A march overseas: NU cadets, alumni
join 4-day march through Holland

By Hilary McElroy
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Following the pioneering tradition of Army ROTC at Norwich University, five cadets and cadre participated in the 84th four-day march in Nijmegen, Holland, from July 18-21, 2000.

Norwich University was the first ROTC unit to participate in this grueling test of physical stamina.

Founded in 1909 for military participants, the march has steadily grown and has become a competition between military units. Civilian marchers have also participated in the march for several years and have recently outnumbered the military teams, according to Maj. Melinda Mate, cadre for the Army ROTC detachment of Norwich University.

"There is something very special about walking down a road and being cheered on by thousands of people who don't even know you, but understand your accomplishment," Mate said. "Although not authorized for wear on the U.S. uniform, all participants who finish the march are awarded with a medal, and walk in a parade through the center of Nijmegen."

Mate said that the "four-day march is currently the largest international walking event with more than 41,000 civilian and military participants.

"Each day offers a unique loop that challenges and entertains the marchers. Covering 25 miles a day, this 100-mile event requires a great deal of dedication and determination."

In order to meet the grueling 25 miles a day, Mate said military teams depart "between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. and must return before 5 p.m." There are rest points, water re-supply and medical treatment, which "are located roughly every six miles," Mate said.

The march provides its participants with plenty of scenery. "Each day's route takes the marchers through the Dutch countryside," said Mate.

The Army ROTC team consisted of: Mate and 2nd Lt. Sean Heenan, as well as Mark Dooley, 22, a senior peace, war, and diplomacy major, Michael Towner, a 21-year-old senior geology major, and Tyler Burke, 20, a sophomore communications major.

According to Mate, extensive training was needed to meet the grueling 25 miles a day. They began training with monthly marches in October and increased to a demanding daily schedule by May.

The team left the United States from John F. Kennedy airport in New York City on July 15 and arrived in Holland the morning of July 16. According to Mate, the next day was dedicated to rest and preparation for the four days of marching that began on July 18.

The Norwich Army ROTC team stayed at camp Heumensoord, a camp built and operated by the Dutch National Guard, in Nijmegen.

Following the completion of the march, members of the team were able to do some sightseeing in the surrounding area before returning to the United States.

While conducting the march, the Norwich Army ROTC team met many military personnel from countries like Belgium, Germany, England, and Canada, in addition to American units stationed in Europe.

Members of the team also ran into a few Norwich alumni who where there, including Lt. Col. John Guidotti, Capt. Praxitelis Vamvakias, 1st Lt. Chris Judge, and 2nd Lt. Megan Rehil.

According to the Norwich team, the marching experience is one that will prove to be memorable. "I never would have thought that I would have been able to participate in an activity like this, and I'm glad Army ROTC has given me such opportunities," said Dooley.

The trip was funded through contributions from the Commandant's Office of Norwich University, Norwich Army ROTC, and the Ethan Allen chapter of the Association of the United States Army. The participants also conducted their own fundraising activities throughout the year to help defray costs.

Any member of the Norwich community interested in participating in the march in the future should contact the Army ROTC office (485-2488) for more information.

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