Approximately 350 enthusiastic participants arrived at the Joint Base Balad Stadium at 5am on January 10.  Each participant accepting the challenge was in full combat gear.  This included combat uniform,  body amour and full rucksack.  Participants had their own individual goals for completion.  Special recognition was bestowed upon those who finished before within three hours and within four hours.  

A chaplain led prayers that participants would be kept safe throughout the march.  The 101st command spoke of the traditions  and spirit embodied in the march his Soldiers were about to undertake.  He welcomed all of those who had come to join in endeavor.  The Star Spangled Banner was sung and the march began.    As they marched on through the predawn hours toward the sunrise multicolored chemical lights danced in the night.    

Moral was high as Soldiers marched on toward the end of this 12-mile experience.   Soldiers and Airmen could be seen double-timing with enthusiasm to attain their goals.  Encouraging words were heard from officers and enlisted, Soldiers and Airmen.  Excellent planning and execution of this event meant that there were frequent water stations along the way for participants to quench their thirst.  Frequent turns in the course made it a very enjoyable tour of the East side of Joint Base Balad. As the Sun peered over the horizon the participants marched along the Airfield, parallel to the runway.  Aircraft parked along the way could be seen though the chain link fencing.  The half way mark signaled the true test of preparations. 

Dedication to physical training and understanding the limits of their bodies would now be revealed.  Soldiers could be seen stopping to change socks and add foot powder in order to put an end to the heat and sweat, preventing blisters.  Their fellow participants encouraging them as they passed by.  At every point in the march one could see the determination of Soldiers who were pushing though pain in order to continue forward.   Certainly they were questioning why they had begun this event.  What had possessed them to endure such an event.  Certainly they were recalling the Soldiers of the 101st which had endured much greater suffering ensuring the freedoms which we all enjoy.

With two miles left to go and the stadium clearly visible, a visible beacon in the distance.  Soldiers and Airmen could be seen in pain as their spent bodies continued onward.  Sore shoulders from the rubbing weight of body armour was had by all.  Sore muscles and blisters caused simple steps to become painful and awkward.  Contestants who completed the march cheered on those who were pushing through the final steps toward the finnish line.  Upon finishing Soldiers and Airmen were congratulated by the fellow participants. 

Task Force 34 participants included:

SPC David Tanner, 2 hrs., 33 min.
SPC Jacob Holab, 2:47
1SG Craig Heggerston, 2:56
SGT Jeffrey Fichbach, 2:58
CPT Daniel Dobler, 3:04
CPT Christopher Kline, 3:15
SPC David Knuth, 3:15
SPC Andrew Wiering, 3:15
SGT Paul Posch, 3:18
SGT Leonard Sims, 3:22
SPC Myra Guillen, 3:23
CPT Cheryl Wachenheim, 3:23
PFC Salminieo Motten, 3:36
SPC Heather Hust, 3:49
PFC Zachary Loo, 3:49
PFC Shonnon Iskierka, 3:58
SPC Natasha Jefferson, 3:58

By Sgt. John Kurtz
A Co., 834th Aviation Support Battalion
Unit Public Affairs Representative
10 Jan, 2009