27, of Nashville, Tenn., assigned to 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died May 12 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations. Kevin was a radio operator assigned to the 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. and was serving his second tour in Afghanistan and had earned the Bronze Star in his first deployment in the wartorn country “for putting himself in harm’s way to call in an air strike to protect his fellow Marines.
Balduf’s wife, Amy, is a Richmond native and still lives there, as does her parents. “He was a Marine’s Marine, gung ho,” Al Sutherland said of his son-in-law. “But he was somebody who didn’t brag about himself. ‘I did my job,’ that’s all he’d say. He was humble.” The former Amy Sutherland graduated from Richmond High School in 2003. The couple were married in Maine in 2006 at Sugarloaf.
To honor Sgt Kevin B. Balduf, his wife, Amy unearthed and retrieved this stone from the summit of Mt. Washington. In Amy’s words:
My name is Amy Balduf I’m the wife of the late Sgt. Kevin Brian Balduf of the United States Marine Corps. His daughters and I found the stone at the summit of Mount Washington or I should say the stone found us.
We had driven to the top with a friend and my niece it was interesting to say the least. I’m really not one for crazy Heights and looking down over the side of a mountain but Kevin always said he wanted to go up sometime when we were home in Maine. So two days after my 28th birthday we packed up the car and headed out with Mount Washington as our destination we drove to the top while Eden (Kevin and I’s youngest daughter) cried all the way we arrived there and a storm rolled in not long after we got there we took pictures and explored and eventually made our way down. Just as we left the top we saw stacked rocks on the right and pulled in, something pulled me out there, so we walked out and look at the formations and decided we need to make one for Kevin. So we started finding rocks and building the formation that would soon adorn Kevin’s name and KIA information. when Stephanie and Eden yelled to me that they had found an awesome rock as they brought it closer I looked at the rock in right there in front of my eyes was a “wink from heaven” A heart something I’ll always hold dear to my heart because of the first trip Kevin, Stephanie and I took to his grandparents camp on Tennessee lake in Waverley, Tennessee, Kevin found a heart rock and gave it to me and told me I would forever have his heart in my hands.
Kevin is a devoted husband and loving father he was hard-working, determined, always willing to learn or teach himself something new, He was always fiddling with something to do with radios at work he oftentaught his senior and junior marines how to use radios or how to fix them or even talk about new things they needed to better their communications department he often had fun building antennas out of random parts that he would find lying around. He once made an antenna from those random pieces that reached approximately eighteen miles. Kevin was smart as a whip when it came to communications, he always paid close attention to details in everything he did. Kevin was every commanding officers dream — hard worker, driven, determined, hard to discourage, always upbeat, always willing to help, first-in and last out, he often gave other Marines rides home when they needed it, he was very quiet and humble.
Many did not know Kevin received the Bronze Star with combat V in 2004 for climbing to the top of the ridge while under fire to call and coordinates for an airstrike and was credited with saving the lives of many people that day. Unless you saw him in uniform or saw his truck he wouldn’t/ didn’t talk about it, his response was always “I was just doing my job” and that’s where he would leave it. A humble hero was the way you would hear people talk about Kevin.
And if you talked to them after a long PT SESSION they would say he was a machine he could run like a gazelle and was a “big shot” on the basketball court. He loved to be active and often would come home telling me how he almost or did make someone puke that day in PT. But Kevin would help you get to your goal often running from the front of the formation all the way to the back to give someone a pep talk to get them back into the formation. Kevin was just a few months away from being 28 years old when he passed after being shot by an Afghan national civil order of police ANCOP for short in May 2011, just three weeks before our youngest daughter’s fourth birthday.
In May Kevin passed, and June and July were all of our birthdays — Eden June 4th, myself June 28th, Kevin was July 14 and Stephanie was July 17. Those weeks after his passing we had a lot of rough days with all the celebrations that Kevin loved so much.
Kevin was amazing father and a devoted husband he lived for and loved his family, he worked so hard to provide for us and played even harder with the girls whether it was walking on the beach or walking around our neighborhood, playing in the backyard in the summer or building a snowman when we got snow in North Carolina, watching football on the weekends, coloring with the girls, anything we could do together we did.
He grew up in Nashville Tennessee and Entered the entry program out of high school and off he went for his amazing almost 10 year career that would ultimately take his life. Kevin played football at David Lipscomb High School he was a very small package with a very big “punch.”Kevin was quiet and gentle, with a heart of gold that stretched from the depths of his heart to the smiles on his face. He was so little but with the deepest voice you’ve ever heard the southern accent that melted my heart you would totally think Kevin was a different person if you had talked to him on the phone and then met him in person because you would say that voice came out of you.
Amy Balduf
Thank you Amy. MHANF.
Photos courtesy of Catherine Frost of Freeport, ME.
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- TSP at Togus Veteran’s Hospital
54 Comments
Amy, THank you so much for sharing Kevins’ story. The pictures of your girls with his stone are priceless. Our Maine Fallen are Not Forgotten!!
Thank you Nancy!!!!
A month before the hike if someone had asked me if I knew what the Summit Project was I would have said no. When Chad came to my school and talked about The Summit Project I knew that I wanted to do it. Chad said that we could go online and look at the different stones and pick the one we would like carry. I went on and looked for a few minutes and realized how many stones that there are to choose from so I asked Chad to pick out a stone for me, I had one specific request, I wanted my stone to be a Marine. Chad set up a meeting for all of the hikers 2 days before the hike and showed us our stones. I received Marine Sergeant Kevin B. Balduf. You might be wondering why I was so specific about what branch of the military that I wanted my stone to come from, it’s because I recently enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Before the hike I researched Sergeant Balduf and discovered that Kevin has a twin named Kyle.
Kyle,
I have twin sisters that are younger than me and I see everyday how much they love each other and I have an older brother and I can’t imagine what it must be like to lose a sibling. I just want to say that your brother is a hero that I will never forget about. He has made an impact on my life and I’m sure that lives of others have also been impacted since his death. I personally want to thank you for your brother’s service.
During the hike I knew that I was in good shape and would not have any problems going up or down the mountain, but there were others in the group that were not in as good of shape as I am. I helped anybody that I could and broke through the deeper snow to create a trail for others every chance that I had. At one point I started to slow down because of the size of the hill that was in front of me. I had already gone up it once but I had to escort one of the other hikers back down the mountain a little ways because they could not go any further because of a previous knee injury. When I got to the bottom of the steep hill Ted Coffin was at the top waiting for me and I slowly started up over the hill, Ted yelled down to me and said: “Do you think that Sergeant Balduf would be walking up this hill?” I immediately started running and I ran all the way to top. When I got to the top I started thinking about what he said and I realized that I wasn’t giving it my all, immediately I began to work harder to reach the top. This has followed me ever since I got off the mountain. Whenever I feel like I can’t do something I hear Ted say: “Do you think Sergeant Balduf would be walking?” It inspires me to try harder every time.
This hike has inspired me to be the best brother, son, and Marine that I can be. I want to personally thank all of Sergeant Kevin Balduf’s family for not only his sacrifice but also for there’s. Thank You!
Semper Fi,
Cole Hill
Thank you so Much Cole for hiking Kevins stone please know that his daughters and I will have you in a thoughts and prayers as you start your journey to become a untied states marine!!
To the family of Kevin B. Balduf this experience was unforgettable. There is so much that goes through your mind while hiking up the mountain. How hard he worked at his job, What he meant to people, Who he left behind. You dont truly realize until you read his story. I imagine this means so much to you and that people carry his rock up to summits to honor what he has done. I will never forget how it felt to be able to speak about him and do something so important to you and many other
Sincerely,
KayLee
<3 Kaylee this truly is an amazing project and makes us all realize that we are not alone….
Dear Amy, Eden, Stephanie and Moose,
I just wanted to reaffirm how big of an honor it was to carry Kevin’s stone up and down the Owl during our BSP hike this year. Words cannot express my gratefulness that I have to you for allowing me to borrow his stone for the weekend.
Despite having an involvement with TSP for quite some time now, BSP was my first ‘hosted’ event in which Gold Star Families, such as yourself, were present during the hike. I went into the weekend not really knowing what to expect, a bit nervous, a bit scared, a bit excited. Flash forward to Saturday night when Betsy Hutchins told me that you (Amy) wanted to talk with me for a bit, I had no idea what I was getting myself in for. Fear and anxiousness hit quickly, but as quick as it came over me, it was diffused by your calm, open, and incredibly kind demeanor. I had done a bit of reading on Kevin prior to that weekend, but words do not do him or your family justice. You shared with me stories of Kevin, you and the kids, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Typically in these letters to you folks we put down what we might have learned about the fallen soldier that we had hiked with, but it became clear to me after talking with you that there are no amount of writing I could do…nevermind being articulate enough…that would do Kevin or your familiy justice. So, I am sitting here writing this note to you sharing my experience and how learning about Kevin and interacting with you and your family has truly made me a better person. It sounds a bit canned, but I could not come up with a better explaination or review from that weekened other than that hanging out with you and the kids did more for me in those few short hours than I could have ever imagined. And that, based on what you had told me about Kevin, is exactly something that he would have wanted. Although he might have never bragged about making the world a better place, he continues to do so even after his passing. I can only hope to leave that kind of legacy on this planet after I depart.
I remember one of the first things I asked you when we were sitting on the porch Saturday night before the hike, was about if The Summit Project helps and hopefully it does, but there is one thing clear…Honoring Kevin has helped anyone who has had the distinct honor of carrying his stone anywhere.
Overall, I just wanted to say thank you so much again for this honor of carrying your husband, father, and son’s stone. I will continue to think about Kevin on a daily basis and some day when I have children, I could only hope to be a fraction of the father that he was to your children.
Many thanks. And love,
-Andrew Coleman
Andrew, the pleasure was truly ours to meet you… To have someone so willing to learn about the marine kevin is amazing but with you wanting to spend time with his family and know the husband, father and son he was as well was so humbling to us… You truly learned much more about Kevin then I ever thought one would want to know… For that I’m greatful to you.. I’m greatful that your time spent with us did not start and end with the turning over of his stone at the bottom of the mountain…. The girls were excited to share time with you after.. And you being so willing to watch their “gymnastics show” with Greg was so much fun for them… They are truly entertainers and love to be around people as fun loving as they are.. You will never understand the amazing gratitude I have for you and what you did in those few hours we were able to hang out and get to know eachother…. The girls and I will always hold a special place in our heart….. As you were our First hero hiker!!!!
