reporter: he s anything but average which is evident when you see the high bar he sets for himself and others. people think they can t and look at me and they go if he can do it, i can do it, it pushes you. it doesn t let you sit there, feel sorry for yourself to get you up. reporter: up is the place former marine captain maria betancourt wanted to be, specifically flying a helicopter, brain inflammation and paralysis left her grounded until now. the one thing i couldn t do is rock climbing because i lost so much function in my leg, i can t move my legs. i told the program directors i want to try it, but it s not going to happen. look how high you are. reporter: yet her trek to the top was a personal best. ample reminder that warriors have been sa sacrificing for