48, of Richmond, Maine; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry (Mountain), Maine Army National Guard, Brewer, Maine; killed May 6 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M1083 cargo truck during combat operations in Diwaniyah, Iraq. Also killed was Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka.
To honor SSG Dale J. Kelly, a family friend and father of one of Dale’s Army comrades, Mr. James Badger retrieved this stone from a 50 mile equestrian trail near Sunday River called Devil’s Den in Andover, Maine.
Watch this video to learn why this stone is significant and what it says about SSG Dale J. Kelly.
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This past weekend, I had the honor to hike the memory of SSG Dale Kelly with me to the top of Owl Peak at Baxter State Park. It has taken me some time to gather my thoughts and be able to put words to what this meant to me. When I first heard about The Summit Project, I immediately knew it was something I wanted to be involved in. One of the most important things we can do as a Soldier, and a nation as a whole is to remember and honor those that came before us, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe here at home. I served with Dale Kelly in B company up in Brewer from 2002-2005. This held extra meaning to me being allowed the privilege of honoring one of my Infantry brothers that I served alongside personally. While I had left the unit before their deployment, my heart was still with each one of the Soldiers and their families during that deployment.
As we hiked that day, I thought about the few times that I had met Dale, and how he was always willing to go out of his way to help others. I thought about the fact that despite the fact that he was not the youngest out there with the younger guys, he always showed them it could be done, and done well. I thought about this throughout the hike, when I looked at the people honoring the fallen, and saw the spectrum of ages 14-75, and each one was out there doing it for the person to their left and their right, just as Dale did every day. I want to thank you for allowing me to honor the memory of Dale and to ensure that he will never be forgotten.
Ascend to Victory!
TSP at ANP 2014 hiker, Dereck J. Bourque wrote —
Thank you for allowing me to be apart of TSP. This has been such a memorable experience.
Ascend to Victory, Ssg. Dale J Kelly Jr. (Medic) B co. 3/172 Infantry (Mtn)
This hike was an opportunity to gather history & place a face with a name. Staff Sergeant Dale J. Kelly Jr. Medic, B co. 3/172 Infantry (Mtn). KIA May 6th, 2006 Diwaniyah, Iraq by an IED. I did hear little stories about Ssg. Kelly not long after I was with the Mountain Company back in 2009. His legacy carried with much of the senior leadership and still does to this day. On the hike itself, its rare that I actually enjoy and take everything in. I tend to notice things out of place and those are the things I’ll remember. For this hike it was more of the opposite. I actually looked at everything that had a place in the damp environment. I was able to be at peace, admiring the warm, damp air, fall foliage and smell of the New England coast. What a privilege to share Ssg. Kelly’s story & stone along the way and summit of Cadillac Mountain. I’m usually very reserved and shy away from people.
This journey was about putting yourself out there and coming together for our brothers and their family. From other soldiers’ stories about Doc Kelly is he put himself out there. He stood out with his smile, selfless attitude and spiritual beliefs. He was not the biggest soldier but would take on grunt tasks. Tasks like M60 gunner, assistant gunner, mortar section leader and having a willingness to learn. Ssg. Kelly had an upbeat attitude with a slight stubbornness. He had heart and would get things done. After his service in the Air Force he went on to being an Infantryman, mortar man and medic. He was my size, 140lbs or around there. He would use humor to lighten up everyone during hairy situations. All his guys needs were put before his own. He was a true leader period. As this journey for 2014 is closing another will be forming. Ssg. Dale J. Kelly’s story and stone will be carried on. I, myself will continue on sharing TSP mission and Ssg. Dale J. Kelly Jr. I’ll let it be known to others he left us as a soldier, husband, father and productive & positive leader in our society. Ascend to Victory, Dereck J. Bourque
Thank you for sharing your journey as you climbed with Ssg. Dale J. kelly’s stone. I could almost sense him beside you as you were climbing. His story is inspiring and you wrote about him in a way I can almost see him standing next to you. Joking about weight.
Dear Summit Project Peers,
I was honored in participating in this project. To carry the rock honoring a man who sacrificed part of his life to ensure that I can live mine. It’s not easy going miles from home in a place where most wouldn’t want to go. Hiking up the mountain and just thinking about the sacrifice my soldier made, inspired me a bit. It made me think of pursuing a military career after high school. I want to help people, and make a difference like the many brave heroes that do it today. I was honored in carrying the rock of Staff Sargent Dale Kelly Jr.