Love Amy, Stephanie, Eden and Moose
Dear Amy, Stephanie and Eden,
Thank you for allowing me the honor of carrying your precious stone through the streets of Lincoln, Maine. I did not feel worthy of such an important role but was honored and proud to represent a true hero like Kevin. Your husband and father is reason the United States of America is the greatest country in the world. Kevin’s mission and accomplishments will live on forever motivating myself and other proud Americans to live every day to the fullest while truly cherishing the freedom and peace we have been gifted through the brave and unselfish acts of Sgt. Kevin B. Balduf.
Amy, the strength you have to pull deep from inside yourself everyday is something to be commended. As strong and brave you have to be as a mom and wife of a fallen soldier is amazing. Myself, husband and children have discussed the sacrifices your family has endured and we will forever have you in our hearts.
Thank you for this experience to honor and remember your husband and father. Your family will always be in our families prayers.
Love,
Jan Wotton
Dear Kevin,
I’ve been meaning to write to you for a few days now, but life sweeps you up sometimes and days can pass without notice. We have to remember to stop on occasion and think hard about the things that really matter.
So please know this one thing my friend, I have not forgotten you — not even for a single day. This may all sound a bit strange coming from someone you have never met, but somehow Kevin, I know you know who I am now and I need to thank you for a few important things.
A couple weeks ago you even carried me up a mountain on a beautiful fall day in Maine. The rain was on and off, only adding to the vibrancy of the fall foliage – the golden yellows, reds, oranges and greens were nearing their peak brilliance and the hills and valleys of the terrain reminded me a bit of large bowl of Fruity Peebles cereal – it was that sweet of a view at many points during the climb.
In my pack was a heart-shaped stone, Kevin, with your initials on it, we wrapped it in a soft cloth with the words “honor” stitched on the outside.
It was a precious cargo -that’s been carried by others before — but it was also a power source, at times, I realized my feet were moving along without effort as I thought about you – it was then I realized I wasn’t carrying you, Kevin, you were carrying me.
Your wife Amy and your beautiful daughters, Eden – she looks just like you Kevin – and Stephanie had given me the stone to carry early in the day by the sea. They are sweet but strong people and because of you Kevin, I’ve been able to meet them. So I want to thank you for that too Kevin. Your family is amazing – their grace is inspiring – their kindness unending and their sacrifice enduring. They are beautiful people.
It was a great honor and privilege for me to learn your story, Kevin. To hear Amy describe you, your deep voice, your southern drawl, your vibrancy for life and your love of your family and friends, your commitment to them and to your brother Marines all made me wish I could have met you in person.
You were one heckuva a Marine Kevin, but you never bragged about it. You just loved your country and I know you were happy to serve her to your fullest.
We had an American flag with us that day on the mountain Kevin and we taped it to ski pole so we could carry it high in the wind and at the front of our renegade column. I know you were there and saw it all, but I just keep thinking about how beautiful that was to see Old Glory waving high before us as we made our final push to the summit.
I thought a lot about how much that flag means to me, how much it means to all of us who served under it and how tight that family ultimately is.
I want to thank you for reminding me of that Kevin, of how lucky I am to be an American veteran, to have served this great nation and to have these bonds that stretch over generations and space.
While you were carrying me up that mountain Kevin, we were not alone. I know you know this too, but there were 19 others, guys like you Kevin who swore an oath and promised to give everything they had including their lives for the rest of us back here where it’s safe. They were carrying their people too, Kevin. Some were friends, some complete strangers — just like you and I were before I got to know you a little better.
In my pocket, I had a coin, not legal tender Kevin, but far more valuable. It’s a military challenge coin. Your photo is on that coin and I took it from my pocket now and again to look at it and wonder, what would you be thinking about all this? I could imagine you saying, “it’s all good.” Amy wanted me to carry that to the summit too like the stone, I felt so honored and happy to have that in my pocket – but again it was really on the wings of your spirit that I flew up the mountain.
When we got to the top of the mountain, you set me down in a circle with the others and we all shared what we knew of you all – the guys who had just carried us up that mountain.
I got choked up a little when it was my turn to talk about you Kevin, I hope you won’t hold that against me.
I told people about a few of the things I knew about you, that you saved a bunch of Marines one day with some quick thinking and a courageous effort, under fire. That you loved your family more than all else and that you inspired those around you to be the best they could be. I told them how sorry I was I wouldn’t get to meet you in this place, but I will meet you someday.
For now though I want just to say thank you Kevin. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for carrying me up that mountain – it was beautiful.
I think about you every day my friend. I have a memory bracelet Amy gave to me and I’m proud to wear it — it reassures me and when I’m a little bit in doubt, I can ask you what you think. Thank you for being there for me, it’s a great honor to have a friend like you.
When I first agreed to carry the stone with your initials, I imagined for a day I could carry a little bit of the weight of the grief those who loved you so carry with them. But what I never imagined is that by doing that, it would end up being you who was carrying me.
Thank you for all these things, Kevin.
Sincerely and with love and great respect,
Your friend,
Scott Thistle
Touching Scott. Thank you very much for what you did for me. Please read my post reflection essay which took even longer than yours!! haha…it was an honor to meet you as well that beautiful day. I will never forget you either as part of this whole experience. I can relate about Kevin carrying you as well….he did that for me but I chuckled a little because it is a true statement. So happy to have met you. Thank you!
For the TSP at ANP 2015 I was thrown a bit when I arrived at Thompson’s Island and was at the check in table where we received our stones. I had spent the last 3 months preparing and learning about this amazing hero named Marine SGT Kevin Balduf. I chatted occasionally with his wife, Amy via text and was very honored, humbled and proud to be hiking for such a brave man and his family. They were now initiating me into this much larger than life family of TSP and I could not even imagine what hope and strength this would provide me personally in what has been an extremely mentally and emotionally hard year. I was all ready or as ready as I could have been for this event. Standing in line at the table the anticipation of the day was getting to me. I was nervous, excited and ready to go! Amy and their two girls, Stephanie and Eden had greeted me that morning with homemade hand warmers that were rice packs in an insulated tote that were perfect. They had given me the items that they wanted me to carry in my pack along with Kevin’s stone. The items were a velvet pouch that every single hiker has carried up with them including family photos with Kevin and his official coin that was given to Amy at Arlington National Cemetery during the funeral and then a bottle of Kevin’s favorite hot sauce and also a bottle of Golden Peak Sweet Tea that I was supposed to drink at the summit. I was READY!!
At the table I was informed that I would not be hiking Kevin’s stone but instead a spirit stone SACRIFICE. I must admit, selfishly, I was about to crumble. I do not handle a lot of change lately very well and I was so invested mind, body and spirit and did not know how I would adjust to this without melting in a heap of pity. At the same moment, Eden came over to me and gave me a hug and in that second I quickly realized that it wasn’t about me or carrying Kevin’s stone….it was much much bigger than that. I admit I shed a tear and when I wiped it away my eyes were wide open to the fact that my spirit stone could not have been more perfect than actually carrying Kevin’s. Sometimes we have to sacrifice what we want for the greater good…..such as Kevin had done when he gave up his own safety to run to higher ground under fire to call in an airstrike which saved many American lives. He received a star of bravery that day for his sacrifice and that was also an item included in that velvet pouch which the girls had provided me with.
In one second I went from sad and sorrowful to determined and strong. I know that Kevin was with me that entire hike just as were all the other fallen heroes that were carried up that mountaintop that day. The coolest part was that there was one point on the hardest trail, Pemetic, that I just wasn’t sure if I was capable of going on and especially not getting up the rest of this slippery slope right in front of me. It was steep and I was weak. I put my eyes to the ground closed at first and when I had said a tiny little prayer I opened them up to find right next to my foot but a small stone in the shape of a heart…just like Kevin’s hiker stone. It was just like magic, fate, I’m not sure but whatever it was it gave me the courage and tenacity to dig deep and remind myself of the cause I was hiking for and knew that Kevin was sending me strength from above. The rest of the hike by no means was easy however I was not allowing fear or negativity to stand in my way any longer. Not that it mattered but I was not only the first woman to reach the summit but I was in the group who finished the fastest too. I was very proud of me and I know that Kevin was smiling down on me and cheering me on the entire hike.
Scott Thistle, a reporter/journalist (who was actually writing a piece for Veteran’s Day on Kevin) was the gentleman who was physically carrying Kevin’s stone that day. As I was receiving snacks and a drink from the Girl Scouts at the summit Scott approached me and handed me Kevin’s stone all wrapped up in a bag for protection and told me that I should be the one to carry this down to present to Amy and the girls. Emotions ran full circle as I accepted this. I appreciated Scott’s generosity and selflessness just as I did yours, Kevin. I realized that this was all supposed to happen just as it did.
Once we boarded the buses to base camp I kept dosing off, exhausted. When we pulled into Thompson’s Island I opened my eyes and lifted my head and could not even believe my eyes when I saw all of the families and Patriot Riders and realized how much this one single event would change my life eternally. I could almost not even breathe overwhelmed with joy and pride having done what I did (miniscule compared to our soldiers actions I realize) and what an impact this makes on the families who have lost a loved one. Sacrifice does it all justice and so didn’t Sgt. Kevin B. Balduf. I will continue to spread the word and message of TSP until I can no longer speak or write. I am blessed to have had this experience and renewed purpose.
And, one final thought….I am as honored to be a new family member to TSP as I am to have a new family friend of Amy and her and Kevin’s two girls, Stephanie and Eden. You girls make me realize that no sacrifice is in vein and family love and support can get you through anything as long as you show up and fight for a cause greater than yourself. I am so over the top proud of these 3 girls and so happy that I could pull it together to help show that their husband and father was a hero and mattered to more than just them. I will never ever forget them and will one day be able to meet the apple of their eye and shake his hand and thank him. I have so much respect and admiration for them and for Kevin and will certainly never forget any of them.
Hoorah!!! MHANF
Jennifer Lynn Lynch
To the loving family of Sergeant Kevin Brian Balduf,
I must first start this letter off with saying that it was such an honor to be able carry Kevin’s rock up Mount Bradbury! When I read what was written about Kevin, I was in complete awe. A man who risks his life completely to save everyone else and is humble about it is the kind of hero we should be acknowledging a lot more! There should be more men like Kevin in the world, a devoted father and loving husband.
I’m a high school student and we had a project that went along with doing the live memorial. A part of the project was to create a six word story that captured what the experience meant to us. For Kevin, I had so many ideas that were good, but I felt they weren’t expressive enough. Kevin sounds like an amazing man who deserves a story that is beautiful yet deep at the same time and I hope the story I created isn’t least half of what he deserves. I combined a couple of my ideas together to form a poem; Loving father and husband taken away, Brightness and thoughtfulness, Strong and courageous; that’s a hero, Love made him; violence stole him.
It was such an amazing honor to be able to learn about Kevin and how he lived his life to the fullest! Kevin is such an amazing man that he should be a role model for every boy and girl. I am glad to have learned about him, but thinking about the reason I’m able to breaks my heart. I have so many things that I wish I could express about how Kevin’s story inspired me, but words can’t express how grateful I am.
