Aaron John Marquis was born January 7, 1973. He grew up in Millinocket with his parents and three younger sisters. He loved hunting and fishing, as well as taking things apart and putting them back together. He was a hard worker, an altar boy at the Catholic Church, and a Yankees fan. Aaron liked to run and bike and was a âtruck guy.â Aaron graduated from Stearns High School in 1991, and that fall he joined the Navy.
He had a close relationship with his mother, Sue, and their favorite song was Home Sweet Home by Motley Crew. She said that she could see her boy had become a man that first Christmas when he returned home after joining the Navy. Instead of asking for toys or money, all he wanted was new boots.
During Aaronâs 18 years in the Navy, he served in several locations. In 1994, he was in the Engine Room of the USS Peoria, as part of the decommissioning crew. Aaron was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, which he placed in his fatherâs pocket when he laid his father to rest.
After San Diego, Aaron was stationed in Everett, WA, on the USS Shoup. While in Washington, Aaron met his wife, Kandice. They made their home together, where their dogs were their babies.
Later, Aaron served on Diego Garcia, a coral reef in the Indian Ocean, as part of a joint effort with British Operations.
In September of 2009, Aaronâs body was found in a swimming pool. He was rescued, revived and flown to the United States, where he soon passed away peacefully at the Madigan Army Medical Center. Aaron was 36 years old at the time of his death, and, through his hard work, had attained the rank of Engineman First Class, EN1.
Aaronâs stone was chosen with the help of his youngest sister, Andrea, at Jerry Pond in Millinocket, a hometown place where families swim, fish and play. The stoneâs shape resembles a sturdy and strong mountain, and also a heart if turned in a different direction.
38 Comments
Dear Susan and Family,
I donât know where to start to show my gratitude, and honor it was caring your sonâs memorial stone up Owl mountain to the summit. For The Summit Project event over memorial weekend. Not only reading about Aaron in speaking with everybody in the family about Aaron Iâve learned a lot. Even though I knew Aaron personally and was very close friends with him. Words cannot describe the emotions that somebody has when they lose a loved one especially when they are close friends close enough to call you family. Aaron was an amazing person. For as long as I may speak I will educate people on Aaron and Aaronâs service to his country. To ensure that his memory stays alive for as long as I physically possibly can. It was a great pleasure to spend the weekend with you at New England outdoor Center honoring not just your son but all the fallen heroes from the state of Maine. Looking forward to the next adventure with the summit project to continue to honor your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely ,
Shawn Boutaugh
Dearest Susan And Family,
First off, my name is colby morin, age 15 and 3 quarters, and an absolute unit. I look in the mirror and I am in awe at the size of this lad. But there is one lad, more immense than I, he didnât make it, but he tried.
But on June 8, I climbed the mountain to let the world know that our deceased service members are NOT forgotten, and that their memory lives on through their stories and their heroics.
The mountain, ah the mountain. See, it starts off at a slight incline, barley enough to notice. And then the incline smacks you in the face with the force of a thousand suns. It goes vertical for a good fourth of the trail. But around halfway up, there is a pond, and the view out over the countryside from this pond is immaculate, like something youâd see in a postcard from home.We stopped at the pond for a bit, gathered ourselves. I checked on my stone, and reassured myself that I was doing this for a great cause, and that If I did quit, that Iâd never forgive myself.
There are fish in this pond, surprisingly enough. But after that it becomes rather vertical. The trail does cut through the woods, though which gives some much-needed shade from the sun. The view from the summit was also amazing.
But my guy, Aaron James Marquis, was a good man. He was born january 7, 1973 and graduated from Sterns High School in 1991, where he enlisted in the navy. In 1994, he was in the engine room of the USS Peoria, a Vietnam-era Newport-class tank landing ship, as part of the decommissioning crew. Then after that, he just worked in the navy, until 2007, he was found deceased. An idea that I have is that if anyone can play the bugle, to do a service for them at the top of the mountain, and also raise a flag. But it was a true honour to carry his stone, knowing who it was dedicated to. His stone, to investigate it further, came from the shores of Jerry Pond, a favourite place to play and banter in his younger years.
I cannon understate how much of an honour this has been carrying this stone.
Sincerley,
Colby Morin
As opposed to writing a letter to my family I chose to write a letter to Aaron. It was what my heart felt compelled to do:
Aaron,
Sunday, June 17th, I participated in a walk called the Honoring Heroes 5k. I know you already know this because you were there. I was pretty excited Friday as I signed up for a few reasons. First, I was able to steal my friend Toni for a while. I really felt I needed her on Sunday and she needed me. Secondly, I just wanted to feel something. I know, stupid right? I spent so much time bottling up my anger and hurt that I just stopped feeling for a while.
So Sunday was absolutely gorgeous! Despite the fact that I had a flaming hot sunburn on my legs (which I know you would have made fun of me for) it was perfect. I woke up ready for the 5k, but what I wasnât ready for was missing you in a way I hadnât allowed myself to feel since you left in 2009. Sure I miss you when I hear Motley Crue, see Swedish Fish or anything with New York Yankees on it. But Sunday I almost felt homesick for you. For the first time in a very long time I just wanted you there. However, thatâs a feeling that I tuck away because it would easily consume me and Iâd rather focus on the great parts of honoring you than reflect on what I lost.
The day started with lots of music, lots of hugs from everyone and lots of laughs. They had Gold Star families come forward as they read off the names of the service member that was gone. Call me crazy, but I giggled to myself when they read your name second. You would have made a comment like, âWhy didnât they read my name first? Donât they know how awesome I am?â LOL. You never had a lack of confidence. I held your stone as they read your name. Then I walked back to Tom and Toni and I held it together until I saw tears running down Toniâs cheeks. So, in true Aaron fashion I made a silly comment to make her smile. I know thatâs what you would have done. Once the race started (I use the term âraceâ loosely because I spent the time walking and talking. I know , I knowâŠyou would have wanted to come in first because youâre the fastest and best at everything, right? ) I got to tell people all about you. Or as much as I could conjure up to tell them. As we were nearing the end of the race at the final half mile we rounded the corner under the bridge and the entire walk way was lined with signs of each service member and a short story on them. I honestly wasnât expecting to see one of you because I wasnât aware there was one made. But there you were on the final straight away. Even with my horrible eyesight I knew it was you from a good distance away. And you know how I knew? That smile. You had such a distinct smile. Then my mind went 100 miles per hour with all the memories flooding. No rhyme or reason to them but Iâll try to recall most of them.
