LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Each year, at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, thousands of men and women gather to participate in the Bataan Death March which is a challenging march through the high desert terrain.  This march is conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and, in many cases, their very lives.

On Sunday, March 21, Fort McHenry Composite Squadron  Commander Captain Donald Ells, also known as SSgt Ells of the 7^th Intelligence Squadron USAF, joined this elite group of over 5,700 people to participate in his first ever Bataan Death March.  Captain Ells donned his ABUs and his camelback to walk the 26.3 miles path.  Fortunately for the walkers, the temperature was only 63° which is about 10° less than the average for the day and it wasn’t as windy as usual.  Though two routes were available, Captain Ells took the longer route that crossed dusty, hilly terrain and circled around a mountain before returning to the main post through sandy desert trails and washes.  This was all accomplished at an elevation starting around 4,100 feet and climbing up to over 5,200.  Captain Ells stated, "The most difficult part was the 6-mile hill, but it was worth it to honor the survivors and fallen of the Bataan Death March."  He completed the 26.3 miles course in 8 hours 18 minutes and 37 seconds.