I was recently made aware of an effort among some of my former cohorts and friends to memorialize a truly exceptional warrior we lost during my last deployment. I was so touched by their vision and inspired by this group of exceptional individuals organizing the effort, I felt compelled to share and contribute to getting this project the recognition it deserves. – AV
Climb for the Fallen (CFTF) is being established as a Virginia-based 501(c)3 non-profit seeking to memorialize fallen US service members whose lives were lost during combat operations and support their families by empowering them through outdoor experience and adventure. The organization was founded by a group of friends who are outdoor enthusiasts, climbers, and adventurers who wanted to contribute to the memory of our fallen American heroes through something unique.
CFTF’s first project, Kevin’s Climb is to establish a first ascent, memorial route on a 1000 foot rock face in the Sierra Nevadas named for their fallen teammate. Kevin Ebbert was one of those individuals who touched everyone he encountered in one way or another and left a lasting positive impression in everyone’s mind. He was genuine, deliberate, and driven; a warrior, friend, teammate, and leader to all who knew him.
After graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz, Kevin enlisted in the United States Navy and became a Navy SEAL. Kevin deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and due to his outstanding work as a medic was meritoriously advanced through the combat promotion system and awarded a Bronze Star with Combat V. Kevin had a plan to attend medical school and pursue his dream as a doctor following his military commitment and had set the wheels in motion to do so. During his second deployment to Afghanistan, on November 24th 2012, Kevin Ebbert, was killed in action by enemy fire while moving to support teammates during combat operations in Southeast Afghanistan.
To support Kevin’s Climb, CFTF has launched a Kickstarter Campaign to help with the expenses of travel, equipment, and the documentary production. CFTF feels that just doing the climb is not enough and seeks to create a professional product to capture the experience and celebrate the life of a friend who paid the ultimate sacrifice. In addition to the Kickstarter campaign, Climb for the Fallen will soon be capable of receiving contributions directly as a 501(c)3 from those interested signing up as corporate sponsors or individuals who would prefer to make contributions directly instead of contributing via Kickstarter. Climb for the Fallen can be contacted at team@climbforthefallen.com and the various hyperlinks included above provide further details about the organization and Kevin’s Climb.
About the Author
Austin Vermillion (AV) is a Navy veteran who spent the first half of his career in the enlisted ranks and was later commissioned as a Navy Supply Officer through the Seaman-to-Admiral-21 Commission Program. After commissioning he joined the Naval Special Warfare community focusing on Material Management, Force Modernization Requirements, Support Capabilities and Operational/Combat Logistics in Africa and Afghanistan. After leaving the Navy, he joined a program supporting SOF operations overseas and also works to provide integration and support based on end-user needs to Veteran entrepreneurs and industry through Targeted Integration Group.
