Disabled Veterans Set to Climb Longs Peak on 9/11

Veterans Green Jobs and Force Factor Lead Expedition in Colorado’s High Country

Denver, Colo., Sept. 2, 2010 – Denver-based nonprofit Veterans Green Jobs and Boston-based Force Factor announce that the Veterans Expeditions Rocky Mountain National Park Team (www.vetexpeditions.com) will lead a group of eight disabled and able-bodied military veterans to the top of Longs Peak in Colorado on September 11, 2010. The climb is designed to primarily engage physically and mentally disabled military veterans who recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Previously scheduled to take place on Mt. Shasta in California, the trip’s venue has been modified, with a new emphasis on Colorado’s high peaks.

“We are extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to make this climb in our own backyard,” said Stacy Bare, representing Veterans Green Jobs as the climb’s co-organizer. “The event will give our athletes an excellent opportunity to push themselves beyond physical and mental limits, as we will take them on three separate climbs. This will prove to be a very rewarding opportunity for the veterans – and we’re excited Colorado can play host to these amazing individuals!”

The climb up Longs Peak will be preceded by a warm-up climb through the Mummy Range on September 9.

Veterans with any disability, mental or physical, including amputations, were strongly encouraged to apply last spring when the casting call for this climb was first announced. All veterans from any time of service were also encouraged to apply. As such, climbers from all over the country – ranging from South Dakota to New York – signed up to participate.

Michael Ramsey, producer and cinematographer of the Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove, has agreed to create a documentary film covering the climb. Monetary contributions for the documentary are still being sought. The Veterans Expeditions Team has secured several sponsorships, including donations of gear, clothing and equipment from ProTrails.com, a generous pro deal from Kelty, Sierra Designs, American Airlines and others.

Climbing expedition participants attended a training clinic also in Colorado this past June, led by Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides of Boulder. Participants gave the clinic high praise:

Erik Forman, a former U.S. Marine, said, “This weekend was proof that I can still find the inner strength to push myself.”

In the words of Ian Smith, former sergeant, U.S. Army 101st Airborne, “The challenge itself provides the bonding experience that drives healing.”

And according to Dean Sanchez, active duty sergeant, U.S. Marines, “The beauty of the landscape was very powerful and had an inner effect on all of the veterans — almost as a reminder of what we fought to defend during our service to our country.”

Interested sponsors may contact Stacy Bare at stacy@vetexpeditions.com or Nick Watson at nick@vetexpeditions.com. Phone calls may also be received at 720-519-5837.

More information about the climb, including a complete itinerary as well as gear, clothing and equipment needs, may be found at www.vetexpeditions.com.

About Force Factor
Force Factor is a Boston-based sports nutrition company that launched in April 2009. Establishing itself as a leader in sports nutrition due to its focus on safety and efficacy, it has expanded rapidly from online distribution to exclusive retail distribution through GNC stores nationwide and plans to further expand its presence in 2010. Force Factor supports an exclusive group of athletes who represent the integrity and determination necessary to excel, as well as everyday heroes such as the Greenville, Mississippi police department. More information can be found at www.forcefactor.com.

About Veterans Green Jobs
Veterans Green Jobs is a national nonprofit dedicated to connecting veterans with meaningful opportunities in the green jobs economy. With a focus on environmental sustainability, clean energy, efficiency, conservation, preservation, and disaster mitigation and response, Veterans Green Jobs’ programs help military veterans transition into successful, sustainable career opportunities. For more information, visit www.veteransgreenjobs.org.