21, of Waterville, Maine; assigned to the 707th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; died May 6 at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire.
To honor SPC Wade A. Slack, his brother, Andrew Slack retrieved this stone from the rocky coast of Maine.
SPC Slack’s brother describes the origin of the stone and his brother –
“That stone came from the ocean shores of ME, I thought it had many eye catching features, different crystals and what not. A variety of characteristics’ which could be found in my brother. … he was a great person with nothing but good intentions in his heart. Only desires were to help others and being a good person all together. He was a great prankster, really good at video games, had one hell of a collection of guns and DVDs, big into the outdoors …”
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On May 23rd I had the honor to transport Wade’s stone on several legs of the Summit Project. I received it first in Portland and again in Bangor. From there I carried it all the way to the last stop. After learning I had been given this mission I tried to find out as much as possible about Wade’s life. I wanted to be sure I could accurately convey to others just what a special person he was. I found he was just like every other young man in our country today. His likes and interests much the same as others his age. The thing that set him apart was what he chose to do with the gifts he was given. He accomplished so much in the short time he had. I only wish I had the chance to talk to him in person. I truly thank you for allowing me the honor of being associated with this special man. Even if it was only for this solemn occasion.
Allow me to preface this by saying that I have never been the best with sentimental words or thoughts. Forgive me if this post is not as deep as some of the others. My name is Shawn Bickford, and I carried the stone of Specialist Wade Slack during the BSP 2014 hike. He was from Waterville, which is only a couple towns away from where I live, so a few of my friends knew him or his family. I learned what I could about him from them, and from online sources because I never got a chance to meet with his brothers before the hike.
I did not know Wade, but I was proud to know many men like him. I served in an Infantry unit for two tours in Iraq. I lost many friends during that time. We were kids like Wade. Kids who just wanted to wear the uniform, see the world, serve our country. and do something bigger with our lives. We knew the risks, and we were willing to see each other through the worst of conditions, the hardest of times, the hours of mindless boredom juxtaposed with moments of sheer adrenaline and terror, because we believed in an immortality of sorts. We knew that if anything were to happen to us, we would live on in the memories of our brothers. In the bullshit stories told over beers. In the tales told to our kids about the friends we had when we were soldiers. In the back of our minds in just about every waking hour. Even if we were gone, there would always be someone there to carry our name and legacy forward.
When I learned about The Summit Project, I knew it was something I had to be a part of. Focusing on the individual soldiers is infinitely more meaningful than concentrating on causualties as a whole. My philosophy since returning from Iraq has been to do good things, to have the most awesome experiences, and to live the best life that I can as a tribute to the men that aren’t here to enjoy theirs. The Summit Project is a good way to exercise that. These men and women deserve to be remembered by more than just their family and those they served with. They were part of our community. As I said before, I did not know Wade Slack, but I now carry him with me in mind, among the others. They deserve a life worthy of their sacrifice, and I do not intend to let them down.
My name is Dean Barron and I’m the father of Corporal Joshua Barron. We lost Josh almost 4 years ago and being part of The Summit Project as well as the event director for the Run for the Fallen Maine has brought me closer to many of the other families that have also lost a loved one.
In my quest to learn more about Wade before carrying his stone. I got to speak with his brother Andrew who had just arrived at Unity College for his freshman year. Andrew and I talked several times about Wade and his adventures as a kid. I also spoke with Maine’s First Lady Ann LePage about Wade and she told me that her son was on Wade’s basketball team and that our Governor Paul LePage was the team coach.
From what I learned about Wade. He was a fun, outgoing guy that loved to play pranks on people. Wade and I have lots of similarities. Mainly that we both enjoy spending time with friends and family and that we love to help others. I honestly felt Wade’s presence and the mischievous side of him during our hike up the mountain on October 4th.
It was truly an honor to carry Specialist Wade A. Slack’s memorial stone up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park with Team KEBO. There is no other experience that I know of where one can share the life of another and the special things you learn about someone you don’t know with others. The Summit Project has done just that for me and many other people who want to keep alive the memories of our fallen heroes from the State of Maine.
