Brian McPherson, a former Marine who is now attending Ohio University, came up with the idea of what is being called Mission Memorial Day. Originally from Nashport, McPherson came to Athens in 2012 after retiring from the Marines.
“I call Athens home,” said McPherson, 28.
The climb of Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) is intended as a way to honor the sacrifice of veterans who were killed serving their country.
“I kind of started it, and reached out to Josh Jespersen,” McPherson said, explaining that his fellow team member has more experience with mountain climbing. “It kind of grew from there.”
Also making the 20,321-foot climb will be veterans Nick Colgin and Margaux Mange, and the four will carry American flags that have the names of veterans killed in action stitched on them. The team is asking for submission of names, which can be done at www.missionmemorialday.com. McPherson said the person whose name is submitted can have served in any U.S. war.
Climbing Denali will not be the only obstacle McPherson has had to overcome in his life.
In 2008, multiple suicide bombers in Iraq ambushed his squad of Marines and McPherson sustained bilateral shoulder injuries, a traumatic brain injury and significant hearing loss in both ears. At the time, McPherson considered those injuries “minor,” at least in comparison to others in the squad.
“We lost five guys that day,” he explained.
McPherson, who said he kept the extent of his injuries hidden so he could continue to serve, actually went back to Iraq for another tour. However, a head injury from an accident led to an MRI that revealed the extent of the 2008 brain injury, and his other physical problems also came to light.
He went into recovery, but said that resulted in him being less active and his physical condition worsened.
“I just kind of had to climb my way back to the top,” he said. “I was in recovery for 2 1/2 years.”
A recreational therapist encouraged him to consider participating in a triathlon, and he placed third in the event. In 2014, he completed a summit of Mount Whitney as part of Warriors to Summits, a program of No Barriers Warriors. That’s where he met Jesperson, Mange and Colgin. McPherson also competes nationwide in triathlons on Team Semper Fi of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
Today, McPherson has slight movement limitations in his shoulders, still experiences memory loss and has hearing loss, he said.
McPherson said he hopes that Mission Memorial Day will become an annual event, although it might take place at different locations.
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