America's veterans and heroes receive support to climb Kilimanjaro for charity

Marine Corps veteran and Warriors Heart Executive Director Michael O'Dell of Texas recently joined others in a courageous adventure to raise money and awareness for important veteran and military support groups across America.

“The beauty of this expedition was that we are in this fight together — and no one is on an island,” O'Dell said in a phone interview with Fox News Digital. “We are in the same battle, fighting the same things, and talking about what America's warriors need today.”

The first expedition took place from June 27 to July 8. The group climbed the summit of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

NONPROFIT VETERAN AND MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS HELPING AMERICA ARE AT THE CENTER OF A ONCE-IN-A-LIFE ADVENTURE

Task Force Expedition (TFE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, organized the event with the goal of raising funds and awareness for hand-selected nonprofits through “once-in-a-lifetime” adventures, according to its website and among those involved.

O'Dell said he was “led[ing] the task of bringing veterans back to their homeland – not just geographically, but to a place of healing and recovery.”

The veteran and father “with a resilient spirit found his calling in supporting his fellow fighters [who have been] Fighting addiction and PTS,” says the TFE site.

O'Dell contributed to the Frontline Healing Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports programs “that address the unmet needs of suffering soldiers and provide individuals and communities with the tools to become self-reliant.”

“Sometimes life teaches us lessons in wonderful ways.”

It is a group that his own Texas-based organization, Warriors Heart, has worked with over the years, he said.

O'Dell said it's about “bringing these partners together to have the conversations” needed to help America's heroes – “and then,” he said, “raising money to get people and their families the help they need.”

O'Dell is seen during the 2024 Kilimanjaro expedition. The goal was to raise money for veterans and their families so they “can get the help they need,” he told Fox News Digital. Each climber participated on behalf of a worthy veterans organization. (Warrior Heart)

The expedition has been in planning for three years, he said, and is sponsored by a number of companies.

“Every step I took was a challenge.”

During the climb, O'Dell described how he overcame his own challenges – which he said taught him lasting lessons.

“When I lost my glasses on the plane, it presented new challenges to our journey and mission,” he told Fox News Digital.

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“Every step was a challenge. It was dark and blurry.”

He also said: “So I had to concentrate on every step and couldn’t go on autopilot. Another challenge I faced was [that] Since I had made this trip before, I assumed it wouldn't be that difficult.”

Climbers can be seen climbing Kilimanjaro this summer as part of a charity event for American heroes. (Warrior Heart)

He remarked, “Well, I was wrong. The second time it was even harder than the first. Just because someone has done something before doesn't mean it will be easier the second, third, or even fourth time.”

“The only way to get to the top is 'one step at a time.'”

O'Dell added: “Sometimes life teaches us lessons in wonderful ways.”

He also noted, “Abstinence is full of ups and downs, and the only way to get to the top is 'one step at a time.' Even if it's hard, even if it's dark, even if you don't know what's coming next – you have to take that step forward.”

US Army veteran George Fraser also took part in the climb this summer.

On the left is US Army veteran George Fraser. He served 28 of his 32 years in special operations and was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. On the right is Michael O'Dell during his training with the USMC in November 2006. O'Dell went on to serve in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Corps and completed two combat tours in Iraq. (American Suppressor Association; iStock)

“As a veteran, and especially as an American, it means a lot to me to give back to the veteran community and find ways to help veterans cope with war-related trauma,” he previously told Fox News Digital about the venture.

“I am all for finding ways to educate and heal trauma – not just treat the symptoms,” he said.

In this way, “veterans can live not as victims or wounded souls, but as healed people, free from her trauma” said Fraser, who now advises several companies and organizations, including Fox News.

“The primary focus is on our military first responders.”

Fraser served in combat zones, including the first Gulf Warand was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. He served 28 of his 32 years in the military in special operations.

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During the climb, he represented Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW), a charity dedicated to providing Outdoor experiencestherapeutic retreats and other activities for wounded or injured active and retired special operations veterans.

He later told Fox News Digital: “It was a unique experience for the various nonprofits to raise funds and support each other in their programs that help veterans and first responders.”

The Kilimanjaro adventure was documented by Prelude Films.

O'Dell said he has climbed Kilimanjaro before to develop leadership skills. “The second time was even harder than the first,” he said of this summer's expedition. “Just because someone has done something before doesn't mean it's going to be easier the second, third or even fourth time.” (Warrior Heart)

The following five nonprofit organizations participated in the adventure.

Team ASA-F, sponsored by SilencerCo. The ASA Foundation educates others about the reality of silencers and is at the forefront of pro-silencer litigation.

Team Frontline, sponsored by Crye Precision & Staccato. Frontline Healing Foundation supports warriors who do not have the means to finance their own healing.

Team Special Operations Care Fund (SOC-F), sponsored by Elevated Silence. SOC-F provides direct support to active and retired members of the U.S. Special Forces and their families.

The expedition was entirely funded by industry sponsors.

Team SOWW, sponsored by Brownells. SOWW serves and supports Special Operations Veterans to make a difference in their lives.

Team Great Britain, Sponsored by Edgar Brothers and Reptilia. Team UK supports active duty members, retired veterans and families of an elite British Special Forces unit.

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Knox Williams, president and CEO of the Atlanta-area-based American Suppressor Association, previously pointed out that the expedition was funded entirely by industry sponsors.

“We put this together to try shed light on the non-profit organizations that are involved,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital. “The primary focus is on our military first responders.”

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“By harnessing the excitement and challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro, we aim to tell our stories, inspire generosity and create lasting awareness for these important causes,” he added.

For more information, see Task Force Expedition website.