ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 12, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA), one of the nation's largest sport organizations for people with disabilities, announced its Team Warfighter Sports' climb of Aconcagua in Argentina, the world's highest mountain outside of Asia at 22,837 feet.

The expedition is set to begin January 17 and conclude by February 4. Team Warfighter Sports will test their limits, stamina, and endurance while raising awareness of the abilities of our nation's wounded warriors.

The team includes four wounded warriors from three wars and two generations: retired Marine Lance Corporal Colton Carlson, 24, a double-leg amputee injured in Afghanistan in 2012; Marine Captain David Borden, 31, who, after losing his leg above the knee to a suicide bomb in Iraq in 2008, is returning from a 2014 combat tour in Afghanistan; retired Marine Gunny Sergeant Chris Buckminster, 28, who suffers a serious Traumatic Brain Injury from an explosion during his tour in Afghanistan in 2010, and retired Army Sergeant Kirk Bauer, JD, 66, an above-knee amputee injured in Vietnam and the Executive Director of Disabled Sports USA for the past 32 years.

"I'm so thankful to all of the Team Warfighter Sports Aconcagua Challenge sponsors for making a climb like this possible," Retired Marine Lance Corporal Colton Carlson said. "Having a challenge like summiting Aconcagua has driven me to transition seamlessly from physical rehabilitation to strenuous physical strength and conditioning training. The motivation behind this kind of activity for a guy with one knee comes from a higher goal, that's what Aconcagua has given me."

The expedition to climb one of the world's "Seven Summits" exemplifies the challenges wounded warriors, their families, and others with disabilities face going through hospitalization and rehabilitation after a severe injury. Aconcagua is considered among the world's most dangerous mountain climbs due to the severe weather and terrain.  "Many disabled veterans are seeking out opportunities to test their limits, as they did when they served in the military," retired Army Sergeant Kirk Bauer said. "This climb allows these wounded warriors to challenge themselves while inspiring others to become active and reach their goals and dreams." In 2010, Bauer led a successful all-amputee wounded warrior team up Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The Aconcagua climb benefits Warfighter Sports, a program of Disabled Sports USA, an organization that has served severely wounded warriors since 1967. Warfighter Sports offers free sports rehabilitation for severely wounded warriors in military hospitals and communities across the U.S. Over 8,200 wounded warriors and families have been served since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began. Warfighter Sports rebuilds lives through sports by improving self-confidence, promoting independence, and uniting families through shared healthy activities. The Aconcagua expedition will be guided by Mountain Professionals.

American International Group (AIG), Willis, and Semper Fi Fund have generously supported the wounded warriors on this climb.  Follow Team Warfighter Sports' progress, view photos, and support the team at: http://www.disabledsportsusa.org/aconcagua/

About Warfighter Sports

Warfighter Sports, a program of Disabled Sports USA, offers sports rehabilitation for severely wounded warriors in military hospitals and communities across the U.S. through a nationwide network of over 100 community-based chapters. Since 1967, Disabled Sports USA has proudly served wounded warriors, including those injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, offering over 30 winter and summer sports at more than 100 events each year. Warfighter Sports rebuilds lives through sports by improving self-confidence, promoting independence and uniting families through shared healthy activities.  Contributions cover all expenses for participation, including individualized adaptive instruction, adaptive sports equipment, transportation, lodging and meals for the warrior and a family member. Since 2003, more than 8,200 of the most severely wounded and their families have been served, including those with amputations, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, visual impairments, and significant nerve and muscle damage. For more information, visit www.warfightersports.org.

About AIG

American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading international insurance organization serving customers in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional, and individual customers through one of the most extensive worldwide property-casualty networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of life insurance and retirement services in the United States. AIG common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

About Willis

Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker. With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 18,000 employees in over 400 offices. Willis offers its clients superior expertise, teamwork, innovation and market-leading products and professional services in risk management and transfer. Our experts rank among the world's leading authorities on analytics, modelling and mitigation strategies at the intersection of global commerce and extreme events. Find more information at our website, www.willis.com, our leadership journal, Resilience, or our up-to-the-minute blog on breaking news, WillisWire. Across geographies, industries and specialisms, Willis provides its local and multinational clients with resilience for a risky world.

About Semper Fi Fund

Semper Fi Fund, and its program America's Fund, are set up to provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, directing urgently needed resources to post 9/11 service members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserves. Semper Fi Fund has supported injured, ill and wounded service members since 2004, offering assistance to lessen the burden for those who need it most. The Semper Fi Fund's streamlined structure keeps overhead very low, 6%; they are also one of three veteran charities to receive an "A+" rating from The American Institute of Philanthropy, and a "Four Star" rating from Charity Navigator.   The Semper Fi Fund has given more than $98 million to over 12,800 service members and their families. 

CONTACT: Dave Simonson
         301-217-9837
         dsimonson@dsusa.org