Thank you for sharing his wonderful story with us all!
Marissa Ireland
Thank you so much Marissa!!
Stephanie Eden and myself are very glad that our hero husband/daddy inspired you. The words that you spoke are beautiful… Kevin was truly an amazing man and as it was said at his funeral… the world is a lesser place without kevin…. his life has inspired so many people young and old and we are glad that you were able to learn about him….
With love
Amy, Stephanie & Eden
Marissa,
That was a beautiful post. I think the poem is absolutely 100% perfection and not only fits Kevin’s honor as all that he was of a man but suits him just great! What a great job you did. You should be proud of yourself…I know Kevin is!
Best,
Jennifer Lynch (friend of his wife and beautiful girls and hiker of Kevin’s stone in spirit 10/17/15)
To the family of Kevin Brian Balduf,
I’m a high school student and I’m currently taking history. My history teacher told us we were going to be doing this project and climbing a mountain with a rock. At first I thought what’s the point of climbing a mountain with a rock it doesn’t sound fun, I don’t want to do that. But once I got to the top of the mountain and stood around with all of my peers and heard what they had to say about all of the other fallen soldiers I realized all the sacrifices they made for us. It was an amazing experience to hear what everyone had to say about the soldiers.
It was an honor to carry Kevin’s rock to the top of Bradbury Mountain. It was an amazing experience. As I was climbing the mountain there were so many things going through my head. Like all of the sacrifices he made for us and how courageous he was and all of the struggles he must have gone through. My group had so many amazing things to say when we got to the top. They talked about how he risked his life to save countless others, he spent every moment he could with his girls and he was a devoted husband and father. They talked about how he pushed people to reach their goals and get them back on their feet. My group members also talked about how after he died you climbed to the top of Mount Washington because it was something he had always wanted to do, even though you were afraid of heights.
Thank you so much for sharing his story with us.
Erin Brackett
Thank you so much Erin!!! Stephanie Eden and I are so honored to know that you took our hero on your journey with you!!! Thank you for sharing your story with us!!
♡ The Balduf Girls
Erin, thank you for Honoring and Remembering my son, Sgt Kevin Balduf. He was a motivator , encourager, and an exceptional Marine and man.
To Kevin’s Family,
Thank you for the privilege of carrying Sgt. Kevin Balduf’s stone up Borestone Mountain for our annual Christmas Day hike. It was an unusually warm sunny day and the first time I have hiked this mountain without snow. I was intrigued, being a NH guy, hearing that Kevin’s heart shaped stone came from the top of Mount Washington, and the story behind it was quite magical and moving. I instantly felt a sense Kevin’s presence and a strong family bond when handling this stone it was truly special and just like Kevin, his rock was a “small package with a very big punch.”
I admire the way he was always a humble hard worker just “doing his job. I honor his eagerness to help out others and the way he took special interest in helping others meet their highest potentials. The way he earned the bronze star is the definition of a Hero and how he lived his life. I am sure you see his legacy in all that you do every day and as his daughters grow up. I have the up most respect for Kevin he has influenced me to live harder and be a better man, husband, and father. His life and legacy has touched many and will live on through us.
It was truly an Honor,
Zach
Thank you Zach for taking Kevin on a christmas hike…. and being selfless in doing so… Christmas is a time to celebrate family and togetherness!! Steph Eden and I really appreciate you taking him along with you and learning his story and legacy…. We have seen through his death the true impact of his life that we once took for granted as all people do because you never truly understand until that influence, memory, soul is no longer around…. Through the summit project and these letters we have been able to understand how even after his passing he is not truly gone as he still has a major impact on the lives of those who carry his stone!!! So thank you again for taking him with you to the summit and letting his life have an impact on you!!
With Love
Amy Stephanie and Eden
I served with Kevin on the 22d MEU, he was an outstanding Marine and served proudly. I will always remember his smile and can do attitude. Semper Fi and see you on the other side brother.
I carried a stone in honor of Kevin B. Balduf, and he was a Marine SGT; something I would be honored and lucky to maybe become someday. I’ve always wanted to join the military. From what I learned, Kevin was funny, kind, respectful, fun to be around, hardworking, competitive and very humble. These are all traits that I hope to have. He would not boast or brag about his accomplishments, he was simply say “I was just doing my job.” Carrying his stone was like carrying a fallen brother on my back.
Sincerely,
Liam C. Griffin
I participated in the Summit Project and carried Kevin Balduf’s rock to the top of Big Moose mountain. I conducted this climb to honor his name and to make sure he was remembered for fighting for our country. I learned a lot about Kevin, he was 27 and from Nashville, I learned that he had a wife and a kid an he left them when he passed May 12, 2011. I also learned that he was humble and didn’t accept gratitude because he was just doing his job. Kevin won a bronze star his first trip in Afghanistan for putting himself in harms way to protect his Marine brothers, I felt like I knew him personally. The climb was rough and a real challenge but, I thought of the pain his family must feel everyday due to his loss and I pushed through and did it to honor his name. During the whole climb I thought about Kevin and how many said he was a loving father, I thought about what he would be doing today if he didn’t lose his life protecting our freedom. I was very honored to carry the stone of such a great man.
My condolences go out to his family.
To the family of Sgt Kevin B. Balduf,
My name is Maj David Forbell and on Sunday May 29th, 2016 I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and the story of Marine Sgt Kevin Balduf to the summit of Owl Mountain, Baxter State Park, Millinocket, ME. I am an active duty Marine Corps officer and I was humbled by the opportunity to carry the stone of a fellow Marine and decorated war hero. The things I admire most about Kevin were his devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, and the humility he showed during his life. It was a pleasure to meet Kevin’s wife Amy and their children during the Memorial Day weekend event. Amy, I want to thank you for your hospitality and your willingness to discuss with me more about Kevin, his life, and the legacy he has left behind. While on the hike I thought about Kevin often and wish I could have had the opportunity to meet him. The hike reminded me of typical Marine Corps training as it rained off and on during the day. The conditions rapidly changed during the hike which constantly forced the hikers to add and shed layers each time we stopped. However, any discomfort soon faded as we shared the stories of our fallen heroes with the other hikers of the group. I told the group how much Kevin was devoted to his family, I talked about the sacrifices he made during his three combat deployments, and I spoke about his character traits of humility and hard work, which I so admire in him. I will always remember Sgt Kevin Balduf and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our country.
There is a verse in the Marine’s hymn that reads “if the Army and the Navy were to look on Heaven’s scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines”, I can imagine that Sgt Balduf is in Heaven now providing over watch while leading a squad of Marines. Semper Fi Kevin.
To the family and friends of Kevin,
Today Greg Johnson and I hiked up Table Rock Mountain in Maine with 44 children who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. They carried 27 stones up the mountain today. Here is a letter from the campers that had the honor of carrying your hero.
“It was a honor to carry Kevin’s stone up the mountain. It felt great carrying a fallen Marine on the trip. Also, I am really sorry for your loss.
Love,
Tim”
On July 31, 2016, I joined a small group of Foxcroft Academy alumni and friends to climb Borestone Mountain in honor of Captain John “Jay” Brainard, Sgt. Kevin Balduf, and other soldiers and marines from Maine. The weekend was a homecoming of sorts. All summer, I had been looking forward to attending the dedication of the Captain John “Jay” Brainard Gold Star Memorial Bridge in Atkinson on Saturday, July 30. Jay went to FA too, graduating several years after my friends and I did, but we thought it fitting that our alma mater pay special tribute to him and some of his fallen brothers in our own way that weekend. We’re fiercely proud of Jay – proud to be from the same place, to have grown up in the same rural Maine community, to call him one of our own.
I had the honor of carrying the Sgt. Kevin Balduf’s stone that day. I have been fortunate to get to know Kevin’s wife Amy over the past two years, and we have become friends. His daughters call me “Aunt Boots,” a moniker only they use, and always preceded by laughter and hugs. They are a delight. At the bridge dedication the day before our hike, Amy gave me a challenge coin bearing Kevin’s name and photo, and I kept it tucked in my pocket during our Borestone climb. I recently moved to Boston after spending several years in Washington, D.C. and making many trips to Arlington Cemetery, where Kevin is buried. Since I’ve known Amy, I’ve visited Kevin’s grave many times – jogging across the Potomac River after work to walk among the rows of pearl-colored headstones in Section 60 and ending up at Kevin’s resting place. It’s a quiet, peaceful spot – a place where one can’t help but let gratitude and perspective descend around oneself and be for a moment without time or space, engulfed by the very personal sense of loss, humility, respect, and pride that when pulled together in that place form an emotion too big for words.
I had the honor of visiting with marines in Helmand Province in June 2011, just about six weeks after Kevin died in the same area. It is the only other place I’ve felt that mix of emotions. This thing Kevin had – this sense of service over self – permeated every forward operating base and outpost I visited in Helmand. During that visit to Afghanistan – and during every visit with Kevin – it took over and became bigger than me. I didn’t learn until years later that I had been craving that feeling ever since that trip – the sense of being surrounded by something better than I am – to for the first time identify as an American with these young men and women who had something I could never have, but would push me to be a little bit better than myself every day if I let them.
And so this is how I’ve sat with Kevin many times – just the two of us, his beautiful bubbly family hundreds of miles to the north. I take off my headphones, plop down on the grass, and let him take over. Stress melts away, the events of the week become unimportant. Whatever had been at the top of my to-do list disappears, and I am challenged to live up to the life Kevin makes possible for me every day.
When we reached the Borestone summit on July 31, I told my friends some stories about Kevin’s family, and his commitment to his girls. These are special qualities, and I deeply admire Kevin for being the kind of family man he was. But for most of that day, it was just Kevin and me again – him allowing me to sit with him in Section 60 and absorb his goodness as a sunset envelops us; me, letting the importance of day-to-day routine dissolve, and walking away a better me – with more resolve to live the next day better than I did today.
To Kevin’s family, there really is no way to thank you for all the gifts Kevin has given so many of us. I hope it brings you some comfort to know that he inspires me every single day to live a life worthy of his service. Love, Boots.
Boots Thank You Welcome to our Family I Know Amy and her girls think the World of you. Sending you a ” God Wink” God Bless MHRNF
Stephanie & Eden,
I have struggled to write this letter to you because I know the emotion runs high with our day/moment that we had…. Our day started semi normal that morning… Eden had her first real tenting experience while Stephanie, Merrick and I stayed in the hotel ;)…. I got hugs and kisses and love all around before I hiked, I was emotional but held it together. Every once in awhile I would feel a tear roll down my cheek…. With every step I took I could hear Kevin’s voice “you got this”, “come on, I’m right here”, “here we go”….. The hike was amazing, being sick I didn’t think I would make it up the mountain, but I took my time and pushed through… today wasn’t about me; today was about your daddy and being his physical/earthly voice…. It was about adding to the weight that we have carried day in and day out for the last 5.5 years, and getting to the top of that mountain I would be talking about your daddy…. Through this whole hike I was thinking about daddy…. And how much daddy would have loved to hike Cadillac as a family. How proud he would have been when we got to the top… how much he would have smiled and hugged you… Your daddy is simply amazing and his determination helped me get up that mountain… His will to NEVER give up also helped me..
