See what it is like to hike Everest!

Four Sherpas climbed Mt. Everest with 360 - cameras rigged to their packs. So now even the lethargic can experience the wonders from the comfort of their own computer screens! Strap in and experience it for yourself! Click through the interactive Tour linked below and feel like you accomplished something this weekend! This was done as part of #project 360 which is sponsored by Mammut. The project pairs experienced climbers with 360 camera rigs consisting of Go Pro's  and has them climb some of the most iconic peaks and trails.

It is also important to note that this specific expedition was accomplished just over a year after a devastating earthquake struck Nepal causing over 8,000 deaths and 21,000 injuries. In response, Marines were sent to Nepal for humanitarian relief. Six of these Marines died when their Helicopter went down in the Mountains. Two of these Marines were Combat Camera Marines which makes them a part of my own family. Cpl. Sara Medina was a very close friend of mine and a hell of a Marine. I am very proud to have been her NCO in Quantico, but even prouder to have known her at all. They're crew, along with a couple Nepalese soldiers were saving lives and they gave their own to do just that. 

My take a way from all this is that human beings, even after getting knocked down a couple pegs will always get back up, an try to be more ambitious. We have accomplished amazing things because of our instinct to go further and we will continue to do so. People are awesome and just remember you too can quench that thirst for something more if you just get off the couch. And remember that this weekend is memorial day. This is a time to remember those who we have lost, who died so that the rest of us can learn, prosper, and be more amazing than we were before. 

http://project360.mammut.ch/#route/mount-everest/south-route/5/map

Great Men are forged in Fire.

At this point in my life I consider myself extremely fortunate. I have gone on what could be the most extraordinary adventure of my life thus far. From June 16th until June 28th I was assigned to follow Retired Marine Corps Cpl. William "Kyle" Carpenter around the country as he executed his Medal of Honor Media Tour. This consisted of his closest 100 friends and family flying out to Washington, D.C. and celebrating and honoring his award. Kyle was awarded the Nations Highest award for Valor after selflessly throwing himself in between a grenade and his friend.
Now for those of you who do not know, when you go to boot camp you learn very early on the kill radius of a grenade. You are told that anything within five meters of a grenade when it goes off is dead. Anything within 15 meters is severely wounded. It only takes 3-5 seconds for a grenade to go off once it is thrown and that includes the time it takes to land next to your feet.  It is with this knowledge that he acted as selflessly as he did. What may surprise you is that Kyle would still to this day acts with the same intentions in mind as when he was in Afghanistan. This is not because he has received an award. This is because that is the kind of person Kyle is. He is selfless, he is highly self motivated, and he is in my opinion as well anyone who meets him, one of the most humble souls you will ever come across.  

This is undoubtedly due to in part by his parents. His Father is one of the most loving fathers a boy growing up could ask for. If you do not believe me, look in his eyes when he recounts the story of Kyle in the video Letters. His Mother, is a classic mold of any great Mom. Caring, loving, with a hint of a southern accent and an amazing cook.

During my last two weeks with Kyle I got to see and experience more than I ever would have in a normal life. I visited the white house and stood next to the President of the United States. I toured Capital Hill, and met the Senators (even got a Gamecocks Cup.)  We flew out to San Diego to meet the Padres Baseball team. Went into the locker room and hung out on the field. We went to Wounded Warrior Battalion West (and East.) We even stopped in New York City to see the Stock Exchange, Time Square, David Letterman show, and the 9/11 Memorial. I stood on the observatory deck of the Freedom Tower and wrote on the concrete that was still under construction.  I could probably write a book about all the things we did. (Did I mention I spent my 24th Birthday just hanging out with the guy?)  I honestly do not have the vocabulary to describe exactly everything we did.  It was amazing enough to be able to live through him vicariously. 

Kyle is an inspiration to human beings all over the world. His story is so perfect and genuine. He has experienced and suffered so much that he deserves all of the positive feedback he receives. He has touched my life, inspired me to be a better, more humble human being. 
Kyle Carpenter was born in Mississippi, raised in South Carolina, Forged in Fire, and it was my unequaled privilege to have experienced the warmth and generosity he has shown me.  Thank you Kyle.