Leaders participate in Bataan Memorial Death March

By Miriam RodriguezMarch 19, 2023

White Sands Missile Range Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little was among several leaders who participated in 34th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March on March 19.

The Bataan Memorial Death March honors a special group of World War II heroes who were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor, and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines.

“It was great talking to veterans, and it has been a great event,” Little said during the march. “I appreciate all the support and I want to give a shout out to all the volunteers. It was a fantastic day.”

Also marching was Undersecretary Administrator of the Filipino Veteran Affairs Office Reynaldo B. Mapagu and members of the delegation from the Philippines.

WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Melendez said it was fantastic to be at the Bataan Memorial Death March live and in person.

“We’ve been looking forward to this for the last 18 months. It is great to see all the smiling faces this morning from the young people to older people who have marched it four or five times. Having everyone here live is amazing.”

WSMR Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan said he was excited for his first Bataan live and in person.
“It is going to be great. I am looking forward to the march and to see my battle buddies on the trail.”

Also marching was Garrison Commander Col. David Mitchell.

Among those in attendance was Bataan Death March survivor Valdemar DeHerrera, 103, front center, who was joined by Undersecretary Administrator of the Filipino Veteran Affairs Office Reynaldo B. Mapagu, front left, and members of the delegation from the Philippines.
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Among those in attendance was Bataan Death March survivor Valdemar DeHerrera, 103, front center, who was joined by Undersecretary Administrator of the Filipino Veteran Affairs Office Reynaldo B. Mapagu, front left, and members of the delegation from the Philippines. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez ) VIEW ORIGINAL
WSMR Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan, right, at water point one.
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WSMR Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan, right, at water point one. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez ) VIEW ORIGINAL
WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Melendez, right, at the eight-mile mark.
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Melendez, right, at the eight-mile mark. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez ) VIEW ORIGINAL
WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little, center right, at the eight-mile mark.
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little, center right, at the eight-mile mark. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez ) VIEW ORIGINAL
WSMR Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan, right, at water point one.
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WSMR Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan, right, at water point one. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez ) VIEW ORIGINAL
WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Melendez, right, at the eight-mile mark.
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Melendez, right, at the eight-mile mark. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez ) VIEW ORIGINAL
WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little, center right, at the eight-mile mark.
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little, center right, at the eight-mile mark. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez ) VIEW ORIGINAL
WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Melendez, right, at the eight-mile mark.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Melendez, right, at the eight-mile mark. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez ) VIEW ORIGINAL
WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little, center right, at the eight-mile mark.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little, center right, at the eight-mile mark. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez ) VIEW ORIGINAL
WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little, center right, at the eight-mile mark.
WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little, center right, at the eight-mile mark. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez ) VIEW ORIGINAL