Huachuca units, personnel join Bataan Memorial Death March

FORT HUACHUCA, Arizona -- More than 7,200 marchers registered to participate in the March 19 annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the highest number in the memorial march's history.

White Sands' Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Eric Sanchez, gave the command for the march to start at approximately 7 a.m., and thousands of marchers trekked past him and Bataan Death March survivors, for the 75th anniversary of the original Bataan Death March across the Philippine Peninsula.

Many of the marchers had pictures of those they were honoring pinned to their rucksacks. Some marched to remember Bataan survivors who could no longer gather at the starting line, fallen brothers and sisters in arms lost in every conflict since World War II and the service of family members and loved ones.

A group of about 20 wounded warriors leading the wave of marchers served as a stark reminder of those who marched to forget and overcome. Although many were missing limbs, wearing prosthetics or suffering invisible injuries, they were clearly there to celebrate the resiliency of overcoming a variety of obstacles in their lives.

The marchers represented every branch of service to include a strong representation from Germany, civilians, ROTC cadets from around the country, families, the old and the young, elite marathoners and first time participants.

Marchers from Fort Huachuca were also well-represented.

Capt. Ryan Easterling, attending the Military Intelligence Captains Career Course at the 304th MI Battalion here, was joined by his father Clay Easterling, a Soldier for Life and instructor at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

"It was Ryan's idea," Clay said. "We were talking one day about my Spring Break plans. Ryan said we should do the march, that he was already signed up, that it would be a good memory maker for us.

"Bataan was good father-son time, but also a time to talk with and hear the stories of those who actually did the Bataan March," he added.

Tom Whipple from the Directorate of Public Works participated for the 10th time. He completed his first Bataan Memorial Death March in 1995 when he was a private first class stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas.

"I'm awestruck by what the event has become, including not only honoring the original surviving members, but also our wounded warriors from today," he said. "It is a truly inspirational feeling being around those exceptional people. As a veteran and retiree, I will continue to support the event as long as I'm able."

Recently retired Network Enterprise Technology Command Chief of Staff Col. Mark Baxter and his wife, Carol, were also among the many Fort Huachuca participants at this year's march.

Baxter said he marched "to honor those that endured this horrific event and all those that have sacrificed so much. It felt like a fitting end to my 30-year career."

The Baxters' youngest son attends Clemson University and Carol related a story she had read about retired Col. Ben Skardon, a Bataan survivor who traded his Clemson ring for food to help a few fellow classmates survive the death march.

At age 99, Skardon is the only survivor to still march a portion of the trail. In this his tenth year of doing so, he marched 8� miles. Carol was inspired by Skardon's example.

"If he can do it at his age, I can do it too," she said.

Baxter has participated in the Marine Corps Marathon, but Carol had never done anything of this distance or magnitude. They both felt that it would be a challenge, and a great way to honor the survivors and the fallen at the end of her husband's active duty Army career.

Capt. Charles Rapp, Capt. Ariel Alcaide and 1st Sgt. Gary Vilano represented the 309th MI Bn. and marched as a group with heavy rucksacks. The distinctive MI Corps blue of the battalion's flag made them easy to spot amongst the thousands of marchers.

"I viewed this as a personal challenge and was proud to have completed the course," Rapp said.

After learning about fellow cadets at his University of California, Los Angeles ROTC unit completing the march, Alcaide made a promise to also complete the march while serving in a key leader position.

"I'm glad my first sergeant and I, and my former [executive officer] as well, were able to represent not only my company, but also the 309th MI Battalion," the Charlie Company commander said.

The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range. The memorial march is conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and, in many cases, their lives. On April 9, 1943, tens of thousands of American and Filipino Soldiers surrendered to Japanese forces. Among those seized were members of the 200th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard.

Fort Huachuca participants shared their experience and advice for potential future marchers.

With ten marches under his belt, Tom Whipple admitted that you can be athletic, mentally and physically tough or prepared as possible and still be unprepared, especially in the heavy event where 35 pounds begins to feel like 350 pounds on your feet.

"Put your head down, grit your teeth and keep moving forward," he advised.

The Baxters have a few tips based on their experience.

"Do lots of long hikes ... in the heat of the day ... through sand," offered Baxter.

Carol emphasized that preparation is key. She echoed her husband's comments and added the tip of reading advice from websites and blogs from past participants. Taking care of and fueling your body is critical.

"Practice your hydration and food plan," she suggested. "Nothing new on race day."

Take breaks and change socks and or shoes and address feet issues immediately she added. Carol recommended considering gators to prevent sand from getting in shoes.

"Ruck hills to better prepare!" Rapp said. "I put a lot of miles on my boots training, but I should have trained more on unimproved roads with a large elevation change."

Alcaide echoed the advice of being prepared for sand.

"Have a set of proper footwear that is designed to trek beach sand," he said. "Bring a scarf to protect your lungs from sand and your neck from sunburn."

Also applying petroleum jelly to your feet is unexpectedly helpful.

"My joints and muscles may have been hurting during the march, but in the end, I had zero blisters," Alcaide added.

He also advises registering early to lower the cost and camping on WSMR.

"Seeing the sheer determination and 'never give up' spirit was amazing," Carol said. "People of all shapes, sizes and ages challenged themselves to the limit. Having some of the survivors there and being able to shake their hands was priceless."

Col. Baxter said he has a renewed appreciation of how great Americans are and how beautiful America is.

The sand left a lasting impression on Capt. Alcaide as well as honoring an important chapter of military history.

"It seems that the route sends a reminder to the marchers on the pain and suffering felt during the actual event in 1942. Even though I'm in great shape, it was quite humbling to know that the memorial march was just a fraction of the ordeal both Filipino and American Soldiers survived or paid the ultimate sacrifice for the service of their country," he said.

"Do it! Get your Ranger Buddy and make it happen," Clay said. "The physical challenge is a solid test of who you are and what you are made of."

The next march is scheduled for March 25, 2018. Fort Huachuca's proximity to White Sands Missile Range makes the march a realistic goal for those who want to test their limits in a unique way. The team at White Sand Missile Range has already begun planning for the 2018 march. Learn more about the event at www.bataanmarch.com.