Purple Heart Summits Collaboration

Back in 2006 my dad, Rob Powers started the nonprofit, American300 who's aim was providing resiliency minded mentors to our Department of Defense in an effort to improve individual and unit resiliency. Since then, over 100 volunteer mentors have traveled on over 500 base visits sharing personal stories of never quitting while engaging with Service Members who share their own stories.

I have had the chance to travel all over the world taking photos and shooting videos for the non profit capturing the interactions between service members and American300 mentors.

Two years ago, American300 created a new program focused on continuing this resiliency mentoring in the mountains. I've had the opportunity to continue to support American300 from a public affairs standpoint by climbing mountains and capturing stories alongside our veteran and civilian climbers. 

Purple Heart Summits has focused their effort on supporting combat wounded veterans, by aiding them in participating in unique personal and team growth activities while summiting mountains like Mauna Kea, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

One of our mentors, Benjamin Breckheimer, US Army ret. became the third Purple Heart Recipient to stand on top of Mt. Everest, and has completed 6/7 summits. He is currently attempting his final of the seven summits, Mt. Denali in Alaska, USA. It is important to note that our mentors have shared and continue to share time and again their personal stories of making the impossible, possible with fellow service members around the world.

My sister Dominique and I designed this neckie together - it's a composite of the crater at the summit of Rainier, Colorado evergreen trees and a mountain design she drew by hand.  50% of the proceeds will go towards supporting another Purple Heart Recipient's goal of climbing Mt. Rainier this summer.

Purple Heart Summits is made possible by generous donations, so from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support!