Dale Kelly Jr. was a Staff Sargent in the Maine Army, National Guard. He was from Richmond, Maine. He was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on May 6, 2006 in Iraq. Dale was described as a comedian. One who can take the best of the worst situations and keep the mood light for the men next to him. He showed a lot of leadership qualities like this. Another was he cared about all his men.
I carried his rock to the peak of Bradbury Mountain. When I was younger I always wanted to be Spiderman. He was cool, brave, strong, and caring of others, and was always helping and saving people. I also wanted to shoot a web from my hands. But he was a hero. Climbing the mountain I realized that not all heroes have powers or glory. That we are surrounded by everyday heroes, like veterans and soldiers. That these men and women went out of their way to serve our country and protect us from the evils in our world. Going to exotic and scary places knowing what lies ahead and doing what is needed. It must have not been easy for Dale being a lot older than most his soldiers, but he must of put that aside and used it to show his maturity in combat. So the younger guys had someone to look up to. Men like Dale Kelly, inspire me to be a leader and protect others. To complete my quest of being the hero I’ve always wanted to be. Protecting this beloved country. I found even more respect for veterans, and men who serve. I have to shake someones hand when I walk by them and thank them for the protection. These soldiers, especially Staff Sargent Dale Kelly Junior, are my Spiderman.
Thank You,
Matt Verrill
Thoughts about Dale
On May 24th I was privileged to carry my friend, Dale Kelly’s, memorial stone to the summit of The Owl as part of The Summit Project. The Owl stands in the shadow of Mt Katahdin and offers some beautiful views of both the mountain and Baxter Park. It offered a pleasant hike and a brief scramble over boulders to reach the summit. At the peak, we met in a circle over the stones we had carried to remember the fallen. It was a powerful moment in the most picturesque location you can imagine.
As I stood there, the words I wished to say about Dale flew out of my head like the wind ripping off the mountain. I found myself speaking strictly from my knowledge of Dale as a friend and fellow Soldier rather than from rehearsed notes. As I write about Dale this Memorial Day, I find it a tremendous responsibility knowing that I am also acknowledging his adoring wife, Nancy. Nancy, when we met you at Dale’s graveside this May 6, I could still feel his loss with you as strongly as ever. I felt we shared a strong connection over his memory at that moment. When you greeted us, you expressed some surprise that so many years later his brothers still arrive at his grave side every year on the anniversary of his death. It makes me feel good to know that Dale will always be remembered. He left far too strong an impression on his fellow Soldiers. He was a good man, a decent human being, and a proud Soldier. He is “Machine Gun Kelly” and “Doc” to all of us who knew him. His loss will always be felt by the men he served with in B Company. He will never be forgotten.
Respectfully, Nehemiah Nattress
“Ascend to Victory”
Last week on a cool but sunny Sunday, I had the pleasure of walking with the stone of Army Sargeant Dale Kelly Jr. For weeks prior, after learning of who’s stone I would be walking with and reading every article about Dale that I could find, I found myself completely overwhelmed and, quite frankly, stumped. How am I ever going to relate to this fallen hero? How will I ever do him justice in a reflection that he and his family are so deserving of? The day of the walk finally was here and Heather from TSP placed Dale’s stone in my hands. I will always remember how at ease I felt in that moment. I thought about how his stone was found in a place called “Devil’s Den” and how I just really thought Dale would get a kick out of that between his great sense of humor and his strong faith in God. I can’t help but believe that he had a hand in that stone being found in that exact place. Next, I noticed that no matter how it is held, the stone fits perfectly into your hands, just as I imagine Dale had fit perfectly into each and every life he had the opportunity to touch. I then noticed that like Dale, the stone is on the smaller side. However when placed in your hands, it’s heavier than you percieve. It’s a reminder that although Dale was not the toughest looking guy, there was substantial strength behind that small frame. Dale was brave. Dale was a leader. Dale was strong. During my time with Dale’s stone I thought about all of these wonderful qualities that made Dale into the hero he is today, and just like when I was assigned his stone, I felt overwhelmed. But it wasn’t the same overwhelming feeling as before when I thought “How will I ever relate to this great man?” This time I was overwhelmed with realization. I had finally realized that Dale was not someone I was going to relate to (although I am on the smaller side so I can relate to Dale that way — which I think we could probably laugh about together!). I am not brave. I am not a leader. And I am not strong. Instead, Dale is someone I can learn from and is someone I can look up to. I can look for the humor in difficult situations. I can be a help to people in need, I can be a leader, and I can be brave. I can do all of these things because Dale made sure of it when he gave his life for me and his country in the name of freedom. Freedom to live a happy life with lots of laughter – even in the toughest of times. Freedom for my husband and I to raise our daughter in a country that is a safer place today because of people like Dale. I am so very thankful for the opportunity I had to spend with Dale’s stone. It has taught me a great lesson that I will carry with me forever and hopefully pass on to others. I thank his family and friends for sharing his story with all of us. He will never be forgotten.
