss you feel… but I want you to know today that even in his death he continues to inspire others as he was very inspirational to me today as I ran the woods course.
I talked to your son throughout the whole course, thanking him for the ultimate sacrifice he made and telling him how honored I felt to carry him with me during the race. I have really just recently started to try to get into shape again so there were many times that I wanted to stop but everytime I even thought about stopping I looked down at the stone and felt Thomas with me and his spirit kept me going. At the one point that I wanted to give up and walk, a runner happened to pass me carrying the American flag and I heard “Just follow that flag” and that kept me going the rest of the race.
I want to thank you personally for raising such an amazing son who was willing and ultimately gave his life for our freedom. I thank you for instilling within him the values of honoring God and country…values that are hard to come by this day and age. I can only imagine how intense the loss feels in your heart in your soul and I pray that you always find comfort and support wherever you go in this life…
My husband has always been profoundly impressed with Abraham Lincolns Bixby letter to a mother who had lost 5 sons and feel compelled to share it here:
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours, to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom. Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
Abraham Lincoln
Much love and respect to you now and always
Julie Lilley
Smyrna Mills, Maine
As the sun had barely risen on October 17, 2015, it was my honor to pick up the stone of Tommy Dostie from a white table inside a white tent at Thompson Island rest area. I put that stone in my hands not having a chance to meet you, his family, or to learn about who Tommy was.
It was one simple question of “Who was Tommy Dostie?” that I immediately tried to answer. I searched his name online, and instantly understood the true impact of the legacy of that stone I held. I wanted to share his story the best I could, so I read on…and on. I quickly found so many articles referencing the incident at the chow hall, and so many positive comments about this young man who had barely entered adulthood. Knowing I not only had in my pack a stone representing a soldier’s life- but a firefighter’s life, was truly powerful. Having the personal connection of knowing the fire service and the type of people who dedicate their lives to serving others, it was no surprise to me that people loved him like they did.
To imagine the emotional impact of not only losing a son, a friend, and a brother is devastating, and to know that young man died so close to a holiday that should be filled with joy, happiness, and giving, is all the more so. To read the newspaper accounts from those members of the 133rd that were there the day of the horrific attack is like reading something made for a movie. To know Tommy was not only among his crew, the individuals who swore to serve this nation no matter the cost, but he was there with some of the friends from home who were like family to him certainly makes it heavier and yet lighter in some way.
It is my hope that through our work with TSP, we can continue to share Tommy’s story, and to share the sweet and happy memories of who he was as a boy, and then a man. That terrible December day will never be forgotten, and neither will the day that I made it to the summit of Cadillac Mountain with the stone representing his life. The life that began on February 25th…which also happens to be my own birthday. It’s funny how things are just meant to be, call it fate, destiny, what have you, but from the stories I’ve read about this kid and his “need for speed”, his energy to run into burning buildings others were running from, his ability to make people laugh, his willingness to help anyone that needed a hand, and most importantly, his love for family and his country- I have no doubt that he and I would have been fast friends.
Instead, I can now carry his story with me daily and help others to understand what it truly means to be “An American Soldier”.
“ I don’t do it for the money
There’s bills that I can’t pay
I don’t do it for the glory
I just do it anyway
Providing for our future’s my responsibility
Yeah I’m real good under pressure
Being all that I can be
And I can’t call in sick on Mondays
When the weekends been too strong
I just work straight through the holidays
And sometimes all night long
You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door
Hey, I’m solid, hey I’m steady, hey, I’m true down to the core
And I will always do my duty no matter what the price
I’ve counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice
Oh, and I don’t want to die for you
But if dyin’s asked of me
I’ll bear that cross with honor
‘Cause freedom don’t come free…”
(Toby Keith)
Thank you for your service, Spc. Dostie. For your service and your story. Maine thanks you. I thank you. And I vow that like other Maine heroes, you will never be forgotten. Rest easy, soldier.
Dear Dostie Family.
