818th CRG members ruck in Bataan Memorial Death March

Published April 13, 2007
By Senior Airman Rachel Martinez
305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Two members of the 818th Contingency Response Group pushed themselves to their physical and mental limits in a 26.2-mile ruck march.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Vendzules and Master Sgt. Bubba Beason participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., March 25.

The Bataan Memorial March began in 1989 to honor a special group of World War II heroes -- the brave American and Filipino soldiers who were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines. After fighting in a malaria-infested region, surviving on half or quarter rations, with little or no medical help or air power, these soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces. They marched for days through the Philippine jungles; thousands died or were killed along the way. Those who survived the march faced the hardships of prisoner of war camps. Others were wounded or killed when unmarked enemy ships transporting prisoners of war to Japan were sunk by U.S. air and naval forces.

This year marked the 18th anniversary of the memorial march. Some of the highlights of the event included an emotional ceremony with the posting of the colors and playing of the National Anthem. There was also a roll call of all survivors present and a roll call of Bataan Death March survivors who have passed away since the last memorial march, followed by the playing of taps. The survivors then lined up on both sides of the starting line to wish the marchers good luck.

Sergeant Vendzules and Sergeant Beason marched in the "Military Heavy" category, meaning they marched in full uniform with ruck packs weighing no less than 35 pounds. They completed the entire 26.2 miles in just over 11 hours. Out of the 460 military heavy marchers, only 290 finished the march. While completing the march was a feat in itself, the two CRG members got more out of it than the satisfaction of finishing -- it was about understanding what the Soldiers endured during the Bataan Death March and honoring them.

"I did the march a few years ago, but the first time I did it was more about the physical aspect, being able to finish it," said Sergeant Vendzules. "This time I talked to some of the survivors and some of the volunteer moms who had lost their sons in war. I experienced it the right way."

"It puts everything in perspective," said Sergeant Beason. "All the trials and tribulations we have now are moot compared to what these guys went through. You can see the movie or read the book, but until you meet these old men, shake their hands and hear their story, you don't truly understand what they went through. The march isn't for glory, it's for recognizing the guys that did this."

Seeing the survivors and talking with some of the individuals at the march was sometimes too emotionally draining, according to Sergeant Beason and Sergeant Vendzules. Yet knowing what the men had to go through in the original march - not being able to stop or rest for fear of being killed - encouraged the men to press on through all the physical pain.

"There are different stages to the march," explained Sergeant Beason. "At first everyone is really excited and wanting to get going. In the second stage people start to get tired. Then in the third stage you think about how these men couldn't quit and it makes you push on. And then at the end, you can't wait for it to be over."

The 26.2 mile route, ranging in altitude from 4,100 to 5,300 feet, crosses dusty and hilly desert terrain, circles a small mountain and returns to the main post through sandy desert trails and washes. Sergeant Beason completed the march with blisters that had to be cut open. Sergeant Vendzules experienced some knee pain. Both were sore from shoulders to feet.

"At one point, at about mile 20, I saw a double amputee in front of us," said Sergeant Vendzules. "I thought that if this guy is pressing on, why can't I. My knee pain was nothing compared to his condition."

Despite being pushed to their physical limits, both Sergeant Vendzules and Sergeant Beason say they want to do it again next year.

"If they had registration open today for next year's march I would sign up right now," said Sergeant Beason. "I want to get a team of guys to do it next year."

Sergeant Vendzules agrees about getting a team together, but he said he wonders how many people are prepared for such an event.

"It was physically one of the most exhausting days of my life, but one of the most rewarding," said Sergeant Vendzules. "If you've never been you can try to prepare for it, but you won't be prepared. You just have to experience it. My motivation now is to do it as many times as I can."

The experience of participating in the memorial march is something that will stay with Sergeant Beason and Sergeant Vendzules forever. One thing that Sergeant Beason took from it was to "never give up. The next time you decide to quit for whatever reason, think about those who have gone before you. Winners are not those who never fail, but those who never quit."

818 Bataan March