Happy New Year!

Thank you for an amazing year! All of us wish you a Happy New Year and we are looking forward to an even bigger 2013. Your support has made a huge impact in the lives of our Wounded Warrior and Veteran climbers. We are humbled and amazed every day at the achievements of our warriors and the support from our friends and family.

Pow!

Great time today with the Running Hound at Crystal today.  We're headed back up Friday if anyone wants to catch a ride. 

ADS Sponsorship



The Hound Summit Team is proud to announce our new sponsor ADS Inc. ADS has been at the forefront of equipping our military with top quality gear. We would like to offer a special thanks to Drew Felty of ADS for making this possible.

Please check out their website at http://www.adsinc.com/

Fun at Vantage

Fun at Vantage last weekend!


 

Mike "Santa" Pickerel

Feathers

Early morning snow!







The Running Hound

HST is proud to introduce The Running Hound, Jordan Penland. Jordan is a Naval Officer and younger brother of founder Joshua Brandon. He has set his sight's on the Boston Marathon, and he's decided to combine his new found love of running marathons with his passion for supporting Veterans and Wounded Warriors. As The Running Hound, he will both represent and support HST in his quest for Boston glory. Please take a moment to visit his Facebook page to learn more about his project and show him well deserved support. 

Jordan after the Montreal Rock n Roll Marathon

From Jordan's site: 

My name is Jordan Penland and I am the Running Hound. It is a privilege to share with you a cause to which I have dedicated my time and which I hope you will join in supporting:

The Running Hound is an initiative to raise money for the Hound Summit Team, a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to aid Veterans battling PTSD and combat related injuries through enabling them to overcome these challenges through building confidence, physical ability, and leadership on mountain expeditions.

https://www.houndsummitteam.org/

I will be raising money for the Hound Summit Team by running a set of Marathons leading up to the Boston Marathon in April. The Hound Summit Team does amazing work with veterans and wounded warriors, a cause very near and dear to me as it affects members of my family, but let me begin by telling you a little more about myself. I am an Ensign in the US Navy currently in training to become a Submarine Officer. I received my commission via NROTC at the University of Texas at Austin (Hook'em!) in 2011. Both my brothers have served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At my first Marathon in Montreal, I was able to clock in at 3:18:22, a great time for a first-timer. After this first race, I was immediately hooked and determined to continue on and pursue a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon, the most prestigious Marathon in the world. However, I wanted my pursuit of this goal to benefit something more than just myself.

My time for the first Marathon I ran was 13 minutes off the Boston qualifying time of 3:05:00 (ages 18-28). My goal is to break this barrier in time to run in the Boston Marathon.

Running competitively and training for the Boston Marathon requires an immense amount of time, determination and, of course, money. I and the members and participants of the Hound Summit Team would appreciate your donation towards this cause. Any donation is accepted and every dollar counts! All donations go directly to the Hound Summit Team through the PayPal link below!

Can you help me in supporting this tremendous cause!?

DONATE HERE:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=T59A3T6EVGLYL

If you have any questions, please contact the Running Hound (Jordan Penland) via email at jtpenland@gmail.com or via phone at (210) 286-6194.

Please feel free to forward and share this with friends and family and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRunningHound

Thank you!

Vantage Climbing

Based upon the forecast this weekend, we're planning on a meetup climb at Vantage on Saturday and Sunday. If you want to go, let us know by Friday afternoon so we can plan transportation and gear.

WWP weekly climbing at Edgeworks on Thursday as well!

TNF Speaker Series Tonight

Come say hello tonight.

Mon. October 8, 2012
Jimmy Chin, Alpinist, The Impossible Climb | Olympia, WA |
Brought to you by The North Face & Alpine Experience

Jimmy Chin is one of the most sought-after adventure photographers working today. He's been a photographer, climber and skier on cutting edge expeditions around the world, from first ascents in the Karakoram to a ski descent from the summit of Everest. For such feats, he was named an Emerging Explorer by the National Geographic Society. Jimmy's toughest expedition was his ascent of an ice-coated granite fang in the Himalayas called Meru. The quest began in 2008, when he and his partners were defeated by a massive storm that held them captive on the wall for 19 days with just 8 days' worth of food. Determined to finish the job, Jimmy and his team returned in 2011, and successfully scaled one of the planet's most treacherous rock walls. Their adventure is a testament to the art of suffering, and the strength of teamwork.

