The Smiths' Stories: Bataan

The Bataan Memorial Death March is an annual event held at the White Sands Missile Range, NM to commemorate the 60-mile forced march of American and Filipino prisoners of war by the Japanese in 1942. At least 6,000 of these men died or were killed on the march. The Memorial March is a 26.2 mile course that traverses paved roads, sandy paths and desert terrain over hills and valleys.

The 2010 march drew 5,704 civilian and military participants from all 50 states, at least 4 of the armed services, and 5 countries, including more than two dozen Wounded Warriors (amputees from Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam.) There were several categories to choose from, but Cam and his friend, Jason, chose the Military Individual Heavy category. This meant they were required to be in full service uniform (ACUs) and carry a 35lb rucksack (not including their own water supply.) Cam and Jason trained together several weekends a month by rucking trails around town and tackling the Transmountain Pass.

The day began at 2:45AM and saw all four of us (Cam, me, Jason, and Jason's wife, Charla) at the Missile Range in time for the Marchers continental breakfast at 4:30AM. It was a brisk 24 degrees and breakfast was scarffed down in the truck with heaters at full blast! After a pretty painful Opening Ceremony (still @ 24 degrees), the sun began to rise, the boys grabbed their rucks and headed off into the desert.

For the next 9 hours, Charla and I entertained ourselves by: warming up with a lovely breakfast, gabbing non-stop in the truck, napping in the truck, and when it finally warmed up, talking a walking tour of the White Sands Missile Range. (We decided that if the boys do this next year, we'll see them off and then come home and wait it out!)

After a grueling day, Cam and Jason crossed the Finish Line together with an approximate time of 8hr 33mins. Their rucks were immediately weighed and found to be 55lb (Cam) and 50lbs (Jason). While these measurements did include their remaining water, both boys decided that they hedged their bets a little TOO much!

Following a quick bite on post, we headed home to long, hot showers, dinner, and finally collapsing in bed. Cam was a little sore, but his well-worn-in boots prevented any serious foot injuries. He was glad that he participated and happy he trained for it, through he swears that this was a ONCE IN A LIFETIME activity (at least the Heavy category)!