I instantly thought of how you got that smile. Mom worked so many night shifts at McDonalds to pay for your braces. I remember how you hated those things. I thought of the time when Karen was at Michelleâs house and Jean was at Caraâs so you were stuck watching me for an hour or two while mom and dad went for a walk. We were outside and behind the garage in the walkway that led up to the garden and I got stung by a bee. You freaked out because âmom and dad were going to be so madâ so you ran me inside and iced my ear. You hung out in the den with me and watched tv with me until bed time so that nobody would know. It was âour secretâ. And THAT is how I learned I wasnât allergic to bees. I forgot about that until Sunday. And the time you and Jason and the other neighborhood kids were racing go karts down Connecticut Ave hill. Man that thing was a POS but you loved it. But the memory that overtook me was when I was about 4ish years old and we were in Connecticut visiting family. I was in the pool in a floaty but something happened and I got overturned. I was drowning. You were the one that noticed and dove in after me. YOU saved ME from drowning. So why did you have to go the way you did? Life can be cruel. And I remember the day of my high school graduation. I was so upset because, well lets face itâŠ.no dad and no you. The only two men in my life that I cared about werenât going to be there. Mom ran to Bangor to âget graduation party suppliesâ. She got home and asked me to go to the garage to help her carry stuff in. I walk through the porch and there you were at the bottom of the stairs. I donât think my feet hit one of those stairs as I lept at you and you held me tight. You had come home! A wave of relief came over me as I knew it would be a hard day already. Once again, you put me first.
You were my partner in crime. You âgotâ me. All of this emotion just from seeing your picture. And Iâll tuck that hurt away for now because the great years I had with you truly outweigh the ones without you. I miss you brother. And I promise to run at the next race for you. Because yesâŠyou like to win. Semper Fortis brother.
Love,
Andrea âAsrielâ
p.s. Go Red Sox!!
Andrea, this has to be the most wonderful, loving, truthful collection of words/truths/rememberances thatâs ever been written about your brother. God Bless You, daughter.
Susan, Andrea, and Family,
Thank you for the opportunity to connect with you at Acadia as well as for letting me get to know Aaron. These weekends are heavy emotionally and can be difficult to process. The stories that I learned about Aaron helped to put in perspective that we can still have humor to help us through some of these situations. I got the impression from everything I learned that the type of grieving Aaron would want is with skunk piss beer and Motley Crue playing… so that’s really what I tried to envision as we came up Cadillac Mountain… Home Sweet Home playing and some MGD or St. Pauli’s girl waiting at the top!
In addition to learning about Aaron it really was an honor and awesome to meet your family. I love that you guys come together for these events and can provide support not only for each other, but also for the hikers and other Gold Star Families.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all again, please keep in touch. Thank you again for a great weekend of learning as well as remembering. To Aaron, thank you for being an awesome American that kept the monster truck diesel wheels on this truck of a country turning. I won’t be able to look at swedish fish, cheap beer, the Yankees, or 80’s hair metal the same đ
Susan, Andrea and Family,
I’ve had the honor of carrying several stones over the past few years with TSP. Saturday December 8, 2018 was the first time I carried a stone of someone I personally knew. I’m honored to have had the privilege of not only carrying Aarons stone but also to do it with his sister Andrea.
Years past I would reach out to the family member and learn of their Hero prior to the event. Leading up to race day I knew I would be walking with Andrea for the half and chose to wait till then to hear all about what Aaron had been up to since I last had seen him.
Race day proved to be just as crazy as ever. I did manage to find Susan and Joelle near the fire pit before the start of the race. How appropriate it was to be next to a fire pit, it wasn’t turtles pit, but it’ll do. Finding Andrea in the sea of runners was a bit more challenging. Fortunately I was able to catch up to her not long before we reached “Aunt Wiggy” and cheering crew just before hitting the Golden Road. Along the 13.1 miles I finally got to hear about everything Aaron had been up to and how they never had a service for him in Millinocket and how today he was finally coming home. I was happy to hear that he lived life, found love and stayed the amazing person I always remember him as.
I’ve always made it a point to make this letter about the Hero and have struggled for almost a week now on how to write this. Was it because I felt selfish that I was thinking about my feelings when I’ve always made it point to keep “I” out of it and always about them because it’s not about me? How I never truly realized how much this project ment to the families till this day? As I sit here typing, deleting and re-typing it came to me. On December 8, 2018 it hit home that The Summit Project is so much more then just carrying on a Heros memory to help the family. It’s growing that family beyond just sharing stories, it’s bringing new family members into their lives that otherwise would not have been possible. What do I mean by this? These Hero’s gave the ultimate sacrifice so we are free to live life, find love, get married, have children and accomplish everything we’ve wanted to. In turn, their families have also sacrificed loosing out seeing their loved ones do these things. These families are now gaining a mother, father, sister, brother, grandchildren, grandparents or even just a friend through TSP.
While walking with Andrea, she asked me “So can you tell me about some stories and share some memories about you and Aaron?” I wish I could have told her every single minute I spent with Aaron. But sadly, where my friends can remember every single detail of growing up, I can only recall bits and pieces. I was able to tell her how I found myself sitting at my computer last week, prior to the race, just staring at Aaron’s picture up on my screen. How in that one picture brought back the sound of his laughter and the memory of him almost always having a smile on his face. The softness of his eyes and how just looking into them made you feel safe and loved. What I didn’t tell her, was at the same time something came to me that I needed to do for their mom.
As we crossed the road onto Penobscot Ave, a sense of peace came. Just before the finish line, Susan stepped out and gave us a hug and when I looked into her eyes, I saw Aaron in them. The look on her face when their song came on will forever be in my heart. Welcome Home Sweet Home Aaron! #MHANF
Thank you for sharing Aaron with me.
All my love,
Pattie McNally
Dear Family, Currently Penquis CAP, Inc in Bangor is housing TSP stones. This is a great honor to be able to participate in sharing the stories of these fallen heroes. I have the privilege of working with Andrea and I know that this project is very close to her heart and coming up with the idea of sending the families of our fallen heroes “Valentine’s Day cards” is such a special way for us to show our appreciation. After reading Aaron’s bio I now know what a special young man he was. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you Aaron for your great sacrifice. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Dear Joy…I am Aaronâs Mom, Sue Stout. Bless you for taking the time to reflect on my sonâs life and sacrifice. The Summit Project is such a far reaching program and it has afforded me personally the chance to be among people who are experiencing the same loss and grief as myself. Im proud of Andreaâs involvement and accomplishments with TSP..her capabilities and passion for this will keep the Summit Project moving forward in the years to come. Iâm wishing you a Happy Valentines Day right back!
