20, of New Portland, Maine; assigned to 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 8, 2010 at Combat Outpost Sabari, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire.
To honor CPL Andrew L. Hutchins, his father, Mr. Jeff Hutchins retrieved this stone from the southern end of West Grand Lake near Princeton, Maine.
Watch this video to learn why this stone is significant and what it says about CPL Andrew L. Hutchins.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpkeSyavthk&feature=youtu.be&rel=0
US Army MP CPL Andrew L. Hutchins
Â
âPURPLE HEART, OR NOâ
Written by Andrew Hutchins, 8th Grade Student
Scars,
Like a poorly written story
Published on your body
A story of a horrible nightmare
Yet,
Not quite a story
Not quite a nightmare
More of a stubborn reminder.
A reminder of when you were a child
And you thought war was cool
A reminder of when you were older,
And terrorists threatened your
Country, hopes, feelings
Not only threatened, but tested
Your country, hopes, feelings,
Hatred, and love
But most of all
They tested
You, and your heart.
They thought killing
Thousands of people
Would tear our freedom
Apart,
Tear us apart
Tear our country
Apart
They almost succeeded-
Almost,
But
In the minds
Of most of us
Those with and with out
Strong bodies-
All with strong hearts
We know they made us
Stronger
Bodies,
Minds,
And hearts.
Scars, a reminder when you turned
18
And decide to join the
Military
You worked
You tried
You trained
You cried.
Soon it would be your
Turn
You became
One of the best
At what you do.
You finally
Heard
The one order
You were looking
For,
But then again—
Didnât want to hear.
You have been assigned
To go
To Iraq.
You understood
Your purpose over there
Would not be to kill
But to free—
Free innocent victims
Of bad government.
You have
The chance
To save
People before they end up
Like all the people
In the airplanes,
In the streets,
In the buildings
And all the people
Of your
Free
Country.
You realize that
May be more satisfying
Instead of
Killing and
Becoming a
Monster
Just like the
Ones
You used
To hunt,
You give
The people
Of the
Monsters
A chance.
You turn, held-back,
Potentially good
Into good.
You work
Hard
You do your
Job
You save
Lives
But still
There are those
Who
Are evil
Enough to disagree
With the good.
You try
To control
Them, save
As many
Lives
As possible
But still
They attack.
You follow
The rules
You donât shoot
Until you were
Shot at first.
For this
You, yourself
And others,
Are found
Murderously wounded.
Weeks later
Almost healed,
You get sent out
Again to
Help keep
The peace
You keep
The peace
You save
More lives
You find
That the evil
Hasnât been
Stopped in your
Time of rest
You and your
Friends
Are ambushed
Once again—
All are wounded
You.
You are wounded,
Almost killed.
While recovering
Un-consciously
You see
Your whole
Life again, like a slide show
You meet people long forgotten
You realize
You want
To continue life.
You work to recover,
You come back,
You wake
You lay in the hospital bed
Just thinking
You look
At your scars—
And your soon-to-be scars
You read the
Bad stories
You relive the nightmare.
You may not
Think so now
But Purple Heart or no, you are a hero
To all of us.
You and your friends.
You donât
Need the scar-
You wonât forget.
Thanks, from all
Who care, to those who fight for life?
48 Comments
Dear Major Cote,
Thank you for your initiative and support with your project to haul stones to the top of Katahdin in memory of Maines Fallen.
For the last 41 years I have gone on a fishing trip with my father on Memorial weeekend and this year will be the same. When my son Andrew was just a few weeks old he joined us @ camp. By the time he was six or so he was fishing and catching em right along with us every year. Damn. I miss him so much.
Our family now has a camp on Grand Lake Stream, and we spent many a great day catching salmon, brookies and smallmouth bass in the river. On one day a few years back, Drew and I were @ the dam pool and were doing pretty well. A man on the other side landed one and lobbed it up on a shoal in the middle of the stream to take home later. Within moments a Bald Eagle decided he would rather have it and swooped down. Well Drew was about 10 feet away when he flew over and I will never forget seeing that whole scene over in my head. Very impressive. This is the place he landed his first Salmon, and a bunch more. I will be finding a stone for your trip from that spot this weekend.
A soldiers parent lives with Pride and Fear. Then some of us just are left with the Pride
Jeff Hutchins
Father of:
US Army MP CPL Andrew L. Hutchins
3STB 3BCT 101st Airborne
KIA COP Sabari, Afghanistan
30Apr90-08Nov10
My name is Tamera Dunphy.I have been out of the area from 1995-2009.My daughter Hollye Dunphy was his coach when he was in school.My family knew your son.I was in Madison the day of his funeral and stood there saluting him when he went by.I am doing a hike on Oct.18 and I am taking Andrew’s rock with me.Many woman have picked out a stone.Deon Taylor’s foster Mom Rose Staton(my step mom)is taking his.I will be sending out pictures and a letter on what we did that day.I want you to know that your son’s memory will carry on by those who knew and loved him. Thank you for the rock and the story you gave.It made me smile.I am too a fisherman.My dad and I did that a lot when I was growing up.God Bless you and your family. Thank you Tamera Dunphy
On the afternoon of August 7, 2015, I had the privilege of walking alongside Corporal Hutchins’ father, Jeff, as we escorted a set of stones into the town of Lincoln. What a powerful and moving experience to spend those moments learning about Andrew’s life and the impact he made on the people who loved him during his short time here on this planet. Jeff, thank you for welcoming me with hugs and for sharing all that you did. It was truly my honor. I honestly have no idea what I said as I stood inside that bank building, my words were not scripted but straight from the heart, so I can only hope they made sense and made the impression that I hope they did. From everything I have learned, Andrew was truly an amazing person and the world is better because of him. To imagine what this young man might have achieved had he more time is simply overwhelming and my heart hurts to know the pain you feel from losing him. Thanks to this project we will keep your memories alive for eternity, and hold you close when you need us. TSP is family, a family built on some of the strongest ideals and with the support of a very strong and heroic group of guardian angels. Thanks again, for allowing me the chance to share in YOUR hero’s story, and I look forward to what the future holds for all of us as we carry on this mission….a mission no parent should have to be part of, which is why we are all here to help you with the journey and to guarantee that MAINE HEROES ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. <3
Dear Mama Bear and Crew,
Hello, my name is Kelsey Fournier, I am an honor’s student at Central Maine Community College in Auburn, ME. On September 21st of 2024, I was able to carry US Army CPL. Andew L. Hutchins (with some help) up the summit of Cadillac Mountain as a part of team White. This was my first ever hike with the Summit Project, and I hope to one day do it again. Doing his memorial ride and working with you Betsy is always amazing, and being able to take him to the Cadillac Mountain was a very surreal experience. When we got to the summit, I shared the story behind his puzzle piece which brought me to tears. The whole time I was speaking about Andew and Jeff, I was choked up. All these stories and memories I have read, heard, and learned about Andrew truly showed his character, he was so kind and so brave.
I really wish I could have met him. Being able to bring him back to Smuggler’s Den and hand him back to you was so emotional. I did not see him, but knowing after that Papa Bear was flying over us during the circle in the form of an eagle, makes that memory even more surreal and emotional to think about. I am truly honored and grateful that I had the opportunity to carry Andrew’s stone and story along with Papa Bear.
I hope to one day carry him again, and I look forward to being able to work with you more and being able to bring him to my college and my job to share his story to more people. I cannot wait to see him again in the honor’s case at Central Maine Community College in October.
Our heroes will never be forgotten. This project is beautiful, and heroes such as Andrew, their stories and memories will never be forgotten.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk besides us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.”
Love,
Kelsey Fournier
Turner, ME
Dear Major Cote,
My name is Stephan M Murphy of Kingston, Massachusetts. On the evening of April 11, 2014 I had the privilege and the honor of carrying the memorial stone of Army Cpl. Andrew L. Hutchins. Cpl. Hutchin’s stone and many other were part of our team weight for our GORUCK Challenge Class # 976. I cannot begin to tell you the amount of pride I had while carrying Cpl. Hutchins stone. Throughout the night as we were pushed by our Cadre both psychically and mentally, the same thought kept going through my head, it was the ultimate sacrifice that Cpl. Hutchins and the many other brave soldiers had made, and that no matter what we went through as a team compared to the sacrifice they made. As the night wore on, I thought back to the video I watched of Jeff Hutchins and the story he told of how they were fishing and the eagle that came down and grasped the salmon in his talons right in front of he and Andrew. I thought of how much pride his father had talking about his son and how Cpl. Hutchins would always do more, and how much pride Cpl. Hutchins took in everything he did. As the class went on throughout the night Cpl. Hutchins was an inspiration to me. When I felt tired, I thought of him, when I was sore, I thought of him, when I saw that someone needed a little encouragement or perhaps needed some help carrying their ruck, I thought of him.
When the sun started to rise the following morning, we found ourselves at “Bug Light”. It was a very surreal moment. The sun was coming up, Seagulls were crying out, a slight breeze coming off the ocean making feel a little colder than what it was but it was refreshing. We took a class picture right in front of the lighthouse. We held the stones out with pride for our picture, we wanted those stones to be part of that moment. And after the picture our Cadre asked us to gather around and tell our class about the Summit Project and the soldiers it honors. Each one of us that was designated to carry a stone talked about the soldier that it honored. I can honestly tell you that there wasn’t a sound, not a word but only silence as each name was read and a story followed about each soldier.
At my office by my desk I have various pictures, items, etc. There’s also a picture of my family, next to them is a picture of Cpl.Hutchins stone. I look at that picture often. it’s an inspiration to me.
GORUCK class #976 will always be my favorite, it will be one that i will remember forever.
I sincerely thank you for giving me the honor to be part of the Summit Project. Thank you for your work and may God bless those who fight for our freedom.
Sincerely,
Stephan M Murphy.
Kingston, MA.
Thank you Stephan. Thank you for being part of this Living Memorial and carrying on Andrew’s legacy through your service and selflessness. Thank you for honoring the fallen by challenging the living. You are a Patriot and hero too. djc
Such a beautiful story of Honor and Remembrance. Thank you
David for giving our families such a wonderful way of sharing our loved ones’ stories. Thank you Stephan for paying tribute to Drew in such a powerful way! Thanks to The Summit Project for assuring that Maine Fallen Heroes are Not Forgotten!
