354th Fighter Wing Icemen honor Bataan Death March

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EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Two members of the Iceman team participated in the 22nd Annual Bataan Memorial Death March held at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico March 27.

2nd Lt. Lindsay Krahn from the 354th Operations Group and 2nd Lt. Aaron Tissot from the 354th Force Support Squadron proudly represented Eielson Air Force Base as they paid tribute to the heroic servicemembers who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II.

The march honors the more than 75,000 American and Filipino soldiers who surrendered to Japanese forces April 9, 1942 and were subsequently forced to march 61 miles as Prisoners of War to their final destination at Camp O'Donnell.

Thousands died en route from disease, starvation, dehydration, heat prostration, untreated wounds and wanton execution. Nearly 11,000 soldiers perished before arriving at Camp O'Donnell.

As a yearly tribute to the survivors and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, thousands of military members and civilians gather to participate in the memorial march. People from all 50 states, all U.S. military branches and five different countries made up this year's 6,700 participants.

"I've participated in the March for two years now," said Lieutenant Krahn. "I believe in the importance of remembering those who have suffered for our freedoms and this event makes it personal. Getting to talk to the survivors of the Bataan Death March is incredible and it really makes you appreciate the sacrifices that others have made."

Both Icemen entered into their respective Military Light categories, requiring them to complete the 26.2 mile march in their ABUs, service authorized combat boots and a full camelback. Other categories, such as the civilian or military heavy, require participants to carry a rucksack with a minimum of 35 pounds in weight.

To prepare for the march, both members trained physically and also changed their diets. Both agreed that nothing could have fully prepared them for the actual course.

"The course was really tough, something you can't fully prepare for no matter how hard you train," said Lieutenant Tissot. "A marathon is tough enough, but when it's in the high desert and in uniform it makes it that much harder. It really makes you think about what it must have been like for the soldiers at Bataan."

Although it was a challenge, both Icemen were inspired to push through by the stories from survivors of the 1942 march.

"It was both honoring and humbling to cross the finish line and immediately be greeted by the survivors and living heroes from the Wounded Warrior Project," said Lieutenant Tissot.

Upon returning, Lieutenants Krahn and Tissot presented a custom framed certificate of participation to Brig. Gen. Jim Post, 354th Fighter Wing commander, who displayed the certificate in the 354th Fighter Wing staff hall to commemorate Eielson's participation in the event.

This year marks the second time that Lieutenant Krahn was able to participate in the annual march and the first for Lieutenant Tissot. They are already discussing plans to attract larger participation from Eielson for next year's march, which is expected to draw more than 7,000 participants worldwide.