Blisters, boots, broken feet: TSC Soldiers take on 'Nijmegen 4 Daagse'

By Sgt. 1st Class Alexander BurnettJuly 28, 2015

Blisters, boots, broken feet: TSC Soldiers take on 'Nijmegen 4 Daagse'
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from the 212th Combat Support Hospital, 30th Medical Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command marching as a detachment in the 99th Four Days March, walk through a control point in Groesbeek July 23. Military and civilian participants walke... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Blisters, boots, broken feet: TSC Soldiers take on 'Nijmegen 4 Daagse'
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Hundreds of walkers from all over the world walk along a path during the 99th Annual Four Days March near Nederasselt, Netherlands, July 24. Military and civilian participants walked between 30 and 50 km each day through a different part of the Nethe... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Blisters, boots, broken feet: TSC Soldiers take on 'Nijmegen 4 Daagse'
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Walter Egan, an all-wheel mechanic assigned to the 361st Civil Affairs Brigade, 7th Civil Support Command, 21st Theater Sustainment Command and a native of Shiner, Texas, crosses a military-built bridge during the 99th Annual Four Days Mar... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Blisters, boots, broken feet: TSC Soldiers take on 'Nijmegen 4 Daagse'
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Army Soldier in civilian clothes carries the U.S. flag across the finish line during the 99th Annual Four Days March in Nijmegen, Netherlands, July 24. Military and civilian participants walked between 30 and 50 kilometers each day through a d... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Blisters, boots, broken feet: TSC Soldiers take on 'Nijmegen 4 Daagse'
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Dutch Cpl. Dennis Fijnvandraat, a medic assigned to the Dutch 471st Mobile Hospital Operations Group and a native of Tilburg, Netherlands, gets his wristband scanned by an event official after completing the 99th Annual Four Days March in Nijmegen, N... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - The annual Nijmegen "Vierdaagse" (four-day) march in the Netherlands is an event regional marching enthusiasts and service members among others look forward to all year. For some, it is a chance to prove their strength and resiliency. For others it is a chance to join thousands of other marchers in the world's largest walking event and earn a coveted ribbon. Regardless of the reason, each walker must complete his or her individual distance - and 30 to 50 km a day is no small feat.

Seventeen Soldiers from the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's 7th Civil Support Command, 30th Medical Brigade and 16th Sustainment Brigade participated in the march this year, the 99th annual running of the event July 21-24 in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

Soldiers had three choices of how to conduct their march: individual military, military detachment or civilian individual. Those marching as individual military or as part of a military detachment completed a 40-km route each day in uniform with a 22-pound rucksack. Those who chose the civilian option marched a 50-kilometer route without pack. Another choice, a 30-km option, was available to elderly participants and adolescents.

Walkers determine their own marching destiny. Soldiers from the 212th Combat Support Hospital, 30th Medical Brigade marched as a 12-Soldier detachment. During the walk, members of the team hailed the event as a chance to showcase the resiliency of the U.S. Army and build team camaraderie.

"This is a great chance to build up the team, we have members from different sections of the hospital here and it's a great opportunity to work together and motivate each other," said Capt. Robert E. Gallimore, the battalion personnel officer for the 212th CSH and a native of Millington, Tennessee. "These events mirror what we as Soldiers do as a part of U.S. Army Europe. We are walking as a military team, surrounded by fellowship of other European nations."

Soldiers marching in "civilian" status were required to find their own lodging during the event. Those conducting the march in uniform had another option.

"Soldiers marching in uniform during the Vierdaagse are also authorized to stay on the military camp Heumensoord where they are provided with food, showers and a bunk to sleep in," said Dutch Army Cpl. Dennis Fijnvandraat, a medic assigned to the Dutch army's 471st Mobile Hospital Operations Group and a native of Tilburg, the Netherlands. "This is my third time marching, once as a part of a military detachment and twice as a civilian."

Soldiers walked a different route each day through areas surrounding Nijmegen, ending in the Nijmegen city center at the end of the day's march. The 50-km and 40-km military walkers began each morning at 4 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. respectively, and all walkers were required to check back in with event officials by 5 p.m. or be disqualified.

"On our first day, we made it to the finish on time but we were cutting it close," said Staff Sgt. Walter Egan, an all-wheel mechanic assigned to the 7th CSC's 361st Civil Affairs Brigade and a native of Shiner, Texas. "Each day of the march brings its own challenges, so it is important to train and budget your time so you make it on time each day."

Participants in the march enjoyed views of the Dutch countryside and support from the villages they pass through each day. No matter the time of day, from the early morning into the sweltering heat of the afternoon, residents from the village were outside passing out candy, refilling water sources and cheering on members of the march.

"It's really motivating to see the support we get from these villages as we walk through," said Egan, who was participating for his second time. "Marching 50 kilometers is hard, but hearing all the locals cheer for us makes it a little easier."

The event culminates in an extended march through the Nijmegen city-center called Via Gladiola. The walkers, who are walking the final few kilometers of their journey, are showered with gladiolus flowers as they pass thousands of spectators. These flowers represent victory and are a tradition derived from Roman times.

"As you come through the center of Nijmegen, cross the finish line and throw the gladiolus flowers you got during the march onto the giant pile in the center of the Wedren [the area where marchers start and finish each day], you know that you've accomplished something amazing," said Egan.

Next year marks the 100th Annual Four Days March and is expected to attract more than 50,000 participants. Those marching as civilians are only guaranteed entry if they have successfully completed the march four times in the past five years and all military applicants will gain entry provided there are spaces available. All other applicants will be subject to a lottery.

"This march proves a Soldier's resiliency, gives all participants a chance to walk among military members and civilians from all over the world and is one of the most unique experiences I've ever been a part of," said Egan. "I am going to do everything I can to make sure I march again next year."