The adrenalin started flowing when our veterans begin arriving at SEATAC airport Sunday July 5th. Veteran Ryan Job, on the left, climbed blind last year and is now a volunteer PR rep for Camp Patriot. SEATAC police officer, Mike Hebrank, made sure the men received a royal welcome and were escorted smoothly through the airport. Veterans Mario Barragan and Ray Gonzalez were our first arrivals.

Veteran Jesse Yandell arrived about an hour later and that same evening is seen here enjoying the "kick-off celebration" at the Seattle Seahawks, Qwest Field. Guest speaker was Ed Viesturs, who recently returned from his 7th successful summit of Mt Everest.

Monday, July 6th, the team traveled to the town of Ashford WA, at the base of Mt Rainier. It is here that the team organizes and packs all the climbing gear, food and supplies necessary for their three days on the 14,411 ft peak.

Tuesday, July 7th, the team rose early to hike up the Muir Snowfield to the 10,000' elevation of Camp Muir base camp. It is here that they work on their climbing skills such as ice axe arrest, crampon techniques, rope team travel, and prepare for the summit attempt. As the experienced say - the goal is to get home safely, reaching the summit is secondary.

Climb Progress:

Wednesday, July 8th, was training day on Cowlitz Glacier and around Camp Muir. Head guide, Curt Fawley, lead the group through basic climbing techniques and prepared them for the midnight departure for the summit. Their 2nd night was spend on Cowlitz Glacier at Camp Muir.

Thursday, July 9th at 2:45 am they had left for the summit push and were just passing Ingraham Glacier on their way to Disappointment Cleaver. By 8:45 am SFC Mario Barragan and SFC Jesse Yandell made it to the Summit East Crater. CPT Ray Gonzalez made it to 11,000 feet, in spite of the fact that 6 months ago he was paralyzed from the waste down - an amazing feat!

After enjoying the spectacular view they headed back down the mountain for a 3rd night at Camp Muir

Friday, July 10th, begins the Post Events - descending from Camp Muir to Paradise, then driving to Ashford for the post climb BBQ and celebration at Rainier Mountaineering facility grounds.  Colleen and Mara Beth Fawley, wife & daughter of head guide Curt Fawley, of Far West Log Homes, are the BBQ cooks.

Enjoy a vision of their experience with these pictures:

Mario & Ray - packing must be done with care

Peparing the GPS... Navy Diver David Coats with guide, Art Rausch

Head Guide, Curt Fawley, prepares our Veterans for what's to come

Climbers wait for the "Go Ahead!"

Off we go... And the trek begins!

Our Vets on the trail

Camp Patriot founder, Micah Clark, keeps track of our climbers by reports from Curt via SPOT satellite phone

Thursday, July 9th, the climbers made it back to Camp Muir about 4 pm Most of the men headed to their tents for some badly needed shut eye. Head guide, Curt Fawley, started working on dinner for them.

Friday, July 10th, they broke camp and left Camp Muir about 8:30 am, arriving in Paradise between 11 am and noon. Everyone was in great spirits, satisfied they did all they could, and anxious to enjoy the celebration BBQ with all their supporters.

For additional media on this adventure access the following links:

http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view/?trip_id=172243

http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/07/16/24518-injured-veterans-summit-mount-rainier/index.html

Watch the video online CLICK HERE