I am writing to you today to tell you what an honor it was to be able to carry SGT Thomas Dostie’s stone in The Summit Project March in Newport April 16, 2016. , I learned about Thomas with some of the men from the 133rd Army National Guard, learned he was a volunteer fire fighter, that he loved the outdoors. He loved fishing, and , he loved being out on his boat going fast ,that he liked everything about small engines, he was a go to guy when you need things done ,always willing to help at home and in the service, he loved his family ,he talked about them often. I truly believe that it would have been a pleasure to meet this young man. . I am extremely proud to have carried Thomas’s stone , and I’ll never forget about him . I am very grateful for being able to learn the life and legacy of SGT. Thomas Dostie.. Maine Heroes Are Never Forgotten.
To the Dostie Family,
As I sit here gathering my thoughts I was reminded of the compassion and dedication that Thomas expressed in his life. I so enjoyed sitting down with your family Saturday night and hearing the many stories of Thomas and the love that was so prevalent in your eyes and faces. I’m still chuckling in side as I think about Mike telling me about Thomas’s driving ability’s and his run in with the radar gun. The stories of him and his brother with the transmission in the mower is a classic! I so much appreciate the opportunity to get know Thomas more through you.
As I was getting ready Sunday for our hike I started to think about the many missions which we did while we were in Iraq. How we would double check our gear, check our route, weather and especially our equipment. I remembered Glendon Bowers telling me how Thomas loved his truck and everyone else loved it too because it was the fastest in the fleet! How Thomas would spend hours tuning that motor until it just sang.
I met up with the other members of Team Blue and we headed for the drop off point at Katahdin Stream Camp Ground. As we climbed toward the summit of Owl we would stop every now and then to rest and have a snack. I would take Thomas and Tyler out of my ruck and joke about how they were poking me to get lose and go. How as a boy Thomas couldn’t wait to get out of school get into his boat and ram around the pond. This gave me great joy and reminded me of my son and his love for the outdoors.
As we broke the tree line the climb got harder. Our packs seemed heavier and my mind started thinking about the burden that your family carry’s for your loss of Thomas. How we as TSP participants must strive to never forget our Maine Fallen Hero’s and the sacrifice that our Gold Star Families have endured. As we got to the top and placed our stones in a circle we told each other our stories it seem to lift some of the burden from my pack. I hope through this you know that Thomas will never be forgotten and that it takes some of your burden away from life’s backpack. Again thank you for allowing me to become a small part of your family through the life of Thomas.
Sincerely
Grady A. Thurlow
P.S. I didn’t save your email address Mike and if you would like those picture’s here is mine. Bmilitia92@yahoo.com send me a note and I would gladly send them to you.
Peggy, Mike, Tim and entire Dostie Family,
I would like to thank you all for the honor of carrying Tommy’s stone on Saturday October 1st, 2016 to the Summit of Cadillac Mountain. I however, do not feel like there are enough words to express my gratitude and sentiment for your son’s sacrifices as part of the 133rd.
I arrived to base camp later on Friday due to having to come from work, and the sight of the tent all set up in the field just took my breath away – the glow was something I had not seen before, almost like every spirit was waiting. I unpacked, talked with my friends a bit, and then went down to see the sights. I was thankful for the hugs and friends who were there getting things completed before the morning, and slowly rounded the table with all the stones, placed ever so carefully by the TSP crew. I found Toms stone immediately and just placed my hand on it with a smile.
Saturday morning was busy greeting everyone at base camp that I had met previously and new TSP family as well, and after the brief grabbing Toms stone and placing him carefully in my pack alongside the Sacrifice stone – how fitting – because this is what it is about – his ultimate sacrifice for not just myself, but every American citizen. As we left the insertion point for Team Bubble, the nerves and concentration soon turned to team building – as we had a hiker with an injury fairly soon after stepping off. I immediately reminisced about a story of how Tom had taken a young man under his wing and the time and attention he paid to this boy, about how he loved to tinker and his mechanic skills. I had read the previous hikers stories of how some of the tinkering he did certainly saved lives in Iraq. I thought about how his caring nature was instilled by the love you two provided to all the children who came through your doors, and how he would have wanted us to carry this hiker through to the summit. From that point on, I hung back to ensure she was not left behind.
