CPL Dustin J. Libby, 22, was born on January 4, 1984 in Presque Isle, Maine. He is the son of Judson L. Libby and Geni L. Libby. Dustin graduated from Presque Isle High School’s Adult Education program in the class of 2003. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and graduated in February of 2004 with a meritorious promotion to private 1st class. Dustin went on to proudly serve with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force Echo Company based out of Camp Pendleton, California. Cpl. Libby’s first stay at Camp Pendleton was short as he was almost immediately deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Summer 2004. Dustin returned from this deployment in the fall of 2004 and remained stateside until his second overseas deployment to Okinawa, Japan where he participated in joint training with the Philippine military. Upon his return from Japan Dustin met his fiancé in California. His last deployment, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, brought him back to Ar Ramadi where he proudly led a squad of 12 men. Dustin enjoyed outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends and being a Marine, but, above all else, he loved his fiancé.
Dustin had a love of the outdoors where he enjoyed snowboarding and anything that could keep his active body busy. He tried his hand at playing guitar and saxophone and believed himself to be pretty good. Dustin was not camera shy and very rarely took a serious photo. He is featured in the book Echo in Ramadi, a descriptive writing of his company in Ar Ramadi, written by Major Scott Huesing.
Dustin’s stone was retrieved by his mother Geni in the backyard of his childhood home in Castle Rock, Maine. In addition, a stone monument in his honor is placed at the head of the summit trail atop Haystack Mountain in Castle Hill, Maine where he now has a trail named in his honor.
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To the Family, Fiancé and Friends of Marine CPL Dustin J. Libby:
My name is Rob Martel. On Saturday August 28, 2019, I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and story of CPL Dustin Libby to the Summit of Cadillac Mountain with The Summit Project (TSP). This was my first hike at Cadillac Mountain and with TSP. I also learned that Saturday, while at basecamp at Smugglers Den, that this too would be the first hike for Dustin’s stone with TSP. This was truly an honor for me and I took pride in being the first one to carry his stone and story for this hike. We had nice weather on that day as our team “Blackwood” hiked the South Ridge Trail to the summit. Not only was I honored to have Dustin’s stone in my pack, I also was grateful to be carrying the flag for our team.
It is now almost two weeks since the hike and I am still having trouble with writing this reflection letter. I have gone over what I want to write a 1,000 times in my mind and made scribble notes on paper which I have tossed out. I feel that no words can convey how I felt the day of hike and what it meant to me to carry Dustin’s stone. I did my best in sharing Dustin’s story during circle at the Summit. I know he deserved more, but I shared from what I read on his biography. He seemed like a great young man and I am thankful for his service to our Country. His story will always be with me.
When I received my email informing me of the stone and story that I would be carrying for the hike up Cadillac Mountain, I was extremely honored to have gotten a fellow “Jarhead” as I too served in the Marine Corp! After reading Dustin’s biography in preparation for the hike, I found that Dustin and I have some similarities. For example, I too was born in January. The year that Dustin was born, 1984, I graduated high school and shipped out to bootcamp at Parris Island in South Carolina to become a Marine! I spent four years in the Marines from 1984 to 1988 with the 9th Engineers stationed in Okinawa. I too was a CPL. From 1999 to 2015, I served with the Maine Army National Guard. I was sent to Iraq during the same year that Dustin served his first tour, 2004. I was with the 133rd Army National Guard Battalion stationed at Mosul.
I heard at basecamp that sometimes the stone picks the person. Due to some of our similarities, there is a part of me that believes that Dustin chose me to ensure that I, a former Marine, got him safely to the Summit and carried on his story. I am proud of my service in Marine Corp just as Dustin was. Words cannot express my sorrow to Dustin’s family, fiancé and friends for their loss of this fine young man at such a young age.
I am a firm believer in “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” ~ Semper Fi Dustin! Your story will carry on within me.
Very Respectively,
Robert Martel
SSGT MEANG (Ret.)
Dear Family,
Thank you for sharing Dustin’s Memorial stone and trusting me to fly with him to Washington DC for four days to run in the Marine Corp Marathon 10K. It was a true honor to be carrying his stone for an event dedicated to honoring Marines.
It was incredibly powerful to stand in the pouring rain on the National Mall surrounded by Marines and over 14,000 runners all on the same mission – paying tribute to the Marine Corp. I felt even more blessed because I was able to carry Dustin with me. I shared his story with everyone that asked which might be why my run time was longer than usual. Smiling Marines lined the 10k route and I felt their genuine interest in hearing about Dustin’s memorial stone and his life.
We ran from the National Mall past the Washington Memorial over the 14th St Bridge down into Crystal City past the Pentagon alongside Arlington Cemetery and finishing up at the Iwo Jima US Marine Corp War Memorial. It was very powerful and emotional.
Geni, after speaking with you on the phone before the trip, I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about how I would run carrying the stone. You were surprised that someone would run with the heavy stone. When I picked up Dustin’s stone, I knew it would be okay. And it was. Together, we made it through TSA, with some explanation, then we made it thru the windy rainy morning of the run. It was an amazing experience that is hard to put into words.
Thank you!
