Every one of the packs we provide for our climbers has a notebook stowed in it giving the climber the option to write a note or reflection inside it, so very many have done so too date. There are thank you notes to our team members, personal memories, family photos, photos of the fallen, drawings, mostly though…there are heartfelt messages to the fallen hero the user of the pack is honoring. Quotes such as “you would be proud of me today, I miss you.”
After every climb, we reset the packs by cleaning and sanitizing them, and check each one for any personal items the climber might have left behind. Often times we check the notebooks for any new notes that might have been written. Yesterday, as I was double checking the gear for an upcoming climb, I came across the note and pictures that a previous climber left behind. The note was written by the widow of a Navy SEAL that climbed with us last summer.
What also caught my attention were the neatly folded pictures that she included in the notebook, one of him, her with him, and him with their three small children. The note and pictures all tell a story of immense love, honor, service, and unthinkable amounts of sacrifice.
She closed her note saying, “every day I press on and live to honor him.” Thank you for sharing your note, pictures, and experience with us including all future climbers who wear Pack #27.
Please, say his name:
SO1 (SEAL) Devon J. Grube