Aaron,
All though Iâm starting my letter even before this yearâs hike at BSP, I canât help it but Iâm already getting a little choked up. Brother you have a wonderful family. I got to eat lunch with your Mom and Dad, oh and how could anyone ever forget your little sister âAndreaâ. God they loved you buddy, and the way Andrea looked up to you, you could tell that when the two of you got together, everyone better standby. I learned from your family that if someone told you that you couldnât do that, your first words back would be here hold my beer “St. pauli girlâ your second set of words would be âwatch thisâ. There was nothing that could stop you, when you set your mind to it. Well off to my adventure up at BSP see you there.
Wow, I cannot tell you what this weekend meant. I was one of the first hikers to arrive at BSP. I know you like trucks with big tires, but I made my Subaru feel like it was a monster truck the way I came into the parking lot. I jumped out and started dancing, trying to get your sister attention. When she did see me she came running out to give me a hug, but I stopped her in her tracks when she heard the song on the radio. Yes I had your favorite song playing. A little Motley Crew âHome Sweet Homeâ. It was a great moment.
Man I wish you could have seen the convoy that brought you and your fellow heroes into town. There were more motorcycles than I have ever seen, plus the state patrol brought out 8 of their new bikes to escort the Patriot Riders all the way from Portland to Millinocket. Brother it was awesome. I canât help but still get a little choked up when I saw your mom, Dad and little sister accept your stone from the rider. After the ceremony I got to hang out for a bit with your buddy Shawn Boutaugh. I learned a lot about you from him. Letâs just say I was sworn to keep everything a secret. He misses hanging out with you. But maybe not letting you do the beer runs, but he missis his buddy.
Sunday morning we woke up to rain, and it stayed that way for about the first hour of the hike. for the rest of the hike it was mostly overcast. I do have a funny sorry to tell you that happened on the hike. your mom gave me one of your old 5 point covers that you wore in the Navy. She also gave me the senior pendent that you got from High school. The last thing that she wanted me to carry was a small bottle of holy water from church where you were an altar boy. So I had these items in my pack along with a few hiking things. So when we were coming down from the summit I stepped over a down tree and slipped and feel on back. The only thing I could think about was the bottle of holy water. How am I going to explain this to your mom something that she has held on to for so long, I broke. Iâm trying to come up with a 100 different ways on how Iâm going to fix this. But out of nowhere I heard a voice in my head. I wasnât sure if it was you or what, but it was very calming, and it said do worry about it she will understand. Just be upfront with her, she is a great woman. So as I finally got the little bag out of my pack with your stuff in it, everything was fine, and I just started laughing. I was getting some weird looks from some of my fellow hikers. Youâre my mom hugged me when I got back from the hike after I told her the story. I left out in her story that I heard a voice, but what she said tied everything together. She said that it would have been just fine, and something along the lines as everything happens for a reason or something like that. I know the hardest part of this weekend was giving your stone back to your family, man my emotions were on over load.
After the return we all got together for a dinner and small bonfire. There was a toast to you with your favorite beer. Man that âSt. Paly Girlâ is a smooth beer. You really have a great family. Your little sister is a fireball. Your mom is the sweetest lady I know, and your dad is someone that I hope to be when I grow up. Iâm honored to not just call them friends but to call them Family. Thank you brother
âYOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTENâ
Flash, right from your heart to mine. Well done.. and I was on that hike with you I guess, cos yes, âeverything would have been fine.â You are always doing it up proud, Scott, which is your objective and my joy. Love youâ€ïž. Mama Stout..
thank you Mama Stout.
Thank you Scott!
No thank you Sir, It was an honor and a privilege
Dear Susan and family,
My name is James Ramsey, I am 15 years old and am currently a sophomore at Nokomis Regional High. This is my second and last year in JROTC, and I am glad that I stuck around this long to be able to participate in this project, and I am honored to have carried the stone of Aaron J. Marquis.
We climbed Tumbledown mountain, a 3054â tall mountain near Weld, Maine. We climbed the brook trail, a trail that starts off very flat, but it gets steeper and steeper as you move along. We chose a very buggy day to do this climb, and I still have the bug bites on my arms as I type this; however, it got better the higher we got. We stopped at a pond near the top, where we performed an annual stone ceremony just a few yards away. There were 34 stones in all, and the father of one of the fallen soldiers was there, carrying his sonâs stone.
I carried the stone of Aaron J. Marquis. Born in January of 1973, Aaron was like a lot of people I know, he loved to hunt, fish, and just generally do stuff outside. In the fall of 1991, just after graduating high school, he joined the Navy and earned the rank of engineman 1st class, passing in September of 2009. I know that Iâve said it already, but I am very honored to have carried his stone, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Sincerely,
James Ramsey.
Not really sure where to start and how to say it.Susan and Jim thank you it was my pleasure and my honor to carry Aaronâs stone And his story UP Cadillac Mountain. My hike up Cadillac Mountain was a little different than the past but throughout the struggle of the day I could not get my mind off Aaron and his story and how much him and I are alike Except for that damn baseball team haha.But with that said it really didnât bother me that bad the T-shirt fit very well and it was very comfortable material Iâve decided Iâm going to hang the T-shirt and the patch that you gave me when you met me in the middle of the circle so when people see it I can tell his story. I would like to thank you for meeting with me At your home.Aaron was very lucky man to have all the love that your family Has for one another, I can honestly say that I believe you guys are the salt of the earth I am so happy to have met you. When we got close to the summit of Cadillac Mountain we stopped and paused and I had A moment alone with Aaron I placed his stone on top of the American flag bag that I carried him up the mountain with and I had a good talk with him, Iâm really not sure if he heard me but when I was done talking I played home sweet home By Mötley CrĂŒe for him and his mom, Eat a handful of Swedish fish, but when the song started it just wasnât loud enough Thatâs when I reach down and turned my phone up as loud as well as i it would go, so maybe that was his way of just saying he was with us that day. Susan, Jim, Andrea and family you have my word I will pass the story of United States Navy En1 Aaron J Marquis For as long as I live. I write this with love in my heart and tears in my eyes thank you and it was my pleasure and honor.
OK so as you know I am a big bad construction worker I run big cranes and I am a supervisor for my company. Iâve been working out of town in East Boston sorry this is just a little story of how Iâm passing on Aarons name and story. We were at lunch On Monday and one of the guys asked me about the hike, he heard from one of the other guys that Billy Carries rocks up mountains, LOL I kind of chuckled mind you this guy is the true definition of a tough guy construction worker, So I told him really rocks. I told them to buckle up buttercups itâs time for you to hear a story, So I started telling them a story about TSP and what it was all about then I went on to telling him about Aaron and his story,There was nine guys sitting at the table and when I got done Telling the amazing story of your son there was silence in the room and the big bad construction worker was wiping tears from his eyes along with five others. He told me he was sorry and he wanted me to tell you guys that he was sorry for your loss.
you have my promise and my word that I will carry on Aaronâs name and story, HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN .
