Austin Thomas Williams was born December 12, 1995 and grew up in Freeport, Maine. One of his earliest hiking experiences was climbing Mt Katahdin with his aunt, his older brother and two cousins.
In high school, Austin was well-liked with his all-inclusive attitude. He took part in many activities including chorus, cross country, and track and field. He was easy to pick out of a crowd in his bandanas and neon running socks. His senior year he set a personal record for the indoor mile with a time of 4:58. When the school’s new outdoor track opened in spring, 2018, a memorial bench was dedicated in his honor, and a college scholarship was established through fundraising done by his former classmates.
As a teenage member of Young Life, Austin was strong in his faith. He cared for others and gave his all to family and friends. He once mentored an underclassman who wanted to drop out of school by giving the student a ride to school every day until Austin graduated.
As a junior in high school, Austin committed to serving his country in the US Navy. After high school graduation, he attended boot camp and Engineman A School in Illinois. Pursuing the position of Engineman was a surprise to his family. When asked about his choice, he replied that after gaining experience as an Engineman, he could get a good job when he retired from Navy, proving once again that he was always forward-thinking.
After Illinois, Austin transferred to C-School in California and then reported for duty in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Here, he completed his first tour of duty, advanced to Engineman Second Class, and earned his warfare qualification.
It was also in Hawaii that, true to form, he made many friends and went on many hiking adventures. A memorial hike with a portion of Austin’s ashes is being planned by his friends and shipmates in Hawaii.
By March, 2018, Austin had reenlisted for 6 years and transferred to the USS Sentry, in Manama, Bahrain. He had talked about all the hiking he hoped to do while in Bahrain. His term would be tragically cut short when, on April 5, 2018, Austin died while crossing the street with friends.
Austin’s heart-shaped stone was retrieved by his parents from Fossil Beach on Keg Lake, where his family’s camp is located. The summer before Austin passed, he was between duty station assignments and was able to enjoy time here with his family and friends.
.
26 Comments
October 10, 2018
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Williams,
I was very honored to carry Austin’s story and stone for this summit project. The heart shaped stone was a perfect stone and knowing it was from your camp that he grew up with was a nice tribute to him.
This is the first time I have done this. I decided to take this climb because my sister was also climbing. Her son was in the Marines when he died in Yuma, AZ. I wanted to support her as she honored her son and another soldier as well. (She carried two stones.) As I learned about your son I felt very connected in a lot of ways.
Faith, family and friends. That is a strong message of what was most important to him. While learning about Austin I found so many connections with my own family and life. My youngest son was born in December exactly twelve years earlier. Corey was a track runner in high school too. He colored his hair bright blonde at the time. One of his grandmothers last name is Oliver, first name was Elva. We also have a family camp where my two boys had many summer vacations as well.
Corey and my nephew Josh were close. Corey took it really hard when Josh passed but it also helped him with his life at that time. Corey realized he was not invincible. From all sadness we can find things that are good that come from that sadness. I think in a way Josh saved Corey’s life.
I cannot know the full sadness you have with the loss of your son and please accept my deepest condolences. Like Josh, I to feel that Austin brought goodness to others in need with his passing.
When I reached the summit our group got together to talk about the person’s life. It was a very emotional setting. Right after we finished a wedding party came to the spot we were at. One of the groomsmen had on stripped neon socks and it made me smile. I thought to myself, yes Austin you are with me today.
Thank-you for letting me carry his stone.
Kimberly Oliver
Kimberly, Thank you so very much for carrying Austins stone and for your kind words. We loved reading about the neon socks We took his stone to his favorite beach on what would have been his 23rd birthday. We are excited to see where he will travel to. So many family and friends are planning their time with his stone.
To the Family, and Friends of Engineman Second Class Austin Thomas Williams
I was lucky enough to carry the stone in honor of Austin for 26.2 miles on April 14th of 2019. This humbling experience allowed for me to reflect on the life and legacy of Austin. Austin’s stone was placed in my ruck for the journey, and his bandana was placed on the outside of my ruck. It was place next to a red bandana, a fitting place. The red bandanna was placed to honor Welles Crowther, so I couldn’t think of better place for Austin’s bandanna, next to that of someone whose legacy is inspiring, and a constant reminder of the good that exist in people. The good that drives some us to be men and women for others, and serve our country like Austin. When David handed me the bandanna and said: “His mother said he always wore a bandanna” I smiled. I knew that this stone was meant to be part of not only a physically humbling experience, but also spiritually, and emotionally as well. Knowing the least I could do was carrying this stone to honor the legacy of someone who cared and loved others so much.
