YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea -- The 175th Financial Management Center (FMC) is moving forward on many fronts to be "Ready to Fight Tonight." Lt. Col. Anthony S. Cole, who took over the directorship of the 175th FMC in March, has chartered a new course and new strategy to ensure its leaders and Soldiers can perform their mission in any of the 36 countries in the Pacific Theater. To be able to provide proactive theater level finance support requires technical proficiency and the ability to operate in austere environments.
To demonstrate that end, Lt. Col. Lawrence Seward, Sgt. Dejuan Bowdry and Spc. Milbert Dacayana, took on the task of conquering the Manchu Mile March, which is held at Camp Casey and its surrounding mountains March 24-25.
"As part of our strategy to establish a climate of excellence and mission readiness, this was a logical event to add our name to," said Seward, the 175th FMC disbursing officer.
The arduous 25-mile night rucksack march known as the Manchu Mile March is a warrior ethos event that challenges and stretches Soldiers' capability, builds individual confidence and is an excellent team building event. It commemorates an 85-mile forced march performed by the 9th Infantry Regiment during the Boxer Rebellion in China. The Second Battalion of the 9th Infantry Regiment is still active today and is part of the 1st Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division, which is currently based in Camp Casey, South Korea. The Second Battalion's biannual tradition has its members marching 25 miles in full combat gear across Korea's mountainous terrain.
"It was definitely worth the effort and it is something I will never forget and it is not for the faint of heart," said Bowdry. "After the 20 mile mark it was all will and determination."
As the 175th FMC continues to mold itself to take on its doctrinal theater level mission, warrior ethos events like the Manchu Mile March, will help ensure its Soldiers have the mental toughness and resiliency to operate anywhere in the world anytime.
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