Wounded Navy SEAL sees a new future

Growing up Ryan Job, 28, loved the outdoors. It was a big part of his life, living in Issaquah, and remained so when he joined the Navy.

Three years ago a sniper bullet took away the Navy SEAL’s sight.

In many ways, it also took away his ability to spend time doing the outdoor activities he loved.

But last summer Job met Micah Clark at a car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. where Job now lives.

Clark is the founder and executive director of Camp Patriot, an organization based in Montana with the sole purpose of taking disabled U.S. veterans on outdoor adventures. Clark was putting together a group to climb Mt. Rainier and asked if Job would be interested.

A year ago this week Job found himself flying into Sea-Tac International Airport, and after a week’s preparation climbed to the summit of Mt. Rainier.

“Outdoor activity has always been apart of my lifestyle,” said Job. “This is a way to continue that.”

This week the Issaquah High School graduate was back to help a new round of veterans experience what he felt last summer.

“They have a great attitude. They are set up for success,” said Job of the 2009 crew.

Tuesday afternoon the group set off from the base of the mountain, headed to Camp Muir, where Job and a support group will stay while a smaller group headed to the summit. Job said he carried as much gear and equipment as he could “just to help,” during the eight to nine hour hike from the bottom to Camp Muir.

While Job would be staying put once they reached the lower level, three wounded veterans, four professional guides and various members of the support team headed to the summit on Wednesday night, with the hope of making it to the top by Thursday morning, Job said.

By Friday evening the group will be back at the base.

Getting to participate in something which otherwise he might have lost is priceless for Job.

“It enables me to have the same lifestyle. That’s the biggest thing,” he said.

More information on Camp Patriot can be found at www.camppatriot.org.