AN INSPIRATIONAL CLIMB
Sam’s Furniture is a committed supporter of our service members and aims to raise funds for Sheep Dog Impact Assistance while inspiring others to overcome obstacles and rise to any challenge they are facing. The Kilimanjaro Climb for a Cause was created to inspire individuals to face challenges and overcome them head-on. Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is a national non-profit organization founded and headquartered in Rogers, Arkansas. SDIA exists to engage, assist, and empower our nation’s “Sheep Dogs” (military veterans, law enforcement, fire & rescue, and EMS personnel) to reengage in living a meaningful and productive life with a renewed sense of purpose. Climbing to the summit of Kilimanjaro is mentally and physically challenging but can be life-giving and a revolutionary experience for these men and women.
Brought to you by:
Benefiting:
Sam’s Furniture has a huge heart for giving back to the community, and to the men and women that serve our communities and country. We appreciate the key support Sam’s Furniture provides Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, and know they truly understand our mission to help combat veterans and first responders in need get off the couch and reengage in living an active, meaningful and productive life. We are honored by the opportunity to partner with them again and are thankful for their support in assisting our nation’s heroes.
– Sheep Dog Impact Assistance
OUR WHY
Over the last couple of years that Joe and Larra have been involved with Sheepdog, they’ve seen men and women overcoming huge obstacles with what civilians would call “disadvantages”. Veterans are running marathons with two prosthetic legs, they are doing spartan races and triathlons with prosthetic legs and one arm. It has been a dream of Joe’s and an inspiration of Larra’s to do this climb and to do it alongside veterans brings their vision full circle. The couple would like to encourage everyone, regardless of their challenge, to take one step forward to overcoming it. We’ll see you at the peak!
MEET THE 2026 CLIMBERS
Reaching 19,342 ft in elevation, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, comprised of three dormant volcanic cones, and is classified as an extreme altitude mountain trek. The overall success rate for reaching the top of Kilimanjaro is 60%. The group will climb the Lemosho Route. This route is 8 days and 7 nights plus there are 5 nights Moshi (pre and post nights) The Lemosho Route is one of the newer routes on Mt. Kilimanjaro. It starts on the mountain’s western side, just beneath the Shira Route. Although it is one of the longer routes, it is also one of the most scenic and highly recommended for good acclimatization and reaching the summit.
Colonel (Ret) Denise Beaumont
Searcy Arkansas
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Colonel (Ret) Denise Beaumont, was born and raised in Searcy, AR. Denise took advantage of opportunities afforded her through academic and extracurricular activities. Science and math were her favorite subjects, and played a huge role in her chosen career as a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist). Soccer, swimming, basketball, and softball teams taught her the concept of being a good leader and a good follower. Sometimes, the lessons were hard, but she credits that with learning how to be a good winner and a good loser and always a good teammate.
After graduation from Searcy High School, Denise was awarded a four-year Reserve Officer Training Corp scholarship to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. This was the start of a 27 year Army career that led to opportunities to live and work in numerous states and countries. Her time in service included deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Africa. She truly values the experiences she had and lifelong friends she made along her journey.
Denise has been affiliated with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance since 2021 and is currently a Warrior PATHH Guide helping others find their path to posttraumatic growth and mental well-being.
In her spare time, Denise likes to hunt, fish, spend time outdoors with her family witnessing God’s beauty, read, and work puzzles. She and her husband are enthusiastic Razorback fans, but her favorite time is spent with her grandson, Myles. She is honored to have the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with other Veterans and First Responders. She readily accepts the challenge and the opportunity to share her personal experience with others to raise awareness for other Veterans and First Responders suffering with posttraumatic stress.
Denise is happily married to her husband Steven of 32 years and she has 2 adult sons.
Jack ‘Everette’ Reid
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
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My name is Everette Reid and I live in western North Carolina. I have been married to my beautiful wife Carla, for almost 18 years and we have a wonderful 15 year old daughter, Allie and two great dogs and a cat. I began serving in law enforcement in 1999 with the Morganton Department of Public Safety, and joined the NC Highway Patrol in 2000. I currently serve as the First Sergeant in my district supervising 22 wonderful Troopers.
In January 2022, I met Josh Smartt who introduced me to Sheepdog Impact Assistance. Since then I have had the great privilege to be part of their training, teachings and adventures. I enjoy being outdoors, and I’m honored to have the privilege to climb with this great group. I look forward to the challenge and sharing my experiences with other first responders.
