JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Two Air Force friends recently took on the impossible and summited Mount Rainier as part of the Air Force's 50 Summits Challenge.
Retired Chief Master Sgt. Terry Oshiem and Master Sgt. Kim Brewer reached the summit of the mountain July 23, along with a team of eight other service members and veterans from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
Standing at 14,411 feet tall, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington and one of the summits that had not previously been climbed under the 50 Summits Challenge.
The 50 Summits Challenge is a project created by Airmen to encourage and promote resiliency in the Air Force by challenging Airmen to display the Air Force flag atop the highest point of each of the 50 states. The challenge originated in 2013 following the completion of the Seven Summits Challenge where Airmen displayed the Air Force flag atop the world’s seven highest peaks.
Mount Rainier is the 25th state to be completed in the 50 summits challenge. Completion of the challenge will be based on participation of Airmen from around the U.S. Like McChord, Airmen stationed in states who have not completed the challenge can coordinate a climb through a 50 Summits Challenge coordinator.
“We seek to have Airmen coordinate groups to hike the highest area for any state they are stationed in,” said Maj. Rob Marshall, 97th Airlift Squadron pilot and 50 Summits Challenge coordinator. “My vision is to proactively help Airmen and veterans become stronger mentally, socially, physically and spiritually before bad things happen. Through mountaineering, they have something to fall back on and a community to go to.”
“Part of the 50 Summits Challenge is the resiliency aspect behind it,” said Brewer. “A lot of people are benefiting from this. People are getting outdoors and reaching their goals.”
The team arrived at Mount Rainier July 22 and hiked 4,900 feet in elevation to Camp Muir, where they set up their base camp.
After only a few hours of sleep, the team left their base camp and began the journey to the top in the dark of night. Split into two teams, the climbers were roped together as they made their way up the mountain.
“You just get up, it’s still dark out, you're climbing, and you just try to focus where your feet are at,” said Oshiem. “We had to move in sync. I couldn’t let too much slack build up in the rope and couldn’t let the rope get too tight.”
Climbing for more than eight hours to reach the top, the group encountered challenges, including having to cross two crevasses that measured more than 10 feet across.
At approximately 9 a.m. on July 23, they reached the top. With clear skies and the sun shining, the team took in the view and enjoyed the moment.
“It took a minute, but once we made it to the summit, it sunk in,” said Oshiem. “Summiting Rainier has been on my bucket list for years. Having the opportunity to summit Mount Rainier with a team of veterans like we did was a proud moment.”
Atop the mountain, the group unfurled the U.S. and Air Force flags for a photo.
“I think us doing our part to plant the Air Force flag on Mount Rainier was an accomplishment,” said Brewer. “This is one of the most challenging and technical of the peaks for the lower 48 [states].”
Oshiem credited much of his success with mountaineering to training with Brewer, his longtime friend. Together they have summited Mount Hood, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens.
“Brewer asked me if I wanted in and I said, ‘I want in, but I don’t know if I’m ready,’” recalled Oshiem. “I didn’t want to be that guy on the rope team to have to turn around because I couldn’t make the climb. I’m more comfortable climbing with someone who knows what they are doing.”
Oshiem said he used to hike as a kid and would spend most of his summers camping and hiking. Following his passion for hiking and mountaineering, Oshiem recommends others do the same.
“For me, it’s a chance to clear my brain, because it’s one foot over the next,” said Oshiem. “You can think, contemplate and come back energized. Tying yourself into a veterans group gives you that support network.”
For Brewer, it's about giving back.
“I think this is important to give back to fellow Airmen,” said Brewer. “In twenty years in the service, Airmen helped me achieve my goals, and I want to help Airmen and veterans to achieve theirs.”
In addition to the many hiking opportunities, Oshiem said he was also thankful for the support he’s received from the local veteran and military community, as well as other climbers who supported the endeavor.
“I think this is hugely important to get a group of veterans and active duty together and share that common bond of profession of arms to motivate and help each other achieve a common goal,” said Oshiem. “That persistence and resiliency is important.”
“I used to look at Mount Rainier and say, ‘One of these days,’ he said. “Now I look at it and say, ‘I’ve done that. I’ve been right there.'"