By Steve Knaze, August 1997
After a year and a half of arduous planning, the 1st Climbers for Peace was a huge success in the Caucasus region of southern Russia. Better than anyone had ever expected, it seemed as if this was a very special time where the reality had been so much better than the actual dream. The final summit team put a total of 15 people on the summit of Mt. Elbrus, the highest mountain of continental Europe. Twelve Ukrainians and three Americans had the honor of being the first of the newly formed Climbers for Peace Federation to reach the summit. The American contingent consisted of Steve Knaze, Harrison Hood and Craig. A decision was made that the Ukrainian contingent would come to the USA the following year in an attempt on Mt. Shasta, Mt. Rainer and Mt. McKinley.