The climb was challenging – lots of rocky points, physically challenging, but breathtaking views of the ocean and towns below. We paused a few times to discuss the heroes we carried, how their lives were lost and the impressions they made on us all. Everyone’s stone and story was so different, however, the emotion and feel was the same. We were all so grateful to participate and honor them. Summit Ceremony was cold, the wind so fierce, and quite emotional. However, amazingly enough, it did not seem to bother any of us. We carried out our mission swiftly, and ended with 22 pushups to honor and be aware. The bus ride back was somber, but with an air of happiness as though the memories we shared somehow solidified the comradery felt along the trail.
Completing the day with the circle ceremony, and finally being able to meet you all was the highlight of the afternoon. I so enjoyed talking with you, sharing about each other’s lives and realizing just how I very easily could envision Tom today – with a smile on his face perpetually like his father and brother – a shyness that could surface like his niece, and a heart so big and made of gold like his mother. His story will never be forgotten, his sacrifice always remembered, and his memory perpetuated forever.
Sincerely honored,
Jackie Carter
Millinocket, ME
Today, I had the honor of carrying Thomas j. Dostie’s
Stone in the warrior project organization. I carried the stone next to my friends who carried similar stones but with very different stories. I decided to Carry the stone in my hands so I could study it and feel it get heavier as I got further in the journey down the road. When we arrived at our destination I told of Mr. Dosties story. This was an amazing experience and I hope to do it again sometime.
Sincerely Ethan Hutchinson of T310
In memory of Army specialist Thomas j Dostie
Dear Dostie Family, Peggy, Mike and Tim. I first would like to thank you for the amazing honor of being able to honor such an amazing man. I had the honor of carrying Tommy over the weekend which i will will never forget and will hold as a true honor for the rest of my life. I will be honest when i first arrived i wasn’t expecting what was to come. I didn’t expect the massive amount support that there was. I hadn’t experienced something like that before and it was a hard adjustment to overcome. When we first met i wasn’t really sure what to say. However as the weekend went on i started to adjust to everything that was around me. i felt honor i felt happiness and a certain level of peace that i hadn’t experienced before. Carrying your son Tommy over the weekend really taught me alot. It taught me that your never alone and if you need help there will always be a hand. I had the pleasure of talking to you guys after the hike around the fire and really enjoyed hearing all the stories about Tommy and seeing how much alike we really are. I wish i could have met him in person, i think we would have gotten along great. non the less you raised two amazing sons. I will never forget my experience and will never forget Tommy. he was truly a hero and i will hold his memory in my heart forever. I want to thank you for an experience i will never forget and i am excited to continue supporting the summit project and all the fallen hero’s. Tommy will not be forgotten. I am also looking forward to seeing you all at Acadia in October. Stay happy and i’ll see you all soon.
PS. I am still laughing about the lawnmower incident. lol
I didn’t get the chance to meet Tommy. I know a lot of folks from the 133rd but never got to meet him. I carried his stone on our motorcycle for this year’s (2017) convoy from Portland to Millinocket. It was heartwarming and an honor to hear the stories from his childhood. The family is kind, loving, and caring. Tommy sounds like a fun and energetic young man. I look forward to seeing them again. Thank you for the honor and for you and your son’s service.
To the Dostie Family,
“Tommy had a big heart.” Those were the first words out of my mouth when it came my turn to talk about him at the Summit Project Hike in Portland, Maine on September 11, 2017.
I came to that conclusion after reading the different postings describing how Tommy was there for his friends during hard times, how he was a volunteer firefighter and brother to many adopted/foster children over the years and how he used his personal time to help outfit the engineering vehicles (in Iraq) so that they were safer.
