Pfc. Matthew Mullen and Staff Sgt. David Esquivel, with the 2nd Engineer Battalion at White Sands Missile Range, train for the upcoming Bataan Memorial Death March scheduled for March 22. The 2nd Engineer Battalion is moving out of WSMR later this year.
Pfc. Matthew Mullen
Age: 20
Hometown: Kingston Tennessee
MOS: 12B -- Combat Engineer
Time in Service: 2 years
Bataan Category: Civilian Light
Unit: 573rd Clearance Company 2nd Engineer Battalion
Why did you join the Army?
I played golf in high school and missed a scholarship by three strokes. My father was in the Army and it made me want to serve. I love it so far.
Why do Bataan?
This is my first time doing it. I almost feel obligated. People fly in from all over the world to do Bataan and I'm stationed here. It is right here around the corner. This is my last opportunity to do it because my unit is moving this summer. I would feel horrible if I didn't do it.
What do you know about the history of the Bataan Death March?
I know that veterans had to march a huge distance with no food or water and a lot of them died. We are only doing 26.2 miles so it's not much to ask for me to honor them. I've heard survivors will be here, so that will give me the extra push.
What is your training plan?
It's a mixture of running and rucking. We run 10 miles every Monday and we ruck between 6 and 20 miles Wednesdays and Fridays. We started in mid January.
What have you had to overcome during training?
I'm recovering from ankle surgery. I was just cleared to start training, so it's now or never. It was an adjustment at first, but now I'm getting used to the runs and marches.
What does your training diet consist of?
I eat lots of spaghetti and lasagna. I will carb load before the event. I usually drink a sports drink or water so it's not hard staying hydrated for the event. I will eat spaghetti before and after Bataan and an MRE during the march.
What do you do to prepare mentally?
The training and build up will get me from mile one to the end, but music will keep me going. Katy Perry, 3 Doors Down, Swedish House Mafia, and some more Katy Perry. If I get to the point where I want to quit, I will look at the person next to me and think if they can do it then I can do it.
What advice is everyone giving you since it's your first time?
Tape your feet, wear protective socks, drink water before during and after, and stretch. Don't take anything for granted and grab food and water at the food points.
Do you have a set finish time?
Less than 6 hours.
What will you wear?
Shades, short sleeve shirt, assault pack with some weight, shorts, and boots. I will have fruit bars, water and sports drinks too. I will also tape up my feet before just in case and have extra socks.
How will you recover?
I will hibernate and eat spaghetti.
Staff Sgt. David Esquivel
Age: 37
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
MOS: 12B -- Combat Engineer
Time in Service: 6 ? yrs
Category: Bataan Military Heavy
Unit: 573rd Clearance Company 2nd Engineer Battalion
Why do Bataan?
Bragging rights. I've done it twice before and our unit is leaving soon so I wanted to do it one more time. And it commemorates the Soldiers that actually went through it, so the least I could do is a little over 26.
Why is this time different for you?
My 13 year-old-son Andrew is doing it with me. He just asked me one day if he could do it and I started training him up for it. My wife is on board, so my family is fully supportive.
Why does Andrew want to do it?
I have no clue, he has no personal reason to do it. I think it's because I've done it twice before and he sees it as 'if my old man can do it', so he wants to give it a shot. I'm proud of him that at such a young age he wants to do something like this.
What does your training consist of?
We have been training since January. We started off light and we've been slowly building up. It involves a mixture of running and rucking. I feel like it's my job to ensure our training is consistent, since out of our group I'm the only one who has done it before.
How are you preparing mentally?
Well the first time I had to see where I was going. Or I could see it and set a goal to get to the next point. Each time I've done it, it has gotten easier. This year it's about ensuring me and my son finish together. I'll call out cadence, talk to my son and he will have music going too.
What advice do you give to Pfc. Mullen and your son Andrew?
Be prepared mentally and physically. Go into it knowing you will finish and think of those who actually went through it. As with everything in the Army preparation is key.
What are you wearing?
I will be wearing ACU's slick with no name tape or patches. Boonie cap, shades, and my ruck. Of course I will wear boots and duct taping my feet has worked pretty well, so I will do that again.
What advice would you give to someone about taking care of their feet?
Well, I've duct taped my feet before, I wear extra socks and carry extra socks with me. Staying hydrated and taking care of your feet are the most important during and after the event. Either one of those could cause you not to finish. I soak my feet in Epsom salt and warm water after.
What does your diet consist of?
Lots and lots of water and carb load. During the event I will stop by the water and food points and eat what they give us. I'll also drink hydration salt packs during the event.
How will you recover?
I will relax, soak my feet and ensure my son is good to go.
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