Arkansas Desert Storm veteran set to hike Mount Kilimanjaro

BENTON, Ark. – A veteran from Benton is heading to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on that continent.

Jeff Watts, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, will be leading a team of 10 veterans and first responders on the expedition.

They will start the climb up the snow-peaked mountain on July 29 and are expected to reach the summit by Aug. 4.

“I’m looking forward to the comradery,” Watts said. “To get to hang out with heroes for six days and so it’ll be a cool trip.”

The goal of this expedition is to highlight the spirit of those who have served in the military.

Watts will leave for New York next weekend and meet with the other veterans and first responders from around the country. From there they will head to Africa and begin their journey.

The journey up the mountain is called Kili Climb for a Cause and is organized by Sheepdog Impact Assistance, an organization that aims to give back to veterans. It’s also sponsored by the owners of Sam’s Furniture in Springdale.

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