A gentleman came up to me after the talk and added more detail on the 133 Engineering Battalion. He said they would cut pieces of metal from other vehicles (no longer operating), shoot at the metal to make sure they would withstand the bullets, then place the metal in the engineering trucks to make them safer for the occupants. He also said that members of the 133rd took it upon themselves to set up mini medical stations around the base and assign emergency duties to everyone in the event something should happen. I don’t think anyone could have foreseen the tragedy that would unfold, but their advance preparedness helped stem the losses of that day.
To me, Tommy subscribed to the Work Hard/Play Hard credo. He was there for his friends…he was there for his co-workers…he would blaze through town “testing out his vehicle” like one of the boys from Dukes of Hazard (which makes me laugh as my son was the same way). Good times.
I speak to you as the mother of a son who served with the 101st Airborne in Iraq (2003), who returned home suffering from PTSD and who also died young. I have the highest respect for you as Gold Star Parents/Brother… for how you raised your son to be such a carefree, fun loving, caring (and missed) individual and for the continued care you demonstrate in your personal lives today. It was wonderful to see the picture of you holding Tommy’s memory stone in front of the house you’ve opened to so many over the years. Very nice.
Thank you for being a part of the Summit Project and letting me get to know your son Tommy.
Mr. and Mrs. Dostie,
It was an honor and a privilege to be able to carry Tommy’s stone. As you know I was deployed with the 133rd in Iraq. Although I didn’t know Tommy personally I have a deep connection with him being that we were deployed with the same unit. I have made it a goal to carry the stones of all my fallen comrades, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to carry Tommy on this hike. I learned a lot about Tommy, he was a very caring and helpful person as a civilian and as a Soldier. He helped make it possible for many of us to make it home and for that there are no words I can express enough. You raised a hell of good young man.
Andy Pattle
1SG USARNG (RET)
My name is Travis Frost and I work for the Hancock County Sheriff Dept. as a K9 patrol deputy. I had the pleasure and honor to carry Army SPC Thomas J. Dostie’s stone. He was honored in a 4 mile Veterans memorial race in Ellsworth.
Prior to the race I learned Dostie was very young when his base was under attack. I couldn’t imagine the thoughts he must of felt or dealt with during that time. During this race there was few times where I felt some pain or soreness but kept going knowing that Dostie was challenged with harder situations. I ran next to a friend of mine who was also carrying a stone. We shared with each other the information we knew about our soldiers.
It was a honor to carrying him through this race. My K9 Finn ran with me and we both enjoyed this experience. We strongly recommend any and all to participate some how.
It was a beautiful weekend to celebrate the lives of our heroes at Baxter state park over this Memorial Day 2018 weekend. I was honored to carry the stone of SGT. Thomas Dostie. It was also a great honor to be able to hand his stone off to his family. Having experienced the summit project before, I knew that I had to prepare more mentally than physically. The task of carrying a backpack up a hill is so much more difficult when the weight is that of the fallen. I had plenty of stories about sergeant Dostie as I made my way up Owl mountain. His mother, father and brother are all passionate story tellers and they shaped his life so very well for me at this event. From what I gathered, Thomas was the guy to see if you wanted a deck torn down (or, just a few boards:) His demise Did not fit his personality. Sergeant Thomas Dostie served our country well and paid the ultimate sacrifice. I could feel the pride and the sadness from his mother and father. I could hear the love in the voice of his brother. The younger members of the Dostie family made my day as we played red light, green light in the lodge as everyone shared stories and laughter filled the room.
Its worth so much to me that I had the Opportunity to share a small piece of my time with this family. It is something that I will never forget. SGT Dostie might have lived fast and left too soon but he has one more soul that will share his story for the rest of my days. Sacrifice is lost on some, but all for others.
Thank You for your service Thomas.
