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23rd Annual Bataan Memorial Death March

Looking up into the rugged mountains of New Mexico, ROTC Cadets from the Fighting Saints Battalion stood ready at the start line of the 23rd Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range.  They were ready to defend the coveted ROTC Bataan Trophy.  Cadets from St. John's University, the College of Saint Benedict, and St. Cloud State University compose the Fighting Saints Battalion.  Together they travel each year to compete in the grueling marathon. 

The Cadets from the Fighting Saints Battalion are aware of their close connection to Bataan in remembering the sacrifices of the MN Army National Guard's 194th Tank Battalion which deployed to the Philippines in 1941, were attacked on the Bataan Peninsula by the Japanese on December 8th, 1941 (the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor), fought for five months in sustained combat, and endured in April 1942 the Bataan Death March without food, rest or assistance.   Thousands of Americana and Filipino Soldiers died, and those surviving faced prisoner of war camps.  


   ROTC Team 1 - Cadets McCoy, Gjevre, Francour, Pittman & Marschall                          ROTC Team 2- CDTs Dobesh, Tousignant, Oestreich, Illies & DeJesus

In the opening ceremony of the Bataan Memorial Death March, an honor roll call is conducted, with survivor's names called before the marchers head out on the course.  Each year it proves to be a moving and emotional reminder of what the survivors endured and a way to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  

Training for the Fighting Saints began in November and consisted of a rigorous training schedule including long runs on Friday mornings that built up to 22 miles.   This training prepared them well for the challenging course which winds across the sandy desert, up and around a mountain, and through a two mile long sand pit.  It is often referred to one of our Country's toughest marathons.  

 
     ROTC Team 3- Cadets Powell, Johnson, Holte, Reamer & Skovera                             Civilian Team - CDTs Huseth, Otterson, Wirtz, Lillehaug & LTC Nelson

On March 25, the Fighting Saint's teams competed and finished the marathon with the one of the best times for the ROTC Light Competition in the event's history.  The three SJU ROTC teams who competed in the ROTC Light category placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd, and their Civilian Coed Team placed 1st in their category.  Additionally, nine individual Cadets completed their first marathon.

As participants crossed the finish line, they had the honor to shake the hands of Bataan survivors and wounded warriors from Operation Iraqi freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  It was truly an incredible experience that taught Cadets about the courage and sacrifices our WWII service member's shoulders for their country. 

Training for such a meaningful event encourages hard work, camaraderie, and sacrifice while honoring Veterans of Bataan.


    Individual Competitors - (Front Row) Cadets Weill, DeWitt, Sjostrom & Hillyer  (Back Row) Cadets Gislinger, Boisjoli, Backer, Boettcher & Martinez

By Cadet Mollie Holte