I was happy to take this stone on an extended hike through minuteman national park. I truly think this was something Austin would have enjoyed. Not only competing, but also enjoying a wonderful legacy that was left by the patriots before us like Austin.
Wyatt Grant Knopfke
Boston College Class of 2019
Boston College Football 15′-19′
Sworn in U.S. Army March 20th 2019
Tough Ruck April 14th 2019 – Boston Athletic Association, and National Park Service
Dear Wyatt, We would like to thank you for carrying Austins stone. Austin was a patriot as you stated. He loved his country and was so excited to be serving. We are so happy that he is getting to see places he will never see on his own. His love of bandannas was a big part of who he was. Austin always looked fir the good in people and always gave people his time when needed. He had a heart of gold. We love and miss our boy so very much. Thank you again for supporting Austin and the Summit project!
On May 26th, 2019, just one year, one month, and 22 days after the world lost Navy EN2 Austin T. Williams, I had the distinct honor and privilege of hiking Austin’s stone on the Rainbow Lake Trail as part of the annual TSP at BSP event.
This year was a first in 6 years, the weather prevented our 4 hiking teams from entering Baxter State Park and summiting Owl with our heroes. The harsh winter had left Baxter State Park closed due to unsafe hiking conditions and the need to preserve the trails from damage. When I first learned of this change I was, admittedly, disappointed. I was excited for the challenge of Owl and knew the Austin would be a wonderful hiking partner as it was clear he embraced life and its challenges to its fullest. After doing some research on the Rainbow Lake Trail it was clear this would be an easier hike, but still full of Mother Nature’s beauty. I sat and thought about what I had learned about Austin, the pictures I had studied of his charismatic smile in so many different surroundings, and I realized that Rainbow Lake was happening for a reason!
The weather the morning of the hike was less than ideal. I woke in the early hours to the sound of torrential rain falling on the roof of the lodge and I feared that our mission may be put to a stop. However, each and every hiker was ready to complete their duty, rain or no rain! I donned bright yellow knee-high socks and the most vibrant tie dye sweatshirt I could get my hands on, and of course, a bandana <3 By the time we hit the trail head the rain had tapered to a slight drizzle and we headed off onto the unknown trail. What I experienced was nothing short of breathtaking. It wasn’t a technical hike, it was a beautiful gentle (for the most part) hike through some of the most beautiful forest scenery I had ever seen. It was foggy and misty but the lush green moss stood out everywhere and the forest had this peaceful, almost mystical feel about it. Everywhere I looked I saw life, beautiful life, and I could feel Austin with me every step of the way. I am certain he would have been in awe of the experience we shared on our hike together, the beauty of the woods was indescribable!
We chose a spot along the trail that was sheltered from the elements to do our circle and each took turns sharing the stories of our heroes. When my turn came I took out the two pages of notes I had with me and slowly started to share what had learned about Austin. I had the privilege of talking a couple of weeks before to Meredith about her son, and more recently with a friend of his who he shared time in Hawaii with, they both gave me insight as to who Austin was as a man, a son, a friend, a Sailor, and a person. As I made my way through the story I wanted to share I read the Top 10 Things Austin Taught Us Along the Journey, a list of important points about life that was shared at his funeral. Each point I took a moment to elaborate and with each one my team learned what an amazing man Austin was, and is. #1 struck a chord with not only me, but my team … Agape (Love) is the reason we are here. Austin, this was spot on my friend, on so many levels.
We gathered on May 26th to show love to our heroes, their friends, and their families. We shared their stories, we honored their lives, and all with copious amounts of love for lives they lived and the sacrifices they made for us and the country we love.
As we hiked I took a lot of time to reflect on Austin, how he embraced life, how he loved his friends fiercely, how special he was to his family, the heart so full of love that beat in his young chest, and the loss the world suffered when he was taken from us. I knew Austin would have embraced the dreary weather and made the best out of the adventure so that is exactly what I did. I soaked in the sounds of the birds, the foggy haze, the lush green moss, the beautiful waterfalls, the smells of the woods coming to life after a long harsh winter and I smiled, a lot.
