Inspiring Journey: Amputee Veterans to Conquer Everest

Groundbreaking Move: Chad Jukes and Charlie Linville are two remarkable American veterans. Despite losing their legs, they are set to achieve something no one in their situation has done before: climbing the world’s tallest mountain, Everest. “We are determined to show the world that we can do extraordinary things, despite our physical disabilities,” they expressed in an interview earlier this week. 

Screenshot from The Heroes Project Instagram

Jukes lost his right leg in 2006 while serving in Iraq when he stepped on an IED. Linville, on the other hand, lost his leg during a training accident. Despite this, they share a deep bond and motto: we suffer from PTSD and have one leg, but we can achieve the ‘impossible’ and climb Everest even under these circumstances. 

For Jukes, this will be the first attempt, but for his friend Linville, it is the third time trying to reach Everest’s summit. Through ‘The Heroes Project’ (a special organization that fulfills dreams for veterans who have lost much in battle), Linville attempted to climb Everest in 2014 and 2015. Both attempts were thwarted by a snowstorm and an earthquake, but this time Linville is confident that he will succeed. Regardless, he has no intention of giving up. “For me, it’s about overcoming all the challenges I’ve faced. I see it as my way of telling people that wounded veterans can do more than they think,” he said.