Yesterday was an absolute stunning day spent on the mountain with Gold Star Mother, Theresa Karlson. Accompanying her on the climb was her loving sister and brother-in-law Mary Ann and Charlie that both live locally. 

Theresa has been planning her climb for some time now and Gold Star Peak would be the first mountain she has ever climbed. With the memory of her fallen son fueling her drive and determination, she started training back home in Virginia.

The conditions for the climb were near perfect. Step-by-Step…Phase-by-Phase, she powered up the mountain with a huge smile on her face. With her sister and brother-in-law cheering her on every inch of the way, they would scream out an occasional…YAHOOO!! 

It hit her (all of us) when she led the way stepping onto the summit as she was greeted by the Honor Tower and all the dog tags loudly singing as they welcomed her to the summit. It was a powerful moment, that caught all our breaths. While on the summit, it was also confirmed that this was our 100th summit! 

Well done, Theresa, we’re all proud of you. No doubt, your son yelled out a loud “$@%^ OORAH” Mom as well.

Say his name:

LCPL Eugene C. Mills III
KIA 22 June 2012, OEF