DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — Three Airmen from D-M AFB are championing the summit of Mount Humphreys in Flagstaff, Arizona, 29 May, 2016.
We are looking for as many individuals as possible to join. This is an all call to Airmen; Guardsmen, Reservist, Active Duty members and veterans looking for a challenge.
This memorial weekend event will mark one more summit to be checked off on the list of Mountain peaks in the USAF 50 Summits Challenge. This is an enduring effort focused on helping U.S. Airmen to proudly fly the Air Force flag from the highest point in each of our 50 states.
This challenge is about getting outside, having fun, and expanding personal boundaries. It’s also a unique way to combine the four domains of resiliency: physical, mental, social and spiritual, while exploring America’s great outdoors, according to www.usaf50summits.com.
In 2005, an unofficial team of motivated Airmen set out to put the U.S. Air Force into the history books by making America the first military to have its members stand on top of the famed 7 Summits, the highest peak on each continent.
This goal was accomplished In May 2013, by reaching the summit of Mount Everest and flying the Air Force flag from the top of the world.
With that epic mountaineering challenge complete, the founders looked for a new project that would encourage military members to get into mountains, or at least into the outdoors.
Rather than travel to remote and expensive locations around the world, they decided to focus on the amazing mountains right here in our American backyard that were accessible to all Airmen; from a little 300 foot hill in Florida to the massive 20,320 foot undertaking of Alaska’s Mount McKinley.
Reaching the highest point in each state offers an enormous variety of experiences that will encourage camaraderie and physical fitness.
Each trip is led by an Airman and comprised of Airmen, veterans, and their families and will try to include wounded warriors and Airmen overcoming personal challenges.
For more information on the 29 May hike up Mt. Humphreys or for Airmen/veterans to sign up, visit: www.usaf50summits.com/arizona.html.