FROM STAFF REPORTS

CALERA— After being injured by two anti-tank mines in Afghanistan on his second deployment, Calera resident Joseph Lowery, 36, is embarking on a journey to traverse New Hampshire’s Presidential Range this July.

Lowery, an Army and National Guard veteran, will join 12 other service members with various disabilities for a challenging week-long trek across the Presidential Range from July 9–15.

The veterans were selected by representatives from No Barriers Warriors and Wells Fargo to participate in the 2016 Warriors to Summits Expeditions I or II.  Both expeditions are equally grueling journeys on opposite ends of the U.S.

“Warriors to Summits received hundreds of applications and nominations from across the country,” said John Toth, director for No Barriers Warriors. “I’m really excited about this amazing group of veterans. They hail from 17 states, have incredible stories and now have the opportunity to break barriers and discover what’s within them is stronger than what’s in their way.”

The veterans face life altering disabilities ranging from emotional and physical trauma to chronic pain and amputated limbs. Some experience combat flashbacks and survivor’s guilt, while others continue to struggle with readjusting to civilian life.

Veterans were chosen based on attitude and their physical and mental ability to successfully participate.

Lowery, an Alabama native, resides in Calera with his wife and three children.

To learn more about Lowery, as well as the other 25 veterans selected to participate in the 2016 Warriors to Summits Expedition Series, visit Warriorstosummits.org.