God bless you Specialist Wade A. Slack! You are a true American hero!
My name is Andrew Coleman, and I had the honor of carrying Specialist Wade A. Slack’s stone during a day-hike in Baxter State Park. The stone caught my eye for a number of reasons, one of which being his birth year, the same as mine, and another the texture and characteristics of the stone itself. Judging from what I have read about Wade, it sounds like the beautiful stone that was chosen by his brother, matches his personality and life perfectly.
It was truly an honor to carry Wade’s stone for the day, up and down Mount Katahdin. I hope in the coming weeks to continue to learn more about Wade and the life that he lived prior to his military career, such as his likes and any hobbies he might have had.
Carrying his stone was truly an incredible experience. Words cannot express how thankful that the world has people like Wade in uniform, and the experiences that I have had during this hike, and with The Summit Project in general, have made me want to be a better friend, a better person, and a better American.
Rest in peace Wade. I know you are looking down on all of us. Thank you for being my hero, and a true American hero.
Dear Andrew Slack,
I would first like to thank you for letting me have the honor of carrying your brother’s stone. When my English teacher first brought this project up, I couldn’t help but to feel excited. Instead of reading books and staying in class, I get to learn about a Maine hero that died for me. Not only that, but I get to do something back for him. I was eager for this field trip and project.
At first, when I began the hike, I had no clue what to think of. I’ve never done anything like this before so I felt awkward in how I was supposed to do this. I hiked with a friend and we chatted for a bit. Once we both fell in silence I began to reflect on Wade. I thought about his interest and how much in common we have. I find pranks to be hilarious, although I may not be the best at them I still enjoy video games, and watching movies is always fun. As for him being an outdoor person, I couldn’t help to wonder if he loved camping like me.
My mind began to wonder about, and I ended up thinking about his death. In all honesty I couldn’t think about it for too long, seeing as death scares me. Instead I thought about what I would tell him if I had the chance to meet the amazing Wade A. Slack. No doubt in my mind, I would start off thanking him. I would try to describe what his sacrifice means to me, but would end up failing because no words could describe how grateful I truly am.
Then I began to think about History and English class. We all learn an estimate of how many people fall in war. Most of the time we don’t realize what that number means and we forget that each number is a person. Wade isn’t a number and shall never be one. Wade is a young man that gave his life so we can all sleep safe at night. Numbers and stories of war shall never amount to what Wade has done for us. Not just for Waterville or for Maine, but for The United States of America.
I shall forever remember Army Spc. Wade A. Slack’s sacrifice, I will not forget this hike and hopefully continue to hike for Maine’s fallen soldiers. So, thank you for letting me hold Wade’s stone as I hiked. This experience has truly been a life changing.
Sincerely,
Brianna Farrell
To the family of Wade A. Slack,
My name is Jasmine Wyman and I’m a student from Edward Little High School. Students from my school had the opportunity to go to Bradbury Mountain and carry up stones from many soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Most of us were assigned into groups of two with one stone to carry, although I had just one; Wade’s stone, which was definitely an experience to remember.
Before the Summit Project, my English class was studying war and the effects it had on American Literature. War is talked about very often but the soldiers as individuals are never talked about as much as they should be. The Summit Project is a great organization that helps with this. It teaches others about war and the affects it has on family members of those soldiers.
When I found out we were doing the Summit Project, I was excited to learn more about the soldier I had. I was also excited to be going hiking. His brother Andrew, found his rock on the rocky coast of Maine, which is where I’m from, so I can relate. Wade was very young when he passed away, not giving him much of a chance to live his life. The bravery he went through was remarkable and should be remembered. The pain family members went through as a result is something to be remembered as well. Not knowing Wade personally puts me into different shoes than his family, but I can say that just reading about him and carrying up his honorable stone, makes an impact. I love the idea of the Summit Project and the positive effect it has had on me, I’d love to do another hike again.