TSP at Acadia National Park 2015
Dale was someone who left an impression on people, even if you weren’t interacting with him directly. He was a man in the truest sense of the term… a leader, a man of faith and integrity, a competent soldier and medic, and hardwired with a sense of duty and dignity that would place him among the ranks of the most courageous and admirable men to grace this nation with their service and a life well-lived. You might not expect someone with the nickname “Machine Gun Kelly” to be a loving husband and father, a Boy Scout volunteer, a charismatic leader with an infectious sense of positive humor, and a compassionate medic who saved lives and limbs locally and around the world, but Dale was all that and more. At the age of 48 he wasn’t resting on his laurels with his feet propped up in a recliner; he was on the front lines with young men 30 years his junior, showing them by example General George Patton’s conclusion that “duty is the essence of manhood”. And on May 6, 2006 he just wasn’t on the front lines, but in the front truck leading a convoy down the most dangerous roads on the planet.
The most emotional yet comforting aspect of the hike was seeing Dale’s stone always in close proximity to the stone of SSG David Veverka, carried by Dave’s former roommate, my friend Nathan. Throughout the day in pictures and when we gathered to share each story with the group, there were the symbols of Dale and Dave, side by side, just as the men themselves were on that fateful day not so long ago.
I aspire to be a man like Dale was. And someday I’ll get to ask him how I did.
Respectfully,
Jeremy Leicy
“Ascend to Victory”
To the Kelly family,
As you know, I knew Dale personally through the National Guard and I had the privilege of being his escort home when he returned from Iraq. This Memorial weekend I once again had the privilege of escorting Dale, his stone actually. The Summit Project supported my request for his stone for this hike. Along with Dale’s stone I also carried the stone of PFC Buddy McLain. Having the 2 of them together in my ruck put a smile on my face, to know the seasoned veteran was riding with a young warrior. I imagined Dale mentoring the young man as well as sharing his humor. It was nice to spend time with an old friend. On the way back down I tripped in to some brush and scratched my arm, the voice in my head which sounded an awful lot like Dale said ”It’s just a flesh wound”, good ole Monty Python humor. I think about Dale often and I usually start out feeling sad then I see the smile and hear the humor in my head and it makes me smile. Proof that Dale can still make us laugh.
Respectfully and honored,
Andy Pattle 1SG (RET)
“Ascend to victory”
To the family and friends of Dale,
Today Greg Johnson and I hiked up Table Rock Mountain in Maine with 44 children who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. They carried 27 stones up the mountain today. Here is a letter from the campers that had the honor of carrying your hero.
“My experience carrying the stone of this hero was amazing. Many people never have a chance to make a difference as profound and powerful as this was. I am proud to be carrying on the memory of one of America’s heroes at the young age of 14. It’s nice to know these memories of the fallen will continue to be kept alive.
Thank you,
Lydia”
“I had a great experience carrying the Dale’s stone today. I’m honored to have had this experience of carrying a fallen soldier. Words cannot describe how it felt to know I was a part of a living memorial. Even though I don’t know everything about Dale, the story I do know will have a lasting impact on my life.
My greatest thanks,
Mackenzie”
To the family and friends of Dale,
Today Angel Matson and I hiked up Table Rock Mountain in Maine with 30 children who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. They carried 24 stones up the mountain today. Here is a letter from the campers that had the honor of carrying your hero.
“During our hike I had time to read and reflect on what I knew of Dale. One of Dale’s Army friends John was with us on our hike and he told me many funny stories about him, especially about how funny and considerate he is. I feel honored to have been able to carry Dale’s stone with me. I am so happy that I participated in the Summit Project. It taught me a whole new appreciation for all military men and women who have given their lives for this country, but especially for Dale Kelly.
