The RibCo '04 Expedition Team
Vern
Expedition Co-leader
Arvada, Colorado
"Together we will all reach the summit & safely come home!"
Arvada, Colorado
"Together we will all reach the summit & safely come home!"
Vern grew up in Colorado Springs where he climbed his first big mountain, Pikes Peak, at age 14. His father a Command Sergeant Major in the Army was at one time a climbing instructor with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division.
As the Co-leader of the RibCo team Vern believes his organizational & leadership skills will be a key to the team’s success. “I strongly believe in a TEAM approach to the successful climbing of any major peak – Together we will all reach the summit and safely come home”.
In addition to being a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Vern is a medically trained Wilderness First Responder and active with the Colorado Mountain Club. He has participated in a number of adventure races including the Leadville Trail 100, Race Across The Sky Mt. Bike Race and the 24 Hours of Moab. He organized and led two successful climbs of Mount Rainier and a climb of El Pico de Orizaba, an 18,000 foot Mexican volcano.
He and his family are long time residents of Arvada, Colorado. Donna, Vern’s wife, in addition to managing their household is a volleyball coach at Arvada High. With four daughters and four grandchildren Vern is definitely a family man. “This is the biggest adventure of my life – my entire family’s support and encouragement has been wonderful - Thank You!”