God bless you well
Bill, your heart and your passion for carrying our heroes is a true testament to what being an American is all about. I look forward to more events with you and thank you for just being you. Love you brother.
On Saturday, October 12, 2019, Aaron carried me to the top of Mt. Katahdin. If it weren’t for him pushing me every step, motivating me over every single boulder, laughing at me every time I landed on my butt or when my trekking pole broke and I landed on my face, I wouldn’t have completed it. I heard “you got this” at least 5000 times on the way down when I thought my knees were going to crumble with every step.
At the start of the climb, it was pretty easy. A leisurely stroll through the woods…until it started pouring. We were soaked through by Chimney Pond. I was not at all prepared for that day. A quick change of clothes are Chimney Pond and we were on our way. Shortly after leaving the Pond’s rest area, we started getting a LOT more up. The climb quickly became steeper and switched from flat or steps to boulders and climbing. I told Aaron that it was time to give me a hand. He undoubtedly did. I got a wave of motivation over me out of nowhere. It was just into these larger rocks that I faceplanted when my trekking pole broke and I could just hear him laughing. Smooth sailing the rest of the way to the tree line. I spoke out loud looking up “I think you may need to give me a hand, Aaron”. I was terrified. It looked much more straight up than what I had anticipated but I didn’t freak out like I expected I would. Step by step, we made it to the top of the Saddle Trail. After following the last part of the trail to the summit, the first thing I did was take Aaron out and thank him. If he wasn’t with me, I never could have made it. I WOULD have turned around. There is no question in my mind. “One more step, lets go”.
Aaron got me through one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Hearing the stories of Aaron on the way to and from so many events and from family at the events gave me insight into the kind of son, brother, and man he was. I’m very proud and honored to have been able to carry your Son and Brother and Hero with me on the hardest thing I’ve done. He truly got me to the top and back down.
Its weird how we draw strength from these stones, but let me tell you, the power of them is amazing. I’m sure other hikers will tell you the same thing, but they are our batteries. Aaron is no different. I was gifted a bracelet that sits on the stick shift of my truck. On hard days, I go out and get it and put it on and I draw power from it.
I remember the first time I asked Andrea to tell me about Aaron. I had wanted to ask numerous times before, but I had always been worried about upsetting her. Her eyes lit up and she told me she would love to talk about him and how she could go on for days. She wasn’t lying and I can see why. The love you all have for Aaron is amazing and the love you show us hikers is astonishing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the honor to carry Aaron. It is something I will never forget. I speak his name, I will continue to speak his name, and I will ensure that he is not forgotten.
With Love,
Donnie (Cheesecake)
Twenty years of friendship. You can’t put a price tag on that. And I can’t put a price tag on what you’ve given me in carrying Aaron. Thank you bub.
–“Sugar”
Thank you for carrying on the mission, just as our fallen heroes would be doing were they still here in body and mind.
Papa Stout
On November 10th I had the honor of carrying Aaron Marquisâs stone up Blue hill Mountain. It was an experience I will never forget. I could feel Aaronâs weight in my backpack even though his stone is not heavy. He was pushing me along reminding me that our veterans are the reason I can climb Blue hill Mountain on a cold, clear Saturday morning. Their sacrifices, those seemingly insignificant and those that were everything, make it possible for us to live our lives.
On the mountain we shared stories of our soldier. Mine went like this:
About a month ago I was cleaning my basement. I noticed, up in the rafters, a hat. It had been there for a while, years actually. I never notice that hat. That day I did and thought I need to do something with that Yankees hat. Then promply forgot about it. Until I got my stone assignment. Then I knew exactly what to do with that Yankees hatâŠ..wear it while I carried the stone of EN1 Aaron MarquisâŠ.native of Millinocket …loved and missed Son, brother, friendâŠ.gone too soon…and Yankees Fan.
I didnât talk about how I read every bio on the TSP website when I volunteered to carry a stone. I didnât talk about how I printed and carried Aaronâs bio with me once I received his name. I didnât talk about how I read his bio almost every day to get to know Aaron. I didnât talk about how my heart ached for the family, and all the families really, who have lost a loved one. I also didnât talk about how full my heart became witnessing the love and support on top of that mountain.
I was again honored when I got to meet his mom, stepfather and sister at the Veteran 4 miler the next day. Talking to them about Aaron was great.
He was a great big brother. His sister told me so. She told me he could be a brat just like all big brothers, but he was still the best.
He was an awesome son. His mother told me that when I got the biggest hug I have received in quite a while. He would have loved that I was still wearing the Yankees hat even though I am a Red Sox fan. His grandmother was a Red Sox Fan and they had the best baseball discussions.
Iâm proud to be carrying his stone today his stepfather told me. I was proud to do it yesterday. I am proud to wear the Yankees hat in todayâs walk in his honor.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of The Summit Project and to get to know and carry Aaron. It is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
Saturday Dec 7, 2019 I had the honor of carrying Aaron’s stone and story during the Millinocket Marathon and Half. Last year during the half walking for a while with Pattie Himes McNally, who was carrying Aaron’s stone, and Andrea, I got to hear some stories about Aaron. I also met Susan and Jim who were spending time with TSP family at the Blue Ox after the half. Several of the TSP family went to school and/or served with Aaron. So I knew a bit of his story before ever choosing his stone. This made for a much closer connection to him during my carry.
Turning the corner onto Poplar St. there was Andrea’s big beaming smile, waving and cheering Aaaron and I on (thanks Andrea, that was a huge boost early on). Along the course we shared his favorite candy, Swedish Fish. I shared his story with a few other runners who asked about the stone. The Girsa family had some 80s music blaring a little after mile 5. They were gracious enough, after sharing Aaron’s story, to put on Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home”. Later that night the Peterson’s and I toasted Aaron as he sat on the hearth.
From all accounts I could find, during his years as a youth he positively impacted many friends, and impressed the parents of his friends (no small feat). This seems to have continued in his later years as well. Just a stand up guy who made a difference in a lot of people’s lives.
Learning Aaron’s story and hearing the accolades of those who’s lives he touched truly shows that his legacy that he left behind, fond memories and a lifestyle to aspire to, is a rich one that will survive time. I will try to live my life in a way that memorializes his best traits and keeps his story alive. I was blessed to be able to carry his stone on this day, and am honored to carry his story from here on.