Scott Tarbox wrote — Six days ago I went on the 8th Annual Spring Ride for the Troops for PRAMCO (Patriot Riders of America Maine Chapter One) while carrying the stone of fallen solider SPC. Wade A. Slack of Waterville, Maine. He was an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) specialist for the United States Army. He died May 6, 2010 due to indirect fire on his base forward operating base shank, Afghanistan. Andrew Slack, Wade’s brother, quotes on how he felt about his brother. “He was a great person with nothing but good intentions in his heart. Only desires were to help others and being a good person all together. He was a great prankster, really good at video games, had one hell of a collection of guns and DVDs.” I would like someday to get together with his brother and family. I felt honored to carry his stone because he gave the ultimate sacrifice of his life.
To the family of Spc. Wade Slack,
My name is Megan Kirk and I had the honor of carrying Wade’s stone, along with my husbands (Sgt Joshua Kirk), on Memorial Day weekend at Baxter State Park. As a Gold Star Wife, I know the heartache and burden we face carrying on without our brave Hero’s. I also know that there are often no words of comfort for that pain and heartache!
I was very nervous accepting the request to carry an additional stone because I know how sacred the memories and legacies of our Hero’s are. As I researched about Wade and learned about him, I was struck by his commitment to join the army and serve his country from such a young age. It isn’t often that young people are so dedicated and committed to one thing at that age. I appreciated his sense of humor as I read that he enjoyed playing pranks on those around him. I always love a good joke myself. My most precious memories of my husband are ones drenched in humor. With this knowledge of him, I quickly became more comfortable with the idea of carrying another fallen Hero’s stone.
As I stood atop Owls Head, I knew that no words would do any justice to what a special person Wade was. However, I know that in carrying his stone and sharing his story with the others his memory and sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Megan Kirk
On 4 July Shawn Bickford wrote —
Over the 4th of July weekend, I took the stones of SPC Wade Slack and SFC Shawn Dostie to Colorado and Utah. An Army buddy who lives in CO, Daniel Wells, had seen some of the posts I’ve made from previous Summit Project hikes and wanted to hike a stone as well. We both served in 2/502INF in Iraq with SFC Dostie, so it was good to be able to pay respects to his stone. I carried Wade Slack’s Stone. I didn’t know Wade, but I have friends that do because he grew up close to my hometown, and I carried his stone for the first TSP at BSP hike.
We took the stones up Twining Peak, 13,750′ above sea level along the continental divide in the Colorado Rockies Dan has had several knee surgeries from injuries in the military, so the climb was especially difficult for him, but we finished strong and I could not think of a better way to have spent the holiday weekend. Thanks for the opportunity. MHANF.
On October 17th I had the honor of participating in the Summit Project hike at Acadia National Park where I hiked the memorial stone of Army Spc Wade A. Slack who was killed in Afghanistan on May 6, 2010 at the age of 21, he was from Waterville, ME. A brave young man, though I didn’t know him personally his life has touched my own. His personality was described by his friends and family as someone who wanted to brighten the day and make people feel special and loved. He was a young teenager when he first committed to a life of service in the military. A very noble and honorable duty for him to know at such an early age.
It’s hard to put into words the emotions of the day, from the watching the sunrise and preparing to remember the fallen to hiking and meeting with some of the Gold Star Families. Hearing the stories of men and women who weren’t only soldiers, but loved ones and family members, knowing these heroes are not just a number, but beautiful souls whose brave legacies carry on and will never be forgotten.
As the Patriot Riders rode off with the stones at the end of the ceremony, I was reminded how blessed we are to live in a country where we are free, because of the brave! After this special day, I will always carry a piece of Wade with me and share his heroic story.
We may not be able to fill their boots, but we can ensure that they will not be forgotten. I will always support our troops!
It meant a lot to me to be a part of this project because we were able to get out of Riverton to do something important. It felt great carrying an American hero’s stone with so many families and friends. It was a honor to carry his stone because it made me feel like I had a part of him and it gave me strength. I hope to be part of another summit project some day. Thank you for having me.
I carried the stone with the legacy of SPC Wade A. Slack. I truly struggle to find the words to describe the presence felt while carrying his memory this distance. I feel I do not know Wade like his friends and family did. However, in memory of him, I felt carrying his stone was the least that I could do to say thank you for his selfless sacrifice. It was great to bring to light the quirky highlights of who he was as a person with his comical, yet caring attributes. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to say thank you in helping keep the memory, and legacy, of SPC Wade A. Slack alive.