The hike was a blur to me standing on the top of that mountain sitting down for our ceremony I thought to myself I got this I can talk about kevin all day long and I can do this I can hold it together long enough to get through this…. So many things I wanted people to know about your daddy…. And it came to my turn after half of my team gave very emotional talks…. And I completely blanked my heart broke as the conversation turned to me, I couldn’t hold it together anymore, my emotions got the best of me…. As I talked about him the memories flowed through my head the memories I wanted to share with people the memories I wanted them to know….
Stephanie – I wanted them to know how even before I realized how much your daddy and I loved each other I knew he would ALWAYS love you…Stephanie I knew how much your daddy loved you from the first time you called him “Dada” and he looked at me with a grin from ear to ear and said “yes baby girl” From the way he looked at you to the way he helped me care for you day in and day out.. From the way he talked to you…. From how he wasn’t afraid to jump in and change a diaper, get your ready for bed or rock you to sleep. To the way he would try to do your hair 😉 (yes daddy did your hair), how much he loved to share Saturday and Sunday morning breakfast with you.
Eden – I wanted them to know how much your daddy said he didn’t want you to look like him and when you came into this world looking just like him and he said awe man well she beautiful!!“ I wanted them to know how much you look and act like your daddy. How your eyes a just a shade darker than your daddy’s eyes… how when you smile I can’t help but think how proud your daddy is of the beautiful soul he created in you!! How your daddy could always make you laugh even.when you wanted to be “mad”.. I wanted them to know that you loved your daddy so much and there was one book yall read together and that was how daddy got his nickname “stinky face”… How much daddy loved to watch you grow… how much he loved to snuggle with you….
Girls there is so much more I could write and so much more I could say… but on top of that mountain none of this came out… emotions took over and then was no telling what came out….
But I want you girls to know how much your daddy loved you how much he was devoted to making your lives everything he wanted for you and how he did everything in his power to be the best daddy he could be for you…. You girls are lucky to have such an amazing daddy… I’m just sad that you didn’t get long enough to truly realize how amazing he was I wish you had longer with your daddy and I’m so sorry that your time together was cut so short..
I am your mom will make sure that you know everyday how much he truly loves you. There won’t be a day that you will ever question that….
On the bus ride back to Basecamp I tried to prepare myself for returning daddy to you but I’m not sure anything could have prepared me for what happened…. As we walked down the road I looked for you at first I didn’t see you then there you were it made my heart smile as I saw your brother clapping saying “yah mommy” as I saw the huge smiles on your faces I knew I had done just what I needed to do that day….
Getting to the microphone and saying “My name is Amy Balduf and I carried the stone and story of my husband USMC Sgt Kevin Balduf” I truly felt the weight in that instant heading daddy’s stone to you both and receiving my patch from eden, hugging you both with tears down my face Eden Said the one statement that will stick with me forever…. She popped her head out of the hug and said “MOMMY YOU DID IT!! IM SO PROUD OF YOU! And SO IS DADDY!” in that moment I knew I had done everything right that day everything was perfect at that moment….
Stephanie and Eden I’m so proud of you both and I know that today tomorrow and forever yall will make daddy and myself proud! You are amazing girls!!
Love always
MOMMY
(Amy Balduf)
I have just read the comments honoring Marine Sergeant Kevin Balduf. I had the honor of carry Sgt. Balduf engraved rock from the “Summit Project” in Maine yesterday. From all I read of Sgt. Balduf life from newspaper articles and internet postings he was a natural Marine and loved his family.
I carried the rock six miles with others carrying the engraved rocks of other fallen Maine Veterans. We stopped at Portland Headlight in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The group went under a gazebo as the wind chill was -9 below zero. We all sat under the gazebo and told the story of each of the fallen veterans who’s rock we carried. While under the gazebo I told the story of Sgt. Baldof’s life, his family, his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, and how he died.
It was my honor to carry Sgt. Balduf heart shaped rock to honor his service and sacrifice. Although the hurt may never end, I hope this brings some sense of peace and joy to Sgt. Balduf’s family. I will never forget the husband, father, son, brother, grandson, of my fellow Marine.
My condolences to his entire family.
Sincerely,
Stephen Lyons
(USMC Veteran)
Dear Amy, Stephanie, Eden, and Moose,
As I put my uniform on and tied my boots up this morning, I went over my mental checklist for the day. At the top of the list was Kevin. He had been on the list for a few days now reminding me to reflect. He also did a good job reminding me how the Marines spend so much time making sure their uniforms are perfect. So from the very beginning of my days as of late, Kevin has been making me blouse my boots and trim off stray stings just a little better than I normally would. Shortly after my humorous exchange this morning with Kevin’s thought, a deep overwhelming sense of pride and emotions flushed over my body and it hit me like a ton of bricks. This feeling brought me back to my time spent with Kevin’s stone and your family.
Amy, looking at your wedding photos with your children peering over our shoulders, watching Stephanie go fishing and let me have a cast, and seeing just pure joy in Moose’s face made spending time with your family priceless. The adventures and stories you shared with me has shaped an image in my mind of the kind of man, husband, and Marine Kevin actually was.
I learned so much about Kevin, but more importantly I learned about how his life still goes on through all of you and The Summit Project. This emotional weekend will stay with me for years to come. I don’t think this will be the only time Kevin and I cross paths.
The heart shaped stone that carries so many stories now carries one more.
SGT Joseph Smith
Dear Amy, Stephanie, and Eden,
I had the honor of carrying Kevin’s stone during our September 11th hike. The Summit Project teamed up with members of the University of Southern Maine community for a hike from the Portland campus to the Gorham campus. The hike was a positive and truly humbling experience. It gave us an opportunity to honor and share the memory of our Maine Heroes like Kevin as well as prove that the space between our two campuses is really not that distant.
When I took time to read about Kevin I found it very easy to relate to him, making the experience that much more meaningful. As a fellow Marine, I am proud to be a part of the culture that Kevin cared for so much. To read about someone as Gung Ho and determined yet so humble as Kevin was is very encouraging. Motivation and morale are so important for us. It is engrained deeply in everything that we do as Marines. I have the feeling that Kevin was the type of man that never gave up and someone that was always encouraging his peers.
During our hike, I was thinking a lot about the importance of Kevins’s work. Radios are some of the best tools we have for mission accomplishment and safety. Communication needs to happen at all times and on all levels. I remember the first time I was learning to work with radios, it was quite frustrating. I’m sure Kevin would have jumped right in and helped me. His kind spirit and love for helping others is a great example of why Marines do what they do. It’s for the Marine to the left and right of them. They risk their lives because they know their fellow Marines would do the same. It makes me glad to hear how passionate Kevin felt about this as well.
Even after the hike, I have found myself thinking about Kevin and his character, attitude, and spirit. It is something we all should seek to model. I am very honored and humbled to have taken part in our TSP event and I look forward to more in the future.
I hope you continue to see Kevin in the workings of your family’s lives. That willing and caring spirit is something we need to see more of!
Kind Regards,
Matthew Norris
Sgt USMC Reserves
Two stones – one Adventue
When I was much younger a friend and I watched the Perseid meteor shower streak across the night sky and light up the darkness from atop the Barren Mt ledges. It was an amazing sight to see and I have always wanted to duplicate that adventure. I’ve been waiting for years to find another weekend date for the shower so that I could re-live that experiance. August 11th 2017 was that date. We had big plans… I requested special permission to hike to the top of my favorite mountain – Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary. Usually you are not allowed to climb at night, but we called and they gave us permission to do so – I was getting psyched! I know this trail very well and it would make the perfect viewing spot for the shower. I started to plan, pack, invite friends to the event and the anticipation built for weeks. I really felt like this was going to be an epic adventure – one for the books!
Since that time many years ago I have been introduced to The Summit Project, there was of course no better way to add real meaning and purpose to my planned adventure than to carry a stone with me on this trip. It was the perfect fit, an epic adventure and carrying with me the stone of some very amazing people that have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. Yes this would be a very fitting hike to carry a TSP stone!
One stone I chose to bring with me was going to be: Marine Sgt Kevin B. Balduf.
My son and I had a brief moment in the past where we happened to see #baldufstrong come across my social media news feed in May 2015. We put together a balloon with the marine colors on the strings and sent it up that day just as a symbol of our thoughts being with his family, but he never really left my mind. We thought about Kevin and his family often after that, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that to honor and remember his life – I wanted to do something special for his family someday. We met his wife Amy for the first time at a bridge decication event for Army Capt. John R. “Jay” Brainard III. She unexpectadly gave something very special to my son that day and it reminded me that I wanted to carry Kevin’s stone somewhere deserving of his sacrifice.
I was very introspecitive about bringing Kevin’s stone with me to the top of Borestone. There were some cool connections there – we met Amy at Jay’s bridge deciation and it was Jay’s favorite mountain just like it was mine. The hike would not be easy, but it would be amazing and special – I really was very excited and focused on this being an awesome adventure to carry his stone! The time leading up to the hike – thoughts of a Gold star families pain and loss really weighed on me heavily. I thought about my wife and kids being without me if I was gone, I thought about little things, like a surprise gift for no reason, anniversaries – birthdays things that sometimes we take for granted but the loss of which deeply affects a Gold star family. I kept running into pictures of Kevin’s family and I knew I had to do something to show love to them somehow – since Kevin can’t right now – we will for him – is what I couldn’t get out of my head. I really couldn’t shake this feeling, Needless to say I work with some amazing people (and have an amazing wife). When I offered an opportunity for them to participate in a special token for Kevin’s family they came through in spades. I hope that the Balduf family knows that they are loved and appreciated and it was an honor to carry Kevin’s stone with us.
Another stone that I wanted to carry was Air Force SrA Dustin J. Hadfield.
I met Linda at TSP@ANP in 2015 when I was assinged Dustin’s stone to replace one that was first assinged to me – but I don’t beleive in accidents 🙂 I carried his stone with me to the top of Cadillac mountain and I really wanted to bring his stone with me this time as well. Learning about Dustin had a strong impact on me and I wanted to honor his memory on this adventure too. Dustin’s stone and the Silhouette Project born from his memory – is helping to raise awareness about the (way too high) suicide risk faced by our veterans and helps to spread the word about resources available. I haven’t been to event with them yet but I hope to someday.
