A Journey to Bataan: Guy’s Story
Guy Eugene, an Army veteran, has been on a mission to take part in the Bataan Memorial Death March at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico for years. He’s been fired up by Eagle stories of camaraderie and the high desert journey. He just knew he had to experience it for himself.
Guy is an avid, passionate rucker. In fact, he’s Team RWB’s Rucking Activity Group leader. He started rucking when he could no longer run due to a knee injury. Since he loves a challenge, the Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands is also Guy’s Big Fitness Goal for this year.
However, this isn’t the first year Guy has signed up to complete this challenge.
2019: Guy trained hard for the in-person event which was ultimately canceled. Despite this, Guy kept on rucking, taking part in the virtual Route 66 half marathon, 1,000-mile charity challenges, and a half marathon to the Oklahoma City memorial.
2020: Guy participated in the virtual Bataan Memorial Death March with a group of local Eagles.
2021: Guy was on vacation and couldn’t complete the virtual Bataan event. But he went on to ruck 1,000 miles as part of Team RWB’s Ruck It, Earn It challenge.
2022: Guy rucked a half marathon in Tulsa, OK and again completed the Ruck it, Earn It challenge.
This year, Guy is registered for the in-person event at White Sands Missile Range. He’ll be rucking the civilian heavy with 35 pounds. He regularly rucks with 30 pounds but has started training with 40 pounds, giving him 5 pounds of wiggle room to carry the two bottles of coconut water he prefers to use for hydration.
Guy is accustomed to overcoming challenges and persevering. Despite repeated cancellations and virtual events, he found ways to stay motivated and trained up.
Guy puts his soul into all he does. When he works out, he feels better both mentally and physically — like a circle, working out makes him feel good, and by feeling good, he can enjoy working out.
His self-care is a priority, and whether it’s dialing back the mileage to take care of his knee, or getting a touch-up on his mental health, he does what he needs to get back to the things he loves. It’s also why he loves Team RWB — as a volunteer Chapter Captain, he gains focus and has goals to work toward, including the upcoming Bataan Memorial Death March with Eagles by his side.
Join Guy and Eagle Nation on 19 MAR 23 as we pay tribute to the brave heroes who defended the Philippines in World War II as part of Team RWB’s first-ever Monthly Mission.