Gatlin Smartt
Hendersonville, North Carolina
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Gatlin Smartt was born September 9th, in 1994. Shortly after graduating from high school, he made the journey to Paris Iland to start his Marine Corps career. During that time he was introduced to his wife by his bunk mate and began writing each other. The first time they met was on graduation day.
His first duty station was Marine Barracks 8th and I, doing various ceremonies for the Marine Corps, President of the United States and foreign dignitaries. The next stop for Gatlin was 2nd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment in Jacksonville NC. During this time he would deploy on the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. After returning he would get orders to go to Quantico Virginia to assume range control responsibilities.
A few years after completing his time in the Marines, Gatlin and his wife would start their family. Their first was a daughter followed up four years later by a little boy. They have settled down in Hendersonville NC with their three dogs and two cats.
Gatlin enjoys outdoor activities, art and the passion of training dogs. He recently graduated from a K9 school where he trained his detection dog, Mattis, for narcotics. Mattis has become his hiking buddy to train for this outdoor adventure. Gatlin is excited and honored to be a part of this outdoor adventure and is looking forward to this life changing experience.
Jeremy LePage
Northwest arkansas
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After serving 21 years in the US Army Special Forces across several different continents in both combat and humanitarian roles, Retired Sergeant First Class Jeremy LePage now dedicates all his time to his family. Throughout his younger years he moved around the United States and never really had a place to call home. Now retired home is in Northwest Arkansas with his wife of 29 years Christina. Christina supported his career and now the favor is to support her career with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. A proud father of 3 sons, the homestead he maintains gives them a place to enjoy when they settle down. He enjoys helping others volunteering with activities with the American Legion and SDIA. He loves the outdoors hiking, hunting, shooting, and doing yard work. Having been deployed to the eastern horn of Africa multiple times doing Mount Kilimanjaro is unfinished business and it is with great gratitude to be asked to represent Sheep Dog in the climb.
Jodee Vick
Decatur, Alabam
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Jodee Vick lives in Decatur, Alabama located near the Tennessee River. He is 51 years old and blessed to be happily married to his wife, Liz, for 28 years. Together they have three girls between the ages of 22 and 15.
Jodee is a current member of the Army National Guard with 21 years of service. As a member of the Guard, he has completed two deployments in Afghanistan and served 13 months on the Southwest Border. In his civilian career, he works as an electric engineer for the city of Decatur.
Jodee enjoys taking advantage of life near water and spends a great deal of time wakeboarding, fishing, and sailing. Over the years, he has taken part in multiple Sheep Dog events including Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina and Spartan races. He is honored to be given the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with other Sheep Dogs and looks forward to the personal growth and challenges the climb will present.
Kevin Smith
Western North Carolina
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Kevin L. Smith is from Western North Carolina. He has been married to his wife, Brittany, for 16 years. Together they have three daughters.
Kevin has been with the North Carolina Highway Patrol since 2015. Kevin has always put the needs of others above his own. Before joining the North Carolina Highway Patrol he was a member of a local fire department.
In January 2022, Kevin became acquainted with Sheepdog and quickly gained profound respect for the assistance they provide to veterans and first responders. In the short time Kevin has been involved with SDIA he has been able to complete Warrior PATHH in June 2023. One of his goals through climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is to share his experience and raise awareness about Sheepdog among other first responders and veterans in need of support.
Tonya Oxendine
St. Augustine, florida
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If you had told the little girl growing up in an old blue wooden house on a dirt road in St. Augustine, FL that one day she’d jump out of airplanes, lead soldiers in combat, and at 60 years old decide to climb the highest mountain in Africa, she would’ve smiled and said, “That sounds about right.”
I’ve never been afraid of a little sweat.
The Army became my proving ground. For nearly 30 years, I learned that leadership is a people’s business. It’s not about position, it’s about responsibility. It’s about showing up when it’s hard and holding steady when others need you to be.
I served in the 82nd Airborne Division, jumping from aircraft at 800 to 13,000 feet. I trained soldiers as a Drill Sergeant. I led troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, carried weight, some visible, and some not.
When I retired as a Command Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted leadership level in my field, I didn’t retire from challenge. I just redirected it. I powerlift. I compete. I train.
And now, I climb.
Travis Bickings
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
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Born and raised in the small, tight-knit community of Oran in Southeast Missouri, Travis Bickings developed a deep respect for hard work, service, and community from an early age. The values instilled during his upbringing would become the foundation of a life defined by leadership, commitment, and dedication to others.
In October 1997, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, beginning a distinguished career that spanned over 20 years until his retirement in February 2018, obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant. Throughout his service, he was deployed in support of major operations and humanitarian missions, including Hurricane Katrina relief along the Gulf Coast, combat deployments to Iraq in 2004 and again from 2009–2010, and assignments in Ukraine and the Republic of Korea. He earned numerous decorations and commendations in recognition of his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to mission success.