To Aaronâs family, anyone who loved him and to anyone who has the honor to carry his stone,
My name is Katy Moon, I am 28 years old, this past Labor Day weekend, I had the honor and privilege to carry the stone of USN EN1 Aaron J. Marquis. This was my first official Summit Project event, and my first summit climb on a mountain in my life.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Aaronâs Mom Sue, and his sister Andrea days before the hike, where you could feel the love strong as ever for their son and brother. I loved learning about who Aaron was as a young child, how he loved being outdoors, and how he was the best son a mom could ask for. She spoke of how he enlisted into the Navy straight out of high school, and proud he was to serve his country. The day we spoke was the 11 year anniversary to the burial of her son, and honestly it felt so good to have her speak to me about him. This is one of the gifts the hike, organization will give you, connection on your hardest days.
Aaronâs sister Andrea was so kind to share more memories or moments that she remembered most of her brother. I was so excited to hear she herself had given birth to her first son who is named Aaron after him. She shared a picture of him wearing his Uncleâs hat, and he looks so much like Aaron. She spoke of how he was the go to for her, and how close they were regardless if he was the oldest and she the youngest. She spoke of how respectful he was of everyone, how he always had a big smile on his face and loved his family so deeply. He loved the Yankees and was frankly the only one in the family who did. He loved the song âHome Sweet Homeâ by Motely Crue, Swedish fish, and cheap beer at night. Aaron was the kind of man to not need technology, he loved big trucks and being outdoors or in the moment. He loved the little things in life.
The morning of the hike I was beyond nervous, I knew I had a powerful stone to carry, and to overcome my fear of hiking a mountain. I had made a promise to Aaronâs family that for one time in my life I would wear or bring something that was Yankees, and his beloved Swedish fish. I tried searching all over Bangor for something Yankees memorabilia, letâs just say all I could find was Yankees fleece material at a craft store. After hearing about how much love he had, I felt it was only right to create a small heart shaped pillow of the fabric to carry with the stone. He let me have a compromise I guess that I didnât have to completely admit to liking the Yankees. At the opening hikerâs brief, I remember distinctly Greg speaking to all of us saying âthe stone finds the personâ, and I could not agree more with that statement.
I knew it was special to carry him with me, he would loved to have almost converted someone to yankees, and to get them outside to enjoy the outdoors or to push their limits. I remembered Andrea saying a life quote of his was âChallenges are for winnersâ. The day started out cloudy, as we climbed however I felt the clouds, sunlight started to break though with each step we took as a group. I took in the little moments of seeing the first red leaves, how the sun light felt on my face, and the incredibly views. To be able to climb the summit with so much pride and purpose. Those helped me in moments to keep going if I second guessed myself. One moment that I felt he was with me was when I was trying to take picture on the hike, however the novice I am didnât look where I was going, and I almost fell off a huge rock that would have only damaged my pride. I took that as a sign from him to put the phone away, to dig deep and keep going. At the very top the sun came out, and it was the most sun weâd all seen in quite some time. To share parts of your story at the top, while touching my first summit, will be a memory I will hold near and dear to my heart forever.
I truly will never forget this experience, I listened to âHome Sweet Homeâ repeatedly because I agree itâs an incredible song. At first, I thought it was random however if you read the lyrics, I feel it captures Aaronâs love of family, and his home. Aaronâs stone is heart shaped, and to me that is no coincidence. I feel Aaron and I would have been good friends. Now anytime I hear this song, I will truly hear the meaning behind it. Thank you to his family for sharing the stories, to allowing strangers to learn and to have a love for Aaron as well. He totally will be apart of my life, and his story will always be shared through me as well.
âJust when things went right
It doesn’t mean they were always wrong
Just take this song and you’ll never feel
Left all alone
Take me to your heart
Feel me in your bones
Just one more night
And I’m comin’ off this
Long and winding road
I’m on my way
I’m on my way
Home sweet homeâ
Sincerely,
Katy Moon
Absolutely beautiful Katy â„ïž
My name is Jim Stout. Today, May 30, 2021 I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone of EN1 Aaron J. Marquis, USN, my stepson. Aaron lived on Camano Island in Washington state and served out of Kitsap-Bremerton Naval Base. Living and serving on the west coast I did not have many opportunities to be with Aaron face to face. The first time is when his mother Sue and I were married in December of 2001. We were together three other times; once when he and his wife Kandice came back for Christmas; once when Aaron came back to Maine and we had a chance to go deer hunting and the other is when we traveled to see Aaron and his wife Kandice prior to his last deployment to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
Although I did not see him many times I certainly discovered his joy of the outdoors; hunting, fishing, golf and dirt biking were among those activities he enjoyed. So over the past several weeks that is what we did. Following a recent Gold Star Mothers meeting Sue received Aaronâs stone to bring home and enjoy prior to this BSP Virtual event. He has been on some adventures with the both of us during this time. I took Aaron golfing, we went fishing, I took him to the range and we went on a nice ATV ride where his sister Karen and niece Keeley joined us. And today we had a nice leisurely walk through City Forest in Bangor with some added company. Andrea Killam and her husband Tom joined me and of course their son, my grandson, Aaron was with us. Such a special treat to have family take part of this little adventure.
The Summit Project has been such a special part of our lives for the past few years. Being able to share the memories of our loved ones has helped in so many ways. Thank you to all those that help us carry on the memory of our fallen heroes.
#MHANF
TSP – ANP 2021
To Sue, Karen, Jeanne and Andrea
On September 25, 2021 I had the honor of carrying the stone and story of my stepson EN1 Aaron J. Marquis, USN. Although I have been to several TSP events and participated in some of the virtual events this was my first official hike. Plans for the day changed due to weather so instead of hiking up Cadillac Mountain the route was changed to trek to Echo Lake from Smugglers Den campground. It was an impressive sight to see all the hikers leave together on this mission.
As a Gold Star family member I have heard the many stories and shared many memories of Aaron from his childhood days up through our last visit with him prior to his deployment to Diego Garcia, an island of the British Indian Ocean Territory. In September of 2009 Aaron was lost to us due to a swimming accident in the base pool.
Taking part of this hike was, as one might expect, an emotional experience. However, one that was also filled with great joy to be together again with our TSP family. Sharing the story and memories with others in our hiking group was rewarding to know that others were interested in hearing what I had to say. As always when one starts to talk about their loved one many things that come to mind later that never got shared. My mind was so full of thoughts which jumped from one to another before I could make them come out.
