America's heroes are the focus of a 'once-in-a-lifetime' adventure for veteran and military nonprofits.

A Mt. Kilimanjaro climb organized by Task Force Expedition will benefit nonprofits that assist American veterans.

America's heroes are the focus of a 'once-in-a-lifetime' adventure for veteran and military nonprofits.
America's heroes are the focus of a 'once-in-a-lifetime' adventure for veteran and military nonprofits.

A nonprofit aimed at supporting veterans, first responders, and related issues is launching a daring campaign to raise funds and increase recognition for America's military heroes and their supporting organizations.

TFE is a nonprofit organization that raises funds and awareness for selected nonprofits through unique adventures, as stated on its website and by its members.

The organization's first expedition, which takes place from June 27 to July 8, is a climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

George Fraser, a U.S. Army veteran participating in the climb this summer, expressed his deep appreciation for giving back to the veteran community and finding ways to support veterans dealing with service-related trauma, as it holds great significance for him as both a veteran and an American.

He stated that he advocates for methods that not only alleviate the symptoms but also promote education and healing of trauma.

Command Sergeant Major George Fraser and Mike O'Dell
U.S. Army veteran George Fraser, left, along with Mike O'Dell, shown at right during his time in the Marines, and many others in the veteran community are participating in a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro organized by Task Force Expedition. The effort will raise funds for nonprofits that serve America's heroes, first responders and the issues at the forefront of these communities.  (American Suppressor Association; iStock)

He stated that veterans should not be viewed as victims or traumatized individuals but rather as individuals who have healed from their experiences.

The American Suppressor Association, led by president and executive director Knox Williams, based in Atlanta, stated that the expedition is entirely funded by industry sponsors.

Funds raised by Task Force Expedition will be pooled together and equally distributed among selected nonprofits.

"He stated in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital that the purpose of this is to highlight the nonprofits that work with military first responders, with the military being the main focus."

He emphasized the importance of supporting nonprofits and raising awareness of their work, which aims to help people and raise funds for their causes.

One of the climbers stated, "Help is available, and we've all faced our own challenges."

TFE climber Jeremy Morton
Jeremy Morton is one of those taking part in the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb this summer organized by Task Force Expedition. This picture of him was taken during his deployment to conduct combat operations in Iraq circa 2003. (American Suppressor Association)

Each sponsor is paired with a nonprofit organization that has formed a team.

"The teams will compete to see who can raise the most funds through public donations, although the adventure itself is non-competitive," said Williams.

The funds raised by Task Force Expedition will be pooled and distributed equally among selected nonprofits.

Served in the US Army for 32 years

Fraser spent 32 years serving his country in the U.S. Army, starting in March 1989.

In 1992, he enlisted in Special Forces and was assigned to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina in 1993. Over the course of his 32-year military career, he spent 28 years in Special Operations.

Fraser has served in combat zones, including the first Gulf War, and had deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

Among the awards he received during his military service are four Purple Hearts.

Fraser will be representing Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW) during the climb, a charity that offers outdoor experiences, therapeutic retreats, and other activities for wounded or injured active duty and retired special operations veterans.

He stated that he would raise funds for SOWW and the other four charities involved.

George Fraser
George Fraser, U.S. Army veteran, in New York City, circa 1994. For the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, he will be representing the charity Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW), which helps injured active duty and retired special operations veterans. He believes that America's veterans should be able to live as "healed people free from their trauma." (American Suppressor Association)

Served in the Marines, has a ‘resilient spirit’

Michael O'Dell, a Texan Marine and dad, discovered his purpose in aiding fellow warriors struggling with addiction and PTSD, according to the TFE website.

He is climbing to aid the Frontline Healing Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting initiatives that address the unmet needs of veterans and empower individuals and communities to become self-sufficient.

O'Dell stated that he is "intensely driving the effort to direct veterans towards a location of restoration and recuperation, both physically and emotionally."

TFE climber Mike O'Dell
Mike O'Dell shown in Nov. 2006 at USMC Boot Camp. O'Dell went on to serve in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines for two combat tours in Iraq. (American Suppressor Association)

The Kilimanjaro adventure will be documented by Prelude Films.

Here's a quick look at the five participating nonprofits.

The ASA Foundation is a pro-suppressor litigation organization that educates others about the realities of suppressors.

The Frontline Healing Foundation supports warriors who lack the financial resources for their healing process.

SOC-F offers assistance to active and retired U.S. Special Operations Forces and their families.

Special Operations veterans can make a difference in their lives with the help of Team SOWW, which supports and serves them.

The British special forces unit's active duty members, retired veterans, and family members are supported by Team UK.

For more information, anyone can check out the Task Force Expedition website.

by Maureen Mackey

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