In July 2019, 53 Gold Stars traveled to Alaska with the Navy SEAL Foundation and adventured in Alaska including climbing Gold Star Peak with our team to honor their fallen loved ones. The climb was just a few days shy of the anniversary of the Extortion 17 tragedy which killed 17 Navy SEALs, five Navy Special Warfare support personnel, three Air Force Special Operators, a five-member Army air crew, a military working dog, along with seven Afghan commandos and an Afghan interpreter. The 30 US service members were our nation’s best and brightest; we’re reminded every time we reach the summit and see the many names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice that tragic day.
A few months after the above picture was taken on the summit of Gold Star Peak, I was paying my respects in Section 60 in Arlington National Cemetery when I came upon the same picture in perfect condition in front of the headstone honoring Extortion 17. I was all alone there and couldn’t believe that it was there. Who put it there is what came to mind?
Last week, on the anniversary of the climb, one of the Gold Star widows shared the picture with the comments: “Connected by tragedy and BONDED together with Love!! A Sisterhood like no other…I Love You ALL!! Remembering Extortion 17 and our beloved Heroes!!” I reached out to her and sure enough, it was she that placed the picture in Arlington, some 4,300 miles away from the summit.
It fills our team’s hearts with pride to see and hear the impacts the journey of climbing and standing on the summit of Gold Star Peak has had on so very many from all across the country. Our entire team is honored to have assisted in their journey and remain in close touch with several of them since.
We all look forward to your next visit and summit of Gold Star Peak, until then, we’ll continue to summit and say their names.