Cpl Devon Strout was born at EMMC in Bangor, Maine on May 8th, 1996 and was raised by his mom, Edwina, and dad, David, in Milo. Devon was a graduate of Penquis Valley High School and entered the Delayed Entry Program during his senior year of High School for the United States Marine Corps. In August of 2014 after graduating, Devon left for boot camp at Parris Island in South Carolina. Upon completion, Devon transferred to the School of Infantry East at Camp Geiger to attend Marine Combat Training (MCT). During MCT, Devon was selected as a Guide helping anyone struggling physically or mentally. After MCT, Devon went to Fort Leonard Wood, MO to become a Motor Transportation Operator. Devon was then stationed at Quantico, VA as a Motor Transport Operator (MOS 3531) for Logistics Support Company. Devon earned his certification for HAZMAT transfer and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal in February of 2016 for the extraordinary work he performed going above and beyond the call of duty. During Devon’s time at Quantico, he had driven over 6,000 accident-free miles transporting over 600,000 lbs of cargo and delivering over 800 Marines to their next destination safely. Devon flew to 29 Palms, CA, also known as Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), which is known for training field troops under severe conditions, quite a few times to assist during training exercises. Devon participated in the Lance Corporal Seminar and earned the rank of Corporal in November of 2016.
Devon’s mom describes him saying he brought this amazing light who gave the best bear hugs and always made sure everyone around him was well taken care of. While at the barracks, he would often be found staying up with whoever had duty to make sure they stayed awake bringing them food, drinks, or whatever they needed. He put his heart fully into all the things he did and wanted everyone to feel important. No matter what he was doing, Devon would stop everything even if just to talk to anyone who might be in a bad place or needed a listening ear. His character and charisma had a way that turned any situation into a laughable moment, instantly picking people up when they needed it most. Devon was a people-person that cared more for everyone else than himself. Even on the worst days, he still managed to brighten everyone up. One of the many fondly written messages about Devon was that he was “one hell of a Marine and friend to all” and that “he left an impression on everyone!” Even with Devon’s passing, everyone said he would be selfless now not wanting anyone to worry…
A jokester and a comedian, Devon made the best out of every situation. Devon had a eclectic taste in music from ZZ Top, Volbeat, Motorhead, Zac Brown Band to Hank Williams, Jr and everything in between. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, even if he didn’t catch much while fishing. His younger sister always seemed to have better luck. He’d want to change positions with her but to no avail. Devon loved being outdoors and driving in his car listening to music. Devon could ad-lib at the drop of a hat, whether with movie quotes or with action. Devon wrote stories that could bring the characters to life. During a high school rendition of “Alice in Wonderland,” he played the characters of Tweedle-Dee, the Mad Hatter, a knight, and the Caterpillar. He would go off stage and change in and out of costumes as the sets continued. Devon, his parents, and little sister, Aileen, spent the night prior creating some of the homemade costumes. They were all tasked with stuffing and sewing on the many arms of the caterpillar. Devon kept the crowd in tears during the play by ad-libbing nearly every line he was supposed to say. And yes, he and Tweedle-Dum even rapped in the middle of one of the scenes. Devon during another school event was the caterpillar from A Bug’s Life and had fun stating he had turned into a beautiful butterfly with tiny wings on the back of a sleeping bag we had converted to do the job. This was disastrous because the night before while preparing the sleeping bag, we found it to be filled with down feathers that had to be picked up around the house for at least a week! Devon sported this with the brightest red sneakers sticking out of the bottom.
Standing about 6-feet tall and well built, he was the most loving kid and very protective of his little sister. When driving her, he’d pick her up at school and would worry if he was a minute late in getting her as he didn’t want her to be worried. He was 8 years older than her but would sit and play video games with her. Sometimes she’d love to go in and just watch him play. Edwina describes Devon as “an old soul in a young man’s body.” He touched more lives in his too-short 20 years than most can ever hope to accomplish. Devon always went above and beyond with everything he set his mind to. He always called or texted his mom morning and night as every grown man should when he couldn’t call to say, “I love you, Mom!” Edwina has a tattoo memorializing in Devon’s handwriting what he always wrote in her cards or messages: “I will love you forever and always XOXO…”
In high school, Devon did great in his academics and was part of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and Student Council. Devon was awarded the Doble Award for Citizenship at graduation. Edwina said that Devon played no sports in middle school, but in high school he decided to do them all: soccer, tennis, baseball, golf, basketball, and track and field. He received coach’s awards for golf and baseball. His mom jokes that the only sport he didn’t participate in was cheerleading. Every sport he played though was an experience in itself and came with a story. His golf coach said Devon’s golf cart found itself onto its side quite often. He forgot his running shoes one day before a track meet and had to do his events in his Chuck Taylors. Before his events, he turned to his parents and said, “Well, I may not do well today but at least I am going to look good doing it” with his contagious laugh.
