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Don't Forget The Vets Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

MainePublisher: All geocache placements must have a responsive owner. The cache owner must be able to respond to issues that come up and to submit an "owner maintenance" log to remove the "needs maintenance" icon.

In addition to the "needs maintenance" logs and DNF logs, Goundspeak also uses a Health Score algorithm. https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=38&pgid=713

In this case, Groundspeak has sent an email to the cache owner with no response. The cache owner did not respond to any of the cachers hoping to find the cache and did not respond to the reviewer note so the cache is now archived.

The cache location is now open for any Geocacher to place a new cache, including the original cache owner.

MainePublisher
geocaching.com volunteer reviewer

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Hidden : 10/15/2011
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This should be a quick "Park" and grab. An experienced cacher should have no trouble finding this cache in only a few minutes.

In the summer of 2011, the Main St. bridge was torn down and this new bridge replaced it. The new bridge is now complete and was dedicated on October 15th, 2011. The old bridge had a memorial to veterans of past wars. That memorial was preserved an placed on the new bridge as well. Never forget the sacrifices that some have made so that the rest of us can live free.

This bridge is dedicated to the memory of Sergeant Donald S. Skidgel who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for acts of bravery that cost his own life in Vietnam. Sergeant Skidgel was born in Caribou, Maine and now rests in Plymouth, Maine.

Sergeant Skidgel's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Skidgel distinguished himself while serving as a reconnaissance section leader in Troop D. On a road near Song Be in Binh Long province, Sgt. Skidgel and his section with other elements of his troop were acting as a convoy security and screening force when contact occurred with an estimated enemy battalion concealed in tall grass and in bunkers bordering the road. Sgt. Skidgel maneuvered off the road and began placing effective machinegun fire on the enemy automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade positions. After silencing at least 1 position, he ran with his machinegun across 60 meters of bullet-swept ground to another location from which he continued to rake the enemy positions. Running low on ammunition, he returned to his vehicle over the same terrain. Moments later he was alerted that the command element was receiving intense automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire. Although he knew the road was saturated with enemy fire, Sgt. Skidgel calmly mounted his vehicle and with his driver advanced toward the command group in an effort to draw the enemy fire onto himself. Despite the hostile fire concentrated on him, he succeeded in silencing several enemy positions with his machinegun. Moments later Sgt. Skidgel was knocked down onto the rear fender by the explosion of an enemy rocket-propelled grenade. Ignoring his extremely painful wounds, he staggered back to his feet and placed effective fire on several other enemy positions until he was mortally wounded by hostile small arms fire. His selfless actions enabled the command group to withdraw to a better position without casualties and inspired the rest of his fellow soldiers to gain fire superiority and defeat the enemy. Sgt. Skidgel's gallantry at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army."

There are three bridges over the Sebasticook River here in Newport. It seems only fitting that all of them should have a cache! Newport is not a big city but, this is Main St. so please try to use some stealth when finding this cache. This cache is large enough for small coins. The original contents are a log, pencil, and 10 pesos as a prize for the first to find.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Jrfg fvqr, ohg abg nyy gur jnl jrfg.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)