NINE 14ers // ELEVEN Days to support the Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund
$20,675.00 raised
$10,000.00 goal
A MESSAGE FROM NINE 14ers // ELEVEN Days to support the Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund
"Extraordinary Sacrifice Deserves Extraordinary Support" 
~Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund

With great respect and care, I request support from you or your family and friends to raise funds for an impactful organization that has a significant and serious mission: Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund.  For more information, click here.  

As we approach the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001, not to mention all that is going on right now in Afghanistan, I am focused and determined to accomplish a unique and challenging feat to drive awareness and support to the Lead the Way Fund -- climb NINE 14ers in ELEVEN Days.  

Please consider donating to benefit all the brave Special Operations Forces and their families that have selflessly and honorably served our country to keep us safe over the past twenty years and beyond.  I refuse to accept their service was in vain -- American soldiers deserve our extraordinary support now as much as ever!  I'm hopeful you find similar inspiration in your heart and choose to give!  

My plan is to climb NINE 14,000+ ft. mountains throughout Colorado in ELEVEN days beginning on September 1st and culminating on Saturday, September 11th.  The current hiking expedition I've laid out will have me summit the following 14ers:  Quandry Peak; Grays & Torreys Peaks; Mt. Democrat, Mt. Cameron & Mt. Lincoln; Mt. Evans; Mt. Massive; Mt. Elbert; and Mt. Bierstadt.  The total elevation gain is nearly 25,000 ft. and will cover over 50 mi. of hiking mostly alpine terrain (above 11,000 ft). Of course, I will track my progress including photographic evidence of the journey and awesome summit views.  

It is hard to believe it has been 20 years since that fateful day that changed America forever and altered the lives of so many of her citizens.  I'm deeply grateful for the service of all military personnel and first responders that keep us safe and ensure our freedoms to this day.

Most of all, Sgt. James ("Jimmy") J. Regan, my former Duke teammate and personal hero, will be close at heart and forefront of mind as I complete this journey.

God Bless the U.S.A.!

Remember: no donation is too small. Please click on the donate button!  If you prefer to send a check, please reach out to me for the address: john.r.wendling@gmail.com.
Photos & Videos
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  • Anonymous made a $10,000.00 donation
    $10,000.00
  • Tom Waterman made a $25.00 donation
    $25.00
  • Jo Obrien made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • William Gerrish made a $100.00 donation

    Great job, John, and keep inspiring.

    $100.00
  • Lynn Bender made a $115.00 donation

    Way to go John!!!

    $115.00
  • In memory of Sgt. James J. Regan made a $900.00 donation

    Thank you everyone for your generosity to support LTWF at the 20th Anniversary of 9/11!

    $900.00
  • Erin, Noe, and Nola made a $185.00 donation
    $185.00
  • Chris and Vickie Houts made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • John White made a $100.00 donation

    John Thanks for including me in your climbing exposition. The past few weeks have made me so aware of how much we all owe to citizens like you. Thank you for all you have done for us and our blessed country. May God richly bless you and the USA. John White

    $100.00
  • Sandra Schwartz Hollabaugh made a $100.00 donation

    thank you John Wendling for honoring these brave men, women and families that gave their service for all of us !!.

    $100.00
  • Kathleen Wendling made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Cliff Raymond made a $100.00 donation

    Way to go John! Keep doing great things my man.

    $100.00
  • Ryan Kiernan made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Michael Farrell made a $100.00 donation

    never forget. thank you for doing this. like so many, Chip was too young to go on that day.

    $100.00
  • Gretchen Crabtree made a $100.00 donation

    I am so proud of you, JDubs! Finish strong!

    $100.00
  • Dave McGraw made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Matthew Yung made a $100.00 donation

    John - you are inspiring and thank you for your work and efforts to raise awareness and support the families of Army Ranger families that have sacrificed for our country.

    $100.00
  • Richard Woodruff made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • David Wilson made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Adam Paul Thom made a $100.00 donation

    Way to go John! -Dr Adam

    $100.00
  • Cory Vann made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Mitch Young made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • The Somsky's made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Heath Shannon made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Jay Goldbaum made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Anonymous made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • John Wilson made a $100.00 donation

    Love what you’re doing bud!!

    $100.00
  • Michael Schwieterman made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Sean Dunn made a $200.00 donation
    $200.00
  • Alexis Emich made a $150.00 donation

    Amazing John! Always happy to support you as you support others. Good luck! Love, The Emich Family

    $150.00
  • Jeff and Katie Dietrich made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • James Skandalaris made a $500.00 donation

    Proud of you brother, can't wait to follow your journey!

    $500.00
  • Bob and Debbi Tucker made a $250.00 donation

    Great cause and a wonderful adventure for you!

    $250.00
  • Thomas Charles made a $25.00 donation
    $25.00
  • Al Plumhoff made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Keith-Gina Smith made a $25.00 donation

    Good Luck on you mission! Keith & Gina

    $25.00
  • Paul Pardi made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Peyton Fullerton made a $200.00 donation

    I think it's very cool that you are doing this, John! What a great cause.

    $200.00
  • Your Castle Real Estate made a $300.00 donation

    Proud of you!!!!

    $300.00
  • Stuart Ponting made a $200.00 donation

    Good Luck Amigo

    $200.00
  • Berumen Family made a $500.00 donation

    God bless you on the journey and God bless those who served

    $500.00
  • Gretchen Marty made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Gary Patterson made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Environmental Landworks Co Inc. made a $1,000.00 donation
    $1,000.00
  • Drew and Rachel Dixon made a $200.00 donation

    Good luck John! Great Cause.

    $200.00
  • Karl Schwartz made a $75.00 donation

    very noble of you to complete this journey!

    $75.00
  • Michelle Gray made a $250.00 donation
    $250.00
  • Gary Lehman made a $50.00 donation

    go get em JW ….Tim Tebow would be proud!

    $50.00
  • In memory of JACK HOLLABAUGH made a $100.00 donation

    He will have your back on your JOURNEY!

    $100.00
  • Bob White made a $500.00 donation

    This is such a very meaningful tribute that you are doing. I am a veteran of the US Army, having served in Vietnam in the 101stAirbourne Infantry division. best of luck to you , John.

    $500.00
  • Matt Wendling made a $25.00 donation

    Enjoy the hikes. Climb for a good cause!

    $25.00
  • Anonymous made a $1,000.00 donation

    God Bless and good luck John! Buck

    $1,000.00
  • Neil Yuan made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Lynn Bender made a $150.00 donation

    Enjoyed our chat yesterday and I realize how important this is to you. Good luck on your climbs.

    $150.00
  • John Vedra made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • In memory of In memory of the 13 Marines in Afghanistan. made a $200.00 donation

    Proud of you, John for participating in this fundraiser and Heidi supporting you. Stay healthy and safe. Love you, Aunt Cherri

    $200.00
  • Chris and Patty Holly made a $100.00 donation

    Hooah! Rangers lead the way.

    $100.00
  • Erik Mickelson made a $25.00 donation
    $25.00
  • Patty Shannon made a $100.00 donation

    what a great way to remember your teammate.

    $100.00
  • Michael McCleary made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Ted Uritus made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • John Pugh made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Scott Springer made a $25.00 donation
    $25.00
  • In memory of Jimmy Regan made a $500.00 donation
    $500.00
  • John Wendling made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
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