The trip was planned – bags were packed – stones were selected – friends were coming – I’m not sure if I mentioned it, but my anticiapation level was high for this event! Then came the weather forecast… Good changed to Ok, that changed to Do-able, then it went from Pretty crappy to bad then to worse… 🙁 I really was bummed out. They were now calling for a high chance of thunder showers on Borestone Mt. What was supposed to be an epic adventure and fitting tribute to honor and rember – was turing into a mess. I really didn’t want to give up, I spent time looking for alternate locations that maybe might not be affected by the bad weather – there were thunderstoms preditcted all over the state. I was about to just cancel the event, but I felt like I just had to do something. I had the TSP stones with me and allot of people came together behind the scenes to make that work. I didn’t want to give up on taking them somewhere and I didn’t want to give up on the idea of seeing the shower either.
I found a location that was a couple hours away called Pigeon hill. It was little more than 300ft high, and a far cry from the epic adventure that we had planned… but I ran the idea up the flag pole and a few of my die-hard hiking buddies and Skeletor – was still up for going with me. So here we were – driving hours away – to some place we had never been – at about 2am, to walk up a hill. We met in Bangor, then caravaned to Steuben Maine. TSP stones in our packs, headlamps on – ready for whatever was out there. We stayed a little ahead of the clouds and the kids were able to see a meteor or two on the trip to the trail. The trail was very short, but in an odd way exciting and fun. We climbed to the summit and layed down to watch the sky. The clouds were moving in fast but some of our group saw a meteor or two while I placed the TSP stones all together in a group around the summit signpost. I had mixed feelings about this adventure and stayed awake while my hiking team caught some winks in sleeping bags. I thought allot about the freedoms we have here in the US and the high cost that others paid for those freedoms. I explored the peak and trail a bit, while taking in the still night and all of the sounds from the ocean and boats. It was a time of reflection for me. A time to think about Kevin and Dustin. I didn’t think things could have gone any differant than I had expected them to, but because of the ease of the trail and sleeping hiking buddies, I was able to pray and reflect for a while and just listen to the night on that very small peak. It was a welcome time of quiet reflection and pause in this crazy multitasking world we live in.
My team consisted of: my son Shawn, my nephew Cheeto, my good friends the Parks clan (they are always up for an adventure-and show up even when my plans change and the outcome is grimm – more ppl should have friends like them) My friend Deacon (who stayed up late with me and stuck it out all night as well) of course we were lucky to have Skeletor with us – although I might have been secretly dissapointed due to the significant lack of t-rex attacks. All in all it turned out to be a pretty great time with great people and the rain finally caught up to us so we had to head down. It was a bit of a frantic hike back, but we had fun and made it back to the vehicles ok. We parted ways and took the long ride back home. The big adventure that I planned was not meant to be, but I have learned that sometimes it’s the little things in life – the times of pause and reflection that can really help clarify perspective. Carrying Kevin and Dustin’s stone with me that night was meaningful and re-inforced the idea that every day that I wake up is another opportuity to do better than the day before. We as American’s are afforded a heaping helping of that opportunity becasue of the sacrifice of selfless men and woman – and we should never always remember that.
“While we can never do enough to show our gratitude to our nation’s defenders, we can always do a little more: -Gary Sinese
On November 11th, 2017 I had the honor of carrying Kevin and his heart shaped stone up the Summit of Blue Hill Mountain, in Blue Hill, Maine.
I am a staff sergeant in the Maine Air National Guard, wife of a former Marine and we have two little girls and one on the way, this spring. I still have not been able to fully understand or articulate all the emotions I felt as I carried this man and his story that day, so I hope my message is not lost. I know I felt grateful for men and women like Kevin, selfless, kind, strong and loving, these are the words I have read over and over again in regards to his life and his service. I had expected to feel proud joining the summit project, but what I learned was very unexpected.
As we kept creeping toward the summit, cold and contemplating, I thought of how much this man meant to his family and especially his ladies at home … this broke my heart. It is very possible that I may never meet Amy or her beautiful little girls, but I feel as though I already know the love and adoration they had for their husband, father, Marine … hero. I was hiking next to my husband, Marine, father and hero to my girls and I felt an immeasurable amount of gratitude for him, that I learned I had possibly never felt so deeply, before that day. I will never forget Kevin and his story and his family. I did not expect such a connection to someone I had never met, but I am humbled by the experience.
My heart thinks of you daily Amy and of your girls and I am very proud to have been a very small piece in the history of Kevin’s stone and deeply thankful for such a growing experience. I hope to follow the project and see what summit Kevin will conquer next.
Much love and respect to you and your family.
Kristin Partridge – a friend in Maine
To the hands and heart that will carry the stone and story of Kevin B. Balduf:
Kevin will make you laugh. He will give you strength. You will feel courage to do things you once thought impossible, and you will want to do them well. Kevin’s stone will fit perfectly in your hand while you run, hike or walk, and his story will fit perfectly into your heart as you continue to honor his service and sacrifice.
I had Kevin’s stone and his wonderful presence here in my home for 66 days. Kevin and I had the big moments together – the Summit and the Finish Line – but we also shared the small moments. The quiet evenings when I sat on my couch with his perfect, heart shaped stone nestled in a blanket on my lap. The afternoon board games with my five year old son while Kevin’s stone overlooked us from the speaker by the television. Kevin brought peace to our home. His presence offered the opportunity to sit and truly reflect. Meeting Kevin’s wife and his children has brought more laughter to my life. More times than can ever be coincidence I’d settle in to relax with my own family, with Kevin’s stone by my side, and I’d log in to Facebook to find that Amy had recently shared a memory, a story, or a video from her life with Kevin and their family. His sense of humor would have blended well with mine. I think we would have been great friends. I am always so grateful, and remain humbled, that Amy is willing to share such precious memories and pieces of her life with me. The chance to watch a video and hear Kevin’s voice was something I never thought I’d experience.
Shortly after Kevin’s stone came into my possession the TSP angels set to work and brought me and Amy together with the chance to surprise the girls. The instant and overwhelming emotion that hit Eden when she saw that heart shaped stone in my hand solidified what I had already come to know – these perfectly chosen, often flawed, stones we carry are so much more than rock. During that meeting Eden pressed a memorial coin into my palm with a proper handshake that her Daddy would have been very proud of. I carry it everyday with immense pride to have been a small part of Kevin’s story.
Kevin spent Thanksgiving with my family. As guests of honor in our home, the memorial stones of Kevin, Andrew Hutchins, Jay Brainard and Cassandra Cassavant were prominently displayed on our family table, and we welcomed their presence and celebrated their life and service. My family was humbled and grateful for the opportunity to share our table and count them in our blessings. Again, at Christmas, Kevin and Cassandra were guests in our home. I feel so blessed to have had the chance to share these holidays with Kevin and to add him to the list of family I am so grateful for.
On December 9, 2017 Kevin and I ran the Millinocket Marathon together. In the 24 before the event I decided (secretly) to upgrade my registration from the Half Marathon to the Full Marathon. Having chosen to keep it a secret left me with little opportunity to process my fears and concerns. I spent the night before the event with Kevin’s stone on my bedside table. We spent the hours processing what could go wrong and how we could be best prepared to finish strong. I can’t say for sure if it was Kevin’s first marathon, but it was definitely mine! When we arrived at the start there was a lady with a sign that read “RUN Kevin RUN!” What a great start to our event! I carried his perfectly shaped stone over 26.2 miles in my mittened hands – through the darkness, in a blizzard and over many solitary miles without another runner within sight in front of or behind me. Kevin’s stone rarely grew heavy, but his presence was always with me. At each water stop I took the opportunity to set his stone down on the table and take care of any potential needs for the upcoming miles. This almost always lead to a conversations with the other runners and volunteers at the water stop. Kevin made people stop and take notice, and I was grateful for the chance to tell his story again and again. At the “Fireball Stop” Kevin and I made new friends while we warmed up. I’m sure it didn’t do much for Kevin, but the cinnamon warmth from that shot added a true element of celebration to our first 6 miles (and again on the second lap)! Just down the course, a bit before the Mile 7 marker, Kevin and I stopped at the “Hot Soup Shots” Stop where I talked with the “Cookie Lady” from the previous year who had turned her efforts to hot soup for runners this year, and her husband, about Kevin’s life and his service. We had a heck of a time getting a good photo with us together because she wouldn’t stop staring at Kevin’s stone! Just passed mile 10, at the Northern Timer Cruisers water stop, the guys from the snowmobile club insisted I share a beer with them “In honor of Kevin!” and we all toasted his service and sacrifice before I headed on my way – Kevin in one hand and a Miller Lite in the other.
During my second lap of the marathon the miles on the course got very lonely. From Mile 20 to the finish line there were no more aid stations set up. The Cookie Lady’s husband was my final stop, and I was so grateful for the friendly face. Into the setting sun, Kevin and I trudged along, under headlamp light only, and braved the incoming blizzard that hit around Mile 21. I spent a lot of time talking aloud to fill the silence. Having Kevin to talk to gave me focus and a welcomed distraction. When I realized I had a large blister forming I asked Kevin how he had cared for his feet in Afghanistan. When the snow was too heavy to see up ahead I asked him how he shielded himself from sand storms. I wondered aloud at one point how a young man from Tennessee would have liked spending hours in the cold and blowing snow that night! Having Kevin with me helped me to remember that the conditions endured by our heroes overseas are far worse than a few hours in the darkness.
Kevin was a hardworking and humble soldier. He believed it was just his job and he endeavored to do the best job he could. He knew the importance of a strong team, and he was always willing to carry his share, and more, of the load. Kevin and I were a strong team that night. Just as I carried his stone and story, he carried the burden and shouldered the moments of my self-doubt on that Marathon course. If I am being honest, I may have started that race with the intent to honor Kevin’s service and be a champion for his memory, but somewhere along the course our roles shifted. Kevin became my source of strength and support, and for that I am incredibly grateful. In those dark, cold moments when I questioned my strength and my resolve to finish what I had willingly started, Kevin was there to push me and reassure me that I did have what it took. Together we finished strong in just under 8 hours on those roads in Millinocket. My shadow box contains several race momentos and a wooden letter “K” next to the photo I took of us together on the course. The victory belongs to us both.
