OGDEN, Utah (WIAT/CNN) — It takes a special kind of brotherhood to carry 135 pounds of weight on your shoulders up 14.3 miles of steep terrain.

John Nelson, a Marine Corps veteran, said “A few days ago I drove by [the mountain] and said ‘You know what? I think I’m going to take John to the top of that, by myself.’”

Jonathon Blank, a Marine Corps veteran also, “We shared a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we were and it was all worth it.”

Jonathon Blank and John Nelson served in the special operations unit of the marine corp together in Afghanistan.

Ten years ago, Nelson had stepped away from where Blank was standing when an explosive device went off. Blank lost both of his legs.

Still friends, the duo continue to hike together. Nelson, wanting to show his camaraderie with Blank, decided to share a hike on Mount Timpanogos (that boasts an elevation of 11,752 feet).

Nelson said, “I thought this would be something epic for him to experience, to actually get to the saddle.”

The hike was an emotional trip for Blank, but also for fellow hikers who passed by.



Phil Casper a passerby hiker said, “If that’s what they’re doing for recreation, imagine those guys on the battlefield.”

Nate Larid, another hiker, said, “When you see that, you see that determination for them to do what they do, you want to do that for your friends and family.”

The act serves as an inspiration Blank hopes to spark in anyone who thinks they can’t accomplish something.

Blank said, “Not only have I lived through this, but we’re also special operations guys we can do anything, we can maybe instill that mindset into other people.”

According to news outlets, the next hike John and Jonathan are planning is for Veterans Day and they’re hiking Mt. Whitney.