To the friends and family of Austin, thank you for having your boy be part of The Summit Project so that hikers may help Austin continue adventuring and so that we may keep his story alive. Austin was a true fore to be reckoned with, bringing light and love to all he touched. Whenever I have the chance I will share his story and how he “Loved life, every single part of it, he loved travel and the Earth and God” … Austin, may your light keep shining and your smile never fade!
Dear Kayla, Thank you so much for carrying Austin stone up rainbow Lake Trail . The photos we saw online of you your tie-dyed shirt your bandannas your socks really made us smile . I also wanna thank you for the phone call to learn more about Austin before your hike he would’ve loved being right there with you . TSP Will allow Austin to see many of the beautiful wonderful places he wanted to go . The weather was not the best that day but our family appreciates that you kept going and you shared some of what you learned about Austin with your fellow hikers . How do you stated Austin lived life with everything he had his friends his family even people him at once fell in love with him and will always carry him in their hearts. The top 10 red at his funeral hit every level every feeling everything we all know about Austin AGAPE Love the best way to describe our boy ❤️❤️
My name is Julianne Bragg, and I carried the stone representing Austin T. Williams. I climbed the Tumbledown Mountain with my peers from the Nokomis Regional High JROTC. There were 33 other stones brought to the summit along with mine. The father of late CPL Fisher joined us on the hike.
I was honored to learn, and share the story of Austin. Every part of the experience will shape the rest of my life. When I researched him and found that he was such a wonderful person, it inspired me to be better. The effect he had on every person he met was immense. His kindness and motivation was remarkable. I believe it was fitting to honor Austin by carrying his stone on a hike, considering his love for adventures.
When we held the ceremony, it felt as if every person standing in the circle disappeared. The moment had nothing to do with anyone present. I don’t think I will ever have another experience like it. The last person to speak was CPL Fisher’s dad. As he spoke of his son, everyone was brought to tears. It was heartbreaking, and reminded me that every hero represented by a stone had family, and friends that cared deeply for them.
I am a clumsy person, like, really clumsy. I tripped on almost anything that poked out of the ground – and sometimes on nothing at all. We were less than a mile from the summit when we were given the option to start heading back down, or to finish the climb to the top. I contemplated not finishing, but, I knew I had to. So I finished the hike with Austin’s stone. The view was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. I am so grateful that I got to the top to see it, and I am so grateful that I was able to bring the heart-shaped stone, and bandana with me.
Dear Julianne, Thank you so much for carting Austins stone up Tumbledown Mountain with your peers from the Nokomis Regional High JROTC. From the day Austin was born he just had a way of impacting people he met. Austin was one of the most kindest people you could meet his love for adventure was in him from the beginning . Our hearts go out to all of the TSP families and friends . Losing her child is one of the hardest things we will ever go through. Knowing that Austin will still be able to go on adventures he had planned to do in his life help us more than you know . Thank you for carrying his stone and finishing the hike he would’ve done the same thing . Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts ❤️❤️
Folks
I was honored to carry Austins stone and bandana on the most recent Honoring Heros Run….I know what it means to feel the loss of a loved as I am also a Goldstar parent. Take those memories that are important to you and remember that he will not be forgotten.
Dear William, Thank you so much for carrying Austin stone and bandanna on the honoring heroes run . Please except our condolences for your loss . Our memories of our son Austin help keep us going every day . He was an amazing son brother grandson friend and sailor . Thank you again we appreciate you doing this for him and us ❤️
I have struggled with writing this post as I initially thought I failed the mission as I was unable to reach the summit of Mount Washington on September 2, 2019. It took some reflection time to see that the honor of carrying a memorial stone is much larger than just reaching the summit of a mountain.
Summit: noun (sum·mit ): the topmost level attainable
When I sat back and looked at the climb, I realized that I had reached the summit – just not the highest point of the mountain. From the beginning, this opportunity was a long shot due to the timing of my request. But, through the efforts of some dedicated volunteers, I was able to carry the heart shaped stone of Navy EN2 Austin T. Williams.
