The Mountaineers
At The Mountaineers, we know the power of nature to restore our souls and inspire our spirits. We're proud of the service of our active-duty and veteran members and their efforts to preserve our own Freedom of the Hills for future generations. To celebrate Veteran's Day, we highlight a Mountaineer whose dedication helps our club and our country.
In 2012, Carrie Kavanaugh, a 20-year Army Reserves Soldier, joined The Mountaineers as a Basic Climbing student in Tacoma. Carrie was looking to learn the skills she'd need to climb Rainier, and found a community that made her feel safe and confident to go out on adventures. Carrie credits her military experience with helping her get through Basic and Intermediate, and now she volunteers as a climb leader to give back. She also incorporates elements of the outdoors into the military training she gives:
"I'm inspired by the beauty in nature and ordinary people doing amazing things. The majority of my 20-year career in the reserves has been in medical support and training. Whenever I can, I get us outside for training. Many of the Soldiers I've worked with have major combat experience. It's humbling. I'm grateful to them, and happy to serve in the role of providing for and caring for our Soldiers to help give back."
Enjoying the outdoors is a luxury; a freedom we enjoy thanks to the brave men and women like Carrie who sacrifice for our country. Today we honor their service.