I would carry Andrew’s rock to the ends of the earth. His words gave me strength to get through that deployment. I often wonder why him and not me but I guess my work is not done. I send so much love to his family. I made it home just like you said I would. Thank you so much Hutch.
Hello my name is Tammy Dunphy.A group of ladies and I took a group of rocks on a 15 mile hike over Tryon mountain and Bradbury mountain in lower Maine.I picked Andrew because he was a home town boy.I did not get to meet Andrew because my husband and I have been out of the area for 15 years.My daughter Hollye Dunphy was Andrews soccer coach in grade school.She also watched Jeff’s video.She said yes he was so polite.He would come up and give her a hug and thank her for everything she had done.When I watched the video the part that got to me was when he told the back pack story.I knew that I would have to finish.I had NO IDEA how heavy his rock was.Yes I did have the heaviest rock.My back pack was wrong for the trip and my feet hurt so bad.We had walked 9.5 miles and I thought I was gonna die!I am 55 and have medical problems.I really wanted to do this really bad.Well at the end of 9.5 I got a lot lighter back pack some better sneakers and kept remembering what Jeff said.Another woman on the trip had another Andrew that must have been 2 pounds and said lets swap for awhile you are hurting,No I said I have to finish for my Andrew.We finished with another 5.5 and got to our destination.I could hardly move.Every muscle in my body hurt( and still is )BUT what I went threw to get his rock there was so much fun with all the ladies.We have a lot of pictures to share.And we are going to do this again next year.But every time I was asked if someone else could carry my Andrew I would say NO I have to finish for him.And would do it again.GOD BLESS YOU AND THIS PROJECT!!
Also Mr.Cote thank you for making the Summit Project
Dear Summit Project followers,
On November 14, 2014, I had the honor of carrying Corporal Andrew Hutchins stone up Bradbury Mountain. I’m a junior at Edward Little High School. In my English class, we are doing a war unit. One of my English teachers was stationed in Afghanistan as well. My teachers brought up this project because they wanted us students to see the costs of war from a families point of view and be able to reflect on the experience the soldiers had and what it’s like to be close to someone who past.
I read about Andrew and watched the video of Andrew’s father talking about Andrew. I can relate to Andrew because he’s very outdoorsy and so am I. He liked to go fishing with his father. He also enjoyed going camping with his family. I have been camping with my family friends a few times and I will have many memories of it just like his family will always have the memories and will forever cherish.
The story of his stone was very meaningful to myself and I’m sure as well to Andrew’s father. The stone was found at the place where Andrew caught his first salmon, I can see how emotional and meaningful that must be for the family because I remember when I caught my first fish at Halls Pond in Hebron. It was such a happy moment for my father and I. That place was where my dad and my fishing adventures started. I can just imagine how special that place must be for Andrew’s father.
Never forget
Sincerely,
Austin Cox
Auburn, ME
Austin,
Thank you for taking part in insuring Maine Heroes Are Not Forgotten by participating in the hike up Bradbury Mountain and for carrying Andrews stone. And to your co-hikers thank you for taking a few hours to carry the story another step for the families.
Jeff Hutchins
CPL. Andrew L. Hutchins
If you are reading this you already know something about Andrew Hutchins, so Iâm going to tell you about my journey with Andrew. It started over a year ago when I met Andrewâs father, Jeff, and his stepmother, Betsy. It was at the very first event for The Summit Project and it took place at MEPS in Portland, Maine. It was the soft opening of The Summit Project room. That was the very first time that I talked to a Gold Star family and it was the very first time I saw someone wearing the Gold Star. It was placed in the center of Jeffâs camo Army hat. When I close my eyes I can still see Jeff and I sitting on the couch at MEPS and him telling me about Andrew. I honestly didnât know what to say to Jeff. I was in awe of what he had gone through, losing a child at the age of 20.
Letâs jump forward to the present. I requested to take Andrewâs stone to Fort Drum, New York. My son, Jonathan, is stationed there. My trip included a training class for Schluter Systems in upstate New York, Plattsburg to be precise. My trip started on April 20th at 0900 when I picked up Andrewâs stone from MEPS. From there I took a trip to Augusta to the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery were Andrew was laid to rest.
That was more emotional that I thought it was going to be. Standing there looking at the head stone of someone I had never met but have learned so much about.
Next stop, Plattsburg NY. Here, Andrew and I stayed at the Hilton Hotel and attended the two day training class at Schluterâs North American home office. I talked to several people about TSP and the reason I was carrying around a stone with me. Many people were impressed with TSP and what it does to support our fallen heroes.
ďżźďżźďżźďżźďżź
CPL. Andrew L. Hutchins
ďżźI left Plattsburg to travel 3 hours to Fort Drum to see my son, Jonathan. This was a cold ride, not the coldest of the weekend but close. When I left, it was about 1700 and sunny. I hit some rain and some snow on my trip. I arrived at Fort Drum and it was 36 degrees, dark but the rain and snow has stopped. When I got to the check-in post, I needed to wait for Jonathan to sign me in so I talked with the three (Very young) MPâS that were guarding the post. After I told them about Andrew and that he was an MP as well they didnât know what to say about this stone I was carrying. Iâm sure they thought about it for some time after I left. On the right are my son, Jonathan, and his wife, Ricki. This was Friday morning as he was about to leave for work.
So now it is Friday morning and I have 460 miles to get home. Jonathan has left for work and Iâm getting all my gear loaded on my motorcycle. Watching the weather because itâs currently 33 degrees and snowing. The pictures below are at his apartment on base looking out the windows.
The snow doesnât want to stop so I load up and head down the road. The first intersection that I come to on base, I slid right through. At this point Iâm thinking that I should turn around and stay one more day, then I said to myself, âIf I can make it to the highway, I will be fineâ. So I continued on. I honestly felt like Andrew was with me and he was going to keep me safe. Once I got to the highway the snow was still coming down but the pavement was just wet, not slippery. I rode in the snow for about two hours before it stopped. I got a lot of funny looks from the individuals that I passed on the highway. At one point we all slowed down to about 30 miles per hour because it was white out conditions. The closer I got to Maine, the warmer the weather was, but it only got to about 43 degrees, still cold on the motorcycle. I was very happy to get a hot shower. I left New York at about 1015 and arrived at home around 1830. From the time I picked up Andrewâs stone at MEPS until the time I arrived home was a total of 1000 miles and over 17 hours on the road.
ďżźďżź
CPL. Andrew L. Hutchins
ďżźLife was not all fun and games, I still needed to work so Saturday morning Andrew and I went to the office. Most everyone that I work with knows about TSP but this was the first time they were about to see a stone first hand. Andrew sat at my desk while I got some work done.
Sunday morning wasPatriots Riders Maine Chapter Oneâs Spring Ride For The Troops. We left the house on the motorcycle around 0700 to help with set up and parking of motorcycles. My lovely wife brought several stones to the American Legion in York, Maine so that other Patriot Riders could take them on the ride. We set up a table with the TSP flag and laid out all the stones. Several bikers came over and asked what it was all about. I even handed out some waiver forms for the TSP to BSP ride coming up next month. This ride had around 600 bikes and over 1000 people riding on motorcycles. I was able to fly a TSP flag at the front of the pack while Andrew was safe in my saddlebags along with Wade Slackâs stone. My son, Noah, was carrying Wadeâs stone.
Once again I was able to talk with First Lady Ann LePage, as she was also on the ride. She is a wonderful lady and a big supporter of our military personnel. Below are some pictures of the ride.
CPL. Andrew L. Hutchins, 20, of New Portland, while serving as a Military Policeman. He lost his life on November 8th, 2010 in Khost Province, at a combat outpost in Sabari, Afghanistan. On April 30th, 1990 Andrew began his life. On April 30th 2015 my son, Noah, gave his first ever oral presentation in front of his school, parents and friends. He did his presentation on The Vietnam Wall. It was a great honor to carry Andrewâs stone, to learn about him, to ride several hundred miles thinking of the battles he faced protecting me, someone he has never met. He died for me and my Country and I will be forever grateful for his sacrifice.
ďżźďżźďżźďżźďżźďżź
Thank you Scott!! Thank you for sharing your trip with us…I know Andrew was watching out for you on your ride!
To the Family of Andrew Hutchins,
On May 24th, 2015 I had the extreme honor of carrying Andrewâs Summit Project stone up Owl Peak in Baxter State Park. I have volunteered for numerous hikes and adventures with stones over the past year and every one of them I hold special in my heart. This hike was a little different for me as I was asked to be the assistant team lead for Team Red and not just âalong for the hikeâ. However, it was also going to be a lot different for me due to the connections I had made with Jeff, Ben, and Betsy over the past month before the hike.
I first met all of you when I was returning the stones from The Zimmerman Challenge to Ted in Augusta. I am firm believer in fate and that night it was meant to be that we all gathered together for our initial meeting. During the conversation I had with Jeff in the parking lot he asked me the question: I know why we are participating in TSP, but I donât know what you (the hikers) get from this and why you do it? Iâm going to try and answer that as well as I can from my standpoint.
During our hike we carry the weight of the stone as a constant reminder of the weight the passing of your son has had on you. For me this weight is so much more than a physical burden. It holds all the hopes and dreams of loving parents. Having the chance to talk about Andrew for hours face to face gives this hike a whole new meaning. I shared tears with you over the memories of a proud father allowing his little boy join the army and letting him live his own life. I see a lot of myself in you. Our families grew bigger that weekend. Itâs these bonds we share of loss and love that is the answer to the question, Jeff.
When we reached the summit I had rehearsed a speech to give with his stone. Once the team had assembled and I started hearing the stories of the other fallen soldiers I started to go blank. When I looked to my left I saw our youngest hiker, Tony. He had just enlisted and is so young and full of life; so eager to help out his fellow man. I couldnât help but to see Andrew standing next to me in him. Everything I said about Andrew on top of the mountain was from the heart. When I looked out on the lush green of Maine that afternoon I could feel him with me.
