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West Forsyth High School graduate to climb Mount Everest
Harold Earks joined by a female first lieutenant and retired staff sergeant
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2011 West Forsyth High School graduate Harold Earls, second from left, is climbing Mount Everest as part of the U.S. Expeditions and Explorations nonprofit he developed. Climbing with him, from left, are Elyse Ping Medvigy, the first female fire support officer in the Army; and retired Staff Sgt. Chad Jukes, who lost his right leg on a suppy convoy in northern Iraq. Capt. Matt Hickey, right, is part of the ground support team. He led the team in its training expedition at Mount Rainier.
WEST FORSYTH — A West Forsyth High School and West Point graduate is set to begin climbing to the peak of Mount Everest, all while breaking some records and raising awareness for soldiers’ mental health. Harold Earls developed the idea of the veteran U.S. Expeditions and Explorations (USX) nonprofit to shed light on a stigma about post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide with soldiers. By guiding veterans in their transition back to civilian life through challenging expeditions to inspire camaraderie and purpose, he is raising awareness about the issue.