Marine Corps veteran and Warriors Heart executive director Michael O’Dell and others recently participated in an adventurous expedition to raise money and awareness for important veterans’ and military responders’ support groups across America. The group climbed the summit of Mt, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania from June 27 to July 8, organized by Task Force Expedition (TFE), a nonprofit aimed at raising funds and awareness for handpicked nonprofits through “once-in-a-lifetime” adventures. O’Dell, who leads efforts to guide veterans back home for healing and recovery, took part to benefit the Frontline Healing Foundation, which supports suffering servicemen and women and gives tools for self-sufficiency.
During the climb, O’Dell faced personal challenges that brought about lasting lessons, such as losing his prescription glasses and having to focus on each step taken. Despite the difficulties encountered, he emphasized the importance of taking life one step at a time, especially in sobriety, with the motto, “Even when it’s tough, even when its dark, even when you can’t see what’s next – you have to take that step forward.” U.S. Army veteran George Fraser also took part in the expedition to give back to the veteran community and support veterans coping with trauma. Fraser, who served in combat zones over 32 years, highlighted the need to educate and heal trauma, allowing veterans to live as healed individuals free from their past experiences.
The Kilimanjaro adventure involved five nonprofits, with each team sponsored by industry partners to raise funds and support each other’s programs to help veterans and first responders. The organizations included Team ASA-F, Team Frontline, Team SOC-F, Team SOWW, and Team UK, focusing on a range of initiatives from promoting suppressor education to providing outdoor experiences for special operations veterans. The expedition was fully funded by industry sponsors, with the goal of shining a light on the essential work of the nonprofits involved and building lasting awareness for their causes.
The expedition was documented by Prelude Films for additional fundraising efforts, showcasing the challenges and accomplishments of the participants as they climbed one of the world’s highest peaks. Knox Williams, president of the American Suppressor Association, emphasized the importance of supporting military first responders through initiatives like the Kilimanjaro climb. By leveraging the excitement and challenge of the expedition, the goal was to inspire generosity and build awareness for these vital causes. Those interested in learning more about the Task Force Expedition and the participating nonprofits can find more information on their website.