We found a nice soft bed of moss on the way down and planted the stones in it. The look of serenity and calm all the stones had was amazing. It was like they had grown there and belonged on the mountain that day.
Thank you for letting us join you in remembering your son at Twin Pines. Itâs going to be nice watching Ben grow up and itâs going to be nice to see you all again very soon. Thank you for letting us join your family.
Your extended family,
The Stithams
To Andrew’s Family and Friends,
My name is Henry Gibson and I am a Cadet at the University of Maine. As some of you may know already due to past conversations, this past Saturday the 26th of September I had the honor of carrying Andrew’s stone in a memorial ruck march from the Veterans Home in Bangor, to the University of Maine, and what a true honor it was. I have learned so much about Andrew in the last couple of weeks and carrying his stone on Saturday was truly an emotional event. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day to do the march as well. Once we reached the school I was given the chance to give a brief speech about Andrew, I know your family was spending the weekend together at your camp but here is the speech I gave to the crowd in attendance, “Good afternoon my name is Cadet Henry Gibson and today I had the honor of carrying the stone of Cpl. Andrew L. Hutchins of New Portland, Maine who served with the 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team as part of 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, KY. Andrewâs stone was donated to the Summit Project by his Father Jeff Hutchins. I had the privilege of talking to his mother and father this past Thursday and learned that his stone was retrieved from the southern end of West Grand Lake near Princeton, Maine roughly a rods length away from where Andrew caught his first salmon with his Uncle. During my conversation with Andrewâs family I learned about what an extraordinary man their son was and the lengths heâd go to help the person to his left or right. Andrew you may be gone, but know that your stone brings satisfaction and hope to your family and know that you are loved always.” I wish I could have said more and told them all about what a truly inspiring man your son is. Like I told Mr. Hutchins when we spoke on the phone, I wish I could meet Andrew today and thank him for everything he has done for our country and all of us as well. I know I never had the chance to meet Andrew but I have learned so much from him. From the stories about Andrew that I have heard and read, I can only hope to be half the man that he is. I would also like to thank you all as well, if it were not for all of your dedication and devotion both to Andrew and our Nation I would not have had the opportunity that I had this past Saturday and that chance to tell everyone about Andrew and what an amazing American he is.
Please feel free to contact me at any time, my phone is always on and I am always willing to help in any capacity that I can.
Sincerely,
Henry Gibson
I had the honor of carrying Andrew’s stone for a charity 5k walk in Bangor. I chose Andrew and fellow New Portland boy Josh Bernard. I wanted to ensure that as a fellow Combat Veteran, (and from New Portland) that my ruck March was a proper tribute to two true American heroes. In Army tradition, my ruck was weighted to 45 pounds and I did absolutely no train up to ensure my body would have to struggle to get through it. The struggle was real, (at 41, it was very real) and I could feel both boys pushing me each time my foot hit the ground. Though my body took a beating and required a longer recovery time than it used to, I would be honored and willing to go through it all again. MHANF.
On Saturday October 17, 2015 I once again had the incredible honor to carry Corporal Andrew Hutchins stone. This however was my very first hike with The Summit Project and my first orginized hike ever. This was not a one day hike, for me this was a journey that started several months ago when I asked Major Cote if I could be one of the hikers to hike a stone to the top of Cadillac Mountain. The 20 people I was able to hike with is an amazing group of individuals. I hiked with people that have hundreds of miles under their belts, I hiked with people that have never been hiking before, I hiked with a Gold Star Mother and a Gold Star Wife. We shared some amazing stories about all the soldiers that were represented in our group and I thank each and everyone of my team.
The last few months have been very difficult for me, personally. I dedicated myself to getting back into shape and I managed to lose 30 pounds, but that was the easy part. My wife has had some major medical issues arise within these last few months and my father-in-law has not been doing well. The Sunday before the hike my father-in-law went into the hospital, on Thursday, October 15 he went in for emergency surgery and we found out he was full of cancer, on October 23, five days after the hike, he passed away. I feel that several times within the last few months I could’ve called Major Cote I told him I’m out for personal reasons and he would’ve completely understood but I could not do that. Every time I felt like I was down and out, I thought of Andrew, I thought of what Andrew went through. He would put 70 pounds of weight in his rucksack when he would go on hikes, he always puts the unit first, his men came before he did, he was a great leader to the men in this unit and they all looked up to him, he never gave up even when he shattered his wrist and broke his hip he couldn’t wait to get back to his unit.
Everything that I have read about Andrew, every story I have heard about Andrew, has shown me that he is a beacon of light and he is still shining strong today. He has become my beacon of light he’s given me strength to do things that I didn’t think were possible for me. Corporal Andrew Hutchins I thank you for your service to our country and the ultimate sacrifice you gave for each and every American. I thank the Hutchins family for being part of The Summer Project and allowing me the opportunity to get to know Andrew, he is a Maine hero and he will never be forgotten!
Scott
To the Hutchins family,
On April 16, 2016 I had the honor of carrying Andrew’s memorial stone during the Summit Project Memorial March in Newport ME. I first met you folks at the TSP at ANP a couple years ago, and have had the pleasure of working and conversing with you at several events since. I’ve seen your love and pride in Andrew, and also your pain in his loss. So the privilege of carrying Andrew’s stone, learning more about who he was, and carrying his story from here on out has very special meaning to me.
Betsy and I were in the same walking group, so we were able to talk during the walk and I got a deeper insight into who Andrew was. From everything I’ve read or heard Andrew was a fine young man who had a willingness to help, was non judgemental, had a great work ethic, and was very family oriented. He continually challenged himself physically and mentally so that he was always prepared to carry his weight and then some. As Jeff so eloquently put it in the TSP video, he was the type of guy who would “do more
rather than less”. This I’m sure contributed to his becoming a natural leader. I’m sure given the chance he would have gone far.
For me, the one thing I keep going back to is the poem he wrote in 8th grade. I have read that poem many times, and am still amazed at how many complex topics are there within it’s verse. He talks about a soldier’s view of his mission, the realities of war, and the frustrations of having to play by the rules while the enemy does not. Also the visible and invisible scars the soldier brings back home. And the definition of hero with or without the purple heart recognition. And at the very end you can see his deep respect for those who serve. Betsy told me the inspiration behind the poem which helped drive home how personal it must have been for Andrew to compose it. I have sent the link to several friends recommending they read it, really read it. Amazingly powerful stuff from an 8th grader. And in hindsight, it’s clear he was sincere about every word, because his actions during his rehab and second deployment mirror eerily those of the friend in his poem.
I wanted to pay homage to at least one of Andrew’s great traits during the walk. The backpack story came to mind. So I loaded my backpack with a 45 lb GoRuck plate for the walk, twice the normal weight I carry in it. I did not want to disappoint Andrew, so as heavy as it and his stone got during the walk I just focused on his drive to carry his own weight and forced myself to do the same.
During the ceremony in the Cultural Center I knew what I wanted to say, but may have faltered a bit in the moment. The gist of my intent was to not to dwell on his loss but
embrace who he was in life. I stopped in to pay my respects at the Veterans Cemetery later that day.
Special thanks for presenting me with the memorial bracelet. I’ve had several people ask about it and it has given me the opportunity to share Andrew’s story. I will
continue to share it to make sure Army CPL Andrew L. Hutchins is never forgotten.
MHANF
Best Regards,
Steve “Buddha” Crossman
When I think about the life I want to lead itâs one that makes the lives of others betterâthrough both my actions and intentionsâwhile Iâm here, and continues to affect the world in a positive way through my legacy when Iâm gone.
Cpl. Andrew Hutchins accomplished this, even in the short time the world was able to have him. And it was such an honor to be small part in keeping his legacy, life, and purpose alive by carrying his stone for TSP at Baxter State Park 2016.
Growing up an Army brat I was constantly surrounded by men and women, who like Andrew, dedicated their lives to something bigger than themselves. In our âfirst world problemâ focused world today, not only is that rare, itâs remarkable and priceless. Itâs easy to get wrapped up with the details of lifeâs daily frustrations and become self-focused on our own problems and needs.
And then you learn the story of someone like Andrew, who was passionately dedicated to the bigger mission and vision of his life. And through his commitment to preserve the values we hold dear as a nation, he defined true selflessnessâand displayed it through is actions. This legacy is something that will stay with me as a reminder, for the rest of my life.
What I love most about The mission of The Summit Project is it helps take the name (and lives) of these fallen heroes and bring them to life for us. Itâs easy to see a list of names, and not truly appreciate the sacrifice they (and their families) made. The sacrifice made in order for each one of us to live better lives and to protect our community and the values we all hold dear.
Itâs important to understand this sacrificeâdeeply and intimately. When we do we realize that we too have a responsibility to ensure it was not made in vain. It is our responsibilityâas Americans, and humansâto keep these heroesâ legacies alive through our own actions.
Thank you Andrew, for being a constant reminder of my responsibility to life a more purposeful life. I promise to not let you down.
Laura Petrolino
This past weekend I had both the honor and the privilege of not only hiking Mt. Katahdin for the first time in my life with some of the most AMAZING people I have ever met, but I was also accompanied by someone who I have longed to share this experience with for a long, LONG time now â US Army Cpl Andrew Hutchins.
A few years ago, I met two of the most amazing, warmest, kindhearted people I have ever had the privilege to know. At that time, I would have never realized the deep and lasting bond that would soon be created. Not only did we build one of the most incredible friendships I have ever known, but each have become nothing less than family to me. And as I sit here writing this letter to both Jeff and Betsy â whom I love more than anything in this world â I am realizing that what I thought would surely be the easiest letter to write to a gold-star family due to the nature of our relationship, has in fact become by far the most difficult. Iâm realizing very painfully that there are truly no words that could remotely begin to describe the immense level of emotion, pride, or happiness felt on July 9th, 2016. Or the enormous amount of appreciation I have that you both would give me the honor of sharing this incredible life achievement with your son.
