For me, mountaineering has always replicated the good things that come from combat. Camaraderie, putting your life in the hands of your team in the pursuit of a dangerous objective, the inherent risk and thrill, operations and logistics, an adversary, and a sense of self worth and extraordinary accomplishment. The mountains have also been a place for me to move on with my life and to heal after ten years in the Army, the majority of them in spent in a state of constant preparedness, fighting, and recovery.
Many of my fellow soldiers and I have always had difficulty in processing these experiences, lacking the medium or the proper words to really get at the heart of what we experienced. I feel at home in the mountains, seemingly balanced half way between my old life and my new one, and for a brief moment, I am able to transcend from my daily life into a state of clarity, able to see and understand who I have become, where I have been, and where I am headed.
In choosing the Boston Basin in the North Cascades for the 2014 Sierra Club Military Outdoors Adventure Film School, we attempted to recreate the positive challenges and outcomes of combat for our veterans to tell their stories for themselves and for the world. This was no canned veteran event. Success and failure hinged on our veterans ability to act as a team, to move beyond their percieved limits, and to learn about themselves.
After two months of pre-production training and expedition planning, our team began the expedition with a grueling approach hike, followed by top class instruction in mountaineering and outdoor technical film making. In small teams, they filmed their endeavors while working together in climbing Sahale Peak, Shark fin Tower, and the Aguirre. After six hard days in the mountains, they returned to Snoqualmie Pass where they were mentored in post production, crafting their stories through three sleepless days. The filmmakers debuted their films at the North Bend Theatre at the first annual Veteran Film Festival in an emotional yet thrilling night.
I am incredibly proud of our team. The Instructors from the Adventure Film School, Nasa Koski, Liz Hampton, and Micha Baird executed a highly successful program. Guest Instructors Benjamin Patton from I was There and Micahel Brown gave top class mentor ship and and guidance to our team. Chris Simmons and Aaron Mainer of Pro Guiding provided professional level instruction and leadership in the mountains. A special thanks to our sponsors Race for A Soldier, Outdoor Research, Cascade Deseigns, Danner Boots, and the Martin Family Foundation for your generous support in making this event possible.
Finally, I would like to personally thank our veterans Daniel Shoemaker, David Fierner, Elle Hanson, Melanie Barrow, Aaron Gerenscer, and Brian Mockenhapt for giving everything the had to this project. They achieved in 10 days what many wont achieve in a life time. Some made a goal of personal of physical summits, all achieved personal summits. they alone deserve credit for what they have accomplished. I'm lucky to have been there to witness their journey. Their words, their pictures, and their films speak for them best.
Dan ShoeMaker
Captain Dan Shoemaker's world was forever changed on June 11th, 2010 when his platoon was attacked by a suicide car bomb in Jalula Iraq. His combat injuries were only the start of his battle as he began his fight with cancer that day. Enjoy No Matter What.
Elle Hanson
For 7 days, the Boston Basin became my home. It welcomed me with frustration, exhaustion, and more than my share of bruises. The mountain took every opportunity to test my physical strength and psychological vulnerabilities.
Every night, defeated, I sat under the stars wondering why I took on this journey. Every morning the crisp air of the sunrise reminded me why.
Life gets complicated after deployment. Every day for almost a year, I left a piece of myself in the mountains of Afghanistan. In that void, the sight, smell, and sounds of war followed me home. I thought that I was climbing the North Cascades make a film. But that's not why the mountain called my name.
The mountain wanted to return something to me that was left behind on a battlefield on the other side of the world...
My peace. My purpose. My sanity.
Words cannot express how thankful I am to the Sierra Club Outdoors and Adventure Film School for giving me the opportunity to heal the wounds of war through fun, friendship, and filmmaking.There is no better place to clear you mind than being in the great outdoors.
If you can't see the forest through the trees, then get above the tree line.
If a pair of combat boots could tell a story, what would they say? Follow a pair of boots to war and back and discover that for many, putting on boots to go to war is EASY.... Taking them off is where the real battle begins. These Boots.
Brian Mockenhaput
I figured the adventure film course in the northern Cascades would be great because, really, how could it not be? A week of alpine climbing with other vets while learning how to make movies. But I wasn't expecting the days to be as amazing as they were, or that I'd learn as much as I did, about alpine climbing, film making, and the experiences and perspectives of others on the trip.
Leaving the Army after three tours in Iraq, Josh Brandon felt stuck between his old, pre-war life, and his life in combat. Full Ruck looks at the role outdoor adventure and the mountains have played for Brandon, who heads up Sierra Club's Military Outdoors, which runs adventure programs for veterans.
Melanie Barrow
Originally, when I made the decision to attend Adventure Film School, my number one rule was, DON'T get personal. I wasn't interested in making a film, that was a first hand account. Then, as Michael Brown says, "The Magic of the Mountain", took hold.
1000 Steps is a film about self discovery, friendship, enlightenment, and most importantly, the journey. Sometimes, many factors play into a "light bulb moment". For me, this experience was not only a defining moment, but a life changing one. It truly was the hardest thing that I have ever done; though, it certainly won't be the last.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Always do the things you are afraid to do". I wrote this quote on the inside of my boots, right before leaving for the expedition. Truthfully, I was petrified, and thought I would never make it out alive. Even though I didn't accomplish everything I had planned on, I survived, and I'll do it all over again, in a heartbeat.
David Fierner
Knife is the story of a Soldier who struggles to leave combat behind. During his time in the mountains he finds a way to loosen his grip on his inner warrior and comes to find peace.
Enjoy the rest of the Photos:
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