I only was with Aaron a few times in person but learned quickly of his sense of humor, his love of the outdoors where he loved to fish, hunt and ride his dirt bike. He loved to tinker with things and was very good with taking apart and putting back together. He became a good welder at the direction of this wife Kandice who was a welder in the Navy. He was a Yankee fan, if you can believe that, being from Maine. I recall a lunch at the Sea Dog in Bangor where he wore his Yankee hat and got many foul looks. That same trip we had the chance to go bow hunting in the Shin Pond area at a friends camp. Aaron was so excited for this opportunity. He mailed his bow and equipment to our place so he could get ready for the hunt. I still chuckle at remembering the 2 liter empty soda bottle he took to the tree stand to use as a pee bottle. All so he would not have to get out of the tree stand! Actually not a bad idea when you think about it. We had no luck hunting but sure had a great time at camp which I guess is the biggest reason for these trips. Aaron also enjoyed the game of golf. On our last trip to his home in Washington State we had a chance to get out for a game. He enjoyed his boat and spent many hours fishing for salmon and crabs on Puget Sound and the many rivers that held salmon.
Becoming involved with TSP has been life changing for Sue and me. To know and to have met so many wonderful people that understand what a Gold Star family goes through and to want to keep the memories of our heroes alive is truly heart warming.
On behalf of the family; his mother Sue, and sisters Karen, Jeanne and Andrea it was a great honor and privilege to carry Aaronâs stone and to share his story. He will never be forgotten.
Jim (Papa Stout)
I was overwhelmed with emotions when you handed Aaronâs stone back to me after your hike. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing the work that this event required of you⊠your support and love keep me alive in ways I canât even voice. God Bless You my love, and thank you.
To my beautiful Mama Sue:
I have struggled more with this reflection than I have with any of the others. I have been searching for the words to express my experience without it being about Andrea, Little Aaron, you and Poppy Jim. I have thought and thought and thought about the things I want to say and the moments I want to capture, and I have come to realize that there is truly no possible way to complete this obligation without it being about Andrea, Little Aaron, you and Poppy Jim. When I met you at BSP, at your first event, I knew you were special. Someone who raised her children in the same manner I would be raising my son. A mother fierce with love and an intense need to protect her family. I saw the love and light inside of you when you could not even see the spark anymore. It was always there. It was just burning so dimly at that time.
Losing Aaron was a catalyst. It threw into motion actions and reactions that would continue for years. I know it was a moment in your life that created a crater that will never refill. It devastated your family and, as a mother, your sense of security and the safety of your other children. However, it also drove your family closer to mine. The ripples from that explosion reached me in so many ways. Like Aaron was reaching out to pull me in. As each ripple went unanswered, he sent another. He knew I needed you all in my life and as my family. I have only ever wanted three thing from life. To be a Mother, to be an Aunt and to be a Godmother. As an only child, who married an only child, I was not sure how I would accomplish the second, but marrying Jason provided me with his six additional stepsiblings on top of my two stepbrothers. We spent Christmas with two of the four beautiful nephews we have gained through marriage. When Emma Kathryn was born, I believed I had all I would ever need in life. A beautiful Godchild to love and dote on. Then Xander was born and I knew what I had been missing. A piece of my heart walking the earth all on his own. How can you wish for more? I dared not and settled in for the most beautiful life I had ever known. Then I met you, Mama Sue.
In our friendship, I have found a love that rivals a mother’s love. Someone I can feel hugging me from afar and praying for me. I have gained a sister that completes so many parts of my heart that I did not know were empty. You have raised a daughter that you can be incredibly proud of, and I have not met your other two daughters, but I know you are very proud of them as well! It is only through the loss of your oldest child that I have gained all these blessings in my life. Moreover, of all the blessings, I hold the dearest, Aaron’s namesake and nephew, Aaron James, is top of the list. They tell a mother that she will not love her existing children less if she has more. That her heart will just expand. They do not ever tell you that this is also true of the children you do not give birth to. The children gifted into your life also grow your heart to sizes unimaginable. I know it is selfish and unfair to be grateful for all this in my life when I know what a devastating toll it took on yours. I feel so blessed and remain ever humbled by the gifts I have received from Aaron. He has watched, waited, and orchestrated all these beautiful connections so we would have each other, and I am so indebted to him for this.
This year, at the Millinocket Marathon I had the opportunity to carry Aaronâs memorial stone for the first time. I relished the chance to do this and was even more thrilled to have Andrea with me! We have rarely talked about the way Aaron died, but more so about the way he lived. Andrea has always included her brother in our conversations and I feel like I know a lot about whom he was, what he loved, and how he lived. She presented me with a patch and then handed me Aaronâs hat and necklace you had so lovingly shared with me for this experience. As I mentioned to you, when I put the necklace on I had full body chills. I have never doubted that he was with me that day. I also had the opportunity to hear the story of his premature death and some of the more devastating stories that are often held close by family and not shared. My heart ached over the experience I had never been a part of. There but for the grace of God go I. I have never known the love of a sibling and yet I have felt that love so intensely from Andrea. I know she is yet another gift that Aaron has sent to me.
I was able to keep Aaronâs stone for two full weeks at my house and he was a part of all the things we do. He watched foolish kidsâ shows with Xander, saw us put up our Christmas tree, stood watch as the cats helped me wrap presents, and provided a sense of calm and security in the early morning hours while I read. We even ate his favorite stuffed shells with him on the table with us. I brought him to work with me (he was very little help) and finally he accompanied us all to Friendsgiving where he reunited with you. Thank you. For raising your children in a way that they would so profoundly affect my life. For sharing your memories and your love with me. For loving me in my most dark moments and celebrating with me at the brightest. You have brought love and light to my life in so many ways. (Xander still likes to eat his chips in size order occasionally!) I love you all so very much. Until we hug again.
Love, Pineapple, Nani Jo, the Unicorn and Joelle <3
Oh Nani. You know there are no words. But that’s the most beautiful thing about our friendship and bond, there doesn’t have to be because you already know. From the deepest part of my heart, thank you. You have taken on a responsibility and a role in our lives with grace and vigor. You love my son as your own. As a mom yourself You know that a sisterly bond doesn’t get more beautiful than that.
Forever grateful and always in awe of the person you are.
Sugar
To Our Family of EN1 Aaron J. Marquis, USN
This past Memorial Day weekend of 2022 Sue and I traveled to NEOC to honor all the fallen heroes. This was going to be my first hike at BSP even though I have participated in other TSP events and hikes. I was a member of Team Gold and would be carrying my stepson’s stone and story. My anticipation was high.
