Garrison Commander of White Sands Missile Range and the host of the Bataan Memorial Death March, and Nino Basarro, Director of the White Sands Missile Range Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, hosted a poignant Bataan Memorial Death March closing ceremony at the Frontier Club located on the military base.
This vibrant event celebrated the exceptional achievements of the approximately 4,603 participants in the 36th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March held at White Sands Missile Range on March 22 as the day ended.
The gathering celebrated the enduring spirit of those who participated in this solemn tribute and honored the historical significance of the Bataan Death March. This event memorializes the courage and resilience of American and Filipino soldiers during World War II.
At the closing ceremony, an award was presented to the 'Norwich University A Team,' which distinguished itself as the fastest ROTC Team Heavy category competitor. They achieved a fantastic victory with an impressive finishing time of five hours, twenty-five minutes, and fifty-five seconds. Their dedication and teamwork were evident throughout the event, showcasing their rigid training and commitment to excellence as they navigated the challenges presented during the march.
The team members are:
- Landon Pandolph
- Christian Wiatral
- Braeden Scott
- Case Macdonald
- Lennon Spakousky
The race has become a tradition at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. What began with a few cadets participating in the march has grown into two teams, totaling 10 cadets representing Norwich University in the New Mexico desert.
"We held tryouts for anyone who was interested at the school, and these are the ten guys who made the cut, who were fast enough," said Braeden Scott, Co-Captain of the Norwich University Bataan Death March Team.
The team members have a background in sports, with some participating in other marathons and races throughout the year. Others are athletes who play various sports, including cross-country, track and lacrosse.
"Our training included biking, running, cardiovascular training, as well as some heat training. We are from Vermont so it is very cold up there during our training cycle. We had to do training with a lot of layers on to try and simulate the heat and simulate some of the sweat during the race," said Scott.
The award ceremony celebrated their achievement, highlighting their speed, resilience, and determination in a demanding field of participants.
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