VIP reception will be held at The Olympic Building and will benefit Washington Climbers Coalition. Many thanks to our sponsor, Alpine Experience!

Purchase Tickets Here

Rockwall

Edge works tonight!

High Ground Movie Showing

Operation Ward 57 is sponsoring two showings of the movie High Ground on Thursday, October 04, 7:30pm - 9:32pm in Lakewood, WA at AMC Loews Lakewood Towne Center 12 and on Thursday, October 25, 7:30pm - 9:32pm in Gig Harbor, WA at Galaxy Uptown Theatre. 

High Ground the Movie: Eleven veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan join an expedition to climb the 20,000 foot Himalayan giant Mount Lobuche. With blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer and a team of Everest summiters as their guides, they set out on an emotional and gripping climb to reach the top in an attempt to heal the emotional and physical wounds of the longest war in U.S. history.

Representing nearly every branch of the military, the veterans, and the Gold Star Mom who joins their trek, bring humor and deep emotion to this hero’s journey all captured with breathtaking, vertigo-inducing cinematography by three-time Emmy® winner, director Michael Brown.

HST will be present at the 25th October show in Gig Harbor.

Purchase tickets for the October 4th show
Purchase tickets for the October 25th show

If you'd like to donate tickets to local Wounded Warrior and Veteran climbers, please contact us.

Meet Up Climb

Exit 38 meet up climb tomorrow. Hit us up if you want to climb. We're leaving Oly around 830.

Edgeworks Climbing

A reminder....free climbing at Edgeworks for WWP & HST Alumni tonight!

HST Update for 20 September

Due to poor air quality in the Leavenworth area and the Eastern Cascades (And the fact that our climbers are absolutely beat from a great season), we are cancelling the Stuart climb for this weekend. If the weather holds into the fall, we might look at still knocking it out, but nothing is in stone (granite to be specific) right now.

Instead, we will be working on rock skills and leading in the North Bend area this weekend. As per usual, let us know if you are interested in coming out. 

As for the rest of the fall, we plan on cragging at least once a week in Leavenworth or North Bend until the weather catches up with us, at which point we'll shift to Vantage. All of these climbs will be meet up climbs, so follow the calendar and the blog for dates and times. 

We're also debating a meetup climb in Leavenworth during Oktoberfest. We're thinking about hitting pitches in the morning, then heading into town during the afternoon. It will be come as you are / first come first serve camping unless you had the foresight to book a hotel room. If you are interested, please let us know. We'll narrow down a weekend based upon climber's schedules. 

We had an amazing time exploring Exit 38 Farside last weekend for the first time. There are some hidden gems, and all of the climbers around us were really cool to hangout with. As usual, fried pickles and micro-beverages were the perfect post climb reward at the North Bend Bar and Grill. 

Sunday Info

We're headed up to Exit 38 / Far side. Give JB or Dave a call if you want to meet up.

Pick Up Rock Climbing

We're planning a pickup rock climbing day this Sunday, September 16th. We're looking at Leavenworth or the North Bend area. We'll carpool early Sunday morning, and return Sunday night. Please contact Joshua Brandon if you are down to climb. 

Also, don't forget free Thursday night climbing at Edgeworks in Tacoma sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project.

Mystery Ranch Sponsorship

The Hound Summit Team is excited to announce a sponsorship with Mystery Ranch. We are proud to use their top of the line packs in our future outdoor endeavors. Mystery Ranch and Dana Gleason have an honored heritage of over 30 years in the outdoor industry. Please take the time to learn more about the company support them. From all of our active duty members, veterans, climbers, and supporters, Thank You Mystery Ranch!

