Airmen ready for Mt. Rainier, WA '13
The USAF 50 Summits Challenge is a project focused on helping US Airmen proudly fly the Air Force flag from the highest point in each of our 50 states. This challenge is about getting outside, having fun, and expanding personal boundaries. It's also a unique way to combine the four prongs of resiliency so important to the well-being of our military members: physical, mental, social and spiritual, while exploring America's great outdoors.
In 2005, an unofficial team of motivated Airmen set out to put the US Air Force into the history books by making America the first military to have it's members stand on top of the famed '7 Summits'-- the highest peak on each continent. In May 2013, the USAF 7 Summits Challenge accomplished it goal by reaching the summit of Mt. Everest and flying the Air Force flag from the top of the world.
With that epic mountaineering challenge complete, the founders looked for a new project that would encourage military members to get into mountains, or at least into the outdoors. Rather than travel to remote and expensive locations around the world, they decided to focus on the amazing mountains right here in our American back yard that were accessible to all Airmen. From a little 300ft elevation in Florida to the massive 20,320ft undertaking of Alaska's Mt. McKinley, reaching the highest point in each state offers an enormous variety of experiences that will increase camaraderie and physical fitness, teach stress coping skills, reconnect people with the outdoors, and generate experiences that will have a positive impact on participant's lives. Most importantly, it'll be fun, challenging and a chance to get outta the house.
In 2005, an unofficial team of motivated Airmen set out to put the US Air Force into the history books by making America the first military to have it's members stand on top of the famed '7 Summits'-- the highest peak on each continent. In May 2013, the USAF 7 Summits Challenge accomplished it goal by reaching the summit of Mt. Everest and flying the Air Force flag from the top of the world.
With that epic mountaineering challenge complete, the founders looked for a new project that would encourage military members to get into mountains, or at least into the outdoors. Rather than travel to remote and expensive locations around the world, they decided to focus on the amazing mountains right here in our American back yard that were accessible to all Airmen. From a little 300ft elevation in Florida to the massive 20,320ft undertaking of Alaska's Mt. McKinley, reaching the highest point in each state offers an enormous variety of experiences that will increase camaraderie and physical fitness, teach stress coping skills, reconnect people with the outdoors, and generate experiences that will have a positive impact on participant's lives. Most importantly, it'll be fun, challenging and a chance to get outta the house.
Summit of Mt. Rainier, WA (July '13)
Each trip will be lead by an Airmen volunteer. He or she will be responsible for the safety, planning, execution, and maximum participation in their state's high-point trip. We believe the outdoors provide an excellent leadership laboratory- the dynamic environment develops leaders able to react quickly yet requires constant direct interaction with climbers, so these volunteer leaders and their team will gain valuable skills during their adventure.
Since the beginning of the USAF 7 Summits Challenge, we have worked hard to include as many Airmen as possible. This will be a major part of this USAF 50 Summits Challenge! Each trip will go to lengths to include wounded warriors and Airmen overcoming personal challenges. Additionally, local Outdoor Recreation programs and base chaplains will be invited to take part- as we think they're a perfect fit for time spent outdoors and an important resource that Airmen should have experience working with.
Note: we are not an incorporated organization or non-profit. Rather, we're just an informal group of Airmen helping and encouraging each other to get outdoors and build resilience!
Since the beginning of the USAF 7 Summits Challenge, we have worked hard to include as many Airmen as possible. This will be a major part of this USAF 50 Summits Challenge! Each trip will go to lengths to include wounded warriors and Airmen overcoming personal challenges. Additionally, local Outdoor Recreation programs and base chaplains will be invited to take part- as we think they're a perfect fit for time spent outdoors and an important resource that Airmen should have experience working with.
Note: we are not an incorporated organization or non-profit. Rather, we're just an informal group of Airmen helping and encouraging each other to get outdoors and build resilience!
airman magazine video from 2013 director's climb of rainier, a PRECURSOR to the 50 summits challenge:
Explore the USAF 7 Summits Challenge's historic climbing mission here: www.USAF7Summits.com.
The website if full of photos, videos, trip reports and an archive of media coverage.
The website if full of photos, videos, trip reports and an archive of media coverage.