His tennis coach once called his mom to come pick him up at the courts after Devon had an accident. Wen Edwina got there, she found her son holding his face and bleeding profusely. His eyebrow had been split open, apparently by his own racket while he was playing. Mom thought tennis was a relatively safe sport but couldn’t help but laugh while saying “Well, it looks like his grace definitely came from his mom” as they headed to the ER.
Devon worked at the school as well cleaning the gym after games even with everything else he did. He always worked hard so others would have less to do. One morning, Edwina received a phone call from Devon, before school, telling her he got into a bit of trouble and needed her help. Devon had decided to go bird hunting early that AM, taking his Buick down this old dirt road where it had gotten stuck. Mom to the rescue though as she drove out in their truck with ropes and chains to save her son, all before the school day started.
Edwina described him as the boy “every parent stated they wished their daughter would marry.” He never had to ask for a date to dances as the girls would ask him.
Devon’s tribute stone came from his favorite place to be: the RIPS where his dad’s family has a leased camp. While there are roads that do make their way into this area, the easiest route is by taking a boat. Devon would often bring his friends to kayak fish and play cards. The families who have camps in this area would come together for a big cookout bringing music, food, drinks, smiles, and many laughs. The moniker for this wonderful group of people was “River Rats.” Each year there would be a canoe race, and Devon would participate. One year during the race, Devon and his friend managed to get the aluminum canoe turned sideways and into a rock, leaving it bent and unusable. He then called his dad to ask if Gramps had another canoe he could use for a bit, no mention of anything happening on the river leading up to why. Dad paused for a moment then stopped, “Wait….. what happened to the first one?!?!”
On December 17th, 2016, Devon passed away in a tragic car accident in Virginia while assisting another Marine.
The year that followed, his mom decided that she wanted to hike Katahdin via Abol/Hunt Trail for the TAPS Challenge – something that Devon had done a few times before. She recalls that he neglected to tell her just how difficult this hike was to finish. Regardless of how tough it was, though, she wasn’t going to give up. She was carrying his bracelet and wanted to place it at the top in memory of him. If it wasn’t for that bracelet, she would never have been able to complete the climb.
Edwina shared that the days never get any easier and every day is just as hard as the last. There are days that it takes her breath away. A piece of your hear is forever gone… but our hopes are that through the learning, honoring, and carrying of Devon’s stone, that he will be paid proper tribute and his story will live on in each of us…
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On Thursday, August 20th, I had the privilege of carrying the stone and the story of USMC Cpl Devon Strout to the summit of Black Mountain. There are many reasons I was looking forward to this hike, but most prominently was because of the long history I personally have with Devon’s mom, Edwina.
A few years ago, we first connected and began working towards honoring Devon within our organization, but as we all could imagine this is never easy for any Gold Star family member. With an enormous amount of respect to the sensitive situation and a deep sense of understanding of how difficult this can be for the family, we waited until Edwina was ready to move forward. I cannot begin to describe how proud and incredibly honored I was to receive Devon’s stone from Edwina after so many years. The strength, will, and perseverance she embodies throughout will never be lost on me, and I will never forget sitting down and talking with her on the phone for hours listening contently as she shared story after story about Devon. There were times when I will confess that I never laughed so hard. It made my heart so happy to hear her laughing as well. I could literally hear her smile on the other side of the phone and nothing could ever make me happier than that.
