Henry's Web Log

As the 10th Mountain Division bids farewell to Basra, the 34th Infantry Division is assuming the helm of the Multi National Division-South, right here in Basra. The 34th ID, Red Bulls, hails from the the Minnesota National Guard and has a long, distinguished military history. Among their notable events, the 34th ID was the first US Division to deploy overseas in WWII, and they fought with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy. Minnesota has a distinguished war history as well, with Company A, 194th Armored Regiment deployed to the Philippines in Autumn, 1941. The Wikipedia page for the Bataan Death March lists Minnesota as one of five commemoration marches that memoralize those who were involved in this horrific event.

Here in Basra, the Red Bulls conducted a simultaneous march with their home state, offering 10 mile and 20 mile options.

Having a compelling need to participate in all things aerobic, I donned my ruck and went for the 10 mile event! Two hours and forty minutes later, I was at the finish line, scraping the salt off of my face and neck!

The event was very well run, with the Red Bulls BAND playing at start point and the turn-around point. 86 of us were out there, and the weather smiled on us, with temperatures only in the low 90’s.


This is at about the 7.5 mile mark for me. Note the band, with their rifles under their chairs. I emailed my son Eric about the band, since he has been playing Baritone (Euphonium) for 3 years, and we’ve just become Band Parents ourselves! Eric will be in marching band next year as he enters High School.