JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Two climbing friends took on the impossible recently and summited Mount Rainier as part of the U.S. Air Force 50 Summits Challenge. Air Force retired Chief Master Terry Oshiem and Master Sgt. Kim Brewer summited the mountain July 23, with a team of eight other service members and Veterans from Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington.
Standing at 14,411 feet tall, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington and one of the 50 summits that was yet to be summited under the 50 Summits Challenge until now.
“We seek to have Airmen coordinate groups to hike the highest area for any state they are stationed in,” said Maj. Rob Marshall, 97th Airlift Squadron pilot with the 446th Airlift 'Rainier' Wing and 50 Summits Challenge coordinator. “My vision is to proactively help Airmen and Veterans become stronger mentally, socially, physically and spiritually before bad things happen. Through mountaineering, they have something to fall back on and a community to go to.”
The team arrived at Mount Rainier on July 22 and hiked 4,900 feet in elevation to Camp Muir where they setup base camp.
“Part of the 50 Summits Challenge is the resiliency aspect behind it,” said Brewer. “A lot of people are benefiting from this. People are getting outdoors and reaching their goals.”
After only a few hours of sleep the team left base camp and began their journey to the summit in the dark of night. Split into two teams, team members climbed the mountain roped together.
“You just get up, it’s still dark out, your climbing and you just try to focus were your feet are at,” said Oshiem. “We had to move in sync. I couldn’t let too much slack build up in the rope and couldn’t let the rope get too tight.”
Climbing for more than eight hours to reach the summit the team had to cross two crevices more than 10 feet across.
“I think this is important to give back to fellow Airmen,” said Brewer. “In twenty years in the service, Airmen helped me achieve my goals and I want to help Airmen and Veterans to achieve theirs.”
The team reached the top close to 9 a.m. July 23. With clear skies and the sun shining they took in the view and enjoyed the moment.
“It took a minute but once we made it to the summit it sunk in,” said Oshiem. “Summiting Rainier has been on my bucket list for years. Having the opportunity to summit Mount Rainier with a team of Veterans like we did was a proud moment.”
Atop the mountain the group unfurled the U.S. and Air Force Flag for a photo.
“I think us doing our part to plant the Air Force flag on Mount Rainier was an accomplishment,” said Brewer. “This is one of the most challenging and technical of the peaks for the lower 48s.”
Longtime friends with Brewer, Oshiem credits much of his success mountaineering to training with Brewer. Together they have summited Mount Hood, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens.
“Brewer asked me if I wanted in and I said ‘I want in, but I don’t know if I’m ready’,” said Oshiem. “I didn’t want to be that guy on the rope team to have to turn around because I couldn’t make the climb. I’m more comfortable climbing with someone who knows what they are doing.”
Growing up Oshiem said he used to hike as a kid and would spend most of his summers camping and hiking. Following his passion for hiking and mountaineering, Brewer recommends others to do the same.
“For me it’s a chance to clear my brain, because it’s one foot over the next,” said Oshiem. “You can think, contemplate and come back energized. Tying yourself into a Veterans group gives you that support network.”
In addition to the many hiking opportunities, Oshiem is also thankful for the support he’s received from the local Veteran and military community and the climbers who supported the climb.
“I think this is hugely important to get a group of Veterans and active duty together and share that common bond of profession of arms to motivate and help each other achieve a common goal,” said Oshiem. “That persistence and resiliency is important.”
“I used to look at Mount Rainier and say ‘one of these days’. Now I look at it and say ‘I’ve done that, I’ve been right there’.”