Climb For A Cause (Kilimanjaro)

I have a friend that is a real life hero/bad a$$. He has selflessly served his country and all of us in the United States. I met Brandon back in 2011 and at that point he was trying to navigate his way through life and figure things out and most importantly figure himself out. Fighting his inner demons and external struggles Brandon was a man looking for a battle to pour his energy into. Like many warriors turned civilian, we tend to be a bit lost in a domesticated world with the unaware general public and this can bring many struggles. Now complicate this even more with going through traumatic events while in the military, this can make every day life very difficult. I met Brandon during this stage of his life. The reason I tell you this is because I was there to also see the transformation in Brandon's life.

The first break I truly saw was when he had his daughter. I saw Brandon see something bigger to live for, something that he could fight for and grow for. This change in Brandon's life was significant but the most incredible thing that I saw in it was that Brandon felt alive again and that there was more out there to do, and this ignited a fire in Brandon. This is what I believe opened up Brandon to his faith and his faith helped him to dig deep within himself to grow and to realign himself in his life. When Brandon's life started to align more opportunities started to come his way. These opportunities were not for self gain but rather to serve. In this service Brandon found his new war, his new challenge and it was to serve. Brandon has submerged himself in service to others and in that he has found many opportunities to serve veterans because they are dear to his heart and he of all people understands their struggles. Brandon is one of the greatest, strongest and most loyal people you will ever meet and I am blessed to call him my friend.

So when I heard about Brandon's next mission it did not surprise me in the least. Leaders lead, servants serve, and I would not expect anything less from my friend. This is a super hard mission and will be extremely difficult but Brandon is up for the challenge because he knows he is helping other veterans accomplish things they need to accomplish to get themselves back on their path as well. This will also raise funds to help these veteran organizations to be able to continue to serve veterans. We can never do too much for our vets!!

My friend happens to be the best on the planet so here is my challenge.......LET'S FREAKING RAISE THIS MONEY FOR MY DUDE AND
LET HIM FEEL THE LOVE!!!!!

Thank you Brandon for all you do to help so many!!

Below is the information from the organization that's putting it on and below that is the "tale of the tape" on my friend Brandon!!

Over the last couple of years that Joe and Larra have been involved with Sheepdog, they’ve seen men and women overcoming huge obstacles with what civilians would call “disadvantages”. Veterans are running marathons with two prosthetic legs, they are doing spartan races and triathlons with prosthetic legs and one arm. It has been a dream of Joe’s and inspiration of Larra’s to do this climb and to do it alongside veterans brings their vision full circle. The couple would like to encourage everyone, regardless of their challenge, to take one step forward to overcoming it. We’ll see you at the peak!

About: Brandon Matteson

Sergeant Anthony Matteson served 4 years active duty and 4 years active reserve in the United States Army. He takes great pride in his family and believes that everything else in life comes second. He has a beautiful wife and daughter and he enjoys camping, drawing, and volunteering to help others. Being a troubled teen from a broken home Anthony joined the U.S. Army with the hope it would change the course of his life and it did just that.

Accomplishments:

After completing Basic Training an Infantry AIT(Advanced Individual Training) Anthony attended Airborne school where he was one of three soldiers selected for honor graduate. His first duty station was Fort Bragg and he was assigned to the rapid deployment force the 82nd Airborne Division. As part of the 82nd Sergeant Matteson completed JOTC(Jungle Operations Training Center) at Ft Sherman, Panama and he received his Jungle expert rating. He also attended and completed the Airborne Leaders Course, water survival training, and the Pre-Ranger Course along with participating in Soldier of the Month board regularly. Sgt Matteson also received the PFT(Physical Fitness Training) award for physical fitness excellence, the Expert Infantryman’s badge and Expert marksmanship badge for pistol, rifle, M203, mortar and grenade. He received his CIB(Combat Infantryman’s Badge) for combat deployments to Panama and Iraq. Sergeant Matteson earned his Ranger Tab while attached to the Ranger Training Brigade in Ft Benning, GA and graduated with Ranger class 4-90. He also attended PLDC(Primary Leadership Development Course) where he was selected and awarded the Laedership Award for his class. Sgt Matteson was also awarded Army Achievement Medals, presented multible Letters of Commedation and sveral other Certificates of Achievement.

After leaving the military he stuggled and was disabled for PT SD and at age 28 he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Doctor’s said that this particular type of tumor begins to grow at birth and explains why he always had to train harder to achieve similar results as fellow soldiers. In 1999 he had neurosurgurey and Doctors at UCLA Medical Center removed it but not before it had done permanent damage to his endocrine system.

Why:

Anthony believes his life’s mission is to “inspire people to live life to their fullest potential by being an example and sharing the power of his story”. Climbing Kilimajaro does just that. It gives him the opportunity to walk next to and help fellow SheepDogs to succeed in a common mission. Anthony is so thankful to be a small part of such a big and meaningful event.