Mr and Mrs Dostie: I am forever humbled by you both. Tim, thank you for bringing the laughter and stories! To the kids: keep flossing:)
To the Dostie Family
It was and honor to carry Tommy’s story up Cadillac Mountain yesterday. I got to know his story of his life, your families life and how he served. He served as a firefighter and in the 133rd Engineer Battalion out of Portland, US Army National guard.
I thank you so much for your ultimate sacrifice serving our nation, our families and the world. As I carried his stone I learned that we are not alone others have paid the ultimate sacrifice and Its important to learn all the stories and carry the burden together. We are stronger together Tommy, Michael and Peggy you will be forever etched in my heart and soul. Together forever we will never forget.
I am truly blessed and honored to carry his story today, tomorrow and forever.
Dear Mike, Peggy, & Tim,
It was my distinct honor and privilege to carry the stone and the story of your son, and brother, Army Sergeant Thomas J. Dostie (Tommy) during the 2019 hike with The Summit Project BSP.
Our day started out rainy, just like the day that I came to your house to learn more about Tommy. Eventually, the rain stopped, and it was just cloudy and cool. A perfect day for hiking in my opinion. We all gathered for a quick breakfast in the Rec Hall, and then joined outside the lodge for a group photo. We piled into the van for a bumpy ride, that seemed to go on forever. Once at the trail head, Team Red (a.k.a. the Dirty Dozen), formed a circle where Major David Cote led us in an informal prayer. While listening to his words, I became slightly distracted by a hummingbird that was flying around our group.
The Owl Trail was still closed due to the significant snowfall from this past winter. Instead, we hiked the Rainbow Loop Trail. We hiked along this beautiful trail which was set amongst the dense green forest with waterfalls, large boulders, and mist. We came to a lake and there was a small aluminum boat upside down on the embankment. I thought of Tommy and knew that he would’ve liked this spot. We continued the arduous hike and finally reached the summit. It was completely fogged in, so we couldn’t see Rainbow Lake below, or the view of Katahdin in the background.
I removed Tommy’s stone from my backpack, found a place to sit, and shared my peanut butter and jelly sandwich with him. I reflected on the memories that you shared with me and tried to think of what to say during our circle ceremony. I started out with the facts about Tommy that I had written down. I still get emotional thinking that he was taken from you at such an early age…his life had hardly begun. I talked about how he was respected by his teachers and coaches. I spoke of his love of the outdoors. I spoke of him working in Mike’s shop tinkering on small engines, and that he reminded me of Tim ‘The Toolman’ Taylor. Whether it was a lawnmower, snowmobile, or a vehicle in the motor pool, he had to make it faster. I also explained that before participating in the Wreaths Across America convoy to Arlington National Cemetery and now hiking with The Summit Project, I didn’t know what my purpose in life was. Well, now I do. I am making it my purpose to honor our Fallen Heroes and remember their loved ones who have been left behind.
Please know that Tommy will never be forgotten, and I will continue to say his name. Since being assigned to carry his stone on my journey, I think of him every day. This experience has forever changed my life.
Thank you again for sharing the memories with me.
With much love and respect,
Maria Patterson
Sullivan, Maine
Maine Heroes Are Not Forgotten
The Summit Project is a very special organization with a mission that is close to my heart. Their support of Gold Star families who have lost a loved one serving our country since the 9/11 attacks on our country is unwavering. As a 9/11 First Responder I believe that the sacrifice of the Veterans and their families should always be remembered. As a member of The Summit Project Team Blackwood I had the honor of carrying the tribute stone of Sgt. Thomas John Dostie during the Acadia National Park climb. Sgt. Dostie was a resident of Somerville Maine and 20 years old at the time of his death. Not only was Sgt. Dostie a member of the Armed Forces, he also served his hometown of Somerville as a Firefighter. Throughout the majority the climb of the south face of Cadillac Mountain I placed myself last in line to make sure that none of our group was left behind. This position is where I believe Sgt. Dostie would have chosen after learning about his history of selflessness. When we reached the summit each member of our team had an opportunity to speak about the life of the soldier whose memory and tribute stone they carried. Even though the wind had been blowing with gusts from 30-50 miles per hour on the summit, there were brief lulls as each member of our team spoke. Upon our return to base camp I had the utmost honor when I met the family of Sgt. Dostie and returned his memorial stone to his niece. I wholeheartedly thank the family of Sgt. Thomas John Dostie for their graciousness and sacrifice. Participating in the tribute event was the greatest honor of my life.
