1FORCE honors WWII heroes

April 1, 2011 - PRLog -- On March 27 members of 1FORCE participated in the 22nd annual  Bataan Memorial Death March at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The race honors the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and, in many cases, their very lives.  Today, there are three living survivors, all of whom stood at the beginning and end of the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon to shake hands with any and all.  They must have, and deservedly so, heard “thank you” at least 40,000 times.
There are few races in this country as patriotic and memorable as this one. It is by most accounts the most challenging course in the world for those individuals who participate. The “March” covers a grueling 26.2 miles over some the most challenging terrain found anywhere. Doctors, nurses and other medical staff are present before, during and after the race to provide medical support as this is a rigorous and demanding event.  Individuals and teams participate in either the 15.2 or the 26.2 mile course. Additionally, those who choose to participate in the heavy division carry a minimum of 35 pounds in their rucksacks/backpacks, which are weighed and verified at the finish line. Members of 1FORCE’s Special Operations Group completed the full 26.2 mile course in six hours and fifty two minutes while carrying 45 lbs. in each of their backpacks, The 1FORCE team participated in the event not only as an opportunity to pay tribute to the World War II heroes but also as part of the groups intense training program. Members of the 1FORCE Special Operations Group work throughout the world supporting governments and commercial organizations in a wide range of areas to include security and humanitarian activities.  (WWW.1FORCE.COM)
History of Bataan:  The Bataan Memorial Death March honors a special group of World War II heroes. These brave soldiers were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines. The conditions they encountered and the aftermath of the battle were unique. They fought in a malaria-infested region, surviving on half or quarter rations with little or no medical help. They fought with outdated equipment and virtually no air power. On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces. The Americans were Army, Army Air Corps, Navy and Marines. Set in White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the Bataan Memorial Death March gathers military and civilians alike to pay homage to those American and Filipino prisoners of war, who were forced-marched 70 miles from Mariveles to San Fernando in 1942.  Few survived the grueling march, which consisted of extreme brutality, starvation and dehydration.  Those who survived faced the hardships of a prisoner of war camp. Others were wounded or killed when unmarked enemy ships transporting prisoners of war to Japan were sunk by U.S. air and naval forces.