Road march reels in Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets, Guardsmen and Reserve Soldiers

Photo By Joseph Rivera Rebolledo | Cadets, sergeants and officers keep a good attitude during the 30 km road march held in 25 degree weather the morning of Nov. 22, at the University of Southern Indiana.  

CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, UNITED STATES

12.02.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. Joseph Rivera Rebolledo 

Camp Atterbury Indiana

By Spc. Joseph Rivera Rebolledo
205th Infantry Brigade, Camp Atterbury Public Affairs

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. – It was a cool day. Twenty-five degrees to be exact, but at 8 a.m., 156 Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets, National Guardsmen and Reserve Soldiers from Camp Atterbury to Kentucky showed up in full military uniform carrying 25 pound-rucksacks on their backs in preparation for the seventh annual 30 kilometer road march (18 miles) Nov. 22, in Evansville, Ind. The ROTC of University of Southern Indiana hosted the road march with the help of former Norwegian army field artillery officer Dr. Nils I. Johansen, a professor at USI.

As the warriors trekked mile after mile, fatigue set in, in addition to the blisters, and troops' mental and physical strength were tested.

"It's a grueling event if you have not prepared for it," said 2nd Lt. Adam W. Balbach, an Evansville native with the Indiana National Guard's 151st Infantry Brigade. Balbach has competed twice in the event is also a cadre member with the USI ROTC.

The maximum time allowed for the road march for males and females between ages 18 and 32 is four and a half hours. Once the road march is completed, the participants receive a Norwegian army patch as a token of appreciation and achievement.

Johansen said the event is very similar to the one conducted in Norway. "The kids are here, they run, they get sweaty, they get blisters and it's an accomplishment to get the little badge," said Johansen.

"It is and uplifting event overall," said Johansen, "You can do it."

With a record time of two hours, 36 minutes, Cadet Timothy Davis, 22, from Purdue University, was the first male to cross the finish line. The previous record for males was two hours, 56 minutes. Coming in at three hours, 55 minutes, Cadet Colleen Gallager, 18, of Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis, was the first female to finish the march.

• Date Taken: 12.02.2008
• Date Posted: 12.02.2008 16:13
• Story ID: 27100
• Location: CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, US