Mike, Peggy, Tim and the entire Dostie family,
It was a great honor and privilege to carry the stone and story of your son and brother, Sgt. Thomas J Dostie at TSP@ANP. Although the journey was not what I envisioned, we were able to adapt, improvise, and overcome the obstacle of mother nature and her threat of thunder and lightning. We hiked as a platoon, separated into different squads/teams of hikers out to beautiful Echo lake. The fog covered a large portion of the mountain bordering the pond. At the beach we separated into our individual sacred circles and began our ceremony. At one point a large blue heron flew overhead and into the lake, the fog started to lift and the sun started to present it’s form though the thick overhead clouds. It gave me peace and a feeling of presence. As my teammates shared stories about their heroes, a few common themes repeated.
Dedication to community is one. The week before the hike I was thinking of Tommy a lot. His dedication to the volunteer fire department in his hometown. My father retired as a Lieutenant in the South Portland Fire Department and my older brother volunteered with a company in our neighborhood. This showed me his dedication to community. I also thought about his love for the outdoors. His time fishing and spending time in his boat. My thoughts also turned to his dedication to teamwork. Whether it was on the soccer field or retrofitting large metal panels cut from damaged tanks and other armored personal vehicles onto less protected mobile vehicles to increase the protection to those inside.
The other common theme is selflessness. I pondered this for a bit and concluded that only a person who exhibits selflessness is truly willing to sign a blank check, payable to his country, for an amount up to and including their life.
I will never forget Tommy’s sacrifice and I promise to continue to honor him and share his story to anyone who will listen. He will live on forever in my heart.
The the family
I did not know Thomas I was married to a friend of his from EA and later became close friends with a old friend of Thomas again from EA his memory will forever be with me the people I know that knew him speak highly I will never forget him and stories I’ve heard I will spread his memory this man has reached many people since his death I am grateful I got to learn about Thomas J. Dostie of the 133rd from Somerville me
Dear Michael & Peggy,
Well, my day started at midnight having left work and taken only quick nap to get ready for the day. I had packed and then repacked the previous day never knowing just what I would need for the hike ahead of me as I had never done “The Owl” before. Nervously looking over my note cards for the circle ceremony worrying I wouldn’t do my Hero justice and revising them for the 100th time before neatly packing them in a plastic bag and stashing them in a safe spot in my pack. Excited for the day and the events ahead knowing how awesome it was going to be seeing some of the TSP people that have become family over the years.
At 0100hrs I was picked up by a great friend/coworker who has gotten the TSP bug after dragging her along a few years ago. Soon, we were on our way “up North”!
The 3-hour ride was fairly uneventful. Full of catching up from the previous week’s events and discussing our heroes and their stories as we drove along. In the back of my head, I always worry about not catching the true essence of my hero and if I had done my research well enough, but most of all if I was going to be able to do the circle ceremony and give justice to the life and memory of my Hero – Army Spc. Thomas J. Dostie.
As we approached NEOC, daylight was just breaking, and base camp was extremely quiet. Not a soul moving yet, only a few lights glowing from the cabins, so we made our way to the edge of the lake to watch the sun rise and cast its warm pink and orange glow over the stillness of the lake with Mt. Katahdin looming in the background. As I scanned the lake, I couldn’t help but think to myself of a story I had learned about Thomas terrorizing an occasional unsuspecting canoeist in his motorboat. I soon found myself smiling as I envisioned the scene.
It was no surprise that on the way back to the vehicle to collect our back packs and check our gear for the last time we saw “Momma Bear” as the first one to stir and stopped in for one of her much-missed hugs and a quick coffee before the rest of the group all started to rise and filter in for their hugs and coffee.
