COD Presents Advanced Screening of ‘High Ground’ With Alum Steve Baskis Oct. 30

Veteran Services at College of DuPage will present a special pre-theatrical release screening of the film “High Ground” on Tuesday, Oct. 30, in the Homeland Security Education Center, Room 1022, on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd.

Former College of DuPage student Steve Baskis, one of the veterans featured in the documentary, is expected to attend the screening.

Directed by three-time Emmy award-winner Michael Brown, “High Ground” chronicles the journey of 11 wounded Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans and one Gold Star mother who climb Mt. Labouche in the Himalayas. Led by Eric Weihenmayer, the only blind person ever to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, the four women and eight men represent all branches of the military, and their injuries include limb amputations, loss of sight and traumatic brain injuries.

Baskis is one of the veterans featured in the film. Surviving an explosion that left him blind, shrapnel-scarred, and with nerve damage in his left arm, the Glen Ellyn native joined 10 other veterans on this three-week journey that began with training in Colorado and concluded with the climb up the 20,000-foot tall mountain. Baskis has continued to challenge himself physically and mentally with similar treks, including scaling the third highest volcano in Mexico, competing in a half Ironman triathlon and summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa.

“I believe that a person will demonstrate their greatest courage after they have asked themselves thousands of questions about who they are and what they are capable of,” Baskis said during a previous interview about the film. “I also believe that a tremendous amount of adversity can push an individual to do great and courageous things.”

Since leaving the Middle East, Baskis has raised awareness for veterans and disability in a variety of ways, including appearances at veterans events at the College. In the future, Baskis hopes to start an organization that allows disabled individuals a chance to enjoy something they used to do or want to do.

“College of DuPage is so fortunate to have had Steve as a student and for the opportunity to hear from him at several of our Veterans events,” said Shelly Mencacci, coordinator of Veterans Services at COD.

The journey of the veterans, known as “Soldiers to the Summit,” was organized by the athletic organization World T.E.A.M. Sports to provide evidence that people with disabilities can overcome any challenge. Click here for more information about “High Ground.”

To learn more about Veterans Services at College of DuPage, call (630) 942-3814 or visit www.cod.edu/admission/veterans.