JB's March to Bataan: The ULTIMATE Sacrifice

Thursday, March 22, 2012

The ULTIMATE Sacrifice

Given the Lenten season, there is one more soldier who must be recognized. There is one who sacrificed himself for all of mankind.

Jesus of Nazareth, also referred to as Jesus Christ or simply Christ.

A Jewish teacher from Galilee in Roman Judaea, who was baptized by John the Baptist, and was crucified in Jerusalem on the orders of the Roman Prefect, Pontius Pilate, on the charge of sedition against the Roman Empire.

Born of the Virgin Mary, performed miracles, founded the Church, died sacrificially to achieve atonement, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, from which he will return.

2 comments:

Nancy BrownMarch 22, 2012 at 7:47 PM
Amen.
May he watch over you this weekend.
Go with God :D
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Bret GibbsMarch 24, 2012 at 7:01 PM
Jim: Proud of what you have done so far and what you are about to accomplish tomorrow. What started off as a great conversation between you and I in San Jose last year has turned into what will certainly be on of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of your life. When you go up the hill, around the mountain, down the hill, through the thick sand and around the never ending rock wall, remember what all our soldiers have given up and continue to given up for our freedom. And I couldn't agree more that Jesus gave us the ultimate gift - Grace - a gift we don't deserve but I know we both gladly accept. Godspeed tomorrow - will be praying for you and hope you find the event as meaningful as I did. All the best...Bret Gibbs
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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!