Yesterday May 28, 2016 I had was granted the Honor of Carring the Stone and Memory of Army Specialist Wade A. Slack of Waterville, Maine. He will not be forgetten and will live on in Memory in this Stone that I carried and who ever might be granted the Honor to Carry it for Decades to come. He was an American Hero who gave his live so that we can enjoy our life each and every day. I ASK ALL OF YOU TO PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THE MEN, WOMEN, ANIMALS WHO SERVED AND STILL SERVING TO PROTECT US. AMEN (AHO
To the family of Specialist Wade A Slack.
On May 29, 2016 I had the honor and privilege of carrying the memorial stone of Army Specialist Wade A Slack for The Summit Project at Baxter State Park hike of The Owl. Wade was born March 22, 1989 and died in service of his country on June 18, 2010.
Before the hike as I learned about Wade, I visited his hometown of Waterville to get a feel for his life before I hiked in memory of him. As I drove around the city, I took pictures of places that I believed would have been part of his growing up. The movie theater, The Governor’s Restaurant, Domino’s pizza. And his high school. I visited the High school as well. I met with Joe Haney who was able to share some things. Wade was an Honor Student and graduated in 2007. He was in Boy Scouts and Little League. He also shared that the school is renovating their auditorium seating, and a seat with his name will be included in memory of him.
Wade’s sister said that he was a totally unselfish and giving person to everyone he came in contact with. He loved the outdoors and was a gun collector. He was also an avid video gamer, as well as a collector of movies on DVD. And he was quite the prankster. His dad had stated that he was slated for the Military since age 14 and enrolled while still a senior in high school . Sgt. James Cribbelt also commented that Wade did everything asked him and never once complained about anything. He stated that Wade always brightened people’s day when he was around them.
Wade enlisted in the army Sept 1, 2006 and was enrolled in his military occupational specialty at Redstone Arsenal , Alabama and Elgin Air Force Base, Florida. He was then assigned to the 707th Ordnance Co. (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) 3rd Ordnance Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. He was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This was his first deployment. He was killed in action by insurgent rocket or mortar fire. His unit had just completed the disposal of an IED and were awaiting transport . He was 21 years young. Specialist Slack’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global Ware on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge.
The day of our hike was a cold, windy, rainy day. The stone I carried for Wade was one chosen by his brother from the ocean. He picked this stone as it had many different characteristics, just like his brother. As we made our way up the trail, I thought about Wade’s life. His family and friends and the loss they were to experience for the rest of their lives. The void that’s left and that will never go away. I thought about how much he was loved by so many people. And I thought about his excitement to join the military. He had been waiting 4 years for that day to come. He was thrilled to be giving of himself in service. And he was a specialist in a very difficult field. I joined the Summit Project because I wanted to pay respects to those that made the ultimate sacrifice. I wanted the opportunity to share the story of one of Maine’s fallen heroes. I wanted the family friends and community to know that Specialist Wade A Slack would never be forgotten. As my pack got heavy I thought about team work. I thought about my team that were hiking as a team. Starting as a team and ending as team. Just as Wade’s unit. Team work, unity, generosity, helping whomever needs help. The team that I hiked with embodied all of the traits that I believe Wade had with his unit.
