Summit for hope
It was May 13th, 2008. We had just finished another brutal day on Denali. That night, I wrote two words in my journal: “Death March!” We had moved from 11,200’ to 14,300’ – a 5-hour uphill grind in crampons, carrying heavy loads. After arriving at camp, we spent the next 3-hours setting up camp – flattening the snow, pitching tents, and building snow walls to protect us from the incoming storm. By the time I laid down in my sleeping bag, it was already -20 degrees INSIDE my tent. My sleeping bag was rated to -20 degrees F and the temps were dropping. I was in for a long, cold might. I remember thinking, “What in the world am I doing up here?”
Picture taken en route to 14,300’ camp. Heavy packs, sleds, and crampons to haul everything we’d need.
In 2005, as I checked into my new ‘Team’, my team-leader looked at me and the other ‘New Guy.’ The other guy was bigger. My team-leader made him a breacher. He told me, “You’re my lead climber.” In the military, this is called being voluntold. I had never climbed before…
Over the next couple years, that assignment turned into something more. I joined the more experienced climbers and began to learn new skills. We did a training trips and practiced our skills whenever we could. In 2007, we climbed El Capitan in Yosemite. In 2008, we climbed Denali. In 2009, we climbed Aconcagua. Somewhere along the way, I went from a guy who had never really climbed… to someone with a decent climbing resume. I was now now both a Navy SEAL and a Lead Climber. It was a steep learning curve – in every sense of the word.
On the way to the top of Aconcagua with John Faas (KIA in Afghanistan in 2011).
Since leaving the military in early 2010, I have been to the mountains plenty. But all my trips above the treeline have either involved hunting or skiing. I had no plans to go climb a mountain just for the sake of summiting. I had no urge to spend all day hiking uphill, being short of breath, carrying a heavy pack, just to be rewarded with a dehydrated meal and spend yet another cold night on the ground. I had checked the box. All of that changed in late 2025 when a few of us decided to go climb Kilimanjaro together.
In June, I’ll be climbing Kilimanjaro with a team of 10 as part of the Summit for Hope Expedition in support of Global Partners in Hope (GPiH). We’ll take on the Lemosho Route covering roughly 44 miles, gaining over 12,000 feet of elevation, over the course of 7-days. I’ve read that Kilimanjaro isn’t as difficult at Denali or Aconcagua, but I know it will be more rewarding. This time, it will be different. This time, it’s not about the climb. It’s not about what happens on the mountain, but what can happen because of it.
Next up: Kilimanjaro!
Lack of clean water makes villagers rely on contaminated ponds or shallow streams for drinking, cooking, and washing. This leads to deadly, water-borne illnesses. Women and children walk miles each day to collect water, which limits their opportunities for education and economic advancement. There are no nearby health centers. This forces villagers to travel miles on foot or by other unreliable means to receive care. Pregnant women face extreme risks during childbirth, and common illnesses go untreated.
Our team is working together to raise money and awareness to spread the work of GPiH to Benin, where rural villages face extreme challenges due to their remote location, lack of infrastructure, and absence of healthcare services. Proceeds raised from the climb will go towards funding a new solar powered healthcare center and clean water wells. These new facilities will address the primary causes of preventable deaths in these rural villages.
Progress on the new maternity clinic in Benin!
My son Luke and I are embarking on this expedition together. Yes, the climb will be an adventure. Yes, it will be challenging. Yes, it will be an opportunity to spend time together in the outdoors. More important than all of that, it will be an opportunity to support the work of GPiH, a mission we both care deeply about. We are not climbing for ourselves. We are climbing for something bigger.
Luke and I on a previous adventure in the mountains.
We’ll take on the mountain, and all the challenges that entails. But we can’t accomplish the mission alone. We need help! You can make an impact and help us out. You don’t have to hike the roughly 44 miles. You don’t have to gain the over 12,000 feet. You don’t have to spend 7-nights in a tent or sleep in the below freezing temperatures. You can make a difference right where you are, from the comforts of your home. The money raise will go toward providing clean water and expanding access to healthcare. It will save lives!
(Click here to donate or learn more)
If this resonates with you, we humble ask you to do one of three things:
1. Give – Every contribution to the expedition matters. (see link above)
2. Share – Help us spread the mission.
3. Follow – Track the journey from now until the summit!
Climbing mountains is hard, but there are challenges in the world that are far greater than anything we’ll face on Kilimanjaro. This climb is a small part of a much bigger mission. With your help, we can make a real difference!
Onward… and Upward!