FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. –
The Pennsylvania National Guard and the USO hosted the 12th annual March for the Fallen at Stricker Field here Sept. 23.
Conducted annually, March for the Fallen is opportunity for military and civilian communities to come together and honor the memory of fallen service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this great nation.
“I’m walking for all the fallen here, in honor of my son,” said Roy Edmundson, whose son Spc. Chad A. Edmondson was killed May 27, 2009, by an improvised explosive device in Abu Ghraib, Iraq. “This is our way of serving them. It’s wonderful to see so many people willing to contribute.”
This year more than 300 marchers braved strong winds and heavy rains from Tropical Storm Ophelia as they hit the course for multiple events – 28- and 14-mile marches, 5-kilometer run/walk, or a 28-mile hand cycle race. Additionally, events that began during the pandemic era – a virtual 28-mile march or 5-kilometer run/walk – were offered to participants as well.
“This event helps keep their memory alive,” said Bill Evans, whose son Spc. William “Billy” Evans was also killed in Iraq Sept. 19, 2005, by an IED in Ramadi, Iraq.
Many Gold Star recognition events are conducted each year across the commonwealth and the United States, said Brig. Gen. Laura A. McHugh, deputy Adjutant General-Army. However, she said, there is something truly special about The March for the Fallen.
“Those participating in this march today have chosen to physically demonstrate their dedication and perseverance in memory of our fallen,” McHugh said. “This event truly demonstrates the circle of honor and respect that embodies our PA Army National Guard family.”
Every participant has their own personal reason for challenging themselves.
The 28- and 14-mile marches offer challenging routes varying from asphalt roads to rolling and steep mountain trails of dirt and gravel on the training lands of Fort Indiantown Gap. The course start point elevation is 500.77 feet and climbs to 1239.43 feet on Second Mountain of the Appalachian Mountain Range; low point elevation is 484.28 feet and is within the first mile of the course.
“We like a challenge and like to support March for the Fallen,” said Army Staff Sgt. Cassie Cowell of the PNG’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion who was marching for a third time.
Cowell was joined Army Staff Sgt. Paul Boehmer of the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade was marching for his second time who said, “it’s my way of honoring their memory.”
The complete March for the Fallen results can be found online at https://ngpa.us/27015, and here are the top finishers in each category:
5-Kilometer Walk/Run:
1st place – Lee Yalcin
2nd place – Sebastian Englehart
3rd place – Danielle See
28-Mile Hand Cycle:
1st place – David Gifford
14-Mile “Light” Male:
1st place – Bryan Brandmeir
2nd place – Timothy Sevison
3rd place – Shane Hoverter
14-Mile “Light” Female:
1st place – Rhea Weaver
2nd place – Kristen Brandmeir
3rd place – Kailee Glock
14-Mile “Heavy” Male:
1st place – Sam Helper
2nd place – Eric Lange
3rd place – Matthew Hahn
14-Mile “Heavy” Female:
1st place – Emily Keller
2nd place – Dana Seyfert
3rd place – Bobbi Seyfert
14-Mile “Light” Team:
JFHQ ANG
28-Mile “Light” Male:
1st place – Bryan Marquardt
2nd place – Ryan Lundsted
3rd place – Gerald Carmody
28-Mile “Light” Female:
1st place – Alethea Burkett
2nd place – Courtney Brown
3rd place – Celeste Kostelnik
28-Mile “Heavy” Male:
1st place – Clinton Hepler
2nd place – Dan Stasny
3rd place – Sean Maguire
28-Mile “Heavy” Female:
1st place – Monica Helper
2nd place – Kathleen Williams
28-Mile “Heavy” Team:
57 Inc.