I want the family and friends of Specialist Wade A Slack to know that I will carry his memory with me always . I look forward to sharing his memory throughout my lifetime. Maine Heroes Are Not Forgotten. My deepest thoughts of sympathy and my greatest wish for peace. Annette Koziol, Brunswick, Maine
Dear Wade’s family, my name is Jacob Matson. I am a fifth grader and I was honored to hike on October 1st with Wade’s stone to the top of Cadillac Mountain. My mom helped me learn what I could about him before the hike, and I learned that I can relate to him in lots of ways. Wade liked video games, and the outdoors, and he had a dvd collection. Whenever I’m with my dad I like to be outdoors, and I have a big dvd collection because I don’t have tv at my house. I like to play lots of video games in my spare time. I was a little worried about talking about Wade in front of people, but by the time I got to the top, I realized it was pretty easy after spending the whole day with the stone that his brother Andrew had picked out . I was happy to be able to carry the stone of a true American and happy to be able to share his story with the other people on my team. I kind of wish I had had the chance to meet Wade, because I think he and I would’ve been friends. But since I couldn’t, at least I can talk about him so he isn’t ever forgotten. Sincerely, Jacob Matson
To the family of Army Spc. Wade Slack,
On the 20th of October, I was honored to take part in the Summit Project and was chosen to carry Wade’s rock up Streaked Mountain in Hebron, Maine. It was a great honor to carry up the rock of Wade. Even though I’ve never met him I believe he would’ve probably enjoyed the hike because I read the letter from his brother Andrew about how he was into the outdoors. The view at the top of the mountain was great, especially with it being peak foliage. Wade would have liked it.
Reading about Wade showed me that he liked to have fun and that all he wanted to be was a great person and help other people. He just wanted greater good. I was very honored to do this hike with the rock of a man who only had good intentions of protecting this country. It would’ve been great to been able to meet him in person. It’s such a tragedy that he was taken so young. Thank you for choosing a rock for Wade, giving me the chance to connect with him in some way.
Sincerely, Justin
Hi my name is Camden Perkins, On May 12th, 2017 I had the honor to carry the stone of Army SPC. Wade A. Slack to the summit of Little Bigelow mountain. I am 16 years old and a sophomore of Nokomis Regional high school in Newport. At my school we have a JROTC (Junior reserve officer training corps) and we have the opportunity to participate in the Summit Project. The climb was challenging to me because I am a little as you could say out of shape. My mother knew Wade’s dad and met Wade when he was very young, her name is Tammy Hoyt. I didn’t know Wade or met him in person but from what I have researched on him he was an upstanding gentleman and never had anything bad to say. He loved his job in the Army, strived to help anyone he could when he could, and encouraged people to do their best. He Was a good man and served his country well.
It was an honor to carry his stone and learn about him and his life. It was a great experience. I will always remember carrying his stone. I am glad i had this experience.
My name is Kerie Larochelle and I had the honor of carrying Wade A. Slack’s stone to the top of The Owl in Baxter State Park. Not only was this my first adventure in BSP, but it was also my first time participating in The Summit Project. It’s difficult putting the entire weekend in words as the weekend brought forth so many emotions, interactions, new friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.
I did not have the opportunity to meet Wade’s family but I felt a connection to Wade from the moment I was given his name. I thought “Wade Slack, what and awesome name!”, to further learning how he gave so much to others at such a young age, as Wade died at the age of 21. I thought about my life when I was 21 and the things I had yet to experience at that young age, but then I determined Wade had experienced far more and seen far more than so many others do in their lifetime, and to that realization I felt humbled. Knowing that Wade’s stone was chosen by his brother Andrew from the majestic scenery of Maine’s rocky coast, made it feel as though even without meeting Wade’s family, I was carrying them to the top of The Owl as well.
I went into TSP knowing 2 friends, both being veterans. Knowing how much this event meant to them and seeing how these memories and experiences pulled at their heart strings signified how important this meant to Wade as well, knowing that he would be right in their place if the opportunity presented. I left TSP knowing so many more friends, friends who were selfless, full of life and love and as Wade’s brother Andrew wrote, whose “Only desires were to help others and being a good person all together”. Andrew’s words regarding his brother, represented all of the individuals who I met at TSP, and in that, I felt Wade was there helping guide me in meeting all of these wonderful people and being support to them, as I believe he would have done so if roles were reversed.
I will forever remember this experience, my first adventure in BSP, my first time participating in TSP and my first stone carried in Wade A. Slacks Honor.
Dear family of Wade,
I just finished hiking Table Rock Mountain with campers who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. This is what two children had to say about carrying Wade
“The hike up Table Rock Mountain was very rough and challenging. Carrying Wade A. Slack’s stone created more memories for him and myself. This was a great experience for me and even though I didn’t have a connection with him, but others around me did. I enjoyed carrying his stone and making more memories for him.”
