NDARNG Memorial March

 

 

 

 

 

Family and Friends Walk for all Soldiers

on Three-Year Anniversary of ADA Soldiers' Deaths

 

 

Story By: Billie Jo Lorius

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. — At 9:38 a.m. Saturday family and friends braved the rain and wind and began their 9-mile march in remembrance of service members killed in combat. They took their first steps in the second Memorial Road March in honor of their loved ones from the Bank of North Dakota in Bismarck.

 

"This memorial march is about people remembering our fallen Soldiers and thinking about our Soldiers still serving," said Sheila Richter, mother of Soldier Sgt. Travis Van Zoest, and organizer of this year's event.

 

While the march honors all fallen North Dakota service members as well as those still serving, the date and time have significance to the 1-188^th Air Defense Artillery. Three years ago today, at 9:38 a.m., Sgt. Travis A. Van Zoest, 21, and Spc. Curtis R. Mehrer, 21, were killed in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated. Cpl. Nathan J. Goodiron, 25, and Cpl. Christopher K. Kleinwachter, 29, also were killed during the 1-188^th ADA-SECFOR deployment.

 

The 9-mile march began at the bank, with the group walking over the new Liberty Memorial Bridge that was dedicated to all veterans, followed by a short stop about a mile away at the McDonald's located on Memorial Highway, which was also dedicated to the fallen Soldiers. The proceeded approximately 4 more miles to the Post and then finish the march at the North Dakota Veterans' Cemetery in Mandan.

 

According to Richter, the route was chosen due to the connection each stop has with the military. "It is important that people remember that we are still at war and we still have our troops overseas," she said.

 

Despite the weather, the large group was happy to take the opportunity to honor the brave veterans. "If they can stick it out for a year in horrible conditions, we can stick it out for a few hours," said. Joyce Mehrer, mother of Spc. Curtis Mehrer, said that last year's weather began similarly, but ended with sunshine once they reached the cemetery. 

 

"At least it's not snowing," agreed Richter. "After this, I can go home and sit in my whirlpool tub, the Soldiers can't."

 

Since the terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 2,800 Soldiers and more than 1,600 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In recent weeks, nearly 2,000 North Dakota National Guardsmen — with support of about 400 additional Soldiers and Airmen from six other states — have been mobilized for current flood fighting missions all across North Dakota. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen, we continue to have sufficient forces available to provide emergency response and homeland defense.

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Cutlines

1.jpg Joyce Mehrer, mother of Spc. Curtis Mehrer, and Sheila Richter, mother of Sgt. Travis Van Zoest, stand together as the group gathers to begin their march in the second Memorial Road March.

(Photo by Sgt. Ann Knudson, Joint Force Headquarters)

 

2.jpg March leaves Bank of North Dakota

(Photo by Sgt. Ann Knudson, Joint Force Headquarters)

 

 

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