In early 2023, the University of Maine NROTC Unit felt the loss of Captain Motsay, their beloved Marine Officer Instructor, close friend, and mentor to suicide. The Blue and Gold Team, midshipmen belonging to the NROTC Unit, have since held an annual fitness event in his honor and to raise awareness for the often stigmatized subject of mental health in the military. 

Previously this took the form of The Motsay Warrior Trek, a sunrise-to-sunset team relay hike challenging teams to hike the most miles. It took inspiration from Captain Motsay's love for the outdoors and a good challenge. This year, still inspired by his love for the outdoors and a good challenge, The Blue and Gold Team presents The Motsay Warrior 5K. In collaboration with The Summit Project, Captain Motsay's memorial stone will be carried through the race, honoring his legacy and symbolizing the weight of the sacrifice with every step. 

It is our goal to break the silence around mental health and work towards a future where we can all speak about and seek help for our mental health.

Captain Kenneth Motsay was the Marine Officer Instructor (MOI) at the University of Maine and Maine Maritime’s NROTC Unit. He loved all things Marine; from rucking and shooting, to combat sports. In college, he ran track. His adoration for running blossomed into multiple marathons within his lifetime. He often participated in the Marine Corps Marathon and the Boston Marathon. Capt Motsay was a front-leading individual, who loved taking charge and encouraging his Assistant MOI and Midshipmen to own their leadership, while also nudging them to share his love of the Marine Corps while doing so.

Although he lived and breathed the Marine Corps, his personality was quite opposite to the gruffness expected of a Marine Corps leader. A deeply personal leader and friend, he always made time for those he knew. From visiting his family or his girlfriend to flying across the country to see an old friend get married, his presence was known. As a leader, he cared for the professional, academic, and personal lives of all his subordinates, setting up dedicated “coffee time” to give them a place to feel seen.

In his time with NROTC, Capt Motsay spent most days alongside Mrs. Sheri, the unit’s loving civilian assistant. He always made time in the mornings to have coffee with her and talk about life, family, student wellbeing, or even just a trashy tv show he enjoyed the night before. When it came to work, he always offered to take care of any of her needs in a heartbeat. They often blasted classic rock, mornings and afternoons, while approving scholarships for the next generation of officers.

Fascinated with the Maine outdoors, Capt Motsay loved sharing the beauty of Maine with anyone he could. An avid wearer of flannel and sandals, he informed NROTC freshmen their Friday uniform was flannel, quipping that they all needed one, since “You’re in Maine now”. He often invited other staff members on mountainous hikes or outdoorsy trips to share the beauty and adventure he loved. White Mountain National forest and Moosehead Lake were among his favorite destinations.

On this alone, Capt Motsay might seem an unserious leader. In truth, he always put in the extra effort to improve and inspire his subordinates. In physical fitness, he motivated them to improve, and worked out personally with those in need. He never appeared weak or tired, often taunting “you’re going to have to be faster than that to beat me” even though he’d later lie on the floor to recover, as revealed by his AMOI, GySgt Patrick Armstrong. 

Captain Motsay led from the front, teaching those around him to live and love fully, and to push through challenges even in your most tired moments. To live life exuberantly, and lead others in a way that leaves a lasting impact, long after the fleeting moments of life take us by surprise.

Please read more about Captain Motsay through The Summit Project.

The Summit Project - Captain Kenneth C. Motsay

 The Motsay Warrior 5K is hosted by the Blue and Gold Team, University of Maine NROTC Midshipmen who organize and execute public events in honor of our fallen. We also host the Zimmerman Fitness Challenge in the springtime! The funds raised by The Blue and Gold Team during the Motsay Warrior 5K are proudly donated to charitable organizations, with a portion used to operate the event. To learn more about our benefactors, scroll down!