Heather Audet

The Early Years
Heather Audet grew up in the tight-knit, rural town of New Portland, nestled in western Maine, with a brief five-year detour in Massachusetts. As the middle child between two brothers, it’s no surprise she developed a tomboy streak. She often tagged along with her older brother and his friends, learning early on how to keep up and hold her own.

At Carrabec High School, Heather was an energetic and involved student. She balanced athletics and the arts, playing golf and tennis while spending eight years in the school band as a clarinetist. Her talent and dedication did not go unnoticed; she earned a Marine Corps award for outstanding soloist performance. Beyond music and sports, she found fulfillment in service. Heather joined the “Circle of Friends,” a club dedicated to working with students with disabilities, and volunteered with the Special Olympics throughout high school. Compassion and service were not just interests—they became defining parts of who she was.

After graduation, Heather entered the workforce at a local steel fabrication shop, grinding and shaping steel for the construction of Thomaston State Prison. The work reminded her of her grandmother, a real-life “Rosie the Riveter.” Contributing to such a project—and honoring her grandmother’s legacy—left Heather with lifelong pride.

A Life Rooted in Service and the Military

Service runs deep in Heather’s family. One grandfather fought in World War II, the other in Korea. Her brother devoted over 20 years to the U.S. Army, and her husband served over 30 years in the Maine Air National Guard. Supporting them through years of deployments gave Heather firsthand insight into the sacrifices military families make.

That insight inspired her to help others. Through The Summit Project, she carried memorial stones honoring Maine’s post-9/11 fallen heroes up the peaks of Acadia and Baxter State Park. Each stone bore a name and story—lives like that of LCpl Josh Bernard, a Marine from her hometown. Heather carried his stone more than once, calling him her “navigator” because he’d served as a point man and because seeing an orange Mustang (a car they both loved) always reminds her that he’s guiding her path

Heather also joined Team RWB (Red, White & Blue), a national organization connecting veterans with their communities through activities like hiking, pickleball, and social events—reminding every member that no one serves or heals alone. Professionally, she continued supporting military families through contracting work for the Army and Air National Guard, especially in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which links troops and their loved ones with community resources. Her impact in this realm has been profound, touching countless lives across Maine. In 2019, Heather’s dedicated work with the ANG Yellow Ribbon Program earned her recognition from the American Red Cross.

Becoming a Maine Troop Greeter

Heather’s connection with the Maine Troop Greeters began years before she officially joined. Her brother passed through Bangor twice during deployments in the early 2000s, and the greeters were there both times—welcoming soldiers with warmth and respect. At that time, with a young family, Heather was unable to volunteer. Several years later, once her youngest child was in school, she answered the call.

In 2015, Heather greeted her first flight, and something shifted within her. Shaking a soldier’s hand—sometimes the last handshake before they deployed—brought her deep peace and purpose. “Has it hit you yet?” her friend George Brigham once asked. It did, one December evening near Christmas. Watching a plane full of young troops depart, she was reminded of her brother’s deployments. The weight of their sacrifice, and the privilege of seeing them off, struck her to the core. From that night on, her commitment only deepened

Moments That Stay With Her

Heather’s time as a Troop Greeter has been filled with stories that remind her why this work matters.
An unexpected connection: One late night in May, despite exhaustion, she forced herself to the airport for a flight. There, a service member noticed a patch for Dustin Harris, a fallen soldier whose Summit Project stone Heather had carried. The man had served beside him. When she hugged him, he said he truly needed it—his wife had just left him during deployment. That moment reminded Heather that every handshake hides a story, and sometimes, that brief encounter can mean everything.

A bond beyond duty: Shortly after COVID restrictions lifted, a group of airmen passed through Bangor when one experienced a medical emergency. Heather and her husband, Tom, offered help—arranging lodging, collecting their belongings, and sharing meals. One airman told her, “I didn’t know people were this kind. I thought that only happened in the movies.” They’ve stayed in touch ever since; he recently texted Heather to tell her he’s engaged.

Heather also treasures the moments shared with her children through troop greeting. Together, they’ve handed out candy canes in Santa hats, played “mind games” with soldiers in the lounge, and even skipped birthday parties to greet flights. She’s proud that her children have learned early that time is the most meaningful gift you can give.

Friends Who Became Family
Through the greeters, Heather has found a second family. George Brigham, her dear friend and mentor, became a fixture in her family’s life—attending Elisabeth’s track meets, joining for Easter dinners, spending time with her children when she and her husband were both away, and filling in as a grandfather figure to them all. Fond memories also include Norm, lively and full of jokes, even in the wee hours of the morning, and Gerry Mundy, the self-described “grumpy old Marine” who never failed to bring humor and heart.

Leadership and Legacy
Heather’s devotion soon evolved into leadership. She became a key holder, opening the greeter rooms for troop flights and helping with special events, such as Honor Flights. She even developed a training guide for key holders to ensure future volunteers would have clear direction. Most recently, she took on the role of Membership Chair, stepping into the position after George’s passing—a fitting tribute to her mentor, who had prepared her for it.

Her current mission is to bring in younger volunteers, inspire them to stay involved, and ensure the organization thrives for years to come. Heather knows every role—from greeting to fundraising—contributes to the Troop Greeters’ mission: to make every service member feel seen, appreciated, and welcomed home.

A Heart for Service
From her childhood in small-town Maine to her decades of heartfelt service, Heather Audet truly represents the spirit of volunteerism. Through every handshake, smile, and late-night airport visit, she reminds us all that gratitude is best expressed through action. Maine’s troops—and the greeters who welcome them—are stronger for her kindness, leadership, and unwavering heart.