Walk to Baghdad and Back

By Bonnie HeaterSeptember 25, 2009

Walk to Baghdad and Back
Col. Mark Horoho (center) , the 15th Regimental Signal Brigade commander, and his wife Cynthia (left) and their two young sons showed their support of the men and women deployed to Iraq in the "35th Signal Brigade Walks to Baghdad...And Back" event h... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Wearing orange T-shirts, friends and Families of the 35th Signal Brigade followed the lead of Soldiers by walking or jogging around Barton Field's track Saturday, Sept. 19, at the kickoff event for the Walk to Baghdad and back.

"Our goal is to cover 13,286 miles over the course of the next 12 months in order to support deployed Soldiers," said Maj. Kevin Donley, the brigade's rear detachment coordinator.

The 35th Signal Brigade deployed about 500 Soldiers in August.

People registered at the event and can track their miles at the America on the Move website www.americaonthemove.org. Exercise other than walking can count toward the mileage. Fifteen minutes of exercise is equivalent to one mile.

While Family members were supporting their Soldiers, others were there to show support of Families. Army Community Service and Fort Gordon's Child, Youth and School Services' employees brought out information on programs available to Army Families.

Leading the way on the inaugural lap were members of Company C, 369th Signal Battalion of the 15th Signal Brigade.

"We're all part of the Army Family team," said Col. Mark Horoho, 15th Signal Brigade, who brought his Family along for the first lap,

He said it was good for the trainees to take part in such an event. Many of them are likely to be deployed not long after they leave Fort Gordon.

"This educates them on Family Readiness Groups. I think it's important for them to see," he said.

Each month, there will be a special event to bring Families together and to add up more miles.

Families will walk in the Memorial Gardens Costume Walk at the Evans Town Center in Evans. Those who walk in costume will receive 10 bonus miles.

For more information, call Dona Ramos at (706) 831-3211, Kimberly McKee (706) 840-1038 or Bernadette White at (706) 831-3092.