“It was sad reading the story and when we were on the hike and it got hard I would just think about the person’s story and push through because I know that the stone means a lot to Wade’s friends and family.”
I would like to personally thank you for sharing your brother and his life with us and others who take part in this amazing program.
To the family and friends of Wade,
Two weeks ago, Michael Keighley and I hiked up Table Rock Mountain in Maine with 44 teenagers who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. They carried 28 stones up the mountain that day. Here is a letter from the campers that had the honor of carrying your hero.
“I feel privileged that I got the opportunity to carry Wade’s stone. Reading about him made me think of my uncle who shares most of his characteristics. It is such a shame that he passed but at least his name and story will continue to be shared because he deserves to be recognized. As I like to say, “only the good die young”. Thank you again for giving me this opportunity. It was truly a wonderful experience. I felt like he was right there watching me bring him to the top. I also feel accomplished that I brought him to the top, I am proud that I did this for Wade. May his name be remembered and may he climb many more mountains. “
In the Spring of 2016, my father introduced me to TSP. I volunteered at the ANP event, and after seeing the closing ceremony I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of the hike.
I want to personally thank Wade’s brother for responding to my inquiries about him. He reminded me a lot of myself; close in age, big family, lover of all things outdoors. I would not have known these details had I just put his name in a Google search bar. It made the experience much more personal and memorable. Thanks again, Andrew!
The hike had its twists and turns. At first, beautiful, clear skies blanketed the amazing foliage that was at peak. As we approached the summit, it grew foggy and windy. The photos do not do the view justice. To see my fellow hikers trudging through the clouds struggling to not be blown over… I was overcome with a sense of pride. What we were doing was worth it, despite Mother Nature’s plans.
I feel changed for the better as a result of this humbling experience. I am honored to have carried Army Specialist Wade A. Slack’s stone and story up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. This privilege is one I will never forget.
To the Family and Friends of Wade,
My name is Jenn Richeson. I had the Honor and Privilege of carrying the stone and story of Army SPC Wade A. Slack for The Summit Project Motorcycle Convoy 2018, from Portland to Millinocket. I was given Wade’s name and started to read, learn, and connect with his story before the “big day”. A young man determined to serve his country, passionate about the things he did, and spread the good he had to offer. As we all assembled in Portland with Scouts from all around, My own humbling began. The beauty in the day, the loyalty to the job at hand, the people coming together to make a mission happen. The smile on people’s faces, the tears in the corner’s of their eyes, and the sense of Pride for the people we were Honoring rose above it all. So with Wade’s Stone safely tucked in my saddlebag, his story in my mind, and his spirit in my heart, I was ready to start this journey with him. I couldn’t help but wonder what this ride would bring. As the rain started coming down, (not so much a biker’s friend, the rain) I thought about what Wade did and gave for me and his country. The pelting of the rain reminded me of hardships, focus, and skill it takes to keep a motorcycle up and still stay with your group. Looking out for one another, keeping each other safe, and accomplishing the mission. I am only riding in the rain. . . He defended our country. Wow! What an amazing young man! By the second rest stop, the rain had stopped, the road was drying, and the sun was trying desperately to shine. Sharing a meal with fellow bikers, new friends, Veterans and enjoying laughs while being silly. . . Wade fit right in with everyone, as stories unfolded both old and new from friends and strangers alike. As lunch wrapped up and we made our way back to our bikes the skies began to clear and we set out North. The sun shining down warmed me as the thoughts of Wade’s story played in my mind on the long stretch of highway. Wide open spaces, trees reaching for miles, birds flying high over a wondrous wilderness that felt so peaceful. The smell of freedom, adventures, and fun. This young man would enjoy this, he would fight for this, he would make this his mission. I blinked away a few tears as I thanked him again for his commitment and service. Being only a host to the memorial of Wade as we made this journey brought waves of emotions. My humanity shed tears for his loss, the loss his family and friends now live with. A young man taken too soon. The Pride he must have felt as we rolled through the towns lined with people Honoring him and his service sending their Love and Appreciation. As it approached the time to pass his stone and story over at Twin Pines, my thoughts became quiet and calm. I thanked him for his service, for riding with me, and for sharing so much with me in one day. I passed his stone and story over and gave a hug. The tears began to flow and I could hardly get the words out. “He will ride with me forever.” Thank you for allowing me the Honor of carrying the stone and story of Army SPC Wade A. Slack. This ride and his story will hold a place in my heart and I will share it with all.