I truly wish I could have had the opportunity to meet Devon in person before his passing. Through Edwina’s stories I could tell what an incredible and fun-loving person he was. I received so many pictures of Devon from Edwina captured from so many different periods of his life. Each one brought to life the many stories that were shared with me that night when talking with her on the phone. Without a doubt, my absolute favorite was the video I received of his “rap” during his high school play; quite literally I was kept in tears because I was laughing so hard. I will admit, I watched this video no less than 20 or 30 times and with each time I would realize more and more – THIS was Devon.
Edwina, THANK YOU for allowing me the privilege to carry forth Devon’s story with me. And Devon, thank you for being SUCH an amazing person! Your mom speaks so highly of you and with such an enormous amount of love! It is so evident from every story shared that you truly were such an incredible light shining in the lives of everyone who knew you. It was an honor to carry forth your memories and the incredibly legacy that you left behind. Your extraordinary love of life and of the people who surrounded you will forever live on in all of us, and we will forever be such better people because of it 🙂
Semper Fi, brother.
Edwina, it was an absolute honor to have carried your beloved son memorial stone to the top of Cadillac Mountain.
As soon as I knew I was able to hike this year, I knew I needed to ask to carry Devon’s stone. When I was reading about Devon, most of my thoughts drifted to the similarities he seemed to have with Dustin and myself. He may have been younger then my brother and I, but I could see us being great friends no problem. His love for sports really made a big connection with me.
Early on during the hike I got some reason thought it was fitting to carry Devon’s stone I hand rather than my pack. No clue why, I just felt it was right. Maybe I felt like the stone and Devon needed a perfect view of the beautiful day we had to hike.
The timing at the top was perfect. As the circle ceremony began I received the message from it. It made the moment that much more memorable for me. “Oh my word Dylan you have me sobbing I couldn’t have imagined anyone better carrying my boys stone!! Love you, thank you ❤️❤️.” The words from Edwina at the perfect moment.
Thank you so much for being a great friend Edwina! And thank you for allowing me to partake in the remembrance of a great man lost to soon. Devon is not forgotten.
I had the distinct honor and pleasure of carrying Devon’s stone for this years virtual Memorial Day weekend event. And what an adventure we had! I picked up the stone the week before our event and he was front and center every chance I got! He sat on my desk each day at work where I could share his story, he sat on the table while my parents joined my children and I for dinner, he went on a lovely two mile walk along the river front while my 9 year old daughter honored a hero herself for the first time, and on May 30th he was safely nestled in my pack as we participated in the Ruck to Remember, a 16 mile ruck around Portland and South Portland.
The ruck was amazing – I joined more than 50 other folks on a mission to honor our fallen heroes. The weather left a lot to be desired, the first 8 miles were chilly and blustery. At the half way point we stopped and had our circle where those of us carrying stones shared the stories and our thoughts about our heroes. The 8 miles back to the starting point were mostly in the rain. It was cold and, at times, miserable. But during those times I felt the weight of the stone in my pack and pictured Devons smile and that was just what I needed to keep placing one foot in front of the other so that we could complete the 16 miles together!
By the time it was my turn to speak at our circle, the rain had started, but the crowd never once complained as we sat along the ocean with the rain washing away tears – I would like to share the words I spoke about Devon ….
In the words of Mr. Rogers mother – “ Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping” – Devon Strout was a helper.
Born on May 8th 1996 weighing in at 9lbs 14oz, Devon Strout started his short but significant time here on earth. He was daddy’s best buddy and mom’s boy. I recently had the pleasure of talking with his mother Edwina and her words about Devon put the biggest smile on my face and at the same time made my heart hurt. It was hard for her to speak of her son, he has been gone just shy of 5 years after dying in a tragic car accident in Virginia while he stationed at Quantico. The pain in her voice was equally balanced with immense love and pride for the man Devon was.
From an early age Devon was a helper. When he was just 5 his dad David had a kidney transplant, while recovering Devon stood in front of him and said “Daddy you need a sandwich”? From there he went on to continue being a helper to his family, friends, and fellow Marines. Edwina described him as larger than life, brining sunshine wherever he went, always making sure everyone around him was well taken care of. He was known for his contagious laugh and smile, his charisma had a way of turning any situation into an opportunity to laugh, and he had the ability to lift people up when they needed it the most.
