Captain leads Airmen up highest peak in North America

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DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) --  When HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot Capt. Mark Uberuaga hits the fitness center's treadmill, he wears five-pound weights around his ankles and a 50-pound expedition pack on his back.

His training is intense, but so is the task that lies ahead of him, to complete the  "Seven Summits Challenge," which is raising money and awareness for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

The challenge was the brainchild of Captain Uberuaga and his climbing partner, Capt. Rob Marshall, an 8th Special Operations Squadron member at Hurlburt Field, Fla., while the two were roommates at Royal Air Base Mildenhall, England.

"We had just become roommates in March 2005 when Wrath 11, an MC-130H Combat Talon II, crashed killing nine Airmen from the 352nd Special Operations Group. It was a very difficult time for the families as you can imagine," Captain Marshall said.

It was during the aftermath of the crash that the captains learned about the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides free scholarship grants to the children of military personnel killed in the course of military duties

As avid mountain climbers, the roommates saw an opportunity to channel their sadness over the loss of their friends and coworkers into something good. Having worked as a mountain guide during college, Captain Uberuaga is well qualified to handle the coordination and preparations required for each climb.

"This challenge has evolved from just a fundraiser into a mission to foster a positive awareness around the globe of the United States Air Force and the United States military in general," Captain Marshall said.

The "Seven Summits Challenge," includes the highest peak on every continent: Mount Elbrus, Europe, at 18, 510 feet; Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa, at 19,340 feet; Mount Aconcagua, South America, at 22, 834 feet; Denali, North America, at 20,3200 feet, (which is also known as Mount McKinley); Mount Kosciuszko, Australia, at 7,310 feet; Vinson Massif, Antarctica, at 16,067 feet and Mount Everest, Asia, at 29,035 feet.

Captains Uberuaga and Marshall climbed the highest peak in Europe, Mount Elbrus, Russia, in July 2005, and led a group of Airmen and civilians up the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, in July 2006.

Captain Marshall climbed to the summit of the highest peak in South America, Mount Aconcagua, in February 2007.

Captain Uberuaga began leading a team to the highest point in North America May 28, to scale Denali, Alaska, the fourth of their seven summit challenge. He has previously guided others to the Denali summit four times.

"This is an intense climb, and it could take us up to a month to make the summit and return safely," Captain Uberuaga said. "We have a strong, young, healthy team though, and I am confident that we all have what it takes to make it to the top."

In total, the U.S. Air Force "Seven Summits Challenge" has raised nearly $20,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The current climb' s goal is to raise $30,000, more than all the past climbs combined, Captain Uberuaga said.  

Along with Captain Uberuaga, other members of the Mount McKinley expedition include 2nd Lt. Timothy Gannon with the 354th Civil Engineering Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska; Capt. Tavis McDevitt with the 33rd Rescue Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan; Capt. Erin VanOOsten with the 40th Airlift Squadron at Dyess AFB, Texas; Airman 1st Class Christopher LaBerge with the 97th Security Forces Squadron at Altus AFB, Okla. and Capt. Graydon Muller and 1st Lt. Andrew Ackles, both with the 40th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom AFB, Mont.

"The decision to participate in this climb takes dedication, personal sacrifice and a spirit of adventure. We want to honor all acts of bravery and generosity by Airmen that go unnoticed across the globe every day," Captain Uberuaga said.

Anyone interested in making a donation, or being part of the challenge, can go to www.usaf7summits.com for additional information.

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