After learning about Austin and his flair for bright colors and bandanas my friends and I knew we needed to jazz up our hiking attire in his honor! We spent the ride to New Hampshire talking about his incredible run times and how much I dislike cardio. His energy is exactly what I would need to help me get up this mountain in the pouring rain. It was interesting to read that it seemed to rain on many of the hikes his stone had been on. My friend said it was part of “The Legend of Austin.” That honestly made me smile because it was the first step to the summit of this adventure. People were learning about Austin and it was bringing smiles to their faces.
Our first stop was at a little mom and pop shop in Sumner, Maine called Good Old Boys. There were two gentlemen outside at a picnic table at 6am having a coffee and sharing stories. Of course they noticed our attire and we got to talking about The Summit Project and Austin. It was great to connect with strangers and share some laughs and thanks over the project and Austin’s life. We packed our flashy dressed selves back into the car and headed for the mountain.
Now this was about the time doubt started creeping back in for me. Could I actually make this hike? Could I do it in the rain? I wasn’t sure. What I haven’t shared is why this hike mattered so much to me. It’s a hard story to share – but it was the driving force behind my motivation to try. Six years ago I became a member of a club no one should ever join. I lost my son, Evan. I punished myself for a long time. I did not take care of myself. I figured I didn’t deserve to. My health declined and my weight increased to a point where I barely recognized myself. When I started to get healthy I set the goal of climbing Mount Washington. It was a perfect pairing for me to carry Austin’s stone as he had a strength in cardio and could push me along. The bonus was that we could make it fun by honoring his personality in the process.
We were able to make it about 4 miles up the mountain before we were strongly advised to turn around. I had a hard time making that decision as I thought I was failing. But we had to be safe. On the way down the mountain, I had a lot of time to think. I was overwhelmed with happy tears when I got to thinking about the connections carrying these stones has created. My boy Evan is surrounded by some pretty cool people. I know he is safe and well protected by a Marine and Sailor. I know that he can learn to play basketball, run, get a rocking fashion sense, and learn all about commitment, bravery, and selflessness. These are the gifts that Austin and Kevin (Balduf) can share with him. That realization was another moment where I realized I had, in fact, reached the summit.
The final time I was certain that I had not failed but had reached the summit was during the ride home. The couple that my husband and I hiked with said that they were proud to be a part of Austin’s journey and with getting to know him. They said that they were fair weather hikers and normally would have changed plans and gone shopping in North Conway. But, they knew how important this was and they were committed to seeing the mission through. They wanted to honor Austin as well – even if it meant doing so in the pouring rain! Austin encouraged us to take a chance – to go for it- to try for our goals even though it wouldn’t be easy. He also set an example for us to have fun while we were doing it. I mean any guy who rocks bananas on his running shorts and tie-dye on his socks is saying have fun and enjoy life – go for the adventure. That’s exactly what we did and we have Navy EN2 Austin T. Williams to thank for it. It was an honor to carry his stone and reach a very personal summit along the way. Thank you for allowing us this honor.
Dear Janet and the included hikers , We want to thank you for taking Austin on this journey with you . I’m sure when you learned about Austin story you recognized his strength and commitment to everything he was part of . His classmates and teammates always appreciated him cheering them on and helping them get to their personal goal . When Austin told us his freshman year of high school he wanted to join the Navy we were not surprised. Serving his country was the most important thing to Austin . Although Austin dressed like he wanted to be a stand out during his cross country and indoor track participation that was not the case . Austin was his own person from day one. Austin never wavered from his beliefs and always tried to push his classmates and friends to reach goals they had set for themselves . We were always so proud of him for that . We’re sorry to learn you lost your son as well Janet . As a mom I completely understand you letting go as this is the most horrible devastating thing you will ever go through . It makes me smile to know that Austin helped you reach a goal you had set for yourself . Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts Meredith and Andy williams
On Sunday, November 10, 2019, I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and story of Navy EN2 Austin Thomas Williams for The Summit Project at the Veterans Remembrance 4 Miler.
This was my first time running the 4 miler and was assigned Austin’s heart shaped stone. A stone that reflect his personality and big heart.
As I packed Austin’s stone I could not help but reflect on a life cut too short. Here is a young man just starting out in life, making smart career choices, strong in faith and with a solid circle of friends and family.
