Boise Marine Making Second Attempt on Mount Everest

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A former U.S. Marine from Boise who lost his right leg and several fingers in an explosion in Afghanistan is making a second attempt to scale Mount Everest to inspire others like him.

A year ago an avalanche that killed 16 Sherpa guides stopped Charlie Linville at the base camp. The 29-year-old Linville is using a specially designed metal foot outfitted with a climbing boot and another one with crampons in his quest to conquer the 29,035-foot summit next month.

Linville said Friday, "My message is anything is possible." Linville was an explosives expert serving in Afghanistan in 2011 when was hit by an explosive device and seriously wounded. Two years later, had his right leg amputated below the knee. He retired from service and has been climbing since with The Heroes Project, a nonprofit that helps wounded veterans.