Love, Mya”
It took a few months to write this. In July I was supposed to walk with Dale, but Mya asked if she could please take along Dale. It was an easy yes, and I then got to accompany a Marine. He didn’t give me his full name, just initials on a rock, but like in theater when one Joe jumps out of a patrol, sometimes you get a new buddy you barely know. At the top we mostly talked about Dale. Considering he is in his final resting place with my Black Knight (Monty Python) figurine, I think that sums up who Dale was/is. Friend, Soldier, gunner and medic. I imagine his final moments were consumed with him being concerned about the others, never himself. I suppose it was good I didn’t carry Dale’s memory that beautiful day in July, after years of carrying his spare ammo or NVGs, I guess I am all set. I’m glad mine was one of the souls he touched in his life. One day we will chat again, and I will correct all the Monty Python lines you remembered wrong. And I hope your British accent is better
I remember when I first started reading into Dale Kelly’s history. It was a week or so before the hike and I was sitting in the living room with my mom and I started telling her about Dale and the honorable man he was. I told mom that I was struggling with this one and that I didn’t think I could do it. I said, “mom, I don’t think I can hike this week. I can’t do it, I don’t think its fair for someone like that to be taken from us.” She calmly told me, “In a time of hate and disaster and war, be a Dale Kelly.” To me that means be a light in the room. To always have a positive attitude and treat people with respect.
Hiking up the mountain I couldn’t help but think, there’s nothing I could say to do someone like him justice. I couldn’t stand there and talk like I knew such a special person. But I will say, Dale is the kind of person I wish I knew.
I am sorry for the lost you have suffered. I want to thank Dale for his service. This may be hard on you guys for losing such a great man. I would have loved to meet him in person.
Recently, I participated in The Summit Project, and had the honor of carrying the stone and the story of Army Staff Sergeant Dale J. Kelly Jr. He was part of the Maine National Guard. He died at the age of 48 on May 6, 2006, when an improvised explosive detonated near his cargo truck, in Iraq. The explosion killed him and Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka. This stone was retrieved from a 50 mile equestrian trail by Sunday River by James Badger, a family friend of Kelly.
I hiked a one mile walk today, carrying the stone. As I walked, I couldn’t stop thinking about how thousands of men and women are putting their lives on the line for our country, for what they love and believe in. Remember that.
To the friends and family of Dale,
I had the honor of carrying the stone and story of Dale at the Thomas Memorial Library Tribute Trek a couple weeks ago. I had carried his stone back at the Run for the Fallen 2015, so the stone and I have spent some quality time before. I chose the stone for that event because Dale was born around the same year I was, and I could really relate to the part of life’s journey he was in when he made the ultimate sacrifice. I chose the stone again for this event because I had had a chance to further research who he was, and I’ve visited his grave in the Mont Vernon Veterans Cemetery many times to pay respects since the first event. I felt I knew him a little better and wanted to continue to expand on that, to do him justice when I tell his story.
Back in 2015 I found Dale’s grave at section E row 11 site 1. A simple stone but laden with hints at the man beneath. The cross, he was a man of faith. The nickname Doc Machinegun Kelly, he had been both a medic and a gunner during his service. His stone was the first in the row, he was a leader. And a small anecdote from a subsequent visit that illustrates how he has impacted my life. I took a picture of his stone and put my camera away. Then I noticed a couple small weeds and a tuft of grass and dirt on the bottom left of the stone. Immediately a trait one of Dale’s comrades mentioned came to mind. He always showed people that things could be done and done well. I knew I could do better. So I cleaned up the stone, dug out my camera, and re-shot the pic. I chuckled a bit, thinking how this fallen hero had influenced my day, and most likely the rest of my life. Even in death he’s impacting people in a positive way.
For the recent Tribute Trek I carried Dale’s stone, and also the stones of Captain Jay Brainard III and Corporal Andrew Hutchins. So as in his days of service, he was in the company of young men 20+ years his junior. When we got to Fort Williams and did the sharing circle ceremony, I shared what I knew of Dale with the other trekkers. It’s always emotional because you start to build a bond with the story and the stone, and sometimes what you planned on saying is lost in the words your heart sends to your brain.
It was an honor to carry his stone again, to tell his story, and to further build that bond. I promise to continue to learn about Dale and share his story wherever I can. Staff Sgt. Dale J Kelly Jr. will not be forgotten.
