By MAJ Marc Hoffmeister, AW2 Soldier
I’ve always loved the outdoors. I used to spend all of my free time climbing in the back country or dreaming about climbing the big peaks. I stopped dreaming the day the enemy got lucky and I earned a purple heart. Until I realized that only the circumstances have changed and I can adapt. Next year, I intend to climb 20,320 foot Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, in the company of likeminded wounded warriors. It wouldn’t be an easy task if our bodies were fully intact, so I’m anticipating this climb to have a few challenges in wait for us.
A year ago, while operating in Al Hillah, Iraq embedded with the Iraqi Army, a roadside bomb ripped through my HMMWV. The explosively formed penetrator tore through all of us in the truck. We survived because the rest of my men did everything right, but I lost effective use of my left arm and hand.
Despite our survival, life has changed for us all, in both mind and body. We became casualties of war. I bear this title proudly. I have no regrets and I have no anger at the enemy or frustration with the war. I know we’ve made a difference and I accept my sacrifices.
But I will not accept my wounds as a reason to forego my dreams. My arm may no longer perform as it once did, but my spirit will overcome that obstacle. I had promised my wife many years ago that we would find a way to climb Denali. This wasn’t quite the method I had intended, but perhaps someone up there had a plan all along. It’s been a tough year but now it’s time to turn misfortune into opportunity, and not just for me.
I will be joined by three other Wounded Warriors who have faced and overcome the limitations of there injuries. This mission is not for anyone. You need to be physically adapted, trained and mentally prepared to meet the rigors of the mountain. This will also require a team effort. Together we will reach the summit.
Please go to our website for more details on the expedition:
http://www.theveteranscoalition.org/operation_denali