Press Release
☷Bataan Memorial Death March participants recognized at awards ceremony
U.S. Army ( By Press Release office)
Mar 18,2024
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The NMSU ROTC team came in first place in the ROTC Light Division Team , alongside WSMR Executive Director Vincent Liddiard and Garrison Command Sgt . Maj . Jamal N . Latore . The Norwich University ROTC cadets also took first place in the ROTC Heavy Division Team , with Liddiard and Latore standing with them . Bataan Death March survivor Valdemar De Herrera was seated with his family and other participants at the Bataan Memorial Death March awards ceremony held at the White Sands Missile Range Frontier Club on March 16 . The event honors the brave Service Members who defended the Philippine islands during World War II . During the ceremony , Liddiard recognized the 105 - year - old Bataan survivor and his family , and Liddiard and Latore presented awards to two teams . The Norwich University ROTC cadets finished first in the Heavy Division , completing the race in 5 hours , 14 minutes , and 4 seconds . Cadet 1st Sgt . Ethan Shaw expressed the significance of running the race in honor of those who experienced the actual Bataan Death March , finding it motivating and special . The NMSU ROTC team also secured first place in the Light Division , overcoming challenges during their training but ultimately finishing together . Liddiard expressed gratitude to volunteers , FMWR staff , security teams , medical teams , and water point volunteers for their dedication . He also acknowledged the contributions of Col . ( retired ) Gerald Schurtz , who passed away in 2023 , and his family in supporting the event . Bonnie Schurtz , Gerald ' s wife , shared that she and her husband had been participating in the march since 1995 , and their sons and grandchildren now continue the tradition . This year was particularly poignant for the family as they sponsored the challenging sand pit on the route in memory of Gerald .
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