I think Iâd like to begin by saying that even though this was the first time I have been privileged enough to carry Andrewâs stone with me, this trip was NOT the first time that I have carried Andrew with me. Andrew has accompanied me since the very day I met your family and he stays with me and my heart and my mind with everything that I do. I think so often about Andrewâs encounter with the bald eagle at the fishing hole and so many times since I have had similar encounters of my own. Just last year, I was kayak fishing with my son, Xavier, on Panther Pond and he landed the biggest bass he had ever caught in his life. And from behind me, this beautiful bald eagle swooped down and passed not 10 feet over my head in an attempt to snatch the fish from my sonâs hands. This complete re-enactment of the story that Jeff had told me so many times still gives me goosebumps each time I think of it. I would have so many more encounters with this beautiful bird over the next few years to come, and each time I knew that this was simply Andrewâs way of letting me know he was there.
This trek was a journey I couldnât imagine embarking upon with any greater group of people. The energy was so high, the vibe among everyone was so positive. No matter the extreme lack of sleep or the bitter-cool temps on that day or even the looming threat of thunderstorms which encircled us throughout the duration of our climb to the summit, never for a moment did a single person encounter the thought of giving up or giving in. Regardless of our varied skill levels or the individual struggles we may have faced along the way, we climbed as a group and we made progress together. During the trek, we met some of the most amazing people and shared Andrewâs story with everyone whom we spoke to. We visited Chimney Pond and a few other scenic overlooks, but it wasnât until we crested the top of the most arduous portion of the ascent that the dark clouds that encased us finally broke free and provided our first views of the Knifeâs Edge and the top of the mountain. That last mile stretch to the summit Andrew did not spend inside my pack. Instead, he was carried by hand to our final destination, and when I touched my hand upon the top of that summit sign, I couldnât be more grateful that he was there with me to share this life achievement with.
This trip was truly something so much more than just amazing. But what made it so special was not the fact that I had finally achieved a life-long dream that I had been yearning to accomplish for so long, or even the incredible group of people whom accompanied me which I am so privileged to call my family. It was how I had finally found an opportunity to carry Andrewâs stone with me on a journey that was WORTHY of experiencing with him by my side â an opportunity I have been waiting to experience for such a long, LONG time!
Andrew, I wish I could have met you brother, and I canât thank you enough for introducing me to one of the most incredible families I have ever had the opportunity to know.
Jeff, Betsy, Ben â I canât thank you enough for all that your family has ever done for me. I love you guys more than I could ever put into words. But I will forever try to show you exactly how much that is. Thank you!
The last weekend of July was beautifully warm and sunny, with a few puffy clouds drifting across a deep blue sky. That Saturday, my entire hometown and much of the community beyond came together to honor the life and service of Cpt. John âJayâ Brainard. Together we all stood on the bridge that now bears his name, and those who knew him shared stories and memories of his childhood and his time in the service. The bridge held all of us, the entire community, safely above the quiet waters of the Piscataquis River.
Jayâs bridge held us together, and for a while, we were all Jayâs family. We were there to support Nancy and Don âWhiteyâ White, who gave Jay the kind of idyllic childhood that barely exists today, but that many of us who grew up in Atkinson and its environs know well. Itâs fitting that on that bridge I met Jeff and Betsy Hutchins, parents of Army Cpl. Andrew Hutchins, whose stone I carried up Borestone Mountain the next day.
Betsy âMama Bearâ Hutchins gives the kind of hugs her nickname suggests, and she scoops up and cares for lost âcubsâ as if they were her own. I asked Mama Bear about Andrew and she told me about meeting him when he was six, and how he was a very joyful and big-hearted boy who loved Maine, playing in the woods, and his family.
When I asked Andrewâs father, Jeff, about his son, he pulled out a picture of Andrew with his wife, newly pregnant at the time, just before he left home for the last time. I imagine I saw a bit of Andrew reflected in Jeffâs smile and his laugh when I commented on his sonâs striking good looks. Jeff told me that Andrew had loved fishing and exploring in the woods of Maine and that heâd been drawn to a life of service from a young age.
The day after the bridge dedication, I had the honor of carrying Andrewâs stone up Borestone Mountain with a group of friends from Jayâs alma mater (and my own), Foxcroft Academy. On the hike I had the chance to spend time with several friends I hadnât seen for a very long time. We tromped around the woods, we shared stories about our families, and my dear friend Jenâs daughter caught a frog in a pond. Though we live very different lives across New England, weâre all closely connected because we shared such a unique childhood, the same kind of childhood Andrew and Jay enjoyed. At the summit of Borestone, we celebrated the lives and the incredible sacrifices of âourâ soldiers, and we talked about their families. We all felt so blessed to have grown up in Maine, to have reconnected through the Summit Project, and to be safe and free because of our soldiers.
When I think about Andrew and his family, I look forward to hearing more stories about his childhood and his life, I hope that his daughter, whom he never met, gets to experience Betsyâs bear hugs and Jeffâs passion for fishing, and I wish I could thank him for his great sacrifice. Since I canât, Iâll thank Betsy and Jeff, Robin and Dwayne, Heather, Allyssa, and the rest of his family. Cpl. Hutchins, your family is surrounded by love, and you are not forgotten.
To the family and friends of Corporal Andrew Hutchins,
I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone of Corporal Andrew Hutchins on October 1, 2016 to the peak of Cadillac Mountain. Leading up to the hike, I read Andrewâs bio and I watched the video of Andrewâs father, Jeff. As I learned more about Andrew, I began to experience a connection with him. I then talked with Jeff the morning of the hike and seeing the pure love in his eyes made this connection even stronger.
Andrew was an incredible man with a heart of gold, who always strived to be the best version of himself. He exercised every morning at 5:30am during high school and then brought this work ethic to army training as he carried an extra 30lbs in his pack. He wanted to be the best he could be for his unit and for his country. When he was sent overseas to Afghanistan he was the heart of his unit and kept up their morale in the hardest of times. When he was injured and sent back to Fort Campbell to recover, all he wanted to do was return to his unit in Afghanistan, his brothers needed him. And when he returned to his unit and was then killed in the line of duty, he left a mark on their hearts forever.
He was absolutely incredible, and no one will ever be as courageous or kind hearted as he was. I am so honored to have carried Andrewâs stone and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to meet his beautiful family, Jeff and Betsy Hutchins. I will never forget Andrew and he will always live in my heart as I will strive to be more like Andrew every day.
Thank you,
Julie Bourgeois
Sacrifice – noun – an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.
Saturday, October 1st this spirit stone sat waiting on the Team Bubble table, its original assigned hiker unable to attend. I was drawn to the word itself, as it embodies just why we continue to carry out the mission of TSP – to honor the sacrifice and never forget the fallen. There was no question I wanted to add this extra weight to my pack.
Sacrifice can come in many sizes and shapes; small in the unselfish sacrifice of simply joining our armed forces to the ultimate sacrifice in which all the stones have come to symbolize.
Sacrifice to many may mean giving up plans or changing the course of the day for someone or something else that comes up. I have changed my thoughts and definitions of sacrifice since being honored to meet the Gold Star Families whose parents, wife, husband, sons, daughters, brothers or sisters lives we honor and memories we carry. The small act of taking a day, a weekend, or even just a few hours to carry these stones and stories is not a personal sacrifice compared to the ultimate sacrifice their loved one has given – all in the name of this great nation and our freedoms. Sacrifice now immediately brings my mind to the smiles, the stories and the memories of our heroes, their families, and suddenly any problems I have seem insignificant.
Thank you to all the Gold Star Family members who continue to share their loved ones sacrifice with the rest of us daily.
Jackie Carter
Millinocket, ME
To the family of Corporal Andrew Hutchins,
Last week I had the opportunity to carry your beloved family memberâs stone up a mountain, for The Summit Project. My English class and I hiked up Streaked Mountain in Hebron, Maine. During the hike, I had the time to think about what Andrew and many others have done to serve our country. I was truly honored to be able to carry his stone to the top of Streaked Mountain.
I want to thank Andrew for all he has done to keep our country safe. It takes a lot of bravery and courage to be able to go to war. I thank him for risking his life in order for me to live with freedom. I also want to thank him for all the struggles and obstacles he pushed through to become a soldier. Knowing what he went through to be a soldier makes me want to push myself harder, because I know it takes handwork and dedication.
Before the hike, I had watched the video about Andrewâs stone because I wanted to learn more about him. I was deeply inspired when I heard this one story told by Mr. Hutchins. Shortly into Andrewâs first deployment, he fell off a tower thirty, feet onto rocks. Andrew was injured and then sent home to recover. He pushed through and with physical therapy he healed. When I found out that this happened to Andrew, and learned about how he recovered in order to go back to war, I was amazed. It takes a lot of time and effort to recover from these types of injuries, and Andrew seemed determined to go back and fight for our country.
Once again I would like to thank Andrew and all the others that have fought and served for our country. I feel honored to live in such a free country. Because of Andrew, I can live safely and freely everyday of my life.
Sincerely,
Madison Morin
To the Hutchins Family,
Sat March 11 at the Thomas Memorial Library Tribute Trek I once again had the honor to carry Andrew’s stone and story. Each TSP event I learn more about Andrew through conversations with you folks and others who’ve carried his stone and story. Each helps expand the his story that I carry and tell.
One of Andrew’s traits which I have tried to adopt in life and work is “do more not less”. Upon arrival at the library it was clear there were more stones than hikers. I spotted Andrew’s stone and didn’t hesitate to claim it for the trek. As I put it in my ruck bag it was clear there was room for more. Andrew would’ve filled it to the top, so I went back to the display case and also took the stones of Staff Sargeant Dale Kelly Jr. and Captain Jay Brainard III. I think there were a lot of common traits amongst these three, so it was a natural matchup.
It was a bitterly cold day trekking to Fort Williams for our sharing circle at the gazebo, but everyone came prepared and nobody complained because this wasn’t about us. We ended up having the ceremony under the gazebo out of the wind. When it came time to share Andrew’s story I chose to focus not on the tactical details on his card but on those bits of his story that showed the real person he was: time spent with his Dad fishing at Grand Lake Stream, his do more not less attitude, his post rehab determination to return to his own troop to help boost their spirits, and the tragedy of leaving behind a young wife and yet to be born daughter.
Every time I go to Andrew’s page on the Summit Project site I read that poem he wrote. It is an amazing piece by a beyond his years young man who I would have loved to have met.
