Hiker Hero Countdown TSP at ANP 2014 for THERESA HAINER -- On a special day in early October, a total of 80 hikers, (4 teams of 20) will simultaneously climb four distinct trails to the peak of Cadillac mountain in Acadia National Park as part of The Summit Project, a living memorial that honors and sustains the memories of fallen heroes from Maine. With every step, our hikers will carry a stone and a story that uniquely represents our state’s fallen heroes. We have an amazing team of dedicated hikers from all over Maine, the US and all walks of life. They have all asked to join this living memorial and so can you. Meet our TSP at ANP 2014 hikers — My name is Theresa Hainer and I live in Glenburn, Maine. I am a nurse practitioner at St. Joseph Internal Medicine. In my spare time I enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities including making maple syrup in the spring, organic gardening, beekeeping, running, biking, hiking and kayaking with family and friends. I love Maine because of its natural beauty with many lakes, mountains, forests and ocean all within easy access and the four distinct seasons to enjoy. This will be my third Cadillac climb. I volunteered to be a part of The Summit Project living memorial because I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I first heard Major David Cote speak of this endeavor with such passion and conviction at the dedication of the Veterans lounge at The Eastern Maine Community College early this year. I am not a veteran. I am the daughter, mother, sister and cousin of veterans who have served in the Navy, Army and Marines. I hiked Mt. Katadin with my Army Veteran cousin, Robin Pare last September before learning of this project and later my daughter, Heather McGlauflin expressed an interest in hiking Katadin. When we learned of The Summit Project, well, WE WERE PSYCHED! We were already committed to hiking but now we had a mission with meaning far beyond any personal goal. I hope that by participating in The Summit Project, I can help advance the cause of honoring our Maine fallen heroes by: • learning all I can about those veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. • reaching out to the families of the fallen in support • embracing our community of the courageous. • teaching others about this project I plan on hiking 1st Lt James R Zimmermans stone. He was from Smyrna in Aroostook County. He died November 2, 2010 from combat wounds sustained in Afghanistan. He lived a life of intention and always wanted to be a Marine. He got his 1st recruiter call at age 10 and enlisted at age 17. My daughter also decided to become a Marine at this age. James was always talking and laughing, a creative builder who was resilient, persistent and a protector. He did have failings, but always took accountability for his actions and was able to forgive himself. I found this to be his most admirable strength. When the hike gets tough I will persevere and do what James would do which is think of others instead of myself. His men loved him because he looked out for them, so I will look out for others on the hike in memory of James. What I hope to accomplish from this hike is to use this day with intention. I will honor James on this day by taking time learn something about all my members and watch out for them. I have already started this process today in hiking with Deb Smith up Bald Mt in preparation for October 4th and we are planning another hike up Tarn Trail next Sunday to intentionally prepare and build our team. I will also enjoy a bond-fire at the end of the day in memory of James and his parents Tom and Jane. Jamess stone came from the fire pit at their home on the lake in Smyrna. Building a fire pit was the first thing James did when he got his first home. I will help build a fire and remember James and his ultimate sacrifice.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 12:00:01 +0000
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