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Servicemembers take on Mini-Nijmegen march

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Candy Knight
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan --  In a show of camaraderie, teamwork and respect for history, 76 servicemembers from the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing took part in a Mini-Nijmegen march July 23. 

The event, sponsored by Manas' Enlisted Councils, was designed to simulate the Nijmegen International Peace March, a four-day, 100 mile march held annually in Holland. 

"The purpose of this event is to celebrate the Nijmegen March and hopefully help build esprit de core among the team members and between the units," said Tech. Sgt. William Gordon, event organizer. 

Participants in the Manas' Mini-Nijmegen walked 15.5 miles on a rural route which took them through many sections of the base that are normally not accessible.
Unlike the original march, the wear of DCUs and 22-kilograms backpacks was optional, but that didn't stop some members from "gearing up." Neither did the heat which soared to above 90 degrees. 

With marching, participants were also helping to raise funds for the numerous charities sponsored by the councils. 

"I felt a sense of accomplishment after completing the march," said Senior Airman Ilya Dayter, 376th AEW. "Knowing that I also helped raise money for a good cause makes the pain and blisters I have now worth it." 

"This was a perfect combination of a great cause to celebrate great event and raise money for great causes. It was great to see so many Airmen out there show camaraderie and teamwork and I am proud to have participated," said Maj. Mark Anarumo, 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commander, deployed from Pope. 

According to 1st Lt. Tobey Hockridge, 376th AEW, taking part in this event has inspired him to compete in similar events, albeit with more
training. 

"I intend on participating in the Bataan Memorial Death scheduled for March 25. It is a 26.2-mile event through the desert in honor of those who survived and those who did not survive the historical event of the same name during World War II," he said.