Sincerely
Jennifer Simmons
My wife was going to take Dustin up Cadillac Mountain for The Summit Project, however, the week of the hike she injured her back. She had told me about Dustin and what she had learned about him through her research. When she injured herself and was unable to hike, I did not want to see Dustin get left behind. I offered to take him up the trail in my wife’s place. I was allowed to fill in for her, and through email, I was brought up to speed on what would transpire during the day of the hike. At the end of the email I remember it said it was nice of me to fill in, and I thought “yeah, it is a nice thing to do”. Then I started my own research on Dustin and my view on what I was doing changed. It was not nice of me to participate; it was a privilege. I am roughly the same age as Dustin and remember what I was doing when I was 22. It humbles me greatly to learn what this young man had done during his short time on earth. I can only imagine what he would have done, had he more time.
On the day of the hike when we reached the top of mountain after a beautiful climb, we gathered to share what we had learned about our heroes. When it was my turn to tell the group what I had learned about Dustin, it touched me much more than I had realized before that moment. My words could not begin to do him the justice that he deserved, but I tried to make an impression on everyone there of the quality of man that he was. It was an honor to hike with Dustin. I have shared with my two children the things that he had done and the type of person he was. My wife and I are two more people who will not forget him, and with time I hope that my children will follow suit. We would all like to say, “Thank you Dustin”.
Sincerely
Brandon Schanz
Dear Geni, Judson, Chris and Jannine. I had the honor and privilege of participating in the 16 mile Ruck to Remember with the Stone and Story of your Amazing son, brother, fiancé . Dustin and I had been able to hang out for about a week prior to the event so I was able to show him to my Granddaughter Anaya who is 3, who listened intently as was telling her about him. Then on Saturday May 30th I packed my backpack with my supplies and then I carefully loaded up Dustin’s stone. I asked him to give me strength to get me through this Ruck to Remember. I was so Thankful to speak with Geni before we stepped off. What an Adventure we had….it was a balmy 50 degrees that brought on drizzle, wind and rain. Whenever my steps got heavy or my pack got uncomfortable I could hear Dustin telling me to keep going…you got this…and when the rain made lots of puddles I thought about how Dustin liked to have fun so we played through the puddles and I laughed everytime. I will never forget this memorable event and I definitely will Never Forget Dustin. I am glad I was able to share pictures with Geni. Forever in my Heart❤
Dear Geni,
Thank you for the honor of carrying Dustin’s stone in your place over Memorial Day Weekend this year. It has been a true gift to learn more about Dustin, both through my readings, but most of all directly from you. Thank you for spending so much time with me talking about him in the days before the hike.
Our hike team, Team Gold, hiked the Rainbow loop – a beautiful and very green 6-7 mile trail with very nice views of Rainbow Lake and Katahdin. The hike was a harder hike than I remembered from the first time we hiked it, but the team worked through the challenges together. When we arrived at the overlook, we formed up into a circle and took turns talking about our heroes. When it was my turn I told the team how the military was the place Dustin found his calling. I talked about how he liked to play jokes on you with his brother and that he liked to play on the very mountain (Haystack) that now is deidcated to him and his sacrifice. I also shared the letter that you wrote to his commanding officer (it is in the book). I can tell what kind of man Dustin had become through the strength and compassion his mother showed in that letter. I would have very much liked to know the man that Dustin had become.
I hope it is some consolation to you that, although you couldn’t hike with us this year at BSP, Dustin was not forgotten. I look forward to the chance to see you at future Summit Project events.
Warm Regards,
Mark LoSacco
Dear Geni, Judson, Christopher, and all of Dustin’s family,
I had the privilege of participating in an event for The Summit Project (TSP) at Acadia National Park (ANP). I’ve wanted to do so for several years and it finally happened when my friend informed me of the information.
I hiked with Team Red. Due to expected strong winds it was questionable as to whether or not the hike to Cadillac’s summit would happen. We got the green light and off we went. The wind was strong at times but in my mind this was nothing compared to the sacrifice that Dustin made for our country. We all persevered and completed the hike.
The day was overwhelming and indescribable-filled with smiles, hugs, tears, solace, camaraderie, pride, and laughs. Instantly, I was made to feel welcome and invited in as part of a family from TSP, their volunteers, seasoned hikers, and their Gold Star families. From the beginning of the day they said I would be hooked and connected with the TSP “family”. I have to say, I am.
I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and the story of your son, brother, fiance, relative, and friend, Marine Cpl Dustin J. Libby. Through my online research I discovered what an amazing young man he was and how honorably he served his country. As mentioned before I was on Team Red. On the same team with me happened to be Rob Martel. He was the first person to carry Dustin’s stone up Cadillac. I had read Rob’s letter to you prior to the hike and felt that although I was carrying the stone this time, Dustin was with both of us. Dustin connected Rob and I because once you learn about any of these fallen soldiers they stay with you forever.