In doing my research in the weeks leading up to the hike I tried to read as much as I could about Thomas and the events that took place at base Marez mess hall where a suicide bomber dressed as an Iraqi soldier detonated an IED killing Thomas at only 20, fellow 133rd member Army Sgt Lynn R. Poulin and 22 others. The horror of that day burned in the memory of those that lost loved ones and the many who survived that day to include the 75 others who were injured.
I learned that Thomas had enlisted while in high school and completed his boot camp between his junior and senior years. At the young age of 17, Thomas knew what he wanted to do with his life having been inspired by a recruiter that had visited his school. Having been so young when he enlisted Thomas had to have his parents sign a special form for him to join.
Thomas had a love for all things FAST. Souped up cars, snow sleds and boats. He aspired to be a diesel mechanic! No wonder he has such an impressive collection of speeding tickets. He even collected one “just testing it out” the day of his deployment. (The story of the Christmas snow sled reminds me of my younger brother. He was always “just testing it out” as well and there is no doubt that HIS collection of tickets probably could have matched, if not surpassed Thomas’s!)
I really feel that the most striking thing I learned about Thomas was when I learned of his AMAZING parents, Michael and Peggy. How one couple could raise, adopt and foster so many children (50+) just completely blows my mind, but also puts into perspective how Thomas achieved some of what his friends felt were his best qualities in coming from such a large, loving and mixed family. It was said that Thomas was not judgmental and accepted people for who they were and was often known as the peacemaker. He was known to have a big grin and easy-going manner, was fun loving, caring, loved practical jokes, warm and known to help others in hard times.
It was an honor and a privilege for me to carry the stone and the story of Thomas. However, I was granted another honor and complete surprise when we reached base camp. In all my hikes past, I had never had family retrieve their loved one’s stone. I was expecting one of the Patriot Riders or a close family friend, but not this time! As I called my name and whose stone and story I was carrying I scanned the crowd to see who would be collecting Thomas’s stone. It only took me a quick second to recognize that big beautiful smile belonging to Michael emerging from the crowd only to be followed by Peggy and the rest of the clan! Thank you ALL for sharing your son with me. Thank you for the hugs, laughs and tears. It was an honor to have met you all. I wish I had more time to spend with you all after the hike learning more about Thomas. I will definitely be looking for you all in ANP this fall!
Team Blue
Amy Turner
I miss you Tommy, you were a great friend and I’m glad we had so much fun causing mischief and I would have given anything for me to be there in your place. I miss you and know I will never forget you.
To the Dostie Family,
My name is Chris Tanguay and I had the honor of carrying Thomas’ stone up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia. I tend to think of Acadia as my playground- I live by Bucksport and Acadia is a fast 45 minute drive from my home. A few years ago I took up hiking as a response to a very stressful time in my life. Quickly it became my obsession as I walked hundreds of miles and thought, dreamed, and soul-searched. Acadia has seen my smiles, laughter, tears, anger, frustrations, and my growth. It is a very special place to me.
When I heard about the Summit Project I realized that perhaps I could channel my love and energy for Acadia in a higher way. When I read about Thomas’ story I was immediately reminded of another soldier who died in similar circumstances. He was a father of one of my students (I am a first/second grade teacher). I felt a connection to this young stranger who, as I learned in my reading, touched so many lives in a positive and friendly way.
For the first time in my many years of hiking in Acadia I camped on Friday night. I was so glad to do so. I met with several other hikers and some family members of other fallen soldiers. I observed a deep kinship between the returning people. I instantly knew that this was a large, but close knit group. I felt happy to be a part of it.
I received Thomas’ stone Saturday morning. It’s not a big or particularly heavy stone, but I could feel the weight of the memories that it carried. I’ve toted many rocks in my pack over the years for lesser reasons but this stone was different. It was no ordinary rock- it was the memorial of a man who could not take this hike himself. It was my job to think about him as I hiked the very familiar trails. He was with me in spirit and I got, for a few hours, to be his tour guide.
