More than two months have passed, but Bureau of Land Management Ranger Lanny Wagner said he’s still losing toenails.

This past March, six members from BLM-New Mexico subjected themselves to a grueling test of physical endurance to commemorate a brave group of World War II soldiers. Each loaded down with a 35-pound pack, this six-member team trekked 26.2 miles across desert terrain, persisting through 35-mile-per-hour winds and scorching heat.

Every year, thousands take on this arduous physical challenge at White Sands Missile range in southern New Mexico as part of the “Bataan Memorial Death March.” The event honors the nearly 80,000 American and Filipino veterans of the Bataan Death March of World War II, which took place in the Philippines. On April 9, 1942, under the orders of the American commander on Bataan, the soldiers surrendered to Japanese forces. The Japanese then forced the soldiers to march for days in the sweltering heat through the Philippine jungles to a prisoner of war camp. Thousands of soldiers died on the march from disease, starvation, dehydration, heat prostration, untreated wounds and wanton execution.

Participants in the Bataan Memorial Death March in New Mexico come away with just a small taste of what those soldiers experienced. The march allows them to not only push the limits of their physical abilities but also to express gratitude to those who have sacrificed for freedom.

“It’s a great event to pay tribute to true American heroes who fought for my freedom before I was even born,” Wagner said. “It’s also a mental and physical challenge that I believe is unmatched in any other competition I have ever competed in.”

This year’s memorial march drew more than 4,300 participants from all across the United States and different parts of the world. While primarily a military athletic event, many civilians participate as well. The BLM team participating in the march consisted of Special Agent Noel Wagner (captain); Special Agent Bruce Bigelow; Ranger Eric Richardson; Ranger Lanny Wagner , Ranger John Logsdon; and Special Agent Steve Martin. These law-enforcement officers competed in the “heavy division” of the event, which requires participants to complete the march while carrying a 35-pound pack. The BLM team finished a very respectable third place in their division, completing the course in just under 9.5 hours. The “no-man-left-behind” rule required all members of the team to cross the finish line within 20 seconds of one another.

“The finish line is the true goal, and you’re never really sure you can make it,” Wagner said. “The blisters, muscle cramps and 9-plus hours of sheer exhaustion are all worth it when you round the corner and see family, friends, and all the supporters waving American flags and cheering you on.”

Also waiting at the finish line is a group of veterans from the original Bataan Death March. Now in their 80’s and 90’s, these ex-POW’s come with their families to the memorial event to meet the soldiers and civilians marching in their honor. Wagner describes meeting the Bataan veterans as the best part of the event. “When you see these true American heroes, many who are in wheelchairs and obvious failing health, make the effort to stand up and shake your hand and wish you good luck, it makes you so proud just to be in their presence,” he said.

Another source of inspiration comes from a group of marchers called the Wounded Warriors. This group of courageous athletes consists of military veterans who lost one or both legs in combat in Vietnam, Afghanistan or Iraq. “You’re out on the course with every type of person from world-class athletes to double-amputees who have just come back from Iraq,” BLM team captain Noel Wagner said. “When you see those individuals struggling with the conditions, you realize how insignificant your aches and pains are, and you get back to logging miles.”

This was the second year the BLM law-enforcement team has competed in the march. With continued support from families and friends, they hope to be back next year. “As long as I reside in New Mexico, I will be a participant in the Bataan Death March,” Noel Wagner said. “Next year is the 20th anniversary, and I plan on reaching the finish line again!”

Noel’s brother Lanny said that, though he may not participate in the heavy division next time around, he plans to march again next year. Hopefully his toenails will have grown back by then.

Related Links:

http://www.bataanmarch.com/r09/media.htm

http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en.html