Missouri Guard leadership rappel for Special Olympics Missouri

Command Sgt. Maj. James Schulte repels from the Jefferson State Building during Over the Edge, a Special Olympics fund raiser. (Photo by Spc. Adam Winters/Missouri National Guard)

By Sgt. Sarah E. Lupescu
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Col. Wendul Hagler, the chief of staff of the Missouri National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. James Schulte, the state command sergeant major of the Missouri National Guard, went 'Over the Edge' for Special Olympics Missouri at the Jefferson State Office Building on Saturday.

"Col. Hagler first volunteered to participate in this event so I talked to the sergeant major about participating with him as a battle buddy," Sgt. Karmen Walling, the command staff senior enlisted adviser, said.

Hagler and Schulte were two of 90 participants who rappelled off the 13 story building. They were required to raise $1,000 each in donations for the opportunity to rappel.

Hagler and Schulte solicited support from each department within the Guard - with the department raising the most money choosing their Halloween costume. They reached their goal of raising $2,000 for Special Olympics Missouri and the Training Evaluation Battalion out of Ft. Leonard Wood raised the most with more than $1,000. Hagler was dressed as Jedi Master and Schulte accompanied him as the Lone Ranger.

"This is a great event for some very impressive people," Schulte said. "Anytime we're involved in events like this it helps to increase the public's awareness to worthwhile causes."

After rappelling down the Jefferson Building, Schulte explained what the atmosphere was like at the event.

"It's upbeat," said Schulte. "These people are very dedicated to raising funds for a great cause and they're handling it in a professional manner, but having a good time at the same time."

For Hagler, rappelling had somewhat of a familiar feeling to it.

"It was like walking down a sidewalk backwards," Hagler said. "It was a fun thing to do."

Proceeds support year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than 15,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics Missouri.

The Missouri Guard's participation in Over the Edge is a continuation of other things the Guard already participates in.

"We're involved in Camp Guardian and other programs that impact people of all walks of life," Schulte said.

The Missouri Army and Air National Guard is an official sponsor of Special Olympics. Started just three years ago, Over the Edge has become one of Special Olympics most successful fund-raising events.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites: www.facebook.com/Missouri.National.Guard; www.twitter.com/Missouri_NG; www.youtube.com/MoNationalGuard; www.myspace.com/missouri_ng; www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard; www.moguard.com/blog

For more information about Special Olympics, visit www.somo.org.