Matt Nyman in the News

It may seem odd that a guy who grew up in Iowa has become a mountaineer.  After all, the highest point in the state is only 1,670 feet above sea level.  Matt Nyman however takes no shortcuts, and seeks out a challenge.  And 1,670 feet above sea level doesn't cut it.

An Army Ranger, Matt was deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq.  In 2005, after only eight days in Baghdad Matt lost his right leg below the knee.  This is not a guy who is easily discouraged.  In fact, after spending three weeks in Nepal with Matt, I'd say he may be one of the toughest people I've ever met.

A competitive athlete much of his life, mountaineering is a way for Matt to challenge himself and inspire others.  He's made two attempts on Denali, reaching the summit on his second attempt.  Since his return from Nepal, Matt has been sharing his story.   His hometown newspaper did a story on him, and just recently he and expedition leader Jeff Evans were featured on NPR.

By John von Seeburg

Hike With These Guys!

It's too late to climb Everest with blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer, but you can go to the summit of Colorado's highest peak with Erik, his Everest climbing team and soldiers from the Soldiers to the Summit Expedition.  At 14,440 feet, a hike up Mt. Elbert is a good challenge for a great cause.  A thousand bucks gets you the opportunity to rub shoulders with world-class climbers, includes hotel and dinner in Leadville, a special reception and screening of the film Soldiers to the Summit.  Even a souvenir DVD of your climb produced by Michael Brown and his merry band at Serac Adventure Films.  You will even have your photo taken on the summit with Erik and a group of real heroes!  It's a heckuva bargain!   Join us!  Details here.

By John von Seeburg

Soldiers to the Summit in Outside Magazine

The April issue of Outside Magazine is available on news stands now, featuring the Soldiers to the Summit Expedition.  Check out "The Other Side of the Mountain" by Brian Mockenhaupt. 

An Army veteran himself, Brian was embedded with the expedition, and despite virtually no climbing experience, reached the 20,075 foot summit of Lobuche Peak.   Of his time in Nepal with the soldiers Brian says "...I was consistently inspired by their courage and determination in overcoming limitations imposed by their injuries, and their willingness to share very personal moments in their lives".

An outstanding and inspiring piece of work.  Read the article here and check out the Outside Adventure Film School video interview with Brian below.


By John von Seeburg

Flying High

Matt Murray is the kind of guy every expedition should have.  A First Officer with United Airlines, Matt got wind of the Soldiers to the Summit Expedition and immediately drank the Kool-Aid.  Then he set out to convince his colleagues in the Air Line Pilots Association to dig into their wallets to support the expedition.  To date they're donated approximately $18,000. 

And, on October 15, 2010 Matt reached the summit of 20,075 foot Lobuche Peak, along with our soldiers and Everest guides.  Great work Matt, and thanks!  You can read about it below:

Open publication - Free publishing

By John von Seeburg

Expedition Photos

Ten years ago, photographer Didrik Johnck stood on the summit of Mt. Everest with Erik Weihenmayer.  One of Didrik's photographs of Erik from that expedition made the cover of TIME Magazine.  In fall 2010 Didrik returned to the Himalaya with his Everest teammates as expedition photographer for the Soldiers to the Summit Expedition.  What you see here is just a taste.  Head on over to our Flickr site to see more favorites.

By John von Seeburg