I have told Andrew’s story several times in many places, from local diners to picchus in Peru. I promise to continue to learn about him and tell his story so he is not forgotten.
Regards,
Steve “Buddha” Crossman
MHANF
Thank you so very very much for all you do, and making sure that our heroes are not forgotten! <3 MB
On 5 Jun 2017, Cherie Sackville wrote:
“Those of us who lived have to represent those who didn’t make it.”
Joe Foss, WWII Veteran
Memorial Day Weekend 2017 etched in my memory forever, my heart touched in so many ways.
For months I was nervously anticipating this weekend. Looking forward to it but feeling like I shouldn’t because of the reason we gather — to honor loved ones lost while serving our great nation. I had so many thoughts. Wanting to see friends I’ve made by being involved, would I be able to keep up with my team, and most importantly would I do a good job of capturing and honoring my chosen hero, Cpl. Andrew L. Hutchins when it came time to share Andrew’s story with strangers on the mountain.
All those fears faded as the weekend unfolded. Some of the first people I saw upon arrival were Andrew’s family. Betsy, Andrew’s stepmom, checked us in and gave me the biggest hug. My name tag had a special message on the back from Andrew’s father, Jeff. Big hugs, tears, kind words and a big thanks for doing this. I was honored with one of Andrew’s bracelets and a button with Andrew’s picture and big smile on it.
That smile. I remember that smile and young face. The first time I saw it was on the button Jeff was wearing at the opening of TSP Honor Room at MEPS in Portland. Andrew had a smile that would put anyone at ease. I had no words for his family to express my sorrow for their loss. Nothing you can say could fix it or make it better. I left after that day just remembering that button and smiling face. My heart heavy.
I knew very little about The Summit Project then. It was just beginning. What I did know really resonated with me. I knew this was something truly special that touched my heart. I had no way of knowing where the journey would lead but wanted to go anyway. I tried to put myself in the shoes of these families. My own children are in their twenties and beginning their lives. If I was a parent of a fallen hero, I know I would want this for my family. I can’t think of anything worse than losing your precious child except forgetting their sacrifice and that of their family.
Several personal hikes with other hero stones, two hikes at ANP, base camp helper and a few other TSP events, it was finally time to try hiking in Baxter to do Owl Mountain. Our team left bright and early–6am on the van to the trailhead. We were Team White with eleven members, seven who had not previously hiked with TSP before. I was excited to be part of this experience with them. We also had the honor of having Lorna Harris, Gold Star Mother of SPC Dustin Harris. I have seen Lorna at many events but had not formally met her. I wanted to learn more about Dustin. We were a diverse group that started out as strangers, friends by the time we reached the summit, family after our circle ceremony. We could not have asked for a more perfect day of warm, sunny weather. I couldn’t help but think that our heroes were shining their love and light down to watch over us. We were in good hands with our team leader, Marine Captain, Trevor Miller. I could not have asked for a better team of friendly, supportive people who were focused on our mission of honoring our chosen hero in the best way we could. One of my favorite parts of this day was hearing what others learned about a hero whose stone I had already carried. I always learn something new about them. I also took along three peanut butter cups to enjoy along the trail. They were a favorite of Andrew.
As part of our sacred circle time, I shared the prayer card for St. Maximilian Kolbe who was a Polish priest in Auschwitz during WWII. One day the Germans were picking ten men to be starved to death in an underground bunker to deter further escape attempts. Friar Maximilian Kolbe volunteered to take the place of one of the men selected, Franciszek Gajowniczek, who had a wife and family. Friar Kolbe gave up his life for a total stranger. As did Andrew and so many other brave Americans. On the card it says, “Greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
My hero, Andrew Hutchins. Son, brother, husband, father-to-be, cousin, nephew, grandson, friend, soldier. So many labels that bind us to our loved ones. Andrew also called Drew, grew up in New Portland. Between his Junior and Senior year at Carrabec High School, Drew signed up for the Army at the age of 17. His parents had to go with him to sign the papers since he was so young. So young but with a plan, a vision for his life and future. I asked Jeff one time how he handled having Drew on his deployment. He said, “Fear and pride.” On Drew’s headstone there is a quote, “Pride is no sin–Always have pride.” Pride for this country and it’s people. Love for people he knew and for many more he didn’t. He wanted a better world and serving in the Army was his way of making the world better and safer. In some of my conversations with Jeff, he says how fortunate we are as a country to have bright, strong, young men and women willing to step up and put themselves in harms way for the greater good. It is a great sacrifice to the families of those serving and our fallen. The decision to serve doesn’t just effect the soldier but all their family members, friends and community. It is a common thread that binds us together whether you have someone serving or not. I am grateful to the Hutchins family and all Gold Star families for their sacrifice. I am grateful I was able to share a meal with the Hutchins family and especially with Ben. He remembers Andrew always smiling. I am grateful to Andrew’s wife, Heather and daughter Alyssa. I hope to have the honor of meeting both of you in person. I am grateful to Major Dave Cote for having the vision for TSP. I am grateful to my team members who served or are still serving, Joseph Smith, Trevor Miller, Shawn Boutaugh. I am grateful to the Harris family for their great sacrifice. I am grateful to the rest of Team White for sharing this day with me. I am grateful for this life changing experience.
Be kinder, be more patient, show more love. Life changes in moments.
Eat more peanut butter cups.
Eat more brownies.
“I love camp! Brownies are a meal!
Andrew Hutchins
It was my honor to carry the stone and story of Andrew.
With love always,
Cherie Sackville
TSP Volunteer
Betsy and Jeff, Thank you for always sharing Andrew with us. Having his stone with us in Atkinson made the weekend that much more powerful. I know he and Jay were smiling.
Those boys will never ever be forgotten.
10/29/17 ANP Summit Project Hike
Dear Hutchins Family,
I enjoyed carrying Andrew Hutchinsâ stone so much. To be honest I probably couldnât have made up the mountain with that heavy stone if it werenât for all the strength that Andrew gave me. At some points in the hike I needed to just have that heavy load taken off of me and sometimes that meant to hand the stone off to Andrew. It was necessary to take Andrew out of my pack and let him rest on my arm. In my head it felt like Andrew was taking a shift so I could rest and feel better. Sort of how Andrew took a âshiftâ for his friend on a tower that he then fell off and suffered injuries from. I learned from Andrewâs brother that he was a very kind person who was never rude to anyone. I think that this also proves that statement is correct. Andrew was always willing to help people out, he was always a great rolemodel,stayed in shape by lifting weights,and was a very generous person. I would like to learn more about this amazing man, no not just man, hero. I would like to say once again that I had an amazing time and that I am honored to have had the privilege to be alongside this over all good son, brother, friend, and hero.
Jacob,
Thank you so very much for your commitment to making certain that Drew and his fallen brothers are never forgotten.
You are a fine young man and I am glad to call you my friend. You have done what many never do. You have helped some one else just because it seemed like the right thing.
I look forward to seeing you grow to your potential. You can, you will, you have made a difference. Keep it up for The next 75 years or so!
Love,
Jeff
In my experience with The Summit Project I have always thrown the deck in the air and let the cards fall where they may. Iâve not requested specific stones, or sought to honor any one hero in particular, as I believe they are all equally as deserving as the next. Iâve had the honor and privilege to carry the stones of 6 of Maineâs fallen heroes in previous events (hosted and non-hosted) and I have always found the experience to be perfect in its random assignment. In August, as I was moving into the third year of coordinating a local event, in which I am granted custody of ten TSP stones for Veteranâs Day weekend, I followed suit and requested a random assignment. When one participant requested a specific assignment I was quick to point out that the assignment is random from TSP. Fast forward two months and I found myself contemplating why I should break my own hard and fast rule. It was three days before I finally made the leap and requested the stone of Andrew L. Hutchins. It was the best decision I could have made, and I will tell you why, but first letâs go back.
2016 – TSP ANP: I was a volunteer at base camp. When I arrived Betsy (Mama Bear) gave me a big hug and thanked me for coming. Everything was done, of course, and I was left to contemplate the event. In the quiet of the pre-dawn stillness I stood next to the table where the stones were displayed. Iâd not seen the full display before and was a bit stunned by its solemn beauty. As I stood there, feeling quite overwhelmed, I heard a voice and felt a soft hand on my shoulder. Jeff Hutchins struck up a conversation with me and I remember feeling very intimidated about what I should or shouldnât say to this Gold Star Dad. How could I adequately express my gratitude and sorrow for his sonâs sacrifice? He showed me the stone for his son, Andrew, âmy boyâ he called him, and thanked me for taking part. It was a brief interaction and, as hikers and volunteers started to filter in, we both went our separate ways. Those few moments with Jeff were just what I needed to set my heart at ease, get my head in the game and focus on the mission at hand.
2017 – TSP BSP: This time, a hiker, I arrived for my second hosted event having no idea what to expect. While driving from home to Millinocket I had tried to prioritize what I planned to accomplish over the weekend. Honor the Fallen, Complete the Mission and hug as many Gold Star Family members as possible. I was nervous and still unsure what to say and how to move forward with #3, but I went in with an open and willing heart. (The results were tremendous and you can read more about that on my reflection for Army Spc Justin L. Buxbaum!) Post hike we returned to the Lodge for dinner and I, again, found myself in conversation with Jeff Hutchins. It was here that he left his mark on my heart. As we looked around the room, noisy and filled with individuals celebrating the life and service of our Honored, Jeff said, in a quiet voice that was all I could hear, âIâd trade every one of you for the chance to lay my hands on my boy one last time.â Iâve never forgotten his words, and I lay my hands on my own boy every day and with every chance I get. The hiker carrying Andrewâs stone was on my BSP team and I remember, as she spoke on the summit, feeling like she had received such a gift in the opportunity to talk with his family and learn about him as a person. It was also at BSP that I learned Jeff and Betsy were married. How had I missed that?
2017 – TSP ANP: My second arrival at Smugglerâs Den felt markedly different. No longer intimidated, I was looking for the interaction with the Gold Star families that meant so much to me at BSP. Big hugs for Betsy, my teammates, hikers and friends. And there was Jeff. Throughout the day we had the chance to talk and I learned that he grew up in Blue Hill – 7 miles from me. He climbed Blue Hill Mountain many times – as I have as well. I talked about our Veterans Day event and shared that we climb Blue Hill Mountain every year with ten TSP stones. âIâd love to see Andrew summit Blue Hill Mountain,â he said.
