Special Operations Climbers Coalition - An Introduction

I am writing to introduce you to the Special Operations Climbers Coalition (SOCC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to a mission that changes lives: training, mentoring, and providing financial assistance to the next generation of veteran mountain guides. 

Founded by four Air Force, Army, and Navy special operations veterans with collectively over 75 years of military service and 40 combat deployments, SOCC is built on a profound understanding of the challenges veterans face as they transition from military to civilian life. We know firsthand the struggles and sacrifices that come with service and the healing power of the mountains.

For many veterans—especially those from the high-intensity world of special operations—returning to civilian life can feel like losing a sense of identity and purpose. Years spent in the crucible of war leave many searching for something that offers the same presence, peace, and purpose they experienced in the field. Many of us have found that purpose in pursuing careers as professional mountain guides.

At SOCC, we empower veterans to channel the skills they honed during their military service into meaningful careers as professional mountain guides. Through world-class training, mentorship, and scholarships for American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) certifications, we provide them with the tools to build a new life grounded in service, leadership, and community values.

Why this matters

The mountains are not just a place of recreation—they are a place of healing. The discipline, mental toughness, and decision-making skills required in alpinism mirror the qualities veterans developed during their time in uniform. Guiding offers veterans personal fulfillment and a new way to serve others by sharing their expertise and passion for the outdoors.

However, becoming a certified mountain guide is financially and logistically challenging, and veterans have minimal resources available. That’s where SOCC comes in. We remove these barriers by providing financial assistance, mentorship, and the resources veterans need to thrive in this challenging field.

How you can help

Our work would not be possible without the generosity of donors like you. Your support allows us to:

• Fund scholarships for AMGA certifications

• Offer mentorship programs led by world-class mountain professionals

• Provide access to the tools and resources veterans need to succeed in this career path

Donor Recognition

We recognize that choosing a nonprofit can be challenging. 100% of our donations go towards our programs and scholarships. Furthermore:

• Donations start at just $25.
• Donors over $5000 are eligible for two days of free guided rock climbing, ice climbing, or backcountry skiing with SOCC guides for up to four people.
  
• We're seeking industry partners to increase your brand's reach across the outdoor and veteran spaces.
  
• We aim to develop meaningful relationships with our donors, helping them reach their mountain and alpine objectives.
  

Your tax-deductible contributions are more than a donation—it’s an investment in the lives of men and women who have already given so much for our country. It’s a way to honor their service while helping them find a new mission worth pursuing.

We invite you to join us in this effort. Together, we can allow these extraordinary individuals to thrive, not just survive, in their post-service lives.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit us at so-cc.org/donate, on Instagram @specialoperationsclimbers.co, or contact me directly at sean@so-cc.org. On behalf of the SOCC team, thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference.

With gratitude and determination,

Sean Herlihy

CEO, Special Operations Climbers Coalition