Hurricane Fiona, our uninvited guest, was making her windy presence known. It was befitting to the mission. This was no ordinary stroll up to Cadillac. We were carrying the stories of others who could no longer speak for themselves. Along the way I helped a woman who banged her knee, (I’m the overprepared type- I was able to give her a knee brace to borrow for which she was grateful.) I think Thomas would have approved.
On the top we circled in the shelter of the trees since Fiona still wanted to be a part. We spent about an hour sharing the stories of the soldiers that we carried. There were many deep breaths, tears shed and held back, and laughter. What an amazing experience!
Thank you for trusting me with the stone of Thomas, and, more importantly, the memories of this special man. This is a meaningful memory that I will always carry.
Dostie Family,
I am Chief Master Sergeant (R) Rick Davis and had the honor of being Thomas’ stone carrier at Wolfe’s Neck State Park. I am from Windham, Maine and have always strived to be a positive representation of my family, community, and our state. I can say without exception, not once did I cross paths with a Mainer who wasn’t doing the same. I mention this because as I researched and read about your son; he too exemplified being a Mainer by displaying all the great traits of a loving family, caring community and one who looked after others. Throughout the commentary and on multiple internet sites I kept reading of the ways he looked after those in need. No matter what was going on he would bring a positive perspective and calm to those around. On Friday, as we took to the trail, I had the privilege of meeting you and the girls. I was overcome by your strength and love. I saw firsthand where Thomas got his kindness and desire to help others. Our time together that day was short but will live with me forever. As he had done to so many others, Thomas has inspired me to seek out the positive in all things around and continue to serve God, Family & Country. I’m truly humbled and hope our paths cross again. Tailwinds forever!
Tommy, you are missed! I requested to carry your stone up Cadillac Mountain on September 23rd, 2023. The day was perfect for hiking. I shared a funny story about you during our circle tribute at the summit, because you always smiled and were light-hearted. At the closing ceremony, I saw your Mother, father and family members you never got the chance to meet. It was all smiles again! I thank you for your sunny disposition, and I am thankful for your parent’s as well-I think I know where you got it from. Keep watch over them all Tommy, until we meet again. “To the Last Man”
Dear Peggy, Michael, Tim and the entire Dostie Family and Friends,
I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and sharing the story of Army National Guard Sgt. Thomas J. Dostie Memorial Day weekend in Baxter State Park.
I was on Team Red and was notified on Friday before the hike that our original planned trail, The Owl, was closed. Therefore, it was decided we would hike Doubletop Mountain with north and south peaks.
Since we were the second team assigned to this mountain, Team Blue started their hike thirty minutes ahead of us, hiked to north peak and continued 0.2 mile to south peak. Team Red’s hike was 3.4 miles to Doubletop mountain north peak, with an elevation gain of 2,393 feet (total elevation 3,489 feet). With a few sprinkles at the beginning of the hike, the sun came out for the remainder of the day to make a beautiful day of hiking and sharing our Hero’s stories at the summit.
It was a pleasure meeting you Saturday after the opening ceremony and spending more time with you on Sunday. I enjoyed getting to know you and learning more about Tom.
During my research of Sgt. Dostie and your family, I learned that Michael convinced a good friend to move to Somerville and together helped each other build their homes. And this close friendship was passed down to the next generation Dostie boys, Tom and Tim. I understand that your family fostered over 50 children and Tom played the roll of peace keeper. Throughout his life, Tom was constantly serving others whether it be assisting neighbors with construction projects, helping others during difficult times, being a volunteer firefighter, and serving our country in the Army National Guard. These are all qualities which I’m sure make you a proud parent and give me the desire to be a better server.
Thank you for your commitment to bettering the lives of others and please accept my gratitude for Sgt. Dostie’s service to our country.
Bruce A. Leonard