The purpose of this fundraiser is to aid in sponsoring a team of 10 individuals to attend the Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico on March 21st, 2026. Donations will be utilized for meals, lodging, and ticket flights from Tampa, FL to White Sands, NM.

     The Bataan Memorial Death March consists of a 26.2 Mile weighted (35LBS) ruck march in which military members, non military members, ROTC programs, JROTC programs, and many other groups ruck a rigorous course under the conditions of the New Mexico desert in order to commemorate the Bataan Death March.  Since its inception, the Bataan Memorial Death March’s participation has grown to about 9,600 marchers that come across the United States and several foreign countries. 

     The Bataan Death March which occurred during WWII on April 9, 1942, began when tens of thousands of U.S. and Filipino soldiers were forced to become prisoners of war to the Japanese after seven months of battle in the Philippines combined with extreme temperatures, disease, and lack of supplies. The soldiers were deprived of food, water, and medical attention by their Japanese captors. The captive soldiers marched for approximately 65 miles through the scorching jungles of the Philippines.

     Of the estimated 80,000 POWs at the march, only 54,000 made it to Camp O’Donnell, where they received no medical care, overcrowded conditions, and poor hygiene. The survivors of the march continued to die at rates of up to several hundred per day, which amounted to a death toll of as many as 20,000 Americans and Filipinos

     The 200th and 515th Coast Artillery units had 1,816 men in total that fought in The Philippines. 829 died in battle, leaving 987 survivors. As of March 2017, only four of these veterans remained alive. For more information on the Bataan Memorial Death March visit the  following link: bataanmarch.com

     The 2026 Bataan Team and the Suncoast Battalion would like to thank you for your support.

     Disclaimer*** Donations are in no way associated with the Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Army, or U.S. Army ROTC, but only with the Suncoast Battalion Student Organization.