Glacier Peak

Earlier this month, HST member Joshua Brandon completed a two day solo climb of Glacier Peak in the North Cascades. The climb, easily enjoyed in three days (more of a death march in two), is an amazing, remote location with some of the best views of the Cascade range from its summit. Leaving the Army on September 1st, Joshua did it to mark his transition from soldier to climber. The day after, member Derek Quintanilla and his party did a two day climb of the peak HST rocking out on Labor Day weekend.. Enjoy the views:

View from camp

White Chuck Glacier

Stalling in the bivvy

Glacier lake goodness

Summit Cone

On the top

Assessing the damage

A surprise for Derek

HST Update!

HST is in the middle of peak season, and loving every minute of it! After a successful Shuksan climb and some craggin' in Leavenworth, our members had an absolute blast participating in the HST -WWP North Cascades Multi-Sport Trip (Thanks to Heather Timins for organizing a great event) and the WWP Summit Challenge down in Utah. One of our climbers was able to spend two extra days training and craggin' in the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons near Salt Lake as well. 

On labor Day weekend, several of our climbers will be climbing on Glacier Peak in the North Cascades Range.

Later this week, we're tentatively looking at climbing the Outer Space Route on the Snow Creek Wall near Leavenworth, and we're really looking forward to the AAC Craggin' Classic down in Oregon (14th-16th). Rumor has it their might be a diversion to to the Sounders-Timbers away game as well. As always, all are welcome at our weekly climbing / bouldering at Edgeworks in Tacoma (Graciously sponsored by the WWP). Finally, we're super stoked for our Mt. Stewart climb the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd. October is wide open at this point, and we're really basing our schedule around pickup climbs and the weather. 

If you'd like to participate in any of these events, drop us a line here.

Please check out what are friends are doing at AAC , NWMS, VetEx and High Ground.

Enjoy some sweet shots, stories to follow:

JB Craggin' in Leavenworth

Approaching Shuksan's Pyramid

Grady on the Summit!

North Cascades trip with WWP

Dan and JB showing off their sweet outfits at the WWP Summit Challenge

Mount Olympus Change

Due to injuries and work schedules, we will be changing this weekend's climb to Mount Shuksan in the North Cascades. Shuksan is a classic climb in some of the most beautiful scenery in Washington. It has a mix of glacier and alpine rock sections with spectacular views and just enough exposure to make it fun.

On Thursday and Friday, several of our climbers will be doing single and multi-pitch climbs on the Icicle near Leavenworth, and then we will climb on Shuksan on Saturday and Sunday.

Please let us know by Tuesday if you want to drop in on the rock climbing and Wednesday for Shuksan. Right now we have 4 confirmed for Leavenworth and 7 confirmed for Shuksan.

Army standardizes PTSD diagnosis, treatment

Interesting Article from he Fort Lewis Ranger: http://www.northwestmilitary.com/families/health/2012/08/Army-standardizes-PTSD-diagnosis-treatment/

The Army, along with the other military services and the Department of Veterans Affairs, is standardizing the diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, known as PTSD.

"No matter where Soldiers are getting care or seeking help for PTSD or any other medical issue, we want to ensure we are doing it the same way," said Lt. Col. Christopher Warner, the Army Surgeon General's psychiatric consultant and deputy commander, Clinical Services, Bassett Army Community Hospital, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

Warner said standardization increases a Soldier's level of trust and fairness in the system.

The Army medical community is now being trained on guidelines spelled out in Army Medical Command Policy Memo 12-035 (Apr. 10, 2012), Policy Guidance on the Assessment and Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Warner said.

The memo emphasizes the urgency of the issue.

"The majority of service members with PTSD do not seek treatment, and many who do seek treatment drop out before they can benefit," the memo reads. "There are many reasons for this, including stigma, other barriers to care, and negative perceptions of mental health care. Lack of trust in military behavioral health professionals has been identified as one important predictor of service members not utilizing services. Therefore, it is critical that Army behavioral health professionals do everything they can to advocate for and provide care in a patient-centered manner that reassures patients that they will not be judged and that their primary concerns will be addressed."