To the next hands that carry Kevin’s stone, you are capable of amazing accomplishment. You can find great support in the presence of this man you will never meet. Kevin worked hard and he respected the accomplishment that came with it. Don’t be afraid to undertake big things in celebration of Kevin’s life. He was not afraid. Kevin earned a Bronze Star for his bravery and his willingness to go headfirst into the hard fight. Honor him by doing the same in whatever you choose to undertake. When you place his stone in your pack, or you set foot on the trail, you should remember that Kevin would finish and he would finish strong. You should endeavor to do the same. I hope you find the peace, the love and the laughter that I have found in my time with Marine Sargent Kevin Brian Balduf, and I hope you will open your heart to all that he has to offer you. Our Maine Heroes are Never Forgotten #mhanf
This year for TSP Baxter State Park I was so happy to see Kevin’s stone was assigned to a hiker on Team Red. I was excited to hike another peak with his spirit and to share the experience of coming to know KBB with another TSP hiker. As the hike drew closer it appeared the hiker assigned to carry Kevin’s stone and story would not be able to attend. Selfishly, I immediately sent Top an email and requested the opportunity to carry Kevin’s stone in addition to Captain Benjamin D. Keating. I waited patiently, knowing there was a list of alternate hikers and the chances were slim I’d have my request granted. And, honestly, a piece of me was hoping for a new hiker to be assigned and another person to absorb Kevin, and his family, into their life. But then, as he often does, KBB made his appearance, at just the right time, on just the right day. After a devastating few days of loss and unexpected tragedy, an email came through, subject line simply “Balduf”, that brought peace and focus to my heart: “If you are still interested in carrying his stone we would like you to take it.” No questions asked. Yes. Yes. Now, the hard part. How would I condense all the things I had come to learn, all the memories and all the stories that I’d seen through Amy’s eyes, all the experiences I had already known with Kevin’s stone? What were the things I needed to share in order to truly capture the amazing career, the awards and accolades Kevin has in his portfolio?
When I first started my involvement with The Summit Project I thought it was about honoring the “War Hero”. Learning about the soldiers who’ve fought the big battles. The ones who never made it home from the war torn battle zones. I knew a few of our Summit Project heroes were recipients of pretty amazing honors, and I yearned to carry their stones. And then I did. And I learned that these medals and honors are just a tiny part of who these men and women are. Marine Sargent Kevin Brian Balduf is so much more than a Bronze Star. He is more than a Marine. More than a perfect white stone at Arlington. After I had organized my thoughts and prepared my notes for our sacred circle I sent Amy a message and asked if there was anything she would want me to share – anything she would want me to know and pass along about Kevin – when I spoke about him on the Summit? Her response confirmed what I knew to be true and solidified what I needed to share about him in our circle. She said, “He was honestly the greatest husband and father.” Carrying Kevin’s stone, as you can read in my last reflection (above this one) was one of the motivating factors that allowed me to accomplish the greatest physical feat I have undertaken. But, since I have handed his stone back to TSP I have become a better person. Because Kevin was a better person. He loved his children. He adored his wife. He wanted to spend his time with them. He read silly stories. He played silly games. All too often we are too busy to engage in silly. Kevin embraced the time he had with his family. He knew from the beginning what was important and he fought for the chance to come home to his wife and his daughters. I know this is what I want for my life. I want my husband and son to know how much they mean to me.
When I arrived at New England Outdoor Center I learned I was assigned to Moose – Cabin #4. The same cabin I stayed in for the Millinocket Marathon when I carried Kevin’s stone for 26.2 miles through a blizzard. The same cabin where I came to learn that I could do great things as long as I believed in myself. I came to believe in myself under the divine guidance of a Marine who would never walk off the field. A man who would not allow a mission to be left incomplete. As I stood in the room we’d stayed in that night, I knew Kevin was with me and we would have an amazing hike together. I placed his coin in the small box with my grandfather’s WWII dogtag (Army) and my stepdad’s Vietnam dogtag (USMC) and a tiny stone I retrieved from the grave of Andrew Hutchins. I tucked them safely into my pack and went to bed with a humble and grateful heart.
On Sunday as we climbed the Owl, over three miles to the Summit, I carried Kevins’s stone and his memory in my pack. But, on my heart, I carried the memory of Eden’s handshake when she passed me Kevin’s challenge coin, the image of Stephanie’s smile as she headed off to her band class, and the feel of Amy’s embrace when we parted ways in November. Embracing Kevin’s story has added an element to my life I never expected. A family I have come to care about. Two beautiful girls I want all the world for – because he would want that for them. And, as I sit by my own son’s bedside and read him “I love you, Stinky Face” I hear that deep southern drawl and I know that my boy has so many guardian angels watching over him. And I am grateful. Team Red was a force this year. Our Summit circle was strong and every hiker was prepared and invested in the mission. I witnessed my friends overcome paralyzing fears on that trail. And, I saw big men cry real tears over lost brothers and friends. I have not been as proud of a TSP Team as I was that day. As I listened to others speak about their heroes I knew I wanted them to understand how truly amazing Kevin was. I knew I wanted to touch on the amazing things he did in his service career, but, more importantly, I wanted to tell them the amazing things he did at home. I believe I did his memory justice and I climbed down that mountain on grateful and humble legs.
Sunday night it was clear the KBB is not forgotten. We were tired. We were sore. We should have all been in bed. But, at midnight, when I called for a line of Fireball shots “FOR KEVIN!” all ten people present at the bar were all in. Kevin, and all our TSP heroes are alive and well in the hearts of those who have come to know them. I am forever grateful to Amy who’s found it in her heart to share her life and her memories with me, and I am grateful to Kevin who laced up his boots and put his life on the line for my son and my freedom. I embrace his service and his sacrifice every day. Someday I will find his perfect white stone at Arlington, surrounded by greatness, and I will remember how very much he loved his wife and his daughters. Thank you can not adequately express my gratitude. With a humble heart, Amy, Stephanie, Eden & Keven, I thank you all. <3
This year, when I received my team’s stone assignments for TSP ANP I was elated to see Kevin’s name next to mine. For a third time in less than a year we would conquer a great achievement and spend precious time together making memories. I wondered, though, why me? Why again? I truly believe our heroes choose us, and I believed Kevin chose me again for a reason, but the reason was not yet clear.
Just one week before the TSP event I climbed Katahdin with family and it was by far one of the hardest things I have ever done. It was on par with the Marathon that Kevin and I had run in Millinocket last December. I made a promise at the base of the mountain as we headed out, with Kevin’s challenge coin in my pack, that I would make it to the Summit and I would take a picture with his coin. We’d accomplished so much in her shadow, and I wanted to see the world from her Summit. As we crossed the table top I was physically and emotionally done hiking. With another mile to go I was pretty sure there was nothing more worth seeing (other than a wooden sign and a bunch of people gathered in a circle keeping each other warm) on the Summit then there was in that very spot where I stood. I lowered my head to try and rally and there was a heart shaped rock at my feet. I tapped it with my hiking pole and I said out loud, “I see you.” and I continued to hike. All the way across the table top I saw these stones. Not hearts I made out of random shapes because I needed them, but true heart shaped stones every few steps. Each time I saw one I tapped it and I said out loud, “I see you.” When we got to the Summit I knew why he’d pushed me. It was glorious and beautiful and more than I had ever imagined. It was sunny and warm and the wind was quiet in the corner just off the side where I could see Chimney Pond down below. I took Kevin’s coin out of my pack (along with tokens from my other TSP heroes that I carry always) and I thought, next week we do this again with 19 people under our leadership on Cadillac.
Throughout the next week I did my best to prepare my team for the hike. What to expect and not to expect. How to dress and what to pack. Where to be and when. But I also tried to help my team realize that hiking with TSP, and honoring a fallen hero, does not simply begin and end at base camp. Handing off a memorial stone is not the end of the journey with these men and women. They are always with us. Our heroes are ever present if we only look around. When Sunday came, I was ready, our team was ready, and our TSP family was gathered under the tent for hiker brief. We were preparing for our departure when Cheryl Buxbaum, a gold star grandmother who means the world to me, stepped forward to say that she had found a tiny heart shaped rock on her way to the tent that morning. And, furthermore, Betsy Hutchins, a gold star step-mother whom I adore, would carry it on our Team! I knew in that moment we would summit Cadillac Mountain together and strong, and that our team would have an amazing experience with Kevin at the helm.
Our hike was beautiful. The colors were spectacular and the weather was perfect. As the Team Lead I tried to remember what I had learned about Kevin. How he would run to the back of the pack to encourage the last runner in line and ensure they finished the mission. How he would do more than he was asked and shoulder more than his share of the load, and how he always made sure every job he was given was done 100%. As I did my best to lead by his example, I also witnessed these traits in our teammates all day, and I knew Kevin was with us. When one team member struggled a bit and three others stepped up immediately to assist, I knew that our Team was strong and truly understood the mission at hand. In our circle on the summit each team member spoke about their assigned hero and it was evident that each and every one of them had done their due diligence. I still had my notes from Baxter State Park when Kevin and I hiked OWL together over Memorial Day Weekend. On the Summit of OWL I had diverted from them and taken my thoughts in a different direction. I had gone back 100 times to read them in the months since knowing there were so many things I had not said that I wished I had. I have kept those notes tucked safely in my hiking pack since OWL, and as we circled back to my second turn I removed them for the final time. (I spoke about Eric Cole first as I had carried two heroes on our hike.) I felt at ease and, although emotional, I knew I would have the chance to tell my new family and teammates all the things I had not said in the previous Summit on OWL. Clearly this was the reason he had circled back to me for a third time. It was not that his mission was incomplete. He has done his duty. He knew my mission was incomplete. He circled to the back of the pack to encourage one who had been struggling. This time I can say my mission is 100% complete.
As we approached Base Camp, I had been told a secret (one Jill Sennett had let slip as I cried over Kevin’s memory on the Summit (but she wasn’t supposed to tell!) and I knew Amy and the girls were waiting for me. In all my adventures with Kevin, I’d never had the chance to hand his beautiful heart shaped stone off to the ones who loved him most. I was felt both humbled and blessed as I walked toward them and received the biggest and best group hug. It is a moment I will not soon forget. Later that evening, as has become a bit of a tradition, we lined up two dozen shots of Fireball whiskey around the camp fire and handed them out until the shot glasses were gone – there were more who toasted with their own drinks when we ran out of shot glasses! “TO KEVIN” In my life I have achieved some pretty awesome things, and Kevin has been by my side for many of them. I remain humbled to have Amy, Stephanie and Eden as a part of my life. Strangers who became family. Thank you, Amy, for letting me into your family and for going out of your way to make my experience at ANP extra special. And, as always, thank you to Marine Sgt Kevin Brian Balduf who served with honor and courage and laid down his life so that I might live mine to the fullest. Never forgotten and always in my heart <3
To the Family of Sgt. Kevin Balduf,
First, let me say thank you for sharing his memory. It is an honor to, not only carry his stone, but to learn about his life. Although I did not know Kevin it clear through your stories that you shared he was the definition of the man who was always trying to do the right thing for his family and the greater good. He joined the marines to serve his country, not once but twice believing it was the right thing for his family, an act of devotion and dedication.
