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Climbing For Casualties: Climbing with a Purpose

Skier on summit


La Sportiva has been a long time partner with “Ski4TheFallen” and “Climbing For Casualties.”  Learn about the organizations below.

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The Climb

From June 12th until August 15th a Colorado local, Matthew Randall will be pitting himself against the challenges of climbing two of the world's tallest mountains, Gasherbrum II and I, in Pakistan and attempting to become the first American to ski from their summits. At 26,362’ and 26,509’, respectively, this will be no small feat, especially considering the style with which he plans to do it: without supplemental oxygen or Sherpa/external support above base camp.

The Purpose

While training up for this expedition, a friend of Matt’s and fellow member of the same Army unit, Justin Lascek, lost both legs to an Improvised Explosive Device while on a combat deployment. Matt was deployed with Justin and supported his team as a logistics officer previously in 2017, where Matt became friends with Justin and was inspired by Justin to pursue a career as an expert in life-saving combat medical aid (Justin is a Special Forces Medical Sergeant).

Being away from the fight and unable to assist, Matt wanted to help in some way, and a week later decided to move forward with the “Climbing For Casualties” fundraiser.

The Fundraiser

“Climbing for Casualties” is a fundraiser with the goal to raise $20,000 for the Special Forces Foundation (SFF) through Matt’s Pakistan expedition. The SFF is a non-profit foundation run by Active Duty Army Special Forces Sergeant Major, Ignacio (Gary) Garza with the mission of providing immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the special forces, “Green Beret”, community and their families. The SFF has provided services and support to supplement the Army support Justin is receiving and is also providing financial assistance to the family of four children and wife of now deceased SFC Will Lindsay, who was killed in action on March 22, 2019, in Afghanistan.

Matt and Justin

How La Sportiva is Helping

La Sportiva has been a consistent contributor to the Special Forces Foundation by providing highly technical gear to “Ski4TheFallen” as well as Matt and “Climbing For Casualties”. “Ski4TheFallen” was also a fundraiser that raised $16,346 through two 2-man teams of Special Forces Soldiers completing the Grand Traverse ski race on March 28-29 that covers 40 miles and has 6,800’ of vertical gain.

La Sportiva provided lightweight and highly technical gear that directly contributed to the successful completion of the race, to include boots, skis, skins, speed suits, pants, and jackets. La Sportiva has provided essential training and expedition gear for “Climbing For Casualties” to include softshell pants and “TX2” approach shoes for the 9 day trek into and out of Gasherbrum II/I base camp and the “Scirocco” jacket (pictured) and “Hyperspace” insulation jacket for use on the mountains.

How Everyone Else Can Help

Funds are being raised by two main methods to the general population:

1. Selling “Climbing For Casualties” shirts (pictured) at http://advancedimpressionsinc.com/climbing-for-casualties/shop/home

2. Receiving tax-deductible donations at https://www.specialforcesfoundation.org/climbing-for-casualties

Matt skiing down

Follow Along on the Adventure!

Follow Matt’s progress as he climbs and attempts to become the first American to ski from these two summits by following the “Climbing For Casualties” Instagram and Facebook pages at the links below. Learn more about the Special Forces Foundation and what they do by following the Special Forces Foundation Instagram and Facebook pages and at their website at the links below.

“Climbing For Casualties”

 

Special Forces Foundation

• Website: www.specialforcesfoundation.org
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenBeretAssociation

Jun 4, 2019, 8:58:00 AM
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