Regards,
Steve “Buddha” Crossman
MHANF
To the family and friends of Dale, it was my honor to carry him on the hike with me this past Memorial Day weekend with The Summit Project.
I chose to carry Dale’s stone with me that day for my Dad. He has carried the burden of losing Dale, his best friend, for a decade, and it’s my turn to share the weight of losing a friend. They were in the same mountain unit up in Bangor, and shared some of the worst and best days together. I remember one of my Dad’s favorite stories about Dale, mostly because he has told it to me thousands of times. Their unit was doing a training exercise up in the mountains and Dale instructed that my Dad be the first man down the side of the cliff. As my dad continued along the side of the mountain, he stuck his hand perfectly into a small crevice. Little did he know, this crevice was home to a wasp’s nest. Moments later he was surrounded by angry wasps and they were stinging him in every possible spot. Dale, the jokester of the group, turned it into a game of sorts. He made my Dad continue with the training and did his best to make my Dad’s pain the center of every punch line for the rest of the afternoon. That was the kind of man that Dale was. He was a little old for his unit, but he made up for it in personality. He always kept you going, kept you smiling, and kept you safe. My Dad lost his best friend on May 6, 2006, but he will always hold the days he did have with him close to his heart, as will I. I was in sixth grade then, unsure of what it meant to not come home from the desert, but I knew that losing Dale was hard for my Dad, even then. We hold on to the memories that we have, and I will continue sharing those funny stories with anyone that will listen. The world lost an amazing leader that day, but we can honor him by making our days a little lighter with a little laughter.
Thank you for sharing Dale with us.
I had the honor of hiking with Dale’s stone to the summit of Cadillac Mtn. on Oct. 14th. Leading up to the event, I learned a lot about Dale, his life, and what he enjoyed most- his military career, his family, and his faith. While I researched, one comment I read stood out the most: a comment from his son that included the quote: “children, spouse, self.” It’s a simple concept, but one that really spoke to me and I have carried it with me since I read it. I also read that Dale had a wicked good sense of humor, honest eyes, and a caring heart.
I took everything I read about Dale with me to the summit, and hiked knowing that any difficulties or obstacles I encountered on the way, I would meet with courage and a sense of humor, just as Dale would have.
This hike was one I will never forget and will keep in my heart forever. It was an honor to carry Dale’s stone and I’m grateful to have had the experience to learn about Dale’s story. Thank you!
I had the great pleasure and honor of carrying the stone and the Story of IMO Staff Sergeant Dale James Kelly , Jr.
This hike is the first of what I hope will be many hiking events with the Summit Project. When I first began reading about Dale I was humbled and in awe of his and his family’s sacrifice to allow me to be safely sitting in my home sipping hot coffee in my warm, dry living room with all of the comforts that we take for granted: Electricity, clean water, internet, and most of all being able to hug and kiss my husband and children. Because of Staff Sergeant Dale Kelly and many others like him that left the comforts of home and family to protect and secure our freedom.
As I was driving up to Katahdin, I was not quite sure what to expect or how to act. I was graciously met by many of the Red team and instantly felt the warm support of this amazing organization. It was this great celebration of life for so many of our Maine heros. It was not what I was expecting, there was laughter and so many great stories from friends and families as well as TSP hikers that have carried the soldier’s stones in the past. As they were giving the briefing I was listening and paying attention, but as soon as I was given Staff Sergeant Dale Kelly’s stone, something changed, a great wave a privilege and honor fell over me, I was ready for this Mission. I was on Team Red and we were the first to depart. It was a calm, cool, and beautiful morning. I was looking around at Team Red; representing all ages, genders, and walks of life, some military, some gold star families, some the first time. What a great thing to be a part of. With our country that is so divided politically, so much hate that we can put all of that aside and celebrate and learn and share about these heros that will never be forgotten. As we climbed we morphed into this amazing team supporting each other, always a hand there when needed and words and love when a hand was not enough. There was such peace and beauty all around us. As we made it to the top, one of the hardest parts of our mission was to share our hero’s story and to hear the stories of others. As I sat there on the windy Summit of the Owl trail and listened and taking it all in, this Hawk flew by and I knew that I was at the right place sharing the story of Staff Sergeant Dale Kelly. That he was strong and caring and brave, that he was a husband of 25 years, a father, a grandfather, and a Scout leader. But I think most people that knew him felt he was an inspiration, a leader and someone who put others before him. As we climbed down the mountain and drove back to base camp and turned our stones back and received our patches – greeted with cheers from the support staff and the Gold Star Families – I kept thinking we should be cheering for them as they are so brave and they carry this everyday not just Memorial day. I am so grateful to have had this experience and I will tell your story to all.