Edwina shared many amazing memories of her son, about his time in high school, joining the tennis team only to need stitches after hitting himself in the head with his own racket, joining soccer as a freshman and pushing himself so hard in practice that he ran until he threw up, the time he drove home 14 hours to surprise her after she had spent the evening chaperoning a dance. She was missing him when she got home and went to his room only to find a body in his bed! After I explained where we were heading for this event she snickered and said they had gone to their last concert together here in Portland, Flogging Molly.
He was always in contact with her, even when he was in California he would make phone calls in the wee hours of the morning, and always a good night and a good morning text . She got quite when she said that and explained that’s how she knew something was wrong the night of his accident. She had texted him and didn’t get a response and that was not like him one bit.
It is so clear that Devon made a mark on this world in his short 20 years earthside. He was here to help, to raise others up, to light up the world, and place smiles on peoples faces. I am so thankful to have been paired with Devon, he has quickly become my helper as well.
Though his time on this earth may have ended his ability to make people smile and lift them up will continue for years to come. Thank you Devon, thank you for your service to our country and thank you for simply being you and as the words to Flogging Molly’s song If I ever Leave This World Alive say “ Where Ever I am, you will always be, More than just a memory”
I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to honor Devon and want to thank his family for participating in the Summit Project so that myself and others can help keep his memory alive.
I am beyond grateful that I was able to reconnect with Devon a complete our mission together while attending the ANP event this year!
This was the first in person full fledged event in quite some time due to covid and it was amazing to see everyone after so long. Despite the horrible forecast I decided to camp at Smugglers Den on Friday night, before the event on Saturday. That evening I went to the big tent to see what was happening, only to find I was all alone. I took my time visiting the stones and then I sat down at a table to have a quiet moment. I picked a random seat and when I looked at the picture in the centerpiece on the table there was Devon’s devilish grin smiling back at me. In that moment I felt his presence and knew our adventure was beginning again.
That night I tended alone, a first for me! There was threat of nasty storms but I snuggle into my tent knowing that nothing was going to spoil our event. The sky opened and woke me yup at 3:00am. The rain was insane and so very loud. It kept me awake for a while and I laid there thinking about Devon, his service, and his sacrifice.
Saturday morning brought the threat of storms and the decision to keep everyone safe, which meant we would not be summiting Cadillac Mountain. For the hikers it was a bit of a let down, we are there to SUMMIT with our heroes, we felt like the weather wouldn’t have slowed our heroes down. But we also knew that it wasn’t safe and we happily adapted to the plan to do a beautiful little ruck into Echo Lake on a trail that left directly from our basecamp. It was foggy, damp, and dreary, but all the hikers headed out with a mission to complete. The four teams all picked a spot on the beach and we held our circle ceremonies. It was an honor to share Devon’s story with my team and as I did so, the warmth of the sun poking through the clouds made me smile. It was as if Devon was making his bright smile and amazing personality be known and helping us to have the perfect backdrop for our event.
We spent some time on the beach and waited for the other teams to finish up before lining up and rucking back into our return ceremony where we all gathered under the big tent with our TSP family to say each name out loud and return our stones. Once we were all safely under the tent the sky opened up once again and the rain fell, hard. Tears from heaven washing down as we honored our heroes.
As my name got close to being called I realized it was time to hand over Devon’s stone, and this is the hardest part for me. That physical connection is so powerful, letting go of that stone brought the tears. I may have handed over that physical connection but I know that Devon will forever be an angel watching over me. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with Devon, he brought me a peace that I had needed for a while and that I will carry with me forever.
Thank you Devon, for your service, and your sacrifice. And thank you to Edwina and the rest of Devon’s family and friends for sharing your boy with The Summit Project so that other’s can experience him.
Once again Devon …. “Where ever I am, you will always me, more than just a memory”.
#MHANF
Dear Edwina and Aileen,
I’m not quite sure where to even begin with this letter because I have written, erased and rewritten so many times now that I’ve lost count. Before reflecting on my adventure with Devon I want to thank you for your trust in me. I’ve developed a unique bond with you that I haven’t experienced with another Gold Star family. That bond was created through your trust in me to do my best and to open your heart and share your raw emotions with me. I don’t take the responsibility of that lightly and I can only anticipate that we will grow closer in our friendship in the upcoming years. For that, I am eternally grateful to Devon for bringing you both to me.