Over the course of his military career, he was trained and certified in multiple tactical and combat disciplines, demonstrating a high level of proficiency across diverse operational environments. He trained alongside all branches of the United States Armed Forces and worked in cooperation with more than a dozen multinational militaries, strengthening joint and allied partnerships while contributing to global security initiatives. His career reflected both operational excellence and a dedication to mentoring and developing fellow service members.
While serving his country, he also pursued higher education, graduating in 2001 from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in Architectural Design. His academic achievement underscored his commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.
Beyond military service, he has remained deeply involved in civic and veterans’ organizations. A Life Member of the Missouri Jaycees (JCI), he has held numerous leadership roles at both the local and state levels. In 2016, he received the organization’s highest honor, Senator, recognizing exceptional service and impact. The following year, he served as Missouri State President in 2017, leading initiatives to empower young leaders and strengthen communities throughout the state.
He is also a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5368, where he continues to support fellow veterans and advocate for those who have served. He is an active member of the American Homebrewers Association and participates in his local club, Hop Heads of Southeast Missouri, embracing the craftsmanship and camaraderie found in homebrewing.
Professionally, he now serves as a Survey Services Manager for Verisk Analytics, where he applies his leadership experience, analytical expertise, and design background to guide teams and deliver strategic results.
At the heart of his life is his family. He has been married for more than 20 years to his wife, Kari Bickings, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters, Jocelyn and Willow. Outside of work and service, he enjoys waterfowl hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, woodworking, homemade beer and wine making, and amateur songwriting—pursuits that reflect both his love of the outdoors and his creative spirit.
From a small-town upbringing in Oran to a decorated military career and continued civic leadership, his life stands as a testament to service, integrity, and enduring commitment to family and community.
Vance Morris
Little rock, arkansas
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Vance Morris is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, with 18 years of distinguished service in the United States Army. Beginning his career as an E2 at Fort Lewis, Washington, he now serves as a Captain within the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program at the Professional Education Center.
His combat experience includes deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served as a Squad Designated Marksman (SDM) and Sniper Team Leader. Throughout his tenure, he has held several key leadership positions, including Instructor, Engineer Platoon Leader, Aide-de-Camp for the Land Component Commander, and Engineer Company Commander.
Vance has volunteered with Sheep Dog since 2015. He recently graduated from the life-changing Warrior PATHH program and is honored to be an alumnus. He looks forward to further volunteer opportunities to support struggling first responders.
Outside of his military service, Vance is an avid outdoorsman who has summited Mount Rainier and ten of Colorado’s 14ers. He considers his most significant achievement to be his role as a husband to his wife, Molly, and a father to his four children: Finley, Oak, Avonlea, and Witt.
Bert Jimenez
San antonio, Texas
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Albert, “Bert”, Jimenez was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He joined the US Marines in his senior year of high school and left for boot camp shortly after graduation. He joined the 1st Battalion 1st Marines and deployed on two combat deployments to Iraq. Bert was enlisted from 2005 to 2009, before moving back to Texas.
After the Marines, Bert suffered from PTSD symptoms and struggled with addiction. After several years, an accident happened that would keep Bert on the road to sobriety. A tree limb fell and crushed Bert, causing severe internal injuries and leaving him with nerve damage in his left leg. After being in the hospital for about a month and learning to walk again, he took a new grasp on life.
Bert has been a member of SDAI since 2018 and was recently the team lead for the San Antonio team. The San Antonio team takes part in the Carry the Load Rally points coming through San Antonio. Partner with Walmart Serves teams to host events feeding first responders and talking about mental health. The team would organize get-off-the-couch events like Spartan races, local 5ks, Wreaths across America, and the San Antonio 110 9/11 memorial climb.
Bert has a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Texas San Antonio in the Counseling Education and Supervision Program. His dissertation will be research on the effect of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in first responders and their lived experiences. He is a licensed counselor working with first responders in the San Antonio and surrounding areas. He plans to further his research into PTG after graduation.
When he is not in school or seeing clients, Bert runs marathons and ultra marathons. Using running as a tool to advocate for mental health needs for veterans and first responders. Running everything from a 5k to attempting a 125-mile race in the mountains of Sedona this May. He invites members of the population to get on the trails with him and talk about mental health concerns, outside of four walls. Bert enjoys challenging his mind and body, reminding himself of the PTG he has made over the last almost 11 years of sobriety.
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