Humbly, Lynne Brown
I had the honor and privilege to carry the stone and the story of SSG. Dale J Kelly Jr. from Richmond, Maine with Team Tarn this past weekend.
As Dale’s friend James Badger said, he made “heavy things light” by using humor to make people laugh in good times and bad. I felt as though Dale was helping me carry his stone up Cadillac Mountain, as I listened carefully to the humor of others around me during the hike I couldn’t help but feel his spirit in the air.
I’ve always admired those who can help others to put things into perspective with humor. I also admire individuals who can do the same through sharing their faith. Dale was one of those individuals; sharing his strong sense of faith with others. I believe that this sense of faith is also related to what his friend James described as his dedication to his men. He was a “man’s man”, and as a medic always had his soldiers backs just as I felt like he had mine.
As I continue on my own hike through life after our TSP weekend in Acadia, I will think of Dale and his humor, his attention to others, and his sense of courage.
With Love and Reverence,
Cameron Cullen
RIP Brother, my first Leader of 22 year and counting career, if I had to think of a better example of a good human being, I honestly don’t think I could, SSG Kelley(SPC Kelly when I first knew him) was a truly standout Soldier and just a great human being.
Ascend to Victory
SFC John T. Flood
AKARNG-G3 Operations (Retiring)
SSG Kelley was my neighbor in Iraq we would sit outside some nights after mission playing cards with the other soldiers (Vaverka being one of them) and my first memory of him was his calm collectiveness during an RPG and Mortar attack; as we were hunkered down in the concrete bunkers Kelley was making light of the situation and I am certain it was to keep others calm like myself who had just gotten into country and wasn’t sure what to make of everything quite yet. He gave the ultimate sacrifice along with his brother SSG Vaverka. They were both missed and still thought of often , Rest In Peace my brothers this weekend is for you all who gave all.
This past Memorial Day Weekend, I had the honor of carrying SSG Dale J. Kelly Jr.’s stone and story through the Ruck To Remember 60 to 60, which is a 60 mile ruck from Harper’s Ferry, WV to the Arlington Cemetery, section 60.
Our team was small with only seven members, but 4 of us carried Summit stones, and as the ruck got harder on our feet and backs, we shared the stories of Kelly and others to re-energize, and to be thankful for those who gave it all.
I watched the video of James Badger, who stated that Kelly’s reason for staying in the military was not to “fight war,” but to “take care of my boys” was a true testament of what a great man he must have been.
It was an honor to carry him on my journey, and I am thankful for his story, pushing me to complete the mission.
With much love and respect,
Katie Mitchell
Carrying Dale Kelly Jr., stone during this years (2020) TSP hike has taught me several valuable lessons…
-Respect, yourself and others
-Love, yourself and others
-Care, for yourself and others
-Laugh, at yourself and make others laugh
-Believe, in yourself and others
-Inspire, yourself and others
To take care of yourself, you in turn take care of others. Your one life has a million impacts on others. This is 100% true of the life of Dale Kelly, Jr. He was known as the guy who stayed calm, cool and collected in dyer situations. He was a son, husband, father and so much more. He believed in serving for his country to not just protect the country but to protect the men and woman who serve. The men and woman who stood by him in his career often found themselves confiding in Dale, as if he was their own father. He was a funny guy, after a storm he could bring back the light with his humor. He was an extraordinary person, selfless, and outstanding faithful man. He would reach across the ocean just to give a hand. I wrote a poem for him and his family.
When faced with challenge, I think of your courage;
When the jump feels too far, I practice your bravery;
When my heart feels heavy, I sense your love;
When I need a hand, I picture yours so vividly;
When the mood is feeling light, I stumble upon your humor;
And when I am feeling alone, it’s the memory of your smile that makes me feel alive.
The Kelly Family, know that I will carry Dales life story and live my life with the conviction and strength, as Dale did. I will be that person I give a hand, at every moment I am given that I opportunity. Thank you for trusting me with such a delicate task.
