[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 167 (Thursday, December 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2165-E2166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE SERVICES OF CAMP PATRIOT

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 16, 2010

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Camp Patriot and their tremendous service to veterans in the Greater 
Seattle Area and throughout the country.
  Camp Patriot was founded in 2006 to help provide the 2.3 million 
disabled U.S. veterans with the opportunity to take outdoor trips. The 
nonprofit group organizes fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking, and 
motorcycling trips for our brave veterans. Camp Patriot enables 
disabled veterans the chance to develop relationships with other fellow 
veterans through outdoor adventures and team building exercises. The 
program works with outdoor organizations and financial sponsors that 
provide equipment, supplies, and clothing, and allow veterans to attend 
the camp free of cost.
  Camp Patriot is a relatively new organization yet has done much in 
their outreach to veterans and their families. One major goal they are 
currently working toward is the construction of a lodge on Lake 
Koocanusa in Montana, which would accommodate 20 disabled veterans a 
week at no charge to the veterans.
  Among Camp Patriot's major activities is the annual hike to the 
summit of Mount Rainier. The inaugural climb took place in July 2007. 
Most recently, the Camp Patriot team reached the 14,411-foot summit on 
July 14, 2010. Each year, before the climb, participants travel to 
Seattle to dine at Qwest Field and tour the stadium with the Seattle 
Seahawks. Participants also attend a week-long training sponsored by 
Iron90 Workplace Wellness. Iron90 prepares the veterans for the 
grueling hike up

[[Page E2166]]

the summit. Founder Micah Clark, a fellow veteran, often accompanies 
the hikers on the climb and sees first-hand the effect his organization 
can have on disabled veterans.
  The Greater Seattle community has been very supportive of Camp 
Patriot's mission in the area. Joint Base Lewis-McChord volunteers 
moved to help put up tents and prepare food for the participants. They 
also participate in fishing and hunting trips, assisting Camp Patriot 
veterans on the way. Additionally, Washington State organizations have 
helped provide services and materials to help the nonprofit and its 
participating veterans.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives please join me in honoring Camp Patriot for their 
commitment to provide for disabled veterans who have given so much for 
our safety.

                          ____________________