Task Force Expedition (TFE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is embarking on an expedition to raise funds and awareness for handpicked nonprofits that support veterans, first responders, and issues important to them. The organization’s inaugural expedition will take place from June 27 to July 8, with participants climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The expedition is funded by industry sponsors, and funds raised will be distributed equally among selected nonprofits that support military and first responder communities. The primary goal of the expedition is to raise awareness of the work these nonprofits do and to support them in their efforts.
One of the participants in the climb, U.S. Army veteran George Fraser, emphasizes the importance of supporting veterans coping with service-related trauma by providing education and healing rather than just treating symptoms. Fraser, who served in the U.S. Army for 32 years, volunteered for Special Forces in 1992 and served multiple deployments in combat zones, receiving four Purple Hearts during his military career. He will be representing Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW) during the Kilimanjaro climb, raising funds for this charity and the other nonprofits involved in the expedition.
Another participant, Marine veteran Michael O’Dell, is climbing to support the Frontline Healing Foundation, which focuses on addressing the unmet needs of suffering servicemen and women and helping them achieve healing and recovery. O’Dell, a Texan and father, is dedicated to guiding fellow warriors battling addiction and post-traumatic stress into a place of healing. The Kilimanjaro expedition will be documented by Prelude Films, allowing supporters to follow along with the journey and the impact it has on the participating climbers and the nonprofits they are representing.
The five participating nonprofits in the Task Force Expedition include ASA Foundation, Frontline Healing Foundation, SOC-F, SOWW, and Team UK, each supporting different aspects of military and first responder communities. Through public donations and the support of industry sponsors, the teams will compete to raise the most funds for their respective nonprofits during the climb. The funds raised by Task Force Expedition will be pooled together and distributed equally among the selected nonprofits, highlighting the important work they do and providing them with much-needed support.
The expedition aims to not only raise funds for these nonprofits but also to shine a light on the challenges faced by veterans, first responders, and their families. By coming together to tackle the physical challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the participants hope to inspire others to support these important causes and to show that there is help available for those in need. Through their shared experiences and determination, the climbers demonstrate the resilience and strength of the military and first responder communities, as well as the support networks that are available to help them thrive.