Sincerely,
Jenn Richeson
Dear loved ones of Wade A. Slack,
On 6/8/18 I had the great honor of carrying Wade’s stone up Tumbledown mountain. I did this hike with the Nokomis JROTC and iIt was one of the most awe inspiring experiences of my life. The magnitude of what I was doing didn’t hit me until we reached the top. At the top we presented what we had learned about the person whos stone we were carrying. When we presented they were many tears and an awed, star struck mood. It felt like we were getting to experience a small fraction of the amount of the pain your family and all the other like your family have had to fight through for year. All the way up the mountain I was wondering what I could possibly say about how great of a person Wade was. I still hadn’t made up my mind when we got to the top. I decided at the last minute to focus on Wade’s life instead of his death. I talked about how he was a fun loving, light hearted, prankster who was most of all kind. As I started my way back down the mountain I began to realize that every step I had taken with that little extra weight in my pack was all for Wade. That weight made it seem like Wade was right there with me giving me the strength to keep going even when my feet hurt and my back aced he kept me going. I would carry Wade’s stone hundreds of miles to take even a small bit of the pain you must still feel. I wish I could have met Wade he seemed like an amazing person. I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for this honor to carry the stone of a true American hero who sacrificed for us all.
On May 26, 2019 I had the honor of carrying Army Spc. Wade A. Slack’s stone on the Rainbow Lake Trail just outside of Baxter State Park. Below is a reflection of my experience leading up to the event, the hike itself, and the days following.
I experienced my first Summit Project event last fall at Acadia National Park, and since that enlightening experience I had been anxiously awaiting my next chance to participate. When the stone assignments came out for this hike, I was ready to do some research. So I looked into Wade and his story by reading the previous hikers reflection letters and reading news articles including interviews of Wade’s family. Right away I drew many parallels between Wade’s personality and my own. Wade was a light hearted kind of guy, a jokester, somebody who brought out the joy in any situation, and I certainly strive to be that person too.
On the day of the hike it was rainy and cold, and honestly, I thought it was perfect. I felt a sense of duty on that morning, carrying Wade’s stone through the elements. There was no rain or fog or cold that was going to stop me, stop us, from delivering. As I walked the path and reflected on Wade’s sacrifice, I found myself thinking of Wade’s family. I can only imagine the sense of loss and sacrifice they must feel, and If any of them are reading this I would say to them – thank you. Thank you for raising such an enlightened soul, a person whose impact on this world was positive, and whose sacrifice will not be forgotten. You are not alone in this feeling of loss, and we as a community are here to support you and ensure Wade’s story is not forgotten.
The days after the hike I still find myself remembering the emotions I felt on the trail. I think it’s important for us to all think about our perspective. When I think I’m stressed out or working too hard, too hired or uncomfortable, I like to remind myself that I actually have things quite good, and that there is a much larger picture to consider. Wade’s sacrifice reminds me to cherish life and cherish the people around me – whether they’re my closest family or a person I’m meeting for the first time. Always be thankful for what you have today, as it may be gone tomorrow.
Dear loved ones of Wade,
On October 6, 2020, I had the honor of carrying Wade A. Slacks’s stone up Tumbledown mountain. I climbed Tumbledown with Nokomis JROTC and had an amazing experience. I am glad I got the opportunity to carry the stone of an American hero who gave his life for this country. As I traveled up the mountain, I thought about Wade’s ability to spread cheer to others. I was trying to think of what I was going to share when presenting Wade’s stone during the climb. Once we reached the summit, I decided to talk about how kind of a person he was and some of his interests. On the way down the mountain, I could feel the weight in my pack with each step from rock to rock, but knowing that the pain I was feeling in my feet was so incredibly far from just the beginning of the pain Wade’s loved ones have gone through gave me the strength to reach the bottom. Wade seemed like a great determined person with a kind personality, a person I wish I could have met. I am incredibly sorry to Wade’s family and friends for your loss. I am honored to have been able to carry Wade’s stone for him and his family.
