Hiking for Heroes

Just one day after we were told of yet another helicopter crash claiming 7 more of our warriors overseas (see http://www.ecoronado.com/profiles/blogs/navy-seals-killed-in-afghan...), we are reminded that this war is not yet over and that there is still so much that needs to be done. Though many of us are on the home front, we still want to help support our troops that our supporting our freedom every day. Well, the best way we can do that is through support.

This year, on my 24th birthday, September 27, I will be hiking to Half Dome's peak (8,842 ft) in Yosemite National Park alongside my Mom, Cindy Schwarz. There may be a few others going with us, but the point of it being that we are hiking for our heroes; we are hiking on behalf of the Lone Survivor Foundation, established in 2010 by another one of our local heroes, Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell. Luttrell gained exposure through his actions during Operation RED WINGS in Afghanistan's Kunar Province; the goal being to aid stabilization efforts for the Afghan National Parliamentary elections, Luttrell being the only survivor on his team which he recounts in his book Lone Survivor. 

After recently retiring from the SEALs, Luttrell has transitioned back to being a civilian and in doing so, created the Lone Survivor Foundation whose vision is to give back to those who serve by providing exceptional therapeutic, outdoor, and unique opportunities that optimize recovery and healing of affected American wounded service members and their families.

By growing up here in Coronado, I have been around the military all my life, particularly the NAVY, living in a town positioned between two major bases - North Island Naval Base as well as our Naval Amphibious Base. Because of this, I have friends now in the NAVY, whether they are flying overhead or frogmen of the sea, and therefor I'm excited to support the foundations efforts in the transition back to civilian life, as I've seen first hand the effects of war- something undeniable and something important for us to support. It is my personal belief that the sooner we talk about it and truly confront our battles, the sooner we can move forward - together. Though I'm not in the military I can still support it- and though I wish there wasn't a war going on, just as everyone else, the fact of the matter is that there is, and that these men and women still very much need our service, too. 

I'm excited to hike to the top of this epic peak, I've done it before and I can't wait to do it again - this time for a much greater cause than my own. As I mention on my donation page, Half Dome stands tallest amongst its neighboring peaks, much like the Lone Survivor Foundation,  whose mission is to be of exceptional strength for those around them, in particular, our "wounded"  (mentally or physically) servicemen.

I hope that you will join me in spreading the word about this event as well as raising money toward my goal of $2,400, and in supporting those who daily support us.

Thank you for reading, and thank you, in particular, to those that serve and sacrifice. Please continue to keep them in your prayers, as well as the families of those that just yesterday lost their loved ones in the fight.

Donate here:

 Half Dome Peak, Yosemite National Park