And here we are, in the midst of a refection (already too long) that has yet to even begin. I struggled with the choice to request Andrewâs stone. To alter the natural course of things that might have been already in motion. What might that change in the larger picture? But, I sent a message, and I waited: âCan I potentially add a stone to my 10 already reserved for pick up on 11/10? Only if Andrew Hutchins is available. I cannot stop thinking about my last two meetings with JeffâŚ.. My heart is restless with his wishes so simple for me to fulfill. If Andrewâs stone is still available Iâd like to carry it over the 4 miles and hike it myself. If it isnât – itâs not our time.â But, it was our time, and we have been together since 11/10. As I write, Andrewâs stone is on my stand, where I spend every moment I can with him. Since I picked up Andrewâs stone from Angel I have experienced some of the greatest love and acts of kindness in my life.
Our event was perfect. The hikers and runners were dedicated, and the random assignments proved to be perfect. Despite the 29 degree starting temps on Saturday we hiked together, a group of 29 – 14 hikers and 15 fallen heroes – to the Summit where we formed our sacred circle. In the brutal wind hikers held tight to their notes with gloved hands while reading through watery eyes. Raw emotion both broke my heart and warmed my heart. Itâs a sensation you can only experience in something as beautiful as TSP. Andrew and I stood silent (with the stone of Army SGT Thomas J. Dostie as well) and waited our turn. Last in the circle I had time to pull my thoughts together. I tried to do his memory justice while speaking to his strengths. His perseverance and dedication to recovering from his fall off the tower, his beautiful heart and spirit that boosted morale when his unit needed it most, and mostly his integrity and honor that made his family so proud. After the hike I returned the stones to my house and we headed out to attend to other things. I kept thinking about Andrew (and all the Heroes) Iâd left at home while I was out. I wanted them with me – not in bags tucked away from the sun. When we arrived back home I removed Andrewâs stone from its bag (along with Army Cpt John Jay Brainard and Marine Sgt Kevin B. Balduf) and brought them into the living room. The stones were so cold – it truly bothered me. It felt like these were just rocks, hard and cold, and I knew that they were so much more than that. I spent the time warming each one on my lap before we went to bed. My heart was at peace and I felt truly happy having them here in my home.
Sunday was our 4 Mile road race. As I waited in the drive thru at Dunkin Donuts Shinedown came on the radio – I remembered that Andrew taught himself to play Shinedown on the guitar. It made me smile, and I was happy heâd made an appearance before the event. I arrived early to set up the display. I had brownies and peanut butter cups for Andrew and encouraged everyone who approached to âHave a brownie for Andrew! Brownies are a meal!â Brownies genuinely make people happy. As the coordinator of this TSP event I have not always carried stones in the race, but I have always gone back out to run in with anyone who was still left on the course at the end. I had decided for this yearâs event that I was not finishing the course before the final TSP stone crossed the line. I knew that we had some runners who were untrained and would likely take longer to finish the 4 miles than the others. I wanted them to know that their time and their place of finish meant nothing compared to their willingness to participate and their dedication to the mission. No man left behind. I knew in my heart that Andrew would agree it was far more critical to keep morale up for the others on my team than to feel a sense of accomplishment that was gained at the expense of another. And, we enjoyed out time on the course. We ran with a USCG spouse carrying the stone of Army 1SG Michael D. Jones and a retired USCG serviceman carrying the stone of Army SSG Lynn R. Poulin. It was a perfect day for a run, despite the cold temps and wind. We completed the mission and all 15 heroes were returned to the display with a reluctant goodbye from the hands that had carried them. After packing up the display we went to lunch. I brought Andrewâs stone inside and placed it on the table next to me. It made my heart happy when my five year old son reached out and ran his fingers over the rough surface. On multiple occasions I saw him trace the letters and the numbers on Andrewâs stone without even realizing he was doing it. Andrew had just become a presence in our lives and tangible member of the family that you reach out to touch as you would the person next to you. As we were leaving a gold star mother approached our table and asked about Andrewâs stone. By being present at our table and in our lives he drew in a woman still clearly grieving the loss of her son and opened the door for her to become a part of this amazing project.
Iâve never questioned my involvement in The Summit Project. I have known since the moment I picked up the stone of Marine MAJ Samuel C. Leigh in 2015 that I had found a purpose for my life. Moments like these, when I realize that these boys on my stand have become so much more than a stone, and I see their faces and feel the embrace of their loved ones when I look over at them, make me realize that involvement in this Project cannot help but ensure that Maine Heroes are Not Forgotten. True investment in The Summit Project leaves you with a new member of the family. Someone in your life you speak of with pride – a man or woman you are proud to tell others about. I cannot tell you how grateful I am that Andrew continued to bring Jeff and I together, event after event, until I was able to see it and understand his methods. I look forward to the day when Jeff and I can hike together with Andrewâs stone to the summit of Blue Hill Mountain and honor his presence in our lives. Thanks for reading, and remember, âPride is no sin. Always have pride.â
Dearest Jeff, Betsy, Robin, Ben, and everyone who has been a part of Andrewâs life,
I had the honor of hiking Cadillac Mountain with Andrewâs stone in October 2018. Please forgive me for my delayed letter!
Andrewâs stone never feels like weight to me. It feels like companionship and friendship and loyalty and protection. This was a special hike for me because it brought together friends and Gold Star Family members from different periods in my life. It was such a treat for me. Thank you so much for allowing me to carry Andrewâs stone on this special day. It really meant so much to me. xoxo, Boots
I am very honored to have had the privilege of carrying the stone of Army Corporal Andrew L. Hutchins during this yearâs event near Baxter State Park over Memorial Weekend, 2019. It has been nearly 19 years since Andrew was killed in Sabari, Afghanistan, nearly as long as he lived. He was only 20, married to his high-school sweetheart, and with a baby on the way, Allyssa. Reading Andrewâs story, before I even arrived for the weekend, broke my heart.
But on this trip, I knew I would meet Andrewâs dad, Jeff and his step-mom, Betsy. I didnât know how to approach them, but I should not have worried. Both Betsy and Jeff opened up immediately and welcomed me into their circle. Jeff introduced me to the other Gold Star families and explained that he wanted to give back to others, to help others deal with their loss.
Jeff introduced me to his son Ben, and on Saturday evening, we had a chance to stand by the fire and I learned all the many and wonderful reasons Jeff is proud of his sons. Ben is doing great, he’s a delightful young man with a bright future. Andrew was a bright light of joy and laughter with a strong foundation of the core values we admire, the same core values that drove him to service for our Country.
Carrying his stone on the hike, I could not help but think of others I have lost. I have buried friends and colleagues in Arlington, and I remember their families and their small children who will never know them. I have always kept it inside. Iâve always felt an obligation to be stoic and strong and silent about personal grief. By sharing Andrewâs story, Jeff gave me an incredible gift. In this community, the sharing allows us to grieve together for those weâve lost and emerge healthier for it.
Jeff, you have given back. Thank you, my friend.
Andrew, we miss you and love you.
Andrew,
Iâm so glad that I got to spend the weekend with you. It was your spirit that got me to the finish line. Every time that I wanted to quit, it was almost like a feeling came over me that I could do this. I know that was you in your true form of helping people. I thank you for that, my legs donât, but I do.
It was inspiring to see and hear the deep devoted love that your family has for you over the last year that I have gotten to know your family. Last year at the mid-winter gathering at savage BBQ, I was talking to your dad and I showed him a tattoo on my left arm of the TSP patch and a couple of the stones that I have carried at other events. He said âthat is very cool, but you know what would look good on thereâ I said âwhatâ he said âAndrews stoneâ right then and there I almost started to cry, because I could feel the love he has for you. Betsy aka âMama Bearâ was the first one I met from your family and by all means she is the one that holds this TSP family together. Again reinforcing the word Family that so many families are lacking. After the Husky Ruck this past Saturday where I got to carry your stone and story on a 6.2 mile hike, and then an obstacle course. This is why my legs still hurt. The very next day I got to go to a Sea Dogs game, it was military appreciation night. Before the game was to start there were a couple of events going on. One was people got to go out on the field and play catch. This event meant so much to me because I got to play catch with not only your dad, but your brother also. Bens got a good arm and his knuckle ball got me a couple times while we were playing catch. As we got done on the field and the opening ceremony was about to start the emotion hit me hard again. 5 of us were simulating being hikers as we walked around just outside of the infield. As we got closer to the 3rd base coaches box, it hit me like a Mike Tyson punch. I didnât want this to end. So here is a 6â5â grown as* man crying as your name and story is being announced though out the stadium. As I turned to make my approach to the pitcherâs mound, there stood your dad, Mama Bear, and your brother. I will never forget this moment. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family and caring your story. I will be adding your stone to my tattoo this weekend, and as your dad said, my arm will look damn good with your stone on it. âYou may not think so, but you are a hero to all of usâ.
Know that you will never be forgotten.
Scott B. Carson
I was enormously honored to join a 12 man team to ascend Mt. Katahdin on the final day of a 150 mile ruck that Greg Johnson was completing. I was even more honored to carry with me the stones of three sons, Maine men who lost their life serving our country and ensuring our freedoms and way of life. I initially wrote three very distinct reflection letters. But once completed, I realized that we were all together on this hike and it was really a shared experience. So I went back shared much of the content of the letters across the three.
Andrewâs was the first stone to come to me. I requested his stone for this hike not knowing that Jeff had picked a monster out of that stream. But even had I known the size or the outcome of the hike, I still would have carried Drews stone. Betsy and Jeff consistently have been a wonderfully loving and supportive Gold Star Mom and Dad, hence why we all call them Mama and Papa Bear. To carry their sonâs stone was truly an honor.