My name is Adam Stoddard. I had the distinguished honor of carrying the stone in memory of Spc. Wade A. Slack. My wife carried the stone of Jerry Smith. On May 8, 2021 we hiked to the summit of Maiden Cliff in Campden, Maine. At the top we set up a sacred circle, shared their stories and read the poem We Remember Them by Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack Riemer.
Wade’s story hits close to home to me as I was a member of the Maine Army National Guard for 11 years then transfered to the Maine Air guard where I am currently serving. I have been to Afghanistan and experiencd first hand the hell at FOB Shank.
Stateside, I have gone over the bridge dedicated to him in Waterville many times, but never knew the story of how it was named after him. I now know why: Wade is a hero. It takes great courage and heart to enlist into the military while the nation is actively at war. It takes great intestinal fortitude to sacrifice one’s self for a greater cause.
I am proud to know that people like Spc Wade A. Slack are still actively protecting our nation. May he never be forgotten and his name always be spoken with honor.
My name is Zachary Corey and on May 25th, I had the honor to carry Wade’s stone up to Tumbledown Mountain. When I was choosing what stone to pick, Wade’s stood out more than all the other ones. I suppose Andrew was right about saying it had many eye-catching features. Once I got to read about Wade, I wished I had known him in person. He seemed to be such a kind-hearted person and he seemed to be that person you also wanted to surround yourself with. On the hike, I was with my JROTC class and we read the stories about each of our service members. When reading my story about Wade, I got a little emotional and was stumbling over my words. Even though I never knew him, his story still impacted me very hard. After learning about Wade, I will continue to keep him close to my heart. I will also try to honor Wade as much as I can. Rest in peace Wade, and he will never be forgotten.
To the family of Specialist Wade Slack,
on September 9, 2022, I had the honor to carry the memorial stone for Wade along the waterfront in Portland. It was a beautiful day for him and I to be out together as I reflected about his military service and sacrifice for our Country. Although I did not know Wade personally, as I reviewed the number of comments on The Summit Project site, it was very evident that Wade had made a huge impact in his community of Waterville, the state of Maine, and to the men and women who served with him!
As an Army Veteran myself, and father of a combat Army Veteran, I would just like to share with you how grateful I am for your son and commitment to always be there for others and make things just a little bit better no matter the circumstance.
We owe Wade and your family so much for all you have endured. God Bless you all!
Slater Claudel, Retired, US Army
This year, on my 10th TSP hike, on the 10th anniversary of TSP itself, I had the great honor and privilege to carry the story of Wade A. Slack. We rose early on Team Blue, driving all the way to Doubletop, a new trail for us this year. The weather was beautiful, the team was bonding like none before, and as we hiked up through the swarms of bugs, I thought about Wade, and connected with him more. He was 21 at the time of his passing- the same age I’ll turn this January. This realization, when I saw just how similar he was to me, really made him feel so much more ‘real’ to me. I didn’t just know his story, I could feel it. Wade, who loved the outdoors, surely would’ve enjoyed the trek up to the first summit, where we held our circle ceremony surrounded by the massive view of Katahdin. I’m so glad to have been a part of Team Blue, and incredibly proud to have carried the story of a true hero for the journey.
I had the honor of carrying this very special stone around downtown Brunswick, ME on August 24th, 2023 as part of my Veterans Benefits Administration team building day. We stopped at the Veterans memorial in the middle of downtown and paid tribute to you and other heroes. Not only was it a humbling experience to learn of where SPC Slack’s stone came from and some background of his service-all of the comments above are outstanding!
As a fellow Veteran, my heart goes out to all of his family and loved ones. He was gone too soon, but gave his life for the Red, White and Blue. That is selfless service, Honor and Courage. Thank you, SPC Wade Slack for your sacrifice, you are not forgotten.