Marching to Remember

This past weekend, Jake, Steve, and Erin from the Game On Team took part in the 36th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. We participate in the Bataan Memorial Death March with a deep commitment to honoring the legacy of Bataan and ensuring that the stories of resilience, courage, and the human spirit are preserved for future generations. With no surviving Bataan Death March veterans left to share their experiences, it is our responsibility to keep their stories alive.

In the spirit of connection to Self, Others, and Purpose, Jake, Steve and Erin share their reflections on a profound and meaningful experience.

A Message from Jake

My reflections have centered on the importance of human connection and the power of a strong community. Having a supportive tribe fosters well-being by providing encouragement, purpose, and a sense of belonging—ultimately enhancing happiness, resilience, and personal growth.

I am fortunate to be surrounded by a tribe that truly has my back, just as I have theirs. Beyond connecting and supporting one another, we were intentional about connecting with and honoring the sacrifices of the families who endured loss and hardship alongside their servicemembers. As we listened to Beth and Kay Bania and Dave Britt, all direct descendants of Bataan Death March survivors, I was reminded about how vital it is for them to share their loved ones' stories. Sharing their stories is not only cathartic but also a source of comfort, knowing that there are people who care, who listen, and who are committed to preserving the memory of both the servicemembers and their families' sacrifices.

A Message from Steve

As I pushed myself mentally and physically for 26.2 miles, and leaned into the uncomfortable and the unknown, my biggest take away was the power of focusing on what matters most. When my mind would wander, my breath got shorter, and my feet were aching, instead of going to a place of despair, I looked around at the service men and women taking part in this memorial march, reflected on those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Country, and kept trying to focus on my Faith and my family, each step of the way. This perspective helped remind me of the purpose for this memorial march, and allowed me to get out of my own way and focus on something beyond me and/or my performance. And in the midst of the inevitable discomfort, this mindset shift gave me a powerful burst of appreciation and gratitude that, along with the cliff bars, bananas, and electrolytes, was the jolt I needed to honor this process, keep one foot in front of the other, embrace the challenge, and put first things first, without worrying about finishing last or first.

A Message from Erin

I've done two marathons before and each one came with its own set of challenges. My first marathon didn't have the course support that powers you through the tough mental exercise that is a marathon. For my second, I found out I was pregnant with our first son about 3 weeks before the race - and I ran it anyway. I was (and am) so proud of that race. But the Bataan Memorial Death March was an experience entirely unto itself. As we stood in the darkness of early morning hours, the sun lightly peeking over the desert of White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, I couldn't stop the swell of emotion that comes from seeing thousands of service members in uniform preparing to take on this challenging course. And as we set out to tackle 26.2 miles of desert terrain, we were surrounded by images of those we were honoring, men and women who sacrificed everything for our freedoms, and it made every step, shuffle, stride, jog, and slog (through a very long sand pit) meaningful. Grounded in that purpose, it was both the easiest and hardest race I've ever done.