As the mission grew closer, another stone came to me, that of Josh Barron. Josh is the son of another Gold Star Mom that I hold close to my heart. And as the hike progressed, I was given the opportunity to carry with me the son of yet another Gold Star Mom and Dad that I love, Jay Brainard. So I felt like that lucky mom that got to take all the boys on an adventure. Having kids of my own I know how much fun these adventures can be, not only for the kids, but for me as well. As I decided that the boys should be together so I put them in the same sack. Every time I thought of them being together, it brought a huge smile to my face. I thought of the fun theyâd have, through their ages. Giggling at silly things as little kids, and laughing at off color humor as young men.
Although it brought a smile to my face knowing they were on this field trip together, the weight of their loss never escaped me, even when I removed my pack. I thought of the Moms especially. Their boys werenât just away on this adventure with me, their boys would never to return home. And I thought about grief, and about healing. I thought about myself carrying this weight, not just for this hike, but for a lifetime. Iâll never forget this particular field trip. Where the boys were in back having a good old time, while Iâm in the front taking us on the journey, not hearing their words, but enjoying their laughter.
That feeling of escorting a group of foolish boys around stuck with me. I felt excluded from their fun. But entertained by it. Now and again the weight of the pack would shift unexpectedly as I scrambled up and around the boulders. Its like when the kids in the back seat get together and all shift their weight going around a corner and the car takes a startling heave to one side. Not dangerous, but shocking, and the kids think itâs hysterical. Brats. There we many small moments like that. I had to remove my pack once and lift it up over rocks before I could climb it myself. That was the moment I actually âpulled the car overâ.
And at some point on the hike they tired me out. I still had that love and gratitude that they were with me, and I wouldnât have traded it for the world, but my energy level was running low. The boys became a different kind of weight. They were that heavy dead weight of a sleeping child. Now it makes sense, like the end of any long trip, the boys were zonked out, asleep in back. Whenever I stopped to rest, I slid the pack smoothly down, like I subconsciously didnât want to disturb them. And when it was time to move on, I asked for help. Instead of heaving the pack up with a big plop on my back, I gently lifted the bag up to the nearest person and asked them to hold it while I slipped it back on. I remember taking note of the gentleness I had with my pack, it being odd, and I attributed it to exhaustion. I realize now, looking back, I was being easy with the sleeping boys.
As Iâve reflected on this hike, many things have come together – as they often do. I spent the day in the moment, so I didnât take many pictures. But when looking back at one picture, it was one of those âah-haâ moments where yet another thing came together. I was at the summit and wanted a picture with myself and the three boys. I tried and tried to get one standing next to the sign. I realized that trying to hold all three stones wasnât going to happen, I didnât want to drop anyone. They were more than an armful – as three boys would be. So I sat down in front of the sign and put them on my lap. They were SO fidgety, it was like they had a mind of their own. As soon as I got two situated and tried for the third, the other two would move. I was having a difficult time and feeling a bit exasperated at to WHY I couldnât complete this seemingly very simple task. All the while I had people waiting on me. I think it was Greg that said: âput that one on top!â And so I did, and just like that, they settled. They were still. And secure. And just like any mom trying to get a picture with three wiggly kids, when they finally held still, I didnât dare move a muscle. The pictures were taken and I gathered up the boys and moved on. When I saw the picture after the hike, goosebumps arose. Just look how the stones fit together.
I started this letter just a few days after the hike, and itâs taken me two full weeks to complete it. It’s amazing as I look back on that day how more and more things still come to light. It was an amazing adventure with fantastic people that I consider family. We came together and brought these boys to the top as a team. We all carried each other that day.
With Andrew and Joshâs stones, I had with me letters from their Moms. Andrewâs mom, Betsy, had hiked Andrew stone previously, but hadnât been able to complete the reflection letter. She graciously sent it to me, and it touched my heart to hear – from one mom to another – the story of Drew. After reading the letter, I got in touch with Betsy to fill in the blanks and complete the letter to my best ability, which is copied below.
Written by Betsy Hutchins (with just a little bit of help from me :))
On September 29th, I had the honor and privilege of hiking the stone and story of my step-son, Cpl. Andrew Hutchins. I thought saying those words, in front of 200+ Gold Star family, friends and volunteers, after hiking my first hike up Cadillac Mountain, would be the hardest thing I would have to do in a long time. I was wrong. Writing this reflection letter has been the hardest.
Iâve written it 100 times in my head, 4 times on paperâŚ.trying to convey just how extraordinary this young man was. I finally realized that maybe it wasnât the extraordinary I was supposed to share, but the ordinary. The everyday person that Andrew was. The young man I loved so much.
I met Drew for the first time about a half an hour after I met Jeff for the first time. He pulled out a picture of a smiling beautiful little boy and told me all about him. I met him for the first time in person about two weeks later. He was a Smiley curious boy who had a big grin. That evening, I stayed until after Jeff had read Drew his goodnight book.
Drew had come into my life when he was just six years old, and he made my life fuller and richer. He was a funny, dark haired, dark eyed boy, with an infectious smile, giggly laugh, and a mind like a steel trap. He loved his chicken nuggets, crab rangoons, fish chowdah, and yes, browniesâŚ.because when dad took him to camp, they really were a meal. He could remember exactly where the Anamorph story his father was reading to him had left off, two weeks earlier. He would play for hours with the hundreds of action figures he had in a big tub, with lots of string and duct tape. He was creative. He could make the most detailed animals out of foil gum and candy wrappers, construct miniature canoes made of feathers and twigs. He was always looking to build a better mousetrap, literally.
Drew and his dad could often be seen along the stream catching pollywogs and crawfish, then setting up a fish tank in the living room to watch them grow. As Andrew got older, his dad would refer to him as Harry Potter, as he truly was a snake whisperer. Drew could hear them rustle in the leaves, and this became a catch and release hobby. He would catch the snakes and keep them as pets in a garbage can in the pole barn.
Crafting a lasso with a straw and string to catch geckos? That was Drew. He had a great sense of humor, loved puns, and you could always see that smile in his eyes when he was up to some practical joke. He enjoyed the challenge of counting cards, was a whiz at the Rubikâs cube, and proficient at falling asleep in the car in about 2 minutes whether at age 6 or 20. He loved to play with action figures and anything that he could take apart and put back together again, so he spent a lot of time with Jeff doing that type of thing.
Andrew began tying flies with his dad before he was in kindergarten, and could cast a beautiful line. He really was a natural with a rod. Grand Lake Stream was a favorite place of his, where he caught his first salmon in the Dam Pool. This is also the place where his dad retrieved The Summit Project stone. And the young man could bird hunt! At age 10, he shot 6 for 6 quail hunting with his dad, uncles and grandfather. Not a fluke, the next time, 6 for 6 again. This skill transferred well during his short time in the army, as he continued to score expert in every weapon system he was trained on, and was later assigned to carry the SAW for his team.
We had Drew every other weekend, and we usually planned on visiting one side of the family or the other, so quite often we were on the road a lot. He didn’t mind – he never complained and was always quick asleep in the car. One of the most cherished memories of that I have with Drew, was the Friday nights that we would pick him up. Jeff would usually go to bed early, and Andrew would sit in the kitchen with me on the steps and we would always talk about his day, his week, and what was going on in his life. I’d always ask how we was eating, how school was going, and quite often he would share things I think that he would not share with his dad.
Andrew was a great big brother. He’s always been a good caretaker. He was ten when Benjamin was born. Benjamin was actually his second little brother. Right after I met Jeff, Andrew’s mom had another son named Adam. (Adam Poulin who has hiked with us before.) I think Ben was a lot more active than his other little brother Adam. He loved them both and loved to teach. Ben got his love of basketball from his brother Drew from hours and hours of playing Horse in the driveway. As a teenager, he was up every morning at 4:30am to get to weight lifting at 5:30, you couldn’t be late or coach wouldn’t let you in. Between his participation in Jobs for Maine Grads, Will Power weightlifting, and student council, he was busy!
Andrew had a maturity and a deeper understanding of life beyond his years. This became very apparent when, at age 14, he wrote a poem about his cousin, a wounded soldier returning from war. Here was a young man that could see what so many others twice his age could not. An old soulâŚ..with a deep love of family and countryâŚand a desire to make a difference in the world around him.
Drew married his high school sweetheart, and they were expecting a daughter. He was looking forward to daughter Allyssa, attending school to become a pharmacist, building life in Maine, where he could be close to family and the mountains and streams he loved.
Death left a tremendous void in our family.
We often get caught up in life and donât see and appreciate the maturing of our children. It happened right in front of me with Andrew. When did girls change from being âyuckyâ to interesting? When did the chicken nuggets turn into turkey club sandwiches? When did sleeping til noon change to getting up at 4:30am to make it to weight lifting before school in the morning? When did he drive away for the first time in his own car? This funny, dark eyed, dark haired boy had grown into a handsome independent young man. A young man determined to enlist in the Army at age 17, as a senior at Carrabec High School. A young man willing to devote himself to his country, no matter what the cost.
I do believe he continues to teach us lessons, about love, faith, pride and compassion. He was extraordinary, and he was ordinary. It is the ordinary everyday things I miss the most. He had fierce love for family and country and those men and women serving with him. These are the things I try to share with others and my granddaughter Allyssa.
Live a life worthy of his sacrifice. Be kind, compassionate, hardworking. Reflect on the opportunities we have to lift others up, help them with their grief. Be a friend. Have Pride. Tell those you love them for tomorrow is not a guarantee. Reflect on how we can all slow down, enjoy the ordinary everyday things.
Love you Red! Thank you….
November 8, 2010.
Our son was there, that day, by Andrewâs side.
He lives with it.
We remember.
Our son was there, by your sonâs side, on November 8, 2010. War is more than hell.
May we ask who your son is? And how is he doing? Thank you for reaching out …
To the family of Cpl Andrew Hutchins,
I had the distinct honor and privilege to carry Andrewâs stone up Blue Hill Mountain for the 2019 Memorial Hike. It was a beautifully cold fall Maine morning, with trees that sparkled with the remnants of freshly fallen snow just a few days prior. The sky was a brilliant blue that reflected in the ocean in the distance. As we were hiking up and stopping occasionally to admire the view, I found myself thinking fondly of the memories you shared with me the week before our hike. I envisioned a perfect snapshot of him from your storiesâmoments forever suspended in time and cherished for always. I was blessed to share some highlights of those moments with the other hikers at the summit, but I feel even more blessed to continue to carry his story in my heart…to strive for goodness, to be a hard worker, and to be the best version of myself that I can be.