Finally Sunday morning had arrived and as I woke I felt different. I got up to make my final preparations for the hike only to realize I was very dizzy and had difficulty getting around the cabin. Having had one of these events several months ago I had the sinking feeling the I would not be able to go. I struggled with this thought but finally made the decision to call Mark to let him know my situation and that I would not be able to make the hike. Trying to do so would have not only be bad for me but would have put undue stress on the team. Mark was very understanding and assured me I was doing the right thing. I asked him what I should do with Aaronâs stone he said he would make a call and get back to me. Within a few minutes he called back and offered the option to Sue and I to take Aaronâs stone home with us. We agreed to do so knowing we would see him again in a few weeks at The House in The Woods event.
After arriving home later that day and after the hikers had returned safely to base camp we learned that two of the hikers for Team Gold, Scott Carson and Joelle Ingalls had said a few words about Aaron during the circle ceremony at the summit of their hike. Sue and I were so grateful for this gesture. I guess that is why we consider TSP as family. Everyone is looking out for others and willing to do whatever they can do to help.
We love you all.
Arron,
It was a great honor to carry your stone and chat with you again while on the motorcycle convoy to carry all of the stones up to BSP. Thank you for the help during the down pour of rain, and the splash of hail while in route. Your steady hand helped guide me, and kept me safe. Joelle and I got to talk about you and tell your story at the summit for team Gold. You have such a great family, it always makes me happy when I get to spend time with them. We all miss you brother, and know that you will never be forgotten.
Aaron,
It was my honor to carry your stone up at Acadia National Park. Let’s be honest though, you carried me for some of that hike too! After speaking with your little sister, it became very clear that you and I were like two peas in a pod. I too, like to live life on the dangerous side by being sarcastic with folks and like to push those ever growing buttons just for kicks! Unbeknownst to me, I actually was hiking with your Step Dad too! He’s a real character as well and it was nice being able to share some stories your sister entitled me to that apparently he hadn’t heard yet.
You and your family are so giving and loving it’s somewhat hard to believe. Your sister said now I’m going to be invited to bbq’s and such haha! I feel like the drive will be a rough one from where I live but man, it’s going to be worth it. You and your family have given me so much to continue on just like the rest of the TSP family I can’t thank you enough.
We all miss you and we will continue to share your stories and antics with my family, friends, and anyone/everyone who is interested because it’s worth sharing and even more worth knowing. Your story will never be forgotten and know whenever I’m out and can do so, I’ll drink a Guinness in your name brother. Thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you continue to do for all of us.
I was very honored to transfer your stone to the Summit Honor case at the University of Maine at Augusta, Aaron. Our lives and service have crossed in so many ways. You were born in 1973, the year my brother, also named Aaron, was born. You enlisted in the Navy in 1991âthe same year I was commissioned. Coincidentally, that same year my brother graduated from Central Kitsap High School and also enlisted in the Navy.
Ten years later, you would be stationed in Washington and serve out of the Kitsap-Bremerton Naval Base, the same base my father had served at, and just a couple of years after my own service at Whidbey Island, just across Puget Sound. I may not be a fan of St. Pauli’s beer or Motley Crue, but you and I both served as alter boys as we were growing up.
The most important moment of the ceremony for me was getting to meet your mom. She is so proud of you and these ceremonies are her way of staying close to you. She was so kind and generous, and made me feel comfortable and special.
Thank you for letting me a small part of your family for a little while.
To the family of Aaron J Marquis, it was an honor to have carried the stone of your beloved son and brother on May 28th, 2023, the tenth anniversary hike of TSPâs first hike, as well as mine. As a Gold Star Brother myself, TSP has been an emotional journey to help fill the void that was lost with my brother.
After I participated in that first hike I have felt a calling to try and carry a different stone every time I am involved with the Project. After learning a little bit about Aaron from the TSP website and a few others I knew it was not enough. Thatâs when I reached out to you Andrea. As a Gold Star Sibling yourself I wanted to get that same type of perspective that I have with my brother. I thank you for your words and thoughts and feelings you gave me to help me learn about your brother.
So I will begin with the first light on the day of the hike. Just before I stepped out the door, I decided to join in with you Andrea and give Aaron a little bit of a hard time. I grabbed my Red Soxâs hat. Iâm not much of a baseball fan but after learning of Aaron I very much would have enjoyed grabbing a cold one with him to watch a Yanks-Sox game. And Iâm very certain we would give each other hell when the other one’s team did something wrong.
The hike was a beautiful hike. The breeze was just enough once we got going to keep the bugs away. That was a relief and gave my mind an opportunity to think about Aaron and the rest of the fallen Mainers we were honoring on this day. I was eager and anxious to get to the summit. I had missed the views from atop the Owl. But I wanted to talk about Aaron and break out his and close to my favorite candy to share with the rest of the hiking team. And let me tell you, those were some pretty satisfying Swedish fish.
I talked about that. I talked about his enjoyment of fitness and how he and I are similar in that manner. I talked about the brother connection with our children and how weâve both named our sons after our fallen brothers in some manner. I felt like Aaron was the kind of guy that I would have been able to become very close with. Going out for some good food and brews. Hanging out watching baseball or football with.
I will end it on this, a few days after the hike when I was with my family at the dinner table talking about our days and eating some good food my heart kind of stopped for a moment. Tucker, my son, had done something I had heard many many times before without a chuckle or huh from me at all. But this time it hit a cord and made a direct connection to me and my experience with Aaronâs small but dense and heavy stone, and the heavier weight of his story. Tucker was eating his dinner not paying attention to anyone else at the table for once and just bobbing his head while chewing his food. And he looked happy and was humming along while eating his dinner.
To Sue, Jim and all of Aaronâs family,
It was a great honor, carrying his stone, and telling his story on the motorcycle convoy from Portland to Millinocket for Memorial Day weekend. Knowing Aaron as kids growing up in Millinocket, going to high school together. And then being stationed in San Diego together, reuniting and hanging out quite frequently. Wishing I had more time to spend with him and getting to know him a little better. And wishing he was still here with us. Saturday was a very early morning – I was awake by 5 AM and ready to go by six. As I got on my bike and took the journey to the Elks Lodge in Portland, Maine the thoughts of the day’s adventures started to weigh on my mind. The morning was a little cold, but it got warmer as we went. We headed north to the Gardiner rest area with about a 30 minute break, talking with all the other volunteers, Goldstar family members and great escorts we had in the Maine state police. I knew the day it was gonna be a good day. We left Gardiner and headed to Bangor. After a two hour break of gassing up, eating lunch and talking amongst everybody I got the message that Sue and Jim have picked up my son Scott and headed to Millinocket Lake to wait for our arrival. Thinking back to my conversation the day before with Sue when she told me. “If you deliver my son, I will deliver yours”. With tears in my eyes and smile on my face, I agreed. We got on our bikes and headed north, next stop Medway rest area. This was a quick 15 minute stop to grab a drink of water and make sure everybody was lined up and on the same page as we entered the Tri town area of Millinocket, East Millinocket and Medway. The streets were lined with people, horns blowing, flags waving and sirens blasting from police, fire, and EMS welcoming us and welcoming our heroes home. As we arrived at New England Outdoor Center, we were greeted by Goldstar families, friends, and volunteers of all of our heroes. I will never forget the day as long as I live. Itâs the day I returned the memorial stone of my friend, my Shipmate back to his mother, then I gave her my favorite coffee cup of all time, because she had commented on it every day, how much she loved my NAVY cup. Now she can have coffee anytime she wants while continuously thinking of Aaron. Just as I do and many others. He is a hero to me, and to a lot of people. He paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country. Again, thank you for the opportunity, opening your arms, your heart, and your family, and allowing me and my son Scott to be part of such a great organization.