I carefully wrapped up his stone and placed it in my backpack, ready to join my two friends and other runners for this 4 mile run. Hoping not to disappoint Austin with a less than stellar time… however since comradery and team work were high on Austin’s list I’m sure he would have given me two thumbs up.
Navy EN2 Austin Thomas Williams thank you for your service and sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.
Claudia, Thank you so very much for honoring our sons memory during the Veterans 4Miler. Our hearts are filled every time we see someone has learned about him and his special spirit. He lived being a soldier and lived serving his country.
Thank you again,
Meredith and Andy
On December 5th, our friends, EN2 Austin T. Williams parents Meredith and Andy had posted on Facebook that they had received Austin’s stone back for the holidays and most importantly for December 12th which would have been Austin’s 24th birthday. The post prompted this journey and us to ask Meredith and Andy if my husband Matt and I could have the honor of bringing Austin’s stone, memory and story with us on a four day whirl wind trip to Arlington, VA, Washington DC and New York City at Ground Zero. with the Maine Sheriff’s Association to lay wreaths from Maine with Wreaths Across America.
Meredith and Andy were thrilled to allow us this special time with Austin and it meant all the more that we left Maine just before dawn on December 12th, honoring the day that Austin came into their lives and was now being carried in a new and different way, sharing his life, story and experience with new people that held a reverence and respect for this young man just in the holding of his stone and saying his name.
Wreaths Across America shares this trek with Gold Star Families like Meredith and Andy and believe that when a service member has fallen they die twice. Once when they leave this world and twice, the last time someone says their name. WAA vows in their mission to never let the later loss happen by always honoring the fallen and the families of them by pausing again and again, year after year to teach this, honor them and to continue to “say their name”.
In this four day trek we would be attending and laying Wreaths of Remembrance at all of the war memorials, the National Law Enforcement Memorial in DC, Arlington National Cemetery and the 911 Memorial at Ground Zero to Honor, Remember and Teach whomever wasn’t aware how important it is to never forget these fallen heroes, in every line of service that they had been affiliated with and that their lives are very much alive for all of those that are near and dear to them.
EN2 Austin T Williams. We had the honor to carry your stone and to share the stories of your beautiful spirit, your mother, father and brother with every person that we came upon that asked. Waiting in line to lay wreaths at Arlington two little girls about 8 or 10 years old held your stone and learned that the laying of wreaths wasn’t just a fun holiday event but had a deeper meaning and when they went out with their wreaths they understood and thanked us for sharing your story.
Veterans that had returned home from serving were apart of a group helping drive the wreaths down from Maine and one of them Ben and I spoke at length, sharing with him about you. It healed him to know your story and to connect deeper to his purpose as well on this weekend tour.
We were able to carry your memory through an awesome private tour of the West Wing of the White House, pausing to reflect on your deep desire to serve your country at such a young age and the hope that you had and shared with all of your family and friends during those years of service. The secret service folks had to clear your stone to come through and they too felt it was an honor to have you there with them.
We documented this trip with so many pictures that we will leave with Austin’s family but the best piece for us was in returning Austin’s stone home to them last night and sharing in person the experience we were honored to have with them. We all sank deeply into his memory and presence. Placing Austin’s stone back into their loving arms was a gift that has no words. Saying his name, sharing his life and leaving with the promise to never forget.
Thank you for this privilege and time! This was our Christmas. We love you all so very much!
On Saturday September 26, 2020. I had the honor and pleasure to carry the stone of Navy EN2 Austin Thomas Williams.
This was my first hike with the Summit Project and was unsure of what to expect, not just the hike, but hiking with a group of strangers during a pandemic.
We had however a hike to complete, heroes to remember by sharing their stories with eachother.
We started our hike somewhat quiet but once the ice was broken I realized what a great team we had. Austin and I were in excellent company!
The hike wasn’t easy, with lots of climbing but in contrast we enjoyed great views. Along the way I thought so much about Austin, where would he be right now if alive and well? What would he be doing on a Saturday at the crack of dawn? How would he deal with the pandemic? I also thought about all the things I get to enjoy, and Austin is missing out on such as finding a spouse, buying a car/house, enjoying holiday’s with friends and family…
Austin often pops up in my mind, even after our hike. Last week I had my first Honor Guard event, and felt the weight of the emotions of the family and friends who were saying their goodbyes.