As I hiked with his stone, a minimal amount of weight compared to the weight of sacrifice, I thought of all the opportunities he gave up so other American’s like myself would not miss ours. All the father-daughter dances, birthdays, family vacations and holidays, the soccer games, and just the Sunday family dinners. Things I may take for granted from time to time. Things I may say I do not have time for, or rush through thinking I have endless opportunities, are things that men and women like Sgt. Balduf will never have the opportunity to do again, nor will their families.
Although Kevin is no longer here with us physically, he will always be the loving husband, who gifted heart shaped stones to his wife Amy, and the loving father who let his girls paint his toenails. Just because the opportunities to continue these traditions were taking from him and his family, does not mean he does not still carry those positions forever. Carrying his stone was a way for me to make sure his memory, along with those titles and accomplishments, are never forgotten. What this has taught me is to honor those moments as parent myself with gratitude for those who gave them up so I could. I will love a little harder each day now because of this.
Thank you Sgt. Kevin Balduf and thank you Amy, Stephanie, Eden, and Moose for welcoming me into your memories and opening my eyes to the bigger picture of love and sacrifice.
Kristen Van Meter
Thank you so much Kirsten! We are blessed to have you as one who carries his memory on! Welcome to our family! ❤
I want to start by saying that I don’t believe that things happen by chance, on accident, or just because. What happened on Saturday confirmed that for me. Our circles were meant to cross for a reason that was bigger than either of us individually!
At The Husky Ruck Memorial 10k in honor of Corporal Mark Goyet, I had the opportunity to carry a stone from The Summit Project. I thought the 62.2 pounds I already had in my ruck would be too much but I couldn’t leave without taking a stone. The stone that I chose to carry was a heart shaped stone for Marine Sergeant Kevin Balduf. I had no idea how significant that decision would be.
Doing a 10k for the first time was a challenge in and of itself. Adding more than 60 pounds and an obstacle course was a challenge I was willing to take on but less than confident that I could complete. Around mile 4, I was almost certain that I wasn’t going to finish. I seriously considered quitting. But then, I remembered the mission of the day and why I was on this journey. Quitting wasn’t an option. Kevin was with me and we were going to bring it home. It sounds crazy but in the solitude of the trail, I turned to Kevin for support. I literally talked to his stone. I talked to Kevin. It was the motivation I needed to complete the ruck.
As good as it felt to complete the ruck portion, it was nerve wracking to know The Crucible was up next. It meant that there were culvert crawls, walls to scale, and most intimidating The Minnow Trap. This was where I was going to lean in and grind or I was going to tap out. I told my course guide not to let me pass any obstacles. Not finishing was not an option. I got through the crawls, water obstacles, climbs, tire pulls/flips, sandbag carries, and multiple others without issue.
But then it was time for the Minnow Trap. I walked up to it and backed off. Then I tried again and backed off again. I actually walked around the obstacle feeling defeated. It was going to win. But then my guild reminded me “Ma’am you told me not to let you wave off any obstacles….” He was right so I turned around. Then came the moment when two circles collided. I turned around and came face to face with a women I didn’t know. She said “Kevin wouldn’t quit. You’re not quitting.” Now I was in full fight or flight mode so it took me a minute to register what was happening. “I’m Kevin’s wife and you’ve got this.” I was staring at the wife of the Marine whose stone had just gotten me through more than six miles of grind. She was right. Quitting now was NOT an option.
“Let’s go. We’re with you until the end.” And they were. Kevin and Amy were with me as I scaled the last few walls and carried my ruck to the finish line. That’s right – I finished something I never thought possible. I did it with the support of Sgt. Kevin Balduf and his wife Amy.
They were together, with me, making sure I finished what I started. Making sure I hit my goal without even knowing me. Two people I had never met pushed me to the finish. They were not going to leave me behind. Just like Kevin would never leave another Marine behind on a run or any of the other times he looked out for others.
At the finish line I was met with a huge hug from Sgt Balduf’s wife and received my finishers medal from Cpl Goyet’s parents. It’s truly amazing how our circles were brought together. It’s a moment I will never forget! I am so thankful to have been able to be part of something so amazing.
#TheSummitProject #HRM10k #SemperFi #GoldStarFamilies #RememberHonorInspire #ServiceandSacrificeSeries
November 25, 2019
To the Family of Sgt. Kevin Balduf,
My thoughts are with Sgt. Kevin Baldulf’s and his entire family.
This year, my family will be leaving an empty seat at our table for U.S. Marine Sgt Kevin B. Balduf, who was killed in Action, May 11, 2011 in Afghanistan. Sgt. Balduf had previously received the Bronze Star Medal for his selfless, gallant actions “by putting himself in harm’s way to call in an air strike to protect his fellow Marines.
My thoughts will be especially with Amy, Stephanie, Eden, and Moose this holiday season.
Respectfully,
Stephen Lyons
(USMC Veteran)
Dear Amy, Stephanie, Eden, and Merrick:
As you know, this year’s Memorial Day hike parted from the typical hike at Baxter State Park due to the ongoing pandemic. We kept the spirit alive, however, with individual “Honor Hikes.”
My family and I decided to hike the trails at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. It was our first time there, and it turned out to be a perfect day—and a memorable experience. Although the trails were relatively easy, the views were magnificent and peaceful, which provided the perfect backdrop to reflect on Kevin’s life.
I shared what I have learned so far about Kevin with my wife and two daughters (ages 15 and 9). I spoke of Kevin’s bravery in battle, his humble nature, and the ultimate sacrifice he made to protect us all. We also ended our hike with a special prayer in remembrance of Kevin, and all those who serve in the military.
The day proved to be a special experience for our family, and we will remember it fondly every time we go on a hike. I was honored to share in keeping Kevin’s memory alive, and I am very much looking forward to meeting you all and carrying Kevin’s heart-shaped memorial stone at the hike in September.
Warm regards,
Mike
Dear Amy,
After a lot of anticipation and a long delay following the cancellation of the official Spring hike due to the pandemic, I was honored to carry Kevin’s heart-shaped stone to the top of Cadillac Mountain. We were blessed with perfect weather, which made it easy to enjoy the hike and reflect on Kevin’s memory. And although the hike didn’t make me puke (as I’m sure Kevin would have enjoyed), those reflections did get the best of me and I got quite choked up telling his story at the summit. I was quite surprised by this, but felt unapologetically proud in speaking about Kevin’s bravery, humility, and ultimate sacrifice. I thought of Kevin virtually the entire ascent, and wondered often what he must have been thinking when he made a similar climb—while taking enemy fire—to save the lives of his fellow Marines. This world desperately needs more people like Kevin. Thank you for your time in sharing some of your memories about Kevin with me. I am extremely proud to be able to say that I played a small part in keeping his memory alive, and I will never forget this experience.
My warmest regards,
Mike
Kevin,
It was such an honor to carry your stone and story this past weekend. You were a Hero’s “HERO”. I was so humbled by your story. Thank you for allowing me to do this.
I got to have a great conversation with your wife about you, and the things that you would tell her that you were going to do, like go rack the leaves in the yard. But would end up making a big pile of leaves, and then take turns with your daughters “Helping” them jump into the pile. You were a dad when the time called for you to be, but when they needed you to be just someone they could talk to. You were always there for them, and Amy.
Man I keep going back to how you earned your Bronze Star, and the actions that you went through on that day. But yet again you put others well fare before yours, you save so many lives with your actions. Damn I wish I could shake your hand. And by you a beer.
As for the hike, it might have been the first one that my legs didn’t hurt. All I could think of was no matter what was in front of you, you made it to the top of that mountain to call in support for your guys, how could I let a little cold weather slow me down. It was a little windy at the top so the 6 of us got into are “school circle”. As each hero’s story got told it got closer to my turn. I was already getting chocked up, and it wasn’t even my turn. I practiced so many times with what I wanted to say, I even had notes to go by. But then it was my turn, all eyes were on me. I got about 3 words out before the tears started, but then I reached down and touched your stone. And it was like nothing I have ever seen before. The wind stopped, my words started coming together, and a calmness came over me. As I finished your story I looked up to the sky and saw a hawk circling above. I know at that moment that you were there with us. You stayed with me the whole way down, I kept finding myself talking to you throughout the trip. As we came to the end of the trail right before where the cars were parked. I felt the need to look down, and right in front of my right foot there was this heart shaped rock. I will make sure that Amy and your girls get this gift from you to them.
Kevin know that you are my hero, and my brother in arms. You will never be forgotten.
Scott B. Carson
SSgt USMC ret.
Hello my name is Zach Skidgel I am a sophomore at Nokomis Regional High and I had the honor and privilege of carrying Sgt. Kevin B. Balduf’s stone up Tumbledown Mountain. This was a very humbling experience and I am honored that I got to participate in this event. Kevin is an amazing individual and his story along with many others deserves to keep being told. Something that stuck out to me the most about Kevin was that he loved helping everyone around him achieve their goals. My biggest takeaway from the summit project is that freedom is not free because these men and women lost their lives serving their country and their legacy deserves to live on. I would just like to once again thank Kevin’s wife Amy for giving me the privilege of carrying Sgt. Kevin B. Balduf’s Stone up Tumbledown Mountain.
Over Memorial Day Weekend I went on a hike through the woods around my house with my dad’s stone since we weren’t able to get together for this year TSP at BSP. It was calming to go on a hike with just my dad. It was an amazing experience of being able to hike around my house with my dad, I just wish that her was here on person, I know he was there in spirit though. It was calming to climb my favorite tree and being my dad with me and just talk to him about everything. This is definitely something I would like to do again.
This Year at TSP at ANP I was supposed to hike up Cadillac Mountain with my father’s stone, but it ended up being bad weather with thunderstorm threats, so we ended up hiking to Echo Lake instead. We had a great circle ceremony, where we shared about our heroes, some of which were our family members. we shared tears and laughs while telling about our heroes, plenty of stories were told about them. I had a great time with my team, I wish we could have hiked the mountain like we were supposed to but we can’t control the weather I guess. I definitely want to hike again.
It’s was a beautiful day. That cannot be understated when it comes to the type of day that we had this past Memorial Day weekend into Baxter.
Being a gold star brother, hiking with Kevin’s stone, one word kept circling back to my mind during the hike. That word was connections. Hearing other people’s circle ceremony testaments it was made even more clear that connections was the word of the day.
On my hiking team their were deep personal connections to the fallen. My brother’s stone was carried, a gold star father carried his son’s stone, a gold star sister carried her brothers stone, along with other personal connections.
A story I found online about Kevin talked about more connections. It was about a soldier that took care of Kevin after he was KIAed. This soldier saw a picture of two girls in Kevin’s personal items. A while down the road he couldn’t shake this feeling that he needed to visit Kevin’s gravestone. He felt connected by the impact of the picture.