Thank you,
Love always,
Go Navy
Sincerely,
Shawn Boutaugh
U.S. Navy
This is a wonderful letter, Dylan. It brings to my mind thoughts of grief as seen through the eyes of a sibling. Which leads to my memories of helplessness at not being able to âfixâ or âhelpâ my three daughters with their grieving process when their brother died. Their father had died in 1996 so anyone looking on might assume they were familiar with grief.
TSP has done so much for helping my youngest and myself face our loss with strength and resilience. It fosters all that with one big component being that of an opportunity for service. Each of us do what we can whether it is seen or unseen. The same way your brother and my son upheld their oath to our country. We pull together to honor and remember. Itâs been especially precious to me to see your children present at this event. That ensures TSP will endure.
In the camp chair I brought to NEOC there still resides a large hydrangea blossom, a bit of ânatureâ that Amelia gave me. Ask your Mom for that whole story. And that memory of my Tucker hug with back pat âșïž will never fade. Thank you, Dylan.
Dear Sue and Family,
Yesterday I had the privilege and honor of carrying Aaronâs tribute stone to the peak of Mt. Agamenticus, and sharing his story. It was a deeply moving and powerful experience, and although this was my first Summit Project event, it will certainly not be my last.
When I first learned I was carrying Aaronâs stone and saw we shared the same last name, I couldnât help but wonder if we were related somehow. Though I could not trace back any family ancestry in my research, I felt a connection to Aaron, one that deepened the more I learned about him. We both love hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He grew up in Millinocket, a place one of my best childhood memories is from when visiting Baxter State Park. We both enjoy trucks, and taking things apart to build them bigger, better and faster. He served in the Navy as an Engineman First Class and I was a civilian engine room mechanic for the Navy. We both love our dogs as our babies. He and I both enjoy baseball, and although we differ in being a Yankees vs. Red Sox fan, this certainly would have given us plenty to talk about, and think we would have been great friends. I remember Greg saying âthe stone finds the personâ, and the sentiment could not be more true in this case.
I have since had the opportunity to share Aaronâs story with my own friends and family, and will continue honor his life and memory. He will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Kurtis Marquis
Kurtis,
Thank you so much for the letter in remembrance of Aaron. One thing my wife and I have come to believe is that there are no coincidences. Things happen for a reason just as you getting Aaron’s stone. I seems from what you described is that you would have been great friends. Thank you for sharing his story. All the best to you and your family.
Jim Stout
I recently had the honor and privilege to carry Navy EN1 Aaron John Marquis’ stone and story up the North Ridge trail to the summit of Cadillac Mountain at ANP with my team White. This was my first event with the Summit Project as fortunately I happened to see something on Facebook about it and immediately knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. I am forever thankful for finding the Summit Project, my only regret is that I am just finding it now! They say the stone picks you and when I was assigned Aaron’s stone I felt a deep connection to him and his family without ever meeting them. Learning about him through the letters of previous hikers and his family, I knew immediately that it was not a coincidence I was chosen to carry his stone. I have long known that I am an empath, meaning I respond to someone’s pain with support and compassion or match someone’s joy and excitement. Empaths like myself feel these emotional responses on a more extreme level and more deeply than others do. This is likely why I chose a career path in medicine to truly feel to heal. So when learning about Aaron, his family, his interests, his sacrifice and his death I felt a variety of emotions and a deep connection to him. I also felt an intense responsibility to ensure he was properly honored in a way that he and his family would be proud of.
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When I found Aaron’s stone after arriving at base camp I was immediately drawn to its mountainous shape, but also that if turned it resembled a heart. My family and I are always looking for heart rocks wherever we go. Itâs a special family tradition that is very sacred to us, one that again I felt drew me to Aaronâs stone and story. I also learned that Aaronâs stone was chosen with the help of his sister, Andrea, at Jerry Pond in Millinocket, a hometown place where families swim, fish and play. I also have a sister named Andrea, who gave me my niece who encouraged me to do this hike and who hiked with me in her first Summit Project event as well. My hometown is also a lake where my family and I are always swimming, fishing and playing. I also learned that like me, Aaron loved running, hunting and fishing. Unlike me he was a Yankees fan! I thought to myself, âOf course I got the Yankee fan!â I am a born and raised diehard Red Sox fan but more importantly a baseball fan. Even though I am a devoted Red Sox fan, one of my favorite players of all time was Roger Maris who played for the Yankees. His career and his story have always inspired me. After learning about Aaron’s love for pinstripes, I immediately thought of the times that I have watched the Sox and Yankees play over the years and wondering if we were either at the same game or both watching from home, cheering or booing depending on who was winning. After carrying the stone I felt a strong calling to take Aaron’s stone to a game to do just that.
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I was fortunate that a fellow Team White member, Shawn, knew Aaron and his family very well and was able to allow me to get to know Aaron through his stories. Like myself and Shawn, I learned that he was funny and goodhearted. I learned that he really liked good expensive beer, but always bought the cheapest when he was buying. I also learned that he loved Swedish Fish which oddly enough has always been my favorite candy too. Itâs also my son’s favorite.
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I was very nervous to speak at the closing ceremony because I didnât want to mess up my words and I truly wanted Aaron and his family to be honored in the highest way possible. I was quite scared walking to the microphone to announce my name and my stone and present it back to the family, but as soon as I saw Sue and Jim walking towards me all that fear and anxiety was erased and instead I felt warmth, acceptance and gratitude. Sue and Jim thank you for allowing me to get to know your amazing son and for trusting me with his stone and his story. Please know that I am forever grateful for this experience and it has truly touched me. Sue, like you I have three daughters and one son. I canât imagine the pain you carry every day that you canât hug your baby boy again. I promise to not take my life or my son for granted as tomorrow is never promised. I truly hope we can stay in touch and continue to honor Aaron â€ïž