JB's March to Bataan: Proud to be associate with this crew at HDS...

Friday, February 10, 2012

Proud to be associate with this crew at HDS...

Thanks to all of you, and to the many others not listed!

Michael Clements	Air Force	1970-1977
Hubert Yoshida	Marines	1962-1967
John Mulloy	Air Force	1964-1968
Diane Gaskill	Navy	1965-1972
Al Bukowski	Army	1967-1971
Alan Benway	Army	1968-1976
Gerry Pollack	Navy	1969-1994
Reginal Hay Jr	Air Force	1971-1991
Rick Sage	Air Force	1972-1977
Bill Zier	Navy	1973-1979
Pete DeCoursey	Army	1973-1979
Keith Drummond	Air Force	1974-1978
Hans Rindlisbacher	Swiss Army	1974-2004
Michiko Stirnaman Nielson	Army	1975-1998
Arthur Schweke	Air Force	1975-1980
Butch Beatty III	Army	1976-1979
Steve Hood	Air Force	1976-1996
Colin Melville	Air Force	1976-1996
Cindy Young	Air Force	1977-1985
Tracy Drummond	Army	1978-1982
Barry McGee	Army	1979-1983
Cliff Bergstresser	Air Force	1979-1983
Connie Roberts	Army	1981-1982
John Williams	Army	1981-1986
David Peters	Marines	1982-1986
Bill Burns	Army	1983-2001
Steve Tozer	UK Army	1983-2002
John Mansfield	Navy	1986-1991
Geoff Davidson	Navy	1987-1991
Mike Boetel	Army	1988-1997
Maarten Paddenburg	Netherlands Army	1988-1989
Mike Thompson	UK Army	1993-2000
Jason Dunaway	Army	1995-1999
George Warr Jr	Army	2001-2009
Aaron Hernandez	Air Force	2004-2008
Han T. Saydam	Air Force	2005- pres.

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Bataan Death March Memorial - background

I've never met Sgt 1st Class Todd C. Gibbs, nor will I ever given he gave his life for his country on December 7, 2004. While he may not have been a member of my family, he certainly was part of a loving family back home. While he did not directly impact my life, his actions - and those of his fellow soldiers - have allowed me and my family to lead the lives we live.

Todd's brother Bret told me about a challenge here at home called the Bataan Memorial Death March. This VFW sponsored event has - for the last 23 years - recognized the WWII soldiers from Bataan, and was originally a military-only event but now has teams and participants from all branches of the military, Wounded Warriors and now civilians participating in the Memorial. The Memorial is a marathon distance endurance challenge at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

As described by a recent participant "The hardest aspect of this event is that even though it is considered a marathon it has far too great a diversity to be considered “just” a marathon. Changing from hard pack to asphalt back to hard pack and then desert sand is enough to buckle any athlete’s knees...dusty conditions and a five-mile long hill under full sun separates the weekender from the diehard athlete...I believe the last four miles of the event is the most difficult for three reasons. First, the sand is unstable, rutted and your feet are well on there way to becoming lumps of clay. Second, you are able to see the finish line that doesn’t seem to draw any closer because of the route around the base and psychologically is depressing.. Finally, the wall creates an air block that soaks up the heat and wind which just adds to your fatigue..."

To me, this event recognizes and memorializes ALL of our military personnel - past and present - who have volunteered themselves for the greater good putting themselves at risk of injury or death on a daily basis.

I get the privilege of working in an air-conditioned office and sleeping in a comfortable bed thanks to the sacrifices of our military. As feeble as it is, I would like to say "Thank You" by putting a bit of a challenge on my own physical capabilities and participate in the 2012 Bataan Memorial Death March.

I'll use this Blog to whine about how tough it is being middle-aged and soft, but more importantly hope to use this as a platform to raise donations for noble causes supporting our troops. I am far from being a "social network" expert - having never created a blog or website before - but hope that the power of internet and our extended networks can make a difference for these charities.

Help me out! Post a story or comment. Share the charity links with your network. Recommend another charity. Let's prove that the value of the internet and Facebook is more than getting updates on Aunt Edna's bunyons! Most importantly, say “Thank You” next time you see a soldier or veteran!