With love and respect,
Leona M. Thorpe
To the family of Dale Kelly,
I was so thankful and honored to carry Dale’s stone on May 30, 2021 in conjunction with the Ruck to Remember. When I saw that the weather was going to have rain in the forecast, I smiled knowing that Dale with his wit and humor would have had something funny to say to lift the spirits of the people around him, and that he would have pushed on and set the example for the men around him. When I deployed with Dale in 2006, my platoon was sent to Baghdad, and the last time I saw him was in Kuwait when he was giving me an IV for dehydration. I still remember him mentoring and coaching me and telling me the importance of staying hydrated and taking care of my men. That’s who Dale was. Dale never worried about himself or his own personal gain, he only cared about the men around him.
To be honest, I was incredibly nervous in partaking in this event and carrying Dale’s stone, because I knew the flood of emotions would come back, and I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to do Dale and his story justice when it was my turn to speak. Even picking his stone up in Portland a few weeks prior brought tears to my eyes. But when it was my turn to speak, I felt that he was with me that day and empowered me to push through my own fears. I didn’t end up reading half of what I had written, and ended up speaking of my own experiences and times with Dale.
Carrying his stone in my pack made me feel closer to him than I had been in a long time, and selfishly, may have brought me a little peace. I know that the hole that he left in your family can never be replaced, but I want you to know that his memory will live on through this project. My five year-old son knows of Dale as I wear him and Dave on a bracelet on my wrist; and we visit Dale’s grave on a regular basis. My wife and sister-in-law also participated in the ruck.
Nancy, you already know this, but I want you know that whenever a strenuous situation arose, everyone looked to Dale for guidance. The man was stoic and a lighthouse in the storm that would always guide us. I’m so very thankful for being able to say I knew him and called him friend. Frankly, just writing this now has stirred up so much emotion because I loved the man so much and considered him family. I am so thankful that you shared him with us. I’m beyond grateful that a project like this exists so that his memory will never fade.
I will never let his memory fade.
With love and respect,
Doug Tomer
Ascend to Victory
I had the honor and privilege to carry Dale’s stone again for the 2021 Summit Project hike. I thought it would be easier this time to tell his story since I had done just a few short months prior, but the emotions came right back as I was trying to tell the group about how great of a man Dale was. The weather once again played a factor and prevented us from hiking Cadillac mountain, and in turn, we went to Echo lake to talk about our heroes; and I think it was the perfect setting to tell the story of Dale’s life. The water was calm, and the environment made me feel how Dale always made us feel when we were out in the field. He made us feel calm. Dale was an incredible soldier, father, husband, and friend.
I was honored to be able to share my personal stories of him with a new group of people, and in turn, ensuring that his memory will live on. They heard of the man who helped save a civilian hiker while rappelling at Eagles bluff, and how he cared for his men as if they were his own flesh and blood. Thank you for letting me share a small sliver of your life Dale. Your light will always shine brightly in our hearts.
With love and respect,
Doug Tomer
Ascend to Victory
On May 6th 2022, the 16 year anniversary of SSG Kelly’s passing, the Maine Army National Guard Medical Readiness Unit carried his memorial stone to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Our incoming commander, CPT Looper, knew about the Summit Project and had personally served with SSG Kelly. Our unit was overwhelmingly excited to participate. It was an especially poignant experience to carry SSG Kelly’s stone during our one week long annual combat casualty medical training. The hike was scheduled as a team and morale building at the end of this training. SSG Giles orated a heartwarming prayer on top of the mountain in memory of the fallen and with a grateful reflection of our mutual service that brought us all together. 1SG Estes noted that we started our day with SSG Giles’ reenlistment ceremony. After hearing about SSG Kelly’s commitment to fellow Soldiers, to his service, and to God, it was especially touching to hear SSG Giles’ words on the mountain following his own reenlistment. Many who held the stone commented that they felt an essence and presence above and beyond the weight of SSG Kelly’s stone, a true living memorial. We were honored for the opportunity to remember SSG Kelly in this unique and unforgettable way.