It’s been almost a week since the event and I am still sifting through emotions and thoughts of the day. I’ve been trying to make the connection as to why I was meant to carry Dustin’s stone and what I have determined is this. I work at the Maine Veterans Home. In my 18 years there I have heard countless stories from our aging veterans of their gratitude and sorrow for their “brothers” who did not come home and/or who, if it hadn’t been for the fallen soldiers, they would not have made it home to their families. Their brothers made the ultimate sacrifice. In sharing this story with the wonderful veterans I work with they all said, “Make sure you thank the fallen soldier’s family for all of us”. Even these veterans are aware and thankful of Dustin’s service and sacrifice. So, thank you.
On a personal note, I feel a connection to Dustin and your family. In 1986, while coming home from an AA meeting, my sister was killed in Medway from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. She was also 22. Like Dustin, in her short life she affected so many people. She did not do so through the military but through encouraging and supporting sobriety. I’d like to think those “kids”, Dustin and Danyelle, have connected in heaven just as Rob and I connected on Cadillac.
Thank you all so much for letting me carry Dustin’s stone and honoring his memory. My goal is to get to the trailhead that is named in his honor at Haystack Mountain. I will not forget him.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Erb
My name is Tyler Dearborn and I had the honor to carry Dustin’s stone to the top of Tumbledown Mountain with JROTC for the Summit Project. Once we got to the top we did our memorial circle to honor the fallen soldiers and despite the strong winds and the rain picking up we all stayed strong to honor the soldiers that had paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
A few weeks ago our team from Pratt & Whitney carried 22 stones to the summit of Mt. Agamenticus. I had the honor of carrying Dustin’s stone. What a privilege to learn about his life, his military career and find out more about what an amazing man he was. I even took the time to read several of the excerpts from Echo in Ramadi. What a compelling story that truly shows what an incredible person he was.
I never knew anything about this event and can say last year I let the opportunity pass me by to participate. I am honored that I was able to attend this year and thankful for the outstanding experience. It was an honor to learn about Dustin and carry on his legacy to all those who attended with me.
I had the distinct honor of carrying Cpl. Libby’s stone on a recent trip to Maine. As an employee of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, it was incredibly resonant to me to be able to honor his memory and his incredible service.
It was also incredibly resonant to me because I also served in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to the same parts of the Al Anbar Province that Cpl. Libby was.
Its so important for all Americans to remember the service and sacrifice these young men and women made and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be a small part of his legacy.
Thank you for affording me the honor of carrying the stone that bears his name and rank.
Semper Fidelis, Dustin.
On Saturday, September 23, I walked into the woods to the top of a mountain. This was a much different hike for me as I had the honor of carrying the stone and story of Cpl. Dustin Libby to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. I’ve been involved with other programs to remember and honor service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, but this was different; learning about who Dustin was will stay with me and inspire me to continue learning the stories of other fallen soldiers, sailors, and airmen. Dustin gave his life for his country; the least we can do is to continue to tell his story.
Rest easy Marine, we have the watch now.
My name is Mickenzie Landry and on February 2nd I had the honor of carrying Dutin’s stone on our short hike. I am a student at Katahdin High School, where the Honor Case with 20 stones has been housed for the past couple of months.
When we were told we had to choose a stone to carry on our hike I wasn’t sure whose stone I wanted. But after learning about each Soldier, I knew that Dustin’s was the one I wanted to carry. Not only did he grow up in the town where my father lives, I feel we share some of the same interests. He loved being in the outdoors, but most importantly he loved spending time with his family and friends.
Dustin truly seemed like a great man that was taken way too soon. He deserves to be remembered, and I am honored to have had the privilege to carry his stone to help honor his sacrifice for our country.
Sincerely
Mickenzie Landry
This year, I had the honor to carry Dustin with me on my 11th TSP hike.
Dustin is a hero I found connections with right away; he was my age at the time of his passing, he loved getting his photo taken (My mom has been a photographer my whole life, so I related to that), Dustin also enjoyed the outdoors, so I think he’d have had fun on our rainbow loop. His spirit and pride in himself, his country, and his loved ones embodies the heart and soul of TSP itself, and sharing his story, even amid the swarm of bugs on the Rainbow Loop summit, felt like bringing a part of him along with us.
My favorite thing about Dustin is his love for music. The line; “He tried his hand at playing guitar and saxophone and believed himself to be pretty good.” brought a smile during the circle ceremony, and reminded our team that the mission isn’t to mourn the passing of our heroes- but to celebrate their lives.
To the Family & Friends of Marine CPL. Dustin J Libby,
My name is David Still and I am a Pratt & Whitney employee. I recently had the opportunity to participate in an event with The Summit Project, during which I had the great honor to carry a tribute stone for CPL Libby to the peak of Mount Agamenticus in York, Maine.
It was a true privilege for me to learn about his life & to share his story with the rest of our group. There are no words I can write to express the gratitude and admiration I have for the Sacrifice made by CPL Libby in the interest of defending Freedom. Our Nation holds a debt to your family which can truly never be repaid. My hope is you know – myself and so many others in our community recognize him for the true Hero he was.
I plan to hike Haystack Mountain soon with friends and hike the trail named in his Honor. I’m excited to share his story with them and continue keeping his Legacy alive. I also intend to buy a copy of Echo in the Ramadi and learn more about him.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to learn about his life.
Respectfully,
David Still