PTSD is a widespread problem. It occurs in three to six percent of service members with no deployment experience and in five to 25 percent of service members who have been deployed to combat zones. Combat frequency and intensity are the the strongest predictor of the condition, according to the policy memo.

An example of standardization is using the "patient-centered care" approach.

"Patient-centered care within a culture of trust requires that care providers focus on patients' primary concerns, and these diagnoses, when inappropriately used, can damage therapeutic rapport and interfere with successful care," the memo reads.

In the past, some medical commands have supplemented this approach with forensic psychiatry, which, according to Warner, incorporates the medical practice of psychiatry with the legal field to conduct administrative reviews for medical boards.

Warner said the approach is similar to the workman's compensation model that, while not utilized inappropriately, did not provide a standardized process across the Army.

"That model is no longer in use in the Army," Warner said.

Lt. Gen. Robert B. Brown, I Corps commander, speaking at an Aug. 2 press conference at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., agreed that the patient-centered care approach and standardization is best.

"Our number one concern is taking care of Soldiers and their families," he said. "Cost doesn't play a part in military medicine. We want them to have world-class medical care. For that reason, we are going to stop using the forensic psychiatry system with the disability evaluation system here at Madigan."

Brown explained that forensic psychiatry adds, "an extra layer of supervision really not needed for PTSD medical board examinations." He said that while forensic psychiatry is a good tool to use in specific situations, the Army needs a more consistent and equitable method of fairness in PTSD diagnosis.

The forensic psychiatry model has been criticized for placing too much emphasis on malingering. The policy memo clarifies the reason for discontinuing that model.

"Although there has been debate on the role of symptom exaggeration or malingering for secondary gain in DOD and VA PTSD Disability Evaluation System processes, there is considerable evidence that this is rare and unlikely to be a major factor in the vast majority of disability determinations," the memo reads.

Other aspects of standardization for PTSD care are being addressed. For example, some medications used in the past were found to not be the best choices for PTSD, said Warner.

Another example he cited is standardization of new treatment methods based on research, not only from military medicine, but from first responders -- firemen, police officers and paramedics -- who routinely handle very traumatic situations.

A cutting-edge development within the Army for the prevention of PTSD that the committee is looking at, for example, would be Comprehensive Soldier Fitness, which increases a Soldier's resiliency, he said.

Standardization is not limited to Army Medical Command Policy Memo 12-035. The Army, VA and other services are standardizing the administration of treatment, using the Integrated Disability Evaluation System, or IDES.

Warner said the IDES, in conjunction with the Army Physical Evaluation Board, determines whether or not a service member should stay in service or transition to the VA system as a medical retiree. If the latter, the service member is guided through the process of transitioning from Army to VA care, while he or she is still on active duty, to ensure no loss of coverage or break in treatment, he explained.

The Army's success at standardization and innovation are a source of pride within the medical community.

"Combat has been our greatest catalyst to medical innovation," said Maj. Gen. Richard W. Thomas, commander, Western Regional Medical Command. The general also spoke at the press conference.

Thomas said that the best minds are working to improve diagnosis and treatment of PTSD. He said that besides the VA and other services, the Army is working with universities across the country and even the National Football League to improve the quality of PTSD care. 

He added that the Army has developed a collaborative relationship across the medical spectrum in its effort to find the best treatment possible. For example, he said, "surgeons are seeing patients, alongside psychologists, and even practitioners trained in yoga, massage and acupuncture."

Treating PTSD is a challenge, Thomas said, because it is not as obvious as treating something like a bullet wound. He explained that diagnosis is further complicated because Soldiers often have more than one injury -- for instance, PTSD combined with traumatic brain injury. 

Additionally, Soldiers often have delayed reactions to traumatic events that may take years to manifest, he said.

One problem still facing the Army is the stigma associated with mental disorders.

"It is critical as leaders to get rid of the stigma involved," Thomas said. "There is still a stigma in society and in the Army, but I've seen an improvement over the years. We want Soldiers to reach out and seek help from the Army or even outside the base if they so desire."

Thomas said that today, the Army is seeing more Soldiers come forward for treatment, but the gains are still not enough.

