Back from Mount Everest

Jon Keiper

Jon Keiper is back from Mount Everest.

An employee at the Emporium plant of GKN Sinter Metals, Keiper was part of "Mission Everest," the GKN-sponsored charity event centered on two adventurers' plan to fly over the world's highest mountain via powered paraglider.

At last week's Emporium Rotary meeting, Keiper detailed his travels to Kathmandu and Nepal, as well as his trek through the Himalayas to work at the flyers' base camp. He announced that a program about the adventure will air on the Discovery Channel in the coming months.

Mission Everest pitted two aviators against the forces of nature. They took off from the base camp at Syangboche, some 20 miles south of the mountain in eastern Nepal.

Once airborne, they flew over glaciers toward Mount Everest before turning into the wind to circle in an effort to ascend to 33,000 feet.

The mission was spearheaded by Bear Grylls, a renowned explorer. Flying alongside was Giles Cardozo, who has developed revolutionary flying machines capable of operating at high altitudes.

They were supported by a 20-member team at base camp team that included engineers, meteorologists and medical experts.

What happened all those miles up in the sky is, at this point, a matter of dispute that may never be resolved (see accompanying story).

What's easier to document is the way GKN and its employees have seized upon Mission Everest in support of community service activities.

The company is working with the Global Angels Foundation to help the children of Africa by building new dormitories, providing fresh water, food and clothing, and providing children with education. GKN matches every contribution its employees make. The company also donates to Global Angels based on employee volunteer hours.

GKN Emporium employees have been volunteering their time to help with painting, construction projects and other work at the Grove Home, local playgrounds, the Cameron County Fairgrounds, and in downtown Emporium.

Each GKN location worldwide nominated two employees to participate in the trip to Mt. Everest. Nominations were submitted for final review of employee excellence.

Keiper, who lives with his family in St. Marys, and former Elk County resident Jim Gulnac, from GKN Conover, N.C., were among 3 employees who were selected to make the voyage.