Easyrider

Did a search using the appropriate keywords...nothing came back. I am a very active hiker but a rank amateur when it comes to rock and mountain climbing. I'd like to find someone around my age, either gender, who lives in my area and who has the time/interest/funds to dedicate towards building our climbing skills starting at ground zero (no pun intended). I was thinking about taking a training class, practicing at the gym and then going on increasingly more difficult hikes/climbs. I'd like to be able to do Mount Hood by this time next year... need to start somewhere. I am ex-Military and am looking for someone who is dependable and trustworthy since to a great degree, we would be trusting each other with our lives. Thanks in advance!