"We need everyone's help in educating Soldiers," Thomas said. "It's not a normal thing asking Soldiers to seek help. We need to get across that it's normal."

WWP Gym Climbing

Just a reminder, WWP rock climbing at Edgeworks in Tacoma tonight. No charge to WWP alumni and a guest. Joshua and Dave will be there around 6PM. Drop in and say hello.

Great news from the WWP!

From the WWP Facebook page:


Thank you, House of Representatives! Yesterday, they passed legislation to improve long-term care for warriors with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The legislation has already passed the Senate, and is expected to be signed into law by the President. 

Wounded Warrior Project worked for two years to get Congress to address ambiguities in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) treatments for TBI

, and we’re relieved that warriors will soon be guaranteed by law to get the care they deserve. Once this legislation becomes law, warriors with TBI will have more comprehensive care plans from VA that can't be cut off prematurely. These veterans will also get the support they need – health services or non-medical assistance – to achieve maximum independence and quality of life.

Thank you, Congress, and a big thank you to Congressman Tim Walz for first introducing this legislation in 2011!

Climbs

If anyone out there is interested in doing the Olympus Climb (10-13 AUG) or the Stewart Climb (22-23 SEP) let us know. Slots are filling fast.

Also, Joshua Brandon will be climbing in the North Cascades this weekend if anyone wants to jet out at the last minute. Likely locations are Shuksan, Glacier, or some where in the Boston Basin depending on who goes.

Had a blast on the Hood climb and at the WWP summit. The Baker climb was postponed, but our climbers did a great hike to Mt Sherman ahead of a future climb. Pictures and the whole story when we slow down and get some time to write them!

Climbing!

After two great days in Leavenworth, HST is gearing up for two climbs this week. We have Mt Hood on Wednesday and Mt Baker this weekend. Exciting times. We might even put pen to paper and get some good stories out to you during the down time next week!

Update from the Road

Dan and Josh just got done climbing in Leavenworth and are off to Mt.  Shuksan. When we get back, we'll post a report as well as updates from the Pratt Lake hike and the Mt. Rainier Climb. This is an awesome summer for HST.

Fort Lewis Ranger Article

Full Article

Hound Summit Team Memorial Day Limb Climb in honor of Sergeant Nick Dickhut

Hound Summit Team Memorial Day Limb Climb in honor of Sergeant Nick Dickhut

May 25-27, 2012

Sergeant Nick Dickhut

Honor the Fallen Link

On Sunday, 27 May, the Hound Summit Team planted an American flag on the summit of Mount Adams in honor of Sergeant Nicholas Dickhut of 5-20 IN. Sergeant Dickhut was killed in action while engaging enemy forces near Zharay, Afghanistan on April 30th, 2012. 

The Mount Adams climb was the first official wounded warrior climb of the season, and included five members of Active Duty Military, the Wounded Warrior Program, and the Hound Summit Team. 

On a day that saw Mount Adams turn away more climbers than it let up, the HST members worked together to get the flag to the summit and then safely down the mountain. The team fought high winds and dramatically changing conditions on the way to the top. At the summit, Joshua Brandon said a few words for Nick, and every other warrior, friend, and loved ones we have lost in the service of our country. During the long descent to camp, the mountain rewarded us with spectacular views and a beautiful snowfall. 

Thank you to all of our friends and sponsors who made this trip possible. Please join us in supporting our warriors in our first annual wounded warrior climb of Mount Rainier from 19-21 June. 

Flag on the summit in honor of Special Dickhut. 

HST Adams Team before pushing up from the Lunch Counter.

HST leaders Mike Pickerel and Joshua Brandon.

