PROJECT SEVEN FOR SOLDIERS

Project Seven for Soldiers was the foundation’s inaugural event during which Matt Dawson (“Dawson”) set eight world records from May 2021 to May 2022. Dawson successfully completed 10 of 10 expeditions undertaken on all seven continents; the speed and success rate of his expeditions is something previously unseen. Activities included summitting the highest mountain peak on each continent; skiing to the South Pole; trekking solo and unsupported across the Mojave Desert and Death Valley; and rowing the Atlantic Ocean. Two additional expeditions, skiing to the North Pole and circumnavigating the globe in an airplane, were postponed due to war in Europe.

In May 2024, Dawson set his ninth world record (recognized as a Guinness World Record) for the fastest ever crossing of the Mojave Desert on foot. This 329 mile crossing was completed solo and unsupported.

100% of net proceeds from the project benefitted the Gary Sinise Foundation and Hope For The Warriors.

SFS Roadmap

Mojave Crossing: Based on available records, Dawson is believed to be first person to complete a solo, unsupported trek across the Mojave Desert and Death Valley.

SFS Global Tracker

Records will Include:

Records will Include:

Explorers Grand Slam

The Explorers Grand Slam (“EGS”) consists of climbing the Seven Summits (the highest peak on each of the seven continents) and skiing to the North Pole and South Pole. The EGS can be completed in two ways: true and last degree. Dawson’s Peak will include the last degree EGS. Additionally, both the Messner and Bass Seven Summit lists will be attempted.

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Mojave Desert/Death Valley Trek

The Mojave Desert is a xeric desert in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the Southwestern United States. Death Valley is a valley in the northern Mojave and the hottest place on earth with a recorded temperature of 134°F. Route will traverse the Amargosa, Panamint and Argus mountain ranges.

Type: Solo, unsupported trek
Route: Northeast (Beatty, NV) to Southwest (Victorville, CA)
Distance: Approx. 220 miles
Beginning cart/pack weight: Approx. 200lbs

Atlantic Rowboat Crossing

Route: Departure (Canary Islands) – Arrival (Guadeloupe)

Distance: Approx. 2,685 nm (approx. 3,100 sm)
Partner: Captain Patrick Favre

Global Circumnavigation Flight

Route: Final route is under evaluation but will likely include eastward departure from Los Angeles, CA and include northern Atlantic and northern Pacific crossings
Distance: Approx. 20,000 nm – 22,000 nm (approx. 24,000 sm)
Estimated time en route: Approx. 35 days
Aircraft: Likely single engine Cirrus, Piper or Cessna (currently under evaluation)

Training and Injury Recovery / Management

In preparation for project Seven for Soldiers, Dawson trained on five continents; climbed three of the Seven Summits; climbed various peaks in the France, Swiss, and Italian Alps (including the Matterhorn); and focused on both IFR and Multi-Engine flight training. When not traveling, he split time between his home in Los Angeles, CA and Lone Pine, CA (Sierra Nevada and Inyo mountains).

In his late teens, Dawson experienced crippling compartmental syndrome in both lower legs that prevented him from ascending even a single flight of stairs and eventually required surgical repair. An intensive daily stretch and strengthening regime is utilized to manage complications that still exist pertaining to the compartmental issues.

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