Thank you for opening your arms, your hearts, and your home not just to me but to all of TSP; I truly thank you for sharing your memories with me. I look forward to hearing many more wonderful stories about Drew over the years to come.
MHANF,
~Courtney
â¤ď¸
Dear Mama Bear and Papa Bear,
On September 25, 2021 I was full of pride whilst carrying the stone and story of your son, Army Corporal Andrew L. Hutchins.
Learning about this young man filled me with so much happiness and joy. Friendly, observant, happy, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing sports, playing guitar and even writing his own compositions. An A+ student, determined, dedicated, handsome; he sounded like such an amazing person to be around and have a conversation with. Oh, how I wish I could have met him in person.
I will never forget the story about when he got injured in Sabari and was sent back home to undergo surgery. He worked hard everyday to get his wrist back to its normal function so he could go back to face the danger with his buddies. It was Andrewâs determination and dedication that helped me on my journey that day.
Although our main goal was to reach the summit of Cadillac Mountain and share our stories, we walked to Echo Lake instead, due to the possible dangerous weather conditions. I definitely did not feel as satisfied as I would have if I reached the summit of a mountain, but I am still grateful that I was able to carry Andrew with me, even if it was on a short journey.
Andrewâs commitment and will-power to anything and everything he set his mind to made it possible for me to set my mind on reaching the end of our walk and achieving larger goals in the future.
Andrewâs poem, Scars, was about how scars can tell a story, from both childhood and adulthood. He mentioned how terrorists tried to tear our country apart and how they almost succeeded, but didnât. He said, âBut in the minds of most of us, with and without strong bodies-all with strong hearts, we know they made us stronger bodies, minds, and heartsâ. It is that sentence that I carried with me that day and that I will continue to carry with me for the rest of my life. People will try to tear you apart, but it is getting through those tough challenges with your loved ones that will make you stronger.
Thank you Andrew. The thought of you, your words of wisdom, and strength will help me get through any sort of challenge I may face in the future.
And thank you Jeff and Betsy for trusting me and allowing me to share the lovely memories of our amazing hero. I am so thankful to have been able to carry the weight of Andrew on my shoulders, and help you to ease your pain. I love you guys. You both radiate a certain light that is untouchable by any sort of darkness. You guys truly are amazing people, and Jeff, I can not wait for you to teach me how to fish;)
Hope to see you guys soon!
Alexis Livingston
Miss Alexis⌠your reflection letter is beautifulâŚ.you, my dear are an amazing young woman! We are so very very proud of you and we know you will have an incredible journey in this thing they call LIFE! I know you will carry Andrew and his story where ever you go. Papa Bear and I are looking forward to watching you blossom on the wayâ¤ď¸ MB
Dear Jeff,
It was an incredible honor to carry Andrew’s stone with me on my motorcycle this Memorial Day weekend. I knew it would be an emotional day, as I could barely talk to you on the phone due to the huge lump in my throat. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional roller coaster while on my bike though. After we left Gardiner and got back on the road I was suddenly overcome with emotion thinking about Andrew. I read about his life, watched your video and spoke with you on the phone and it started to feel like I knew him. And like I lost him. I knew I was going to have to pull over, I couldn’t pull myself together and was a danger to myself and those around me. We were in the left lane on the highway and the right lane was for the Troopers so I had to make sure one of them wasn’t in that lane before I merged to get to the breakdown lane. Just as I turned to look, my bike started acting strange. It felt like it was bouncing and it wouldn’t stop. I tried to look at my tires to see if I was getting a flat or something and I was looking at the pavement to see if there were bumps but it was smooth. This went on for about 2 minutes then it stopped. I’m not a religious person but I don’t think it was a coincidence that at the moment I was going to quit, my bike started acting up. I believe Andrew’s spirit was with me and helped me keep going.
He was with me when we hit the hail I and lost the other bikers. And he helped me speak when it was my turn to take the microphone and talk. I was 100% sure I would not be able to speak but somehow the words came out. Thank you, Andrew for helping me complete my mission.
But that was the kind of person Andrew was. He was a kind, respectful, dedicated young man with a big heart. Always helping and thinking of others. A son that you can be so very proud of. Not just a soldier but your little boy.
Thank you for sharing your precious memories. I can never forget him, he has a place in my heart now.
Betsy,
I was so touched by your beautiful story of meeting Andrew for the first time. As a single parent myself, I know how difficult it is to find someone who will love your children like their own. You are a gem, and I look forward to getting to know you and Jeff better. I will definitely see you next year!
Sincerely,
Donna Morin
Betsy and Jeff,
It is so hard to know where to beginâŚ.
On a coldish April day, I quickly ran by Betsyâs office to grab Andrewâs stone to bring to a Seadogs game that night where TSP was showing appreciation for their volunteers and setting up a table to spread the mission of the organization. In talking about the logistics of returning the stone I also asked if I could hike with the stone the following day in Camden. So, I got to spend a few days with Drew, driving to Portland and back to Turner, driving to Camden and hiking to the cross on Maidenâs Cliff, sharing the mission of The Summit Project with my hiking group, and telling them about the woman who introduced me to the project and whoâs stepsonâs stone I had the honor to carry. Drew also spent a day in my office at MCHP, where I was able to share the âstory of the biggest stoneâ in my office as my coworkers called Andrewâs stone (I have a habit of picking up and showcasing all kinds of interesting stones from my hikes, but typically they are pocket sized). In the months leading up to BSP, I saw Betsy a few more times, and heard more stories of Andrew.
As May came to a close, I was excited that I would finally be able to experience a full-scale TSP event! This would also be my first time in Baxter State Park (or so I thought). Perhaps next year Iâll make it into Baxter, but NEOC with the views of Katahdin, and the lake was amazing as well.
Arriving early to BSP to help with Base Camp, allowed me to spend time with Jeff as well, and learn more about Drew as a child. I could hear the love in Jeffâs voice as he spoke of Drew. Often it was just a quick sentence or two about fishing, or reading, or guitar playing. Jeff talked about how his stories of Andrew have changed over the years with folks from TSP how at first it seemed focused on his military service, but now it was more about his childhood because that is how he remembered Drew as a little boy.
Walking back to the cabin the night before the hike, Jeff told me about how he had a star named for Andrew and tried to locate it, Iâm hoping we have better luck finding it at ANP.
Just before we left for the hike I asked Betsy for her favorite memory of Drew, and she said it wasnât so much of a memory, but she missed his hugs because he gave the best hugs. And she showed me what she meantâŚfor a girl who has spend most of her life not liking to be hugged, TSP has taught me differently, and having someone show me the âproper wayâ meant a lot.
The hike was long, and buggy, and harder than I had anticipatedâŚbut as I would get tired, I would think about Jeff telling me how Andrew would often carry extra weight in his pack. I would think about the purpose and mission of the hike and realized that was what mattered. Returning to NEOC and presenting the stone back to Jeff & Betsy was moving. The entire weekend was just amazing, it was an honor to be a part of something so special and so important. I miss Trout Hall and our conversations around the kitchen table, the strangers that became like family so quickly.
And to think it all began with a Facebook post and a question about a hiking pack, which lead to a discussion about hiking, and to me watching daily live streams of this crazy man hiking from Cadillac to KatahdinâŚ
Thank you, Mama Bear, for introducing me to The Summit Project and thank you to both you and Papa Bear for sharing Drew with me, and for just being your wonderful selves, so caring, so giving, and so kind to everyone!
~Melissa
Dear Papa Bear,
Thank you for the great honor and privilege of hiking Cadillac mountain with your son Andrewâs memorial stone. After arriving at Smugglerâs Den very late on Friday night close to midnight, I realized I had left all my notes at home, except for the poem that he had written. Reading the poem and trying to remember all the great conversations I have had with you Jeff, helped me immensely to remember everything I needed to know and learned about Andrew. Getting up very early in the morning and preparing myself for the hike, I hoped and prayed the weather would cooperate with us for the day. The wind was blowing at least 40 miles per hour. We left Smugglerâs Den and headed to the trailhead. I had many thoughts going through my brain about what to say when we would reach the summit. The hike was great. The company was great. I met a lot of new faces and got to know a lot of great people. Upon reaching the summit, I believe Andrew was looking down on us because the wind slowly subsided, so while we talked, others could hear and learn about our heroes. When it came my turn to talk, I began to speak about Andrew and just spoke from the heart and tried to remember all the great stories that I have heard about him. With tears in my eyes when I finished talking, I felt a lot closer not only to Andrew, but Andrewâs family and what they told me about Andrew. I almost felt as though I knew Andrew personally. I will look forward to more meetings, conversations, and time spent with Andrewâs family, learning more about him. Again I canât thank you enough for the opportunity to be part of your family and the hike. The day will be forever remembered not only in my thoughts, but in my heart.
Sincerely,
Shawn Boutaugh
U.S. Navy
05/26/2024
Hutch, miss ya bud. What a RAK Solid Rakkasan you were. Not too many good people out there let alone Soldiers of your caliber. The guys miss you so much, they canât even talk about you. A part of their heart is left in Sabari. What a crummy place right?!
Heather is an amazing mom. Allyssa is a stunning young lady and looks just like her dad. You would be proud, and she is surrounded by good people in her life.
In honor of you, your dad picked a stone from one of your most memorable fishing spots. I got to hike with that stone. Yes, I think your dad picked the heaviest one he could find. It must be every bit of 20lbs. Only a Rakkasan would do that. Your dad has many names. Grampy and Papa Bear seem to be the trend. We lost him this year. Ben and Betsy are tough. They loved you both.
Back to the hike⌠When myself, and the rest of (Team Blue) got to the crest of Double Top, I placed your stone on top of that mountain. Within seconds I heard one of the guys stating an Eagle was flying below us. Thereâs no doubt in my mind that God sent us a reminder of the glorious 101st Screaming Eagles. May we have a rendezvous with destiny brother.
-LT
Thank you Jake…..Love you and your beautiful family….