I cannot imagine what you, as Austin parents went through, and are still going through…
While I was standing at attention, rifle in hands, muscles were starting to shake at a certain point… It made me think of the underclassmen who wanted to drop out of school, and Austin helped him by giving him a ride to school everyday. I’m sure Austin was there, to tell me… keep going!
I’m writing this from Texas, two day’s ago I was deployed to assist Border Patrol. Again Austin is with me, together we are getting acquainted with a new group of agents and officers, different agencies coming together working as one team. During our downtime Austin and I get to explore Texas!!
Dear Claudia, our family would love to thank you for carrying Austin stone, and for continuing to carry him in your heart .. thank you for your service❤️
To the family of EN2 Austin Williams,
First of all, thank you for sharing Austin’s story and allowing myself and others to carry that story on. I was honored to be chosen to carry Austin’s stone. I say choose as we all know that the stone chooses the person. I have to admit that Austin’s smile and personality radiate from his pictures and his memory. He is a motivation for us all.
I carried Austin’s stone along side the stone of Army Spc. Justin Buxbaum with a close friend/fellow tsp hiker. Together we did Great Pond Mountain in Orland. Not a long or difficult hike but perfectly paced to share Austin’s memory and reflect on his service and commitment to others. The most amazing part for me was despite the overcast/rainy day you could still see the shadow of Mt. Katahdin from Great Pound, not only a place Austin had hiked with family in the past but also where if not for the pandemic we would be up hiking that day.
I know that Austin’s story will not stop with me on that hike, his dedication to building a career in the Navy will push myself to be a better sailor and Naval officer myself, and be thankful that I am able too. And although I will definitely not top or even come near his cross country records, he will be my inspiration during my marathon later this year.
Meredith, thank you for taking the time out of your memorial day to talk to me about Austin. It is clear to see where Austin got his trait of always thinking of others first from.
Thank you again for this opportunity.
Very Respectfully,
LT Kristen Van Meter, Nurse Corps, United States Navy Reserve
Kristen, Thank you so much for choosing to carry Austin’s stone! Austin hiked Katahdin a few times but the most memorable was with his aunt his brother and his two cousins. Austin loved making others happy doing whatever he needed to do to turn their day into the best day ever. He’s surrounded himself with good people that was important to him. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. ❤️
On May 25, 2022 I got to carry EN2 Austin, T, Williams up Tumbledown Mountain. It was an experience I would never forget. When we were picking out stones his stuck out to me with his bandana wrapped around it. Reading more about him I felt more and more inclined to share his story on the summit of the mountain to the others who were up there with me, from helping his classmates to being an excellent track runner, he was devoted to what he cared about and those around him. When I read that we would always wear his bandana and neon running socks I smiled a little, and seeing that bandana on the stone gave even more meaning to carrying it up the mountain. The climb was beautiful to say the least, and when I was giving his story I made sure to share every detail I learned about him and his life. I thank you for letting me carry his stone and share his story so he won’t be forgotten, and I hope others get to do the same
-Theron Colby, Nokomis JROTC
Our family would like to thank you for carrying Austin Stone up tumble down Mountain. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about him he was certainly a character and was never apologetic about being who he was. You’re grateful for every person that carries his stone and talks his name. Forever grateful❤️
Dear family and friends of EN2 Austin Williams,
I am beyond grateful to have been selected to carry the stone and story of EN2 Austin Williams during the TSP ANP hike on 9/24/2022. We were part of Team Red and hiked the South Ridge trail to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Despite alert of heavy winds, the hike took place and it could not have been a better day for it!
I rehearsed in my head what I learned about Austin as the morning went on during our hike to ensure his story was well told. I reflected on the conversation I had with Austin’s parents while at a TSP fundraiser – from the bench dedicated to him at the Freeport High School, which I did visit myself a couple weeks prior to the hike, to the bandana and brightly colored socks he would wear while running. For the hike I too wore bright colored socks in his honor. I was hoping that the banana would be with the stone for this hike but it was not 🙁
Austin’s stone is not to heavy but it weighed heavy on my heart as we hiked. As we were hiking, we came to point where we could go left to take the route that most hikers on this trail took or go forward on a trail that was different and added a bit more steps before connecting back to the main trail. As a team, we decided to go forward. I feel that Austin would have made the decision to go on that trail as well rather than follow others on the main trail. The views were spectacular so it was the right decision! A beautiful spot to reflect!
