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Student Spotlight: Mike Fairman

Mike is a history major, a combat veteran, and mountain climber.

He shared the following:

"I am retired and have had a pretty adventurous life, climbing, wars, raising a family! I have always been a student of history and have done personal research/studies for decades on various historical topics. I choose to get my degree in History to formalize those efforts. My main interest is in archeology and historicity of the Bible, comparing antiquity and scripture and examining civilizations, cultures, other religions that cross through. Two projects I have been working on are, warfare in the bible and the role/significance of music and entertainment throughout history."

"I'm a veteran that lives with PTSD and Bipolar. After a suicide attempt, I returned to climbing big mountains for therapy and recovery, but also to encourage other struggling veterans to reclaim their lives and take on any challenge that comes their way... especially reaching out for help. I climb to bring awareness and honor and remember the names on the flag I am holding [on the photo below], that represent the 8000 veterans we lose to suicide each year."

"My climb of Everest was pretty epic. I actually got stuck up in the "death zone" for 5 days. The one pic is a tribute to my brother, Christopher Fairman, who was a Prof and A. Dean at OSU Moritz that we lost earlier in the year (along with 2 other Chris' that were close friends of mine)."

 "I am a 're' abled veteran who has reclaimed his life. This flag bears the names of those we have known and lost to suicide. www.8000veterans.org #8000veterans #reabled #adventherapy #summitforsoldiers"

Mike holding tribute flag
Mike on Everest
Mike Fairman
Summit Ridge

Mike's comment on our post:

Thank You Department of History at Ohio State for sharing my story. I just wanted to add that I am just one of many veterans and families that have come together to support our mission. I may have walked up the big hill, but it was all of them that made it possible and together we can get the more important message out. "Historically" since the recorded history of warfare (or any traumatic event), there have been mental health injuries that were the consequence. Veterans may be the highest suicidal demographic, but students are the second highest. The one easy thing we all can do to encourage others to reach out for help earlier than later, is to clear a path by eliminating the stigma. And for those who have struggled... share your story and "show" them that they are not alone. I have PTSD, I am Bipolar, and I have attempted suicide... But, I have reached out for help and have reclaimed my life, and so can you! Thanks - Mike