Green Beret Soldier Climbs Mt. Everest for Children of Fallen Special Ops Soldiers

Online, June 6, 2010 (Newswire.com) - TAMPA, FL -- Becoming a member of the U.S. Army's elite Special Forces is a goal that only a few soldiers ever achieve. Climbing Mt. Everest is a goal that many mountaineers dream of but only a few ever make it to the top of the world's highest mountain. Lt. Col. Bryan Chapman has now done both. During the peak climbing season of late May, Chapman and his teammates reached the top of Mt. Everest.

Chapman's path to the top of the world started in Korea where he started rock climbing during a 1993 military assignment. He began mountaineering in 1996 by climbing Washington State's majestic Mt. Rainier. Describing himself as an "adventure athlete" Chapman also has competed in the famed Ironman Triathlon and other competitions designed to push athletes to the limits of their endurance.

Despite the risks inherent in his work as an Army Green Beret and his hobby of mountaineering, Chapman dismisses any suggestion that he is some sort of thrill seeker. "I climb for the physical challenge and reward of accomplishing a goal I have set for myself, not for an adrenaline rush."

The highest mountain in the world attracts well-experienced and novice climbers who face inherent dangers such as altitude sickness, weather and wind. Chapman used the 29,029 ft climb up Mt. Everest as a fund raiser for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a top-rated charity organization that provides college educations for the children of fallen special operators from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

"In Special Forces you always have a buddy who is 'covering your back' so to speak. For those elite troops who put their lives on the line every day, SOWF says, when it comes to the family you leave behind 'we've got your back.' That peace of mind makes venturing into dangerous places much more palatable."

Chapman's' dual missions of climbing Mt. Everest and raising money for the Warrior Foundation seem to have resonated with a lot of people.

"It is heartwarming to know that during this incredible feat, Lt. Col. Bryan Chapman wanted to include the Special Operations Warrior Foundation," said Edie Rosenthal, Public Relations Director for the foundation. "It means so very much to the children of fallen and wounded special operations troops to know that the sacrifice of their father or mother is not forgotten."

Chapman's supporters have donated nearly $13,000 to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. His fund raising page is still open at http://firstgiving.com/summitforsoldiers

For more information about the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, visit online at www.specialops.org