Norwegian Foot March 2024
Chapter 19 conducted it’s 2nd annual Norwegian Foot March at NSA Lakehurst on October 12 & 13, 2024. The march is a grueling 18.6 mile (30km) walk (or shuffle for some studs and studetts). Chapter 19 obtained approval to hold the march from Norwegian Defense Attaché stationed at the Norwegian Embassy in D.C. 140 service members from all branches except Coast Guard and Space Force were off to the races at 0001hrs Sunday morning. Above you see service men and women lined up in the assembly area to have their rucks checked for the required 24.25 lbs. The American Red Cross collected food donated by the marchers. AF JROTC Cadets staffed Water Point 1.
79 marchers earned the NFM badge by completing the distance in the required time for their gender and age group. 5 of the 6 Chapter 19 marchers pose for a picture (upper left, Ben, Mark, Sebastian, and Myles); Mark and Sebastian earned their silver badges. The 82nd Airborne Association ran and a recruiting table and Water Point 2 (upper right). The course was 9 miles out and 9 back on varied surfaces. Directional arrows and chem lights marked the course.Marcher mix: 140 started (131 active and reserve, 3 retired military, 4 veterans, and 2 civilians).Badge results: 79 earned a badge (youngest earner was 18; oldest, 64; average age, 29).
FBI explorers weighed rucks. Marchers checked in at the registration desk staffed by Mati, Rick, and Ben. Ms. Susan Satkowski, Honorary Norwegian Consul out of Philadelphia, said a few words of encouragement before the march. Standing to her right are two Norwegian soldiers, one of whom came in with a blistering time of 2hrs and 42min, almost arrested for speeding. The 87th Medical Group stood by ready to treat twisted ankles, pulled muscles, and exhausted marchers.
The opening ceremony included words from Base Commander, CAPT Howell. The 63rd Army Band played U.S. and Norwegian National Anthems. The 87th Security Force Squadron patrolled the route and picked up dropouts.
