The Long Kosovo Road: A DANCON Marcher's Story

Photo By Sgt. Jill Fischer | Capt. William Seymore, Rock Hill, S.C., with the 2-151st Security  

MITROVICE, KOSOVO

11.22.2009

Courtesy Story

116th Public Affairs Detachment

By Sgt. Jesica Geffre
116th Public Affairs Detachment

MITROVICE/MITROVICA , Kosovo -- Buses lined up in the darkness outside Audie Murphy Medal of Honor Hall at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, in the small hours of Nov. 22.

They were there to transport Multi-National Task Force-East Soldiers participating here in the Danish Contingency march, known as the DANCON, at Camp Olaf Rye. The DANCON march has been around for about 37 years and takes place in three different countries: Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. This would be the last DANCON held in Kosovo.

The Danish Contingency invites all coalition countries Soldiers serving in Kosovo to trek a 25- kilometer path (roughly 15.5 miles), surrounding the Danish camp near Mitrovice/Mitrovica.

It was fascinating to see all the different uniforms and headgear of the other nations. Trying to distinguish other countries' patches and flags was part of the fun. Groups gathered to visit, take photographs with each other and to register for the march.

The weight requirement was 10 kilograms, roughly 22 pounds. There was no packing list; participants were allowed to come up with the weight however they wanted. Some wore their protective vests for weight; others carried massive weapons to account for the load.

Everyone started in a jovial mood; flags waved, cameras flashed and songs were sung. At this point, the beginning of the march, most people were all smiles.

The path initially was level and paved, but then it veered off into the countryside, with steep rocky trails that seemed to wind upwards unendingly. However, as the terrain became more difficult, the views became more beautiful. Children lined the paths in various places; some with smiles, other with pleas for pens or chocolate. Many just wanted to "high five" you as you went by.

After conquering the big rise in the trail, there was about another five kilometers before returning to the finish line back at the camp. At the end point many service members sat around congratulating each other, trading patches and mending blistered feet. Participants then went to collect their certificate of completion and medal for completing the march.

The famous "Danish Brunch" awaited the finishers at the dining facility, complete with caviar and fresh-made waffles, the perfect reward for a demanding task and a great way to end the day.

• Date Taken: 11.22.2009
• Date Posted: 12.08.2009 10:42
• Story ID: 42447
• Location: MITROVICE, ZZ