American George Dijmarescu and Lakpa Sherpa pay tribute to the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen who paid the ultimate sacrifice for ideals that we hold dear as Americans, freedom.

Update June 2, 2005: "Serving my country in the United States Navy has been the singular most important thing I have, or will ever do in my life, regardless of what the future holds for me.  It has opened my eyes to a whole beautiful world that I would of never known to exist.  In the end it has shown me just how tiny this third rock from the sun truly is.  I have been afforded the opportunity, as a photojournalist, to have a front row seat to history and document those events.  Most of those events were positive ones; some were very difficult.  What has kept me going all these years is the support and adoration of a tremendously grateful nation.

It is the people from EverestNews.com, and climbers like George Dijmarescu and Lakpa Sherpa, who make this world what it is.  One day while sitting at my desk after returning from Iraq, I tried to think of a way to pay tribute to the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen who paid the ultimate sacrifice for ideals that we hold dear as Americans, freedom. And through that sacrifice they also gave freedom to millions more.  I thought that an original colonial flag with thirteen stars, and the first Navy Jack adopted by the continental Navy, (Don’t Tread On Me), would be an appropriate tribute to my fallen comrades.  These symbols would wave from the highest place on earth, as close to them as possible in this existence.

I contacted Mr. Martin at EverestNews.com who put me in touch with a climber who has a far more tremendous story than myself.  He knows too well the oppression one must endure under a tyrannical leader.  So much so he was willing to risk his life for freedom by  swimming the Danube River, jumped from a moving train and made his way alone through the Alps to escape the brutality of communist Romania under Nicolae Ceausescu.

During my time in Iraq I saw the best and brightest of our great nation. Each day they rose knowing it may be their last on this planet. That is something that cannot be explained unless you have lived it. They didn't do it for politics, and it surely wasn’t for the money. We serve because we believe in something bigger than ourselves, that we can make a difference in the world.  We are normal citizens like ones you meet everyday in your neighborhood, or grocery, who have taken a solemn oath to defend the Constitution of the United States, the people of this country, and the oppressed people of the world.

I could write volumes of the humanitarian relief efforts we did and are doing in Iraq and for the recent Indonesian tsunami victims.  Food, clothing, shelter, electricity, fresh water, cash, etc., etc. Most of which unfortunately is not being reported.  It seems that too many people are focused on the negative in this world, when in reality; the good far outweighs the bad.  Unfortunately, bad people exist in every corner of this planet.  No one has the patent on death and destruction.  While in Iraq, and for that matter my entire career, I have met thousands of wonderful, peace-loving, and supportive Muslims. 

In another year my career in the Navy will end. I think of those who have gone before me, and those who will go long after I’m buried.  They made and will make a difference in the world.  We all have that ability to make a difference in the world.  It is the indomitable spirit, which drives people of courage like George Dijmarescu and Lakpa to reach the top of the world.  It is that same spirit that we all must harness for the betterment of mankind.

I also know George Dijmarescu and Lakpa Sherpa did not do this for politics, but to pay tribute to the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen who paid the ultimate sacrifice for ideals that we hold dear as Americans, freedom.

Thank You George Dijmarescu and Lakpa Sherpa.

PH1(AW/SW) Kevin H. Tierney
Leading Petty Officer
Fleet Imaging Command Pacific
(Detachment San Diego)
Bldg 251, NAS North Island
San Diego, CA  92135

Send your comment to George and Lakpa or Kevin   

Update Page 2005

Millet One Sport Everest Boot  has made some minor changes by adding more Kevlar. USES Expeditions / High altitude / Mountaineering in extremely cold conditions / Isothermal to -75°F Gore-Tex® Top dry / Evazote Reinforcements with aramid threads. Avg. Weight: 5 lbs 13 oz Sizes: 5 - 14 DESCRIPTION Boot with semi-rigid shell and built-in Gore-Tex® gaiter reinforced by aramid threads, and removable inner slipper Automatic crampon attachment Non-compressive fastening Double zip, so easier to put on Microcellular midsole to increase insulation Removable inner slipper in aluminized alveolate Fiberglass and carbon footbed Cordura + Evazote upper Elasticated collar. Expedition footwear for mountaineering in conditions of extreme cold.  NOTE US SIZES LISTED. See more here.

A cold weather, high altitude double boot for extreme conditions The Olympus Mons is the perfect choice for 8000-meter peaks. This super lightweight double boot has a PE thermal insulating inner boot that is coupled with a thermo-reflective outer boot with an integrated gaiter. We used a super insulating lightweight PE outsole to keep the weight down and the TPU midsole is excellent for crampon compatibility and stability on steep terrain. WEIGHT: 39.86 oz • 1130 g LAST: Olympus Mons CONSTRUCTION: Inner: Slip lasted Outer: Board Lasted OUTER BOOT: Cordura® upper lined with dual-density PE micro-cellular thermal insulating closed cell foam and thermo-reflective aluminium facing/ Insulated removable footbed/ Vibram® rubber rand See more here.

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