The Seven Summits

One of the pinnacles of mountaineering is climbing the highest points on all seven continents. It's not easy to do, both from a climbing and a logistical standpoint. A USAF team is aiming to be the first military team to complete the accomplishment. From their vision statement:

On each of the seven continents of our world, there is but one peak that stands above the rest. These seven summits represent the highest physical achievement obtainable on each land mass. The vision of our Challenge is to have Air Force members carry our flag to the highest point on each continent, ending on the highest point on Earth. In doing so, we will be the first American military or governmental group to reach the summit of Mt. Everest and the first military group in the world to reach all of the famed seven summits.

To summit each peak, to stand atop each landmass, is a noble and awesome challenge fit for an organization that flies to the highest heights and into the deepest blues.

We are excited to take on this challenge to honor the members of the USAF, to highlight the importance of personal fitness, to open to the public a new window into the lives of military members. Along the way we're proud to promote a worthy charity that brings better lives to widowed Americans and their children!

As they mentioned, they are doing it in part for charity, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, an organization that provides for the families of U.S special operations personnel killed in action or training. Here's a link to their team. They've just summited McKinley, leaving only Everest (Asia), Vinson Massif (Antarctica), and Kosciuszko (Australia). They've also got a blog here, be sure to check it out.

All in all, a pretty cool deal.