HST Climber Joshua Brandon's Interview with the National Center for PTSD's About Face Program

Check out the interview at the link below.

http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/about_face/veterans/maj-joshua-brandon/who-i-am.html

“The Old Breed” – The First Ascent of Saser Kangri II

Saser Kangri II stood as the second highest unclimbed peak in the world until August of 2011 when Steve Swenson, Mark Richey and Freddie Wilkinson completed the first ascent.
This Piolet D’or Award winning climb is the subject of the film (shown for the first time at the AAC’s Annual Dinner in Boston) and is now premiering on the west coast. Join Steve Swenson before and after the film for questions and socializing at the Mountaineers Program Center.
This event is a fundraiser for the Vantage permanent toilet project. As the climbing area has gotten more and more popular the impacts on the land are readily apparent. The WCC has been funding temporary toilets for the last few season, but this is just a stop-gap for a real solution.
The American Alpine Club, The Mountaineers and the WCC are joining forces on this very important project and we hope you will support us.

For Details: http://www.americanalpineclub.org/events/blog/ai1ec_event/the-old-breed-the-first-ascent-of-saser-kangri-ii/?instance_id

Best Ranger Competition Report (TJ Laynor)

Best Ranger Competition Report (TJ Laynor)


I must say I haven't had this much fun in a long time.  It is fun to attempt these events without someone yelling at you or various simulations going off to peak my PTSD.  MAJ Moore was also a blast to have as a partner.  He is still the same old guy always trying to show up the younger guys.  


The competition started early Wednesday morning as we split up into two groups to either start at the shooting range or Grenade range. Tobin and I started with the grenade range.  Good thing we don't throw too many grenades in combat. For some reason all of mine liked to bounce to the left and always out of bounce. Tobin either fell really short or too long.  It was safe to say that although we didn't score perfect, none else did either.  The next event was a race to the top of the tower and repel down.  We both accomplished this task, but I'm told they had to literally throw Tobin off the tower.  After coming off the tower we each had to throw 5 tomahawks.  We were the only team that received a perfect score.  Good to know that although we will miss them with our grenades, we can always kill them with our tomahawks.


After a quick MRE snack we traveled to the range to compete in the M4 shoot off.  Each team was given 30 rounds and had to fire 10 in the prone, kneeling and standing positions. Team OR received a 99%. I'm sure it was my blind eye that missed something.  After completing the M4 shoot off we had to race our way to the Malvesti Obstacle Course. The obstacle course consisted of 5 pull ups, a rope climb, the log climb, monkey bars, the low crawl in the worm pit, and finally the 150 meter run to the finish.  It seems easy, but when you have to finish as a team it can take a toll.  The rope and the logs were the crux of the course, but in the end we had a finish time in the top 3.


The event was a blast and I could not have asked for a better partner.  Tobin Moore made the event a challenging one. This Saturday we should find out how we did over all.  The winning team gets a replicate trophy (minus the 45 cal pistols) of the one given to the winners of the actual Best Ranger Competition.


Follow Up: TJ and Tobin took second place! Rock on Fellas!

Team OR (TJ Laynor Left, Tobin Moore Right)

Getting ready to fight the natives.

Adorable personalized ACUS.

Finish Line!

JBLM-based soldier killed in Afghanistan combat

Sgt. Nicholas Dickhut died during a firefight in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province, his parents were told Sunday. Dickhut was a forward observer, on the front lines to identify and communicate enemy positions for other units. He was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and attached to the 82nd Airborne.


http://www.startribune.com/local/149535645.html

Boulder, Have a Beer, Meet Some Cool People

Seattle Bouldering Project – Send and Social

Posted by eespinosa on April 4, 2012 · Leave a Comment 

When:	Back to Calendar »May 1, 2012 @ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where:	Seattle Bouldering Project 900 Poplar Pl S Seattle,WA 98144 USA	Map data ©2012 Google, Sanborn - Terms of Use Map Satellite View Full-Size Map » ✔ Add to Calendar Add to Google Calendar
Contact:	Rebecca Vande Hei cascade@americanalpineclub.org
Categories:	CLIMBING  GYM NIGHT  NORTHWEST

First Tuesday of every month at Seattle Bouldering Project

April 3 | May 1 | June 5 | July 3 | August 7 | September 4

6-9 pm: Send –  $10 day passes for AAC members

9-10 pm: Social and free drinks

Come hang out with local members of the AAC and laid-back SBP regulars in the country’s largest bouldering gym. Bring your friends — these events are open to the public!

HST Members - If you are going, let me know and we can carpool.