That’s where my connection comes in. Being a part of TSP for almost ten years now I have made some special connections. I am a part of TSP to help heal my own heart and loss but to also offer some healing for others. Including two little girls that have now grown to be young ladies. Amy and girls, I know we don’t know each other on an intimate personal level, but each time I see you I think of Kevin. I think of the connection that has brought us together over these last 8-10 years or so.
I cherish these connections. I heal with these connections and conversations about our loved ones who are no longer with us. I hope with what I do: carry the weight of the stone, tell the story of the individual, and make these new connections that I instill some connections to you and some healing as well.
Amy and family,
This year for ANP I had the honor and privilege to carry the stone and story of your hero Sgt Kevin Balduf, a man whom I can see was well loved, humble, curious, and encouraging. Having meant Kevin’s family a few times, I can see many of these traits live on in his girls.
This year’s hike was interesting – I mean why not add in a hurricane off the coast just to keep things interesting. Unlike the previous year when we had to forgo Cadillac mountain all together, this time we hiked with the 25-30 mph winds. It added a whole new challenge to the hike, and I thought to myself I bet Kevin would love this unexpected twist.
In my pack, I carried a sweet tea to drink at the circle ceremony, and while the hike didn’t make me want to puke, the sweetness of the tea to a person who usually drinks unsweetened sun tea…well it was different.
I have collected heart shaped rocks for many years, but now each time I add one to my collection I will think of the devoted husband, of the loving father, and of the Balduf family. Thank you for the honor of carrying the stone of your Hero.
Dear Amy, Stephanie and Eden, I am sincerely grateful to you all for allowing me the honor of carrying the stone and story of your husband and dad. I was honored to learn his story and to be able to escort his stone from Portland to Millinocket where the weekend celebration was beginning. We had perfect weather and a record number of motorcycles to participate. There were a lot of horns blowing, people waving flags, salutes from first responders and lots of respect on our ride. All honoring Sgt Kevin Balduf and the other fallen heroes in our convoy. Memorial Day weekend as it should be. I can’t begin to express how much gratitude I have for Kevin and for the three of you. Thank you and God bless you.
I had the honor of carrying your stone to the summit of Cadillac Mountain on Saturday, September 23, 2023. You were surrounded by the other amazing people from Team White. When I was first assigned your stone and read about you, it reminded me that the stone always chooses you. First, I am a fellow Marine and there is no greater honor than to be able to honor another Marine’s service. Second, years ago I was on Moosehead Lake and found a heart shaped stone. Not sure what possessed me to do it, but I took a picture of it. I immediately started looking through my photos and found the picture – taken on July 18, 2019. I tried to find the actual stone, but I must not have kept it. I plan on sending the picture to your family so they know you are still thinking of them. I also got a great picture of your stone at the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
I am typically reminded of a song when I carry a stone, but this time I was reminded of a poem – one that I think embodies your personality and that will make your family smile.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
– Mary Elizabeth Frye
Semper Fi
To the Family of Marine Sgt. Kevin B. Balduf:
I had the honor today, November 11th , 2023 – Veteran’s Day, to carry Kevin’s stone up Flying Mountain Trail in Southwest Harbor , ME. It was honor to share his story and the story of your family’s in the celebration circle afterwards as well. The leader of our group told us that it is said that she doesn’t assign us a hero that our hero chooses us. I am truly humbled and privileged that I was chosen to carry the stone of your husband and father. As I learned about Kevin , immediately I felt a lot of crazy connections coming through for a soldier I had never met or a family I had never met . Kevin was killed the year my youngest daughter was born. They share the same initials. The article on the summit page was written on her birthday. We as mother and daughter also collect heart shaped rocks and feel they are a wink from heaven. When I am not hiking I work in a public school in the special education department. Many times I am thanked by my co workers for the job I did that day. My reply is “just doing my job “. Another connection made. This was my first Summit Hike and I don’t feel it will be my last . Again – thank you for the honor and privilege of being gifted Marine Sergeant Kevin B. Balduf .
I had the honor of carrying the stone and story of USMC Sgt. Kevin Brian Balduf, born June 14, 1983, of Nashville, TN, was assigned to the 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, in Camp Lejeune, NC. He was 27 years old when he was killed on May 12, 2011, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan after being shot in a police compound by a member of the Afghan National Civil Order Police, or ANCOP. Marine Lt. Col. Benjamin Palmer was also killed in the same incident. Kevin had been collaborating with a mentoring team providing support to the ANCOP.
Some of us may remember this incident happening. If you do not remember that, perhaps you remember hearing about his funeral. Westboro Baptist Church members tried gathering members to protest his funeral. Three members of the Church showed up and had trouble leaving because somehow their tires had been slashed. The church the funeral was being held in and surrounding area had been encircled by bikers, police officers, and other folks from near and far to display American flags, their patriotism, and their gratitude for Kevin’s sacrifice. Inside the standing room only church, it was peaceful and quiet, just as the counter-protesters had hoped it would be. Kevin was later interned at Arlington National Cemetery.
Balduf was a 2002 graduate of David Lipscomb High School in Nashville where he played football. He went to boot camp immediately after high school. He had known since he was little that he wanted to be a Marine. He always wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself and wanted to make a difference in the world. He was deployed three times: Afghanistan in 2004, Iraq in 2006, and again to Afghanistan in 2011. He received the Bronze Star with Combat Valor for his actions in Afghanistan in 2004. He had put himself in harm’s way, leaving the safety of cover and climbed to the top of a ridge while receiving fire from the enemy and radioed in the coordinates for a much-needed airstrike. He was credited with saving many lives. He said he was just doing his job and didn’t see what all the fuss was about.
He loved to learn new things. He loved tinkering and working on radios and teaching others how to use them. He made an antenna out of random items he found that was able to reach another radio 18 miles away. He liked doing PT, could run like a gazelle, and prided himself in making other Marines puke (or almost puke) during PT. He was a wonderful husband, according to his wife Amy. He as an amazing father to his two girls, Stephanie and Eden. When his body was recovered, he had photos of his two daughters tucked inside his arm pocket.
There are tons of sites dedicated to Kevin online. They’re all filled with testimonies of what a wonderful human being he was. He was a loving husband and father. A good son to his mom, a twin to his brother Kyle, a trustworthy and dependable friend, and a Marines Marine. His wife, Amy, is in several articles, always participating in various events to make sure that her husband is never forgotten. She was gracious enough to share some stories with me, as she has done for several others in the past. One “famous” story that was online was how they found the stone at the top of Mount Washington. She and the girls were up there with a family friend and Amy’s niece. Kevin had always wanted to go to the top of Mt Washington, and even though Amy isn’t a fan of heights, she did the trip for him 2 days after her 28th birthday. On the way back down, she noticed a stack of rocks and felt compelled to go out and look at them. There were several formations in the area. She decided she needed to do one for Kevin. Stephanie and Eden found a “wink from heaven” rock, the one I carried at BSP this year. This stone reminded Amy of when she and Kevin visited his grandparents camp in Tennessee. He found a heart shaped rock, gave it to her, and told her she would forever have his heart in her hands. I had asked Amy if there was anything that she had anything that she wanted to set the record straight on. What was it about the descriptions of him that are out there for all of us to read that wasn’t quite hitting the mark? She told me she sat and stewed on that question all night…not what I’d intended to do. She said, “there are hundreds of things I could write and hundreds of photos I could show you.” I could feel how much she still loved and cherished him through every message sent. She told me about how he’d drink coffee from sunup to sundown but would still sleep like a rock. The coffee had to be hot and black though. Which was a total contradiction to his love of sweet tea. She described him as “Southern as they truly come, all the way down to his sweet tea drinking roots.” He ordered sweet tea up here in the North once, and I assume only once. Amy said “he took a big gulp with this look of deception and like someone killed all his childhood dreams of sweet tea. And as he gulped it down, he looked at us and said, ‘what in God’s name was that crap?’”
She told of the Southern boy going sledding with her family, playing in the snow for one of the first times in his life, racing down the hill similar to something you’d see in Mario Kart (Amy’s description) and then having to spend 45 minutes looking for the car keys that fell out of her father’s pocket. He was silly and goofy, always looking for the positive in life.
Another story shared was that he found a pretty shell on the beach one day during a training exercise and put it in his pocket to bring home for the girls. Later that night when he took it out of his pocket, he found that a hermit crab was still at home in this shell so he returned it to the beach. Obviously, he had a giant heart that loved all creatures great and small. He and the girls would have competitions to see who could turn their tongues redder with Great Value strawberry watermelon flavoring.
All of us involved with TSP for any amount of time know that the stone chooses us. I’m so glad Kevin chose me this time. He reminds me so much of my husband and son, both named Brandon, in so many ways. The younger Brandon looked over my shoulder every step of the way researching Kevin and feels like they are the same person. Carrying Kevin’s story gave my kiddo another hero and mentor. Every Wednesday I take Brandon to see a trainer for football and when we stop at the store on the way there, he grabs his Gatorade and now a sweet tea in honor of Kevin to take with him. When I laughed at him for drinking so much sweet tea lately, he shrugged his shoulders and said “I just feel like I have to now. I feel like I’m him reincarnated kinda, so it’s the least I can do.” Kevin is also very similar to my father, who was a Ham radio operator with the call sign KB1GVR, had built his own radios and antennas and spent most of his time talking to astronauts and cosmonauts on ISS. My father also passed in 2011.
Amy, Stephanie, and Eden: you three ladies are my heroes now. I am so glad that Kevin brought you into my life. You’re stuck with me forever now! Big hugs and lots of love. Thank you so much for sharing him with me.
Words are never enough to express how grateful we are for Sgt Balduf service and ultimate sacrifice for our country! He is never forgotten and I had the honor of carrying his stone during The Ruck for the Fallen! I am the wife of a retired Air Force soldier and have a Granddaughter serving now in the Air Force, so I reflected on their service and Thanked God they have remained safe during their service time. I also have 2 daughters who have great love and respect for our military men and women and know the military family that lifts one up during hard times! So remember that Marine Sgt Kevin Balduf and you and your family are never forgotten! Together, his legacy to serve and protect will continue! Proud to carry his stone!
Amy, Eden, Steph and Merrick – at ANP this year I was so fortunate to take part in the basecamp hike to Echo Lake and carry Kevin’s stone. After spending so much time together in the last 6 years (since our first hike) it was truly like hiking with an old friend. I love the feel of his perfect stone in my hand and the way I feel at home with his spirit wrapped around mine. I missed your hugs so much that weekend, but I know you were exactly where Kevin wanted you to be and where you needed to be. I was honored to spend another few hours with one of my true heroes. Love you guys.