Amputee Veteran: Everest is his goal, happiness is his choice

For wounded Afghanistan vet, Everest is his goal, happiness is his choice
Modesto Bee
Katherine Jones
January 25, 2016
“At the same time, that’s life. Life always seems to give you a challenge.

“It’s whether we step up to the challenge or give up. Life always gives you challenges. It's whether we step up to the challenges." Charlie Linville

Since having his lower leg amputated after stepping on a bomb in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Charlie Linville has tried twice to climb the highest mountain in the world — and each time was turned away by devastating natural disasters on and near Everest. He wanted — and wants — to prove something to himself, to other veterans and to the world: That injured veterans can do anything. His climb is sponsored by The Heroes Project. Katherine Jones and Heroes Project

Charlie Linville actually hasn’t climbed Mount Everest. Although it’s not for lack of trying.

He has climbed Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America, plus three of the four tallest volcanoes in Ecuador and the tallest peak in Mexico — all of which were training for Everest.

But Everest itself...

He has been to Base Camp twice. The first time was in 2014. After rigorous training in South America and climbing a 22,000-foot peak in Nepal multiple times to acclimatize, Charlie and his crew — Tim Medvetz from The Heroes Project and their Sherpas — arrived at Everest Base Camp.

They were a mere 24 hours from starting their climb to Camp 2 when an avalanche roared through the Khumbu Icefall, which separates Base Camp from Camp 2. Sixteen Nepalese guides were killed and the mountain was closed to further climbs.
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