I am stumped for words to write for this reflection. Austin was taken away far too young. His story will be carried with me and I will be sharing to all that will listen. I am truly honored to have learned about this sweet boy that was so full of life.
“We honor a life that was lived to the full, we honor a spirit, now free.
You’ll long be remembered, whenever we say: Fair winds and following seas!”
Very respectfully,
Lisa Martel, LS2 United States Navy Reserve (Ret.)
Dear Claudia, our family would love to thank you for carrying Austin stone, and for continuing to carry him in your heart .. thank you for your service❤️
10/15/2022
To Mr. Andy and Mrs. Meredith Williams and family:
My name is Kayla, I am a Freeport High School graduate: class of 2015. I had the honor of knowing Austin, as many Freeport students did. Austin always stood out in a crowd, from the signature bandanas to the positive energy he always carried.
This morning my young cousin had a soccer game that I attended at Freeport High Schools field. It was the first time I had returned to the school in multiple years, and the first time I got to visit Austin’s memorial bench as well as observe his many accomplishments on the record board.
Later this afternoon I had the great honor of carrying his beautiful heart shaped stone and his story at my place of employment, Martins Point Health Care.
A week or so ago I was pleasantly reunited with Mrs. Diane Whitmore. I shared with her that I would be carrying Austin with me today, a very proud moment and emotional conversation that I will carry with me forever, as she told the story of the day she was notified of Austin’s passing. Although I don’t feel it is my story to tell, I felt very strongly moved by some of the details, Austin was most definitely with her that day.
I had just tested positive for pregnancy when I heard of Austin’s passing. My son was later born on December 19, 2018 – exactly one week after Austin’s birthday.
Today Austin’s presence was very strong. As I handed back his rock to be placed in the case, I was asked to hang around to hear a few stories after the ceremony. I very soon found out that his bandana was misplaced, many feared that it was gone and lost however I was assured that it was located and will be placed back in the case very soon. I can’t wait to see it.
I would like to take a moment to share my deepest condolences for your loss. Austin was truly a beautiful human being inside and out. His legacy and memory will carry on forever. Thank you for sharing so much of him every day.
Hi there, Kayla , Thank you so much for caring, Austin stone, and for the beautiful words and comments . He was a very special boy, who lived to the fullest. He made an impact on so many lives in a short period of time. One of those would be Diane Whitmore. I posted absolutely loved her, and always had such positive things to say when he spoke of her. We miss him every day, but try to make sure that he is honored in every way possible for which he deserves that honor.❤️
Dear family and friends of EN2 Austin Williams,
On Sunday, May 28th, I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and story of Engineman 2nd Class Austin Williams of the U.S. Navy.
When I found out I was carrying his stone, I was surprised because my wife had the honor last year at ANP. We were fortunate last year to have met his parents, Andy and Meredith, at Stars & Stripes in Freeport during a corn-hole fundraiser for TSP. I feel I knew his story from the many times my wife discussed him. We even went together last year to see his memorial bench at Freeport High School which was very emotional.
It is kind of surreal that one of his earliest hikes was at Katahdin and this was my first hike for TSP at BSP. Even though I did not hike Katahdin, it was my first time viewing it and hiking in the area. What a great thing that he chose me to carry him in my first time at Baxter! My connection to Austin, other than being a veteran, is that my wife and daughter both served in the Navy. My daughter went to boot-camp about a month before Austin and her first duty station was at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii just as Austin.
I do these hikes year after year and it gets harder to write these reflections because there is just not enough words to emphasize how special and wonderful these veterans were no matter where they were or what they were doing when their lives were cut so short! Our lives do go on and we continue to remember these wonderful people/heroes. They all had dreams of their future: families, careers etc. as we did for them. That is why no matter what mountain/summit we face, it is our duty to ensure their stories are continued to be shared! Austin’s story will definitely be carried on! “Fair Winds and Following Seas”
Robert Martel
USMC Veteran
SSGT Maine Army National Guard (Ret.)