24-03-2025
Albuquerque woman takes on Bataan Memorial Death March
WHITE SANDS, N.M. (KRQE) – Over 4,000 people packed up their gear and walked or ran this weekend in honor of the heroes of the Bataan Death March. Among those thousands, was a retired military colonel from Albuquerque.
Eighty-two years ago, 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war were forced to march 65 miles in what was later labeled the Bataan Death March. They suffered brutal treatment and extreme conditions, and thousands died.
Fifty years later, White Sands Missile Range started a tradition to honor them and each year, it becomes more significant. 'We sort of did it on a whim with a friend of ours who had done it before who was in the Army active duty at that time,' said Retired Colonel, Linda Huffer.
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Huffer served in the military for over 20 years in the United States Army Medical Corp, specializing in cardiology before retiring in 2020. 'I admittedly prepared probably better two years ago,' said Huffer.
This is Huffer's second time participating in the Bataan Memorial Death March and she's not doing it alone. 'I'm going to be marching the first half of the race or to the fourteen-mile loop with one of my good friends,' said Huffer.
Right as the sun began to rise on Saturday morning, Huffer was feeling good, and off she went. Thousands of men and women are making their way through dirt, sand, and rocks below the San Andres Mountains.
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Some carry packs, flags, and even 4×4 wooden posts. Others honor their own loved ones who have died in service.
Two miles in, Huffer reached the first water station and trekked on to complete the entire 26.2-mile course. A grueling yet rewarding experience.
'It gives me an opportunity to sort of think about what others have been through. I found it quite remarkable seeing some of the older folks who were finishing the race who just never stopped,' said Huffer.
She finished in just under eight hours.
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