I had first asked for your blessing to carry Devon many months ago. What originally started as a self fulfillment mission to achieve something as a happily married woman with a new baby soon felt empty and hollow. I wasn’t quite sure what my anticipated “year end goal” was missing. Then I hugged you. I spent the day with you at the rodeo and in a sea of familiar TSP faces, I didn’t want to leave your side. I felt drawn to your kindness and vulnerability. I think that was Devon instinctively pulling us together knowing we needed each other. But I digress.
With your blessing I continued training for the Millinocket half marathon in anticipation of carrying Devon. Every practice mile he was there. In every song on my Playlist, every minute I had to think while I hit the pavement he was there to encourage me. I am blessed to be a stay at home mom so I was enjoying the time talking to my son about the great man Devon is. Not just the abstract “he’s a good guy” phrase. But the real nitty gritty of what made him so amazing.
The marathon was on a Saturday and two days before I had an injection in my back due to prolonged issues. I knew this would be a setback for me but the spirit of Devon pushed me on. Saturday morning arrived and I felt ready. No doubt my mind and overthinking was getting the best of me. Leave it to Devon to make me laugh by spilling my coffee on me first thing. As Joelle and I rode to Millinocket I couldn’t help but think of how much he was LOVING being the only guy in a car of girls. Poor guy had no choice but then I was reminded that girls always asked Devon to dances and to hang out, he never had to ask them. I love that. Once we got to town and met up with Courtney we headed to the starting line. Once again he was looking out for us because in a chaos mess of people numbering in the thousands he managed to help me find a parking spot right at the starting line. The music was amazing and I couldn’t help but feel him wanting to dance. So we boogied our little butts to the electric slide before starting. Then it was time.
To the starting line we went, the tangible part of Devon in my hands but his fierce heart of a lion in my heart. Off we went and up over the biggest hill from the start. The crowds were cheering as I held his stone and I could see folks reading his initials, his rank and look at me with a smile. If I could just stop and talk to every single person on that route they would be wanting to carry him too.
Mile 1 done. Then mile 2 and 3. As we approached mile 5 I could feel something change. My hip was clicking with each step. My back felt like metal on metal. I wasn’t sure if I could finish and I didn’t want to let Devon down. After discussing with the girls it was decided that I would call it a day. Then Courtney said, “Would you like me to carry Devon so he completes the mission?” As thankful as I am for her friendship and realizing in that moment what was most important was for Devon to cross the finish line, nothing broke my heart more than to give him to someone else. But what he gave me after that was worth so much more. Because this is when the true Devon pulled through.
I made it to mile 6 because I was told a ride would be waiting for me to get me back to town and to have a quick medical check. Being from Millinocket and growing up with parents that knew everybody I still wasn’t anticipating what was to happen. I got to the mile 6 stop and was greeted by a long time family friend Ramona. My mother had a daycare in town and had Ramona’s son in her daycare for many years. Ramona had also lost this son a few years back to an unexpected tragedy and has always remained close to us. How great it was to hug her again. Then I hear, “Andrea, is that you?” I turn around and it was my friend Sam from high school that I hadn’t seen since graduation in 1998. The hug was so tight, pure and real. We quickly chatted and I asked who was able to give me a ride and I turn around and it was Chief Tom Malcolm. Chief was an old friend of my dad’s and also graduated high school with my mom. I got into his truck and we reminisced the whole way to town about my father, the amazing man he was and he also shared some stories that I never knew about. My father passed in 1996 when I was 16 years old and although I miss him more than anything, for a few minutes a part of him was with me again.
So what I expected to be a soul searching adventure was really Devon giving back a piece of me again that I was missing. I truly believed he told me it was okay to not finish because I had some old friends that I needed to see. Just Devon being Devon again, bringing people together through good old stories and laughs. He knew what I needed better than I did.
Not only do I want to thank Devon for his service and sacrifice but I am so thankful that he has put some amazing folks in my life. This adventure with him isn’t over for me because I will continue to share his story and say his name. What a guy. Thank you for sharing him with me. Love you both.
Andrea
“Sugar”
MHANF