I had the honor and privilege of carrying SSG Dale J. Kelly Jr’s stone up Cadillac mountain in September, 2022. I knew shortly into the hike his spirit was with us as we accidentally started from the wrong trailhead and added a couple of miles to the hike – we all just laughed it off when we realized it and keep on hiking to our destination, the summit of Cadillac. The stories I read about how Dale could find humor in any situation and was always willing to lend a hand played out again and again throughout the hike. Whenever a hiker needed a hand their fellow hiker was there with an outreached hand and a friendly smile. When the trail got steep someone was there with a joke to make people laugh and push through. When we made it to the summit it was my turn to tell the story out loud in the circle. That’s when it all became real for me and the sacrifice that this great man made for us. The loved ones he left behind defending our freedoms and our way of life and made it possible for me to enjoy my love of hiking. I now carry the piece of paper that I wrote his story on in my pack for every hike. So when I reach in my pack and I see that piece of paper I remember the story of SSG Dale J Kelly Jr. and his sacrifice to his country.
My name is Derek Crowell, a student from Nokomis High school. I was honored to participate in the Summit Project 2023 to remember and carry the stone of Sgt. Dale J. Kelly Jr up Tumbledown Mountain in Weld, Maine. Tumbledown is a beautiful place with a pond on the top of the mountain. The pond gets stocked with fish every year. The night before the hike I heard the news say it was going to rain, but the day of the hike the most amazing thing happened. The rain stopped when we got to the mountain. I believe that the soldiers that we remembered and honored that day stopped the rain from falling, so we could enjoy the hike to the summit.
I had the honor of carrying the Stone of SSG Dale Kelly Jr, up Mt. Major on 8/10 with my friend Sarah, who carried the Stone of SSG David Veverka. Sarah and I were college classmate’s of Dave’s and Sarah and Dave were close. I remember hearing the news of their passing like it was yesterday, though it is pushing 20 years ago. When at my first TSP event (BSP 2024), the group I hiked with had the Stone’s of Dale and David. I was so touched to have them be a part of my first TSP, and even more so that their stones were together, which I like to think was planned. I didn’t realize until the circle ceremony that they traveled together on our trip. Pretty much from that moment, one of the thoughts I couldn’t shake was how much it would be to bring Sarah into the TSP process to honor Dave, and as a part of that, it only felt right that Dale was along for the journey. Both of them had so much life ahead of them, but died heroes for our country, while protecting their own troops. They were both selfless, and would do anything for anyone, including the ultimate sacrifice. I hope again to be able to continue the tradition of carrying Dale and David on hikes together to honor their memories.
On September 21, I had the opportunity to spend the day hiking Cadillac MTN with an old friend, Dale Kelly. Dale and I served together in the 3/172 Infantry (mtn) based out of Brewer Maine, and this was our 2nd hike together up Cadillac. Once in the early 2000’s and again on this day.
I first met Dale, “Machine Gun Kelly” in 2000 when I enlisted as a soldier in the Maine Army National Guard. As a 17 year old private, I was assigned as Dale’s ammo bearer. I slugged through the forrest and mountains with Dale, attempting to soak up knowledge and follow his lead. Memories of those times long ago have a tendency to fade, but one thing that stuck with me was Dales unwavering dedication to do what was right, what was noble, and also what brought light to any situation. Humor keeps even the darkest days lit. His love for Monty Python was well known amongst the ranks of the MTN Company!
His transition from Infantryman “Machine Gun Kelly” to Medic “Doc Kelly” gave me an instant promotion. I was now the M60 gunner, and I was passing along knowledge to the private beneath me, just as Dale did with me all those years ago. (Hey PFC Straniero, Here is a 30lb 7.62mm m60 promotion, now carry it up this mountain quickly!)
During my Summit Project hike of Cadillac MTN, I supported the team Blue filling in as team Medic. How fitting and humble it was to carry on Doc’s legacy as a Medic. I found myself digging deep, both in physical effort, as well as memories, thinking “what would Doc do” I knew it instantly. Support everyone, keep them safe, jokes are essential, and maintain focus on the mission. I found my 40lb ruck light even though I had Dale’s memorial stone and 2x the water I needed, because someone else might, and did need water. So I handed bottles out, thinking of Dale the whole time. I felt an instant connection, as if Dale was driving me to support, something haven’t felt in a long time. I knew that I was in the right place, at the right time.
As I pause on this life experience that will truly never close, I reflect back on a life that was taken too soon. I regret not being there, but the lessons Dale gave me, that I never really noticed were lessons at the time, burn bright even after 18 years. My children know Dale, and Dave, their life, legacy, and sacrifice. Together with the Summit Project, Dale’s devotion to the Military, civilian community, as well as his faith based life focus will live on forever.
Until we meet again,
Matt Straniero
“Ascend to Victory”