Jason Thomas Hughes

Since 2015 when my team and I got turned around near high camp, I have looked on from town at that great mountain peak of Denali. I have been driven and inspired ever since. I leaped at the opportunity to attempt the summit when it came up at work and began making the necessary preparations. The EDGE project and the outdoor engagement track helped me be more organized and focuses as I attempted this great undertaking.

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Many difficulties arose as  for the trip drew nearer and we began the climb. We went through several team modifications before our team was finalized. We faced sickness on the mountain that ended the trip for one of our climbers as well as altitude related insomnia that kept others from the summit. Weather and our own exhaustion placed our team in some sticky situations.

As future rescue assets in the Denali mountain range and around the world, our team was safely exposed to mountaineering and countless training opportunities were taken advantage of while in the mountain environment to help the younger mountaineers gain the experience that they need. The team lived and learn the keys to survival. Having the opportunity as a young PJ to travel on this mountain and to become confident amid the dangers is something that they will use and cherish for the rest of their careers.

Some of the biggest lessons I learned had to do with teamwork.

• Nothing can replace knowing your team. A strong working relationship with those that you are traveling with can save your life. Knowing when they are out of it, or when they can push further or faster. Knowing their skiing, climbing, temperature and weather comfort levels can not only make or break the trip, but also be the deciding factor in the decision to take someone off the mountain or not.

• It is important to create an environment where your team mates make their own good decisions. You will be able to trust them if you are all on the same page when it comes to the safety of the team.

• High altitude exposure is essential prior to attempting rescues in that environment, everyone reacts differently and you need to be aware of your individual reactions and how they will affect your ability to accomplish the mission.

• You don’t have to know everything to lead, you must know whose judgment you can trust and who can get the job done.

I will be there first to say, people change on the mountain. I lost some weight, got stronger and maybe a bit harder but the biggest and best changes were spiritual, mental and emotional. When you are pushed to your physical limits the mental and emotional sides step up to force you through, to keep you safe. When you are mentally done, and can’t imagine moving any further, you realize your spiritual strength. What is the greatest way my project benefited me? By enabling me to better know myself.