Former Staff Sgt . Charlie Linville , 29 , from Boise , Idaho , was an explosives expert serving in Afghanistan in 2011 when he was seriously wounded . Two years later , he had his right leg amputated below the knee . He retired from service and has been climbing since with The Heroes Project , a nonprofit organization that helps wounded veterans . His quest to climb Mount Everest last year was thwarted following the deaths of 16 Sherpa guides in April when an avalanche swept down .
Former Staff Sgt . Charlie Linville , 29 , from Boise , Idaho , was an explosives expert serving in Afghanistan in 2011 when he was seriously wounded . Two years later , he had his right leg amputated below the knee . He retired from service and has been climbing since with The Heroes Project , a nonprofit organization that helps wounded veterans . His quest to climb Everest last year was thwarted following the deaths of 16 Sherpa guides in April when an avalanche swept down .