History through fitness: 100 years in 100 miles

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chris Stagner
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Buff: according to Merriam Webster's Dictionary, as a noun it's used to describe garments, the lack thereof or an enthusiast for fires (probably based off the original leather buff garments worn by firefighters). Over time, the enthusiast portion has grown to describe anyone who is interested in anything. Used as an adjective, it describes "having a physique enhanced by bodybuilding exercises."

Master Sgt. Michael McHugh, 48th Medical Support Squadron Medical Equipment Repair Center NCO in charge, put himself in a position recently to have that word work for him as both a noun and an adjective when he became the only American servicemember in the United Kingdom to complete the Viersdaagse 4 Day March in Nijmegan, Netherlands. 

This year, the more than 40,000 participants completed the trek across 100 miles of the Netherlands countryside in four days. What made this year's march unique is the 100 years of history behind it.

"The march originally started in 1909 as a challenge by Dutch officers to enlisted troops," said Sergeant McHugh. "It's morphed over the years to include foreign military members and civilians. There were 26 other nations represented at this year's march."

The addition of other countries and militaries is attributed to the Allied military members who gave their lives during World War II for the liberation of the Netherlands. This was emphasized on the third day of the march when time was taken to hold an official military memorial service at the Canadian war cemetery.

Sergeant McHugh said the memories and honor go far beyond the ceremony.

"I was moved by a monument I saw during the march," he said. "It's dedicated to the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne for their bravery during the war. For me, it was a reminder of the men and women who came before us in the military; those who sacrificed their lives not just for the people of the Netherlands but people across the entire world.

"It's sobering to see other nations honor those we sometimes take for granted as a part of our heritage," he said.

The four-day march consisted of 25-mile days carrying a 22.5-pound rucksack. The rucksacks were weighed at varying intervals to ensure the integrity of participants. Preparing for the workload was no easy task for the sergeant.

"I didn't want to get there and injure myself or not finish, so I spent six months preparing for the march," said Sergeant McHugh. "I practiced two to three times per week with a 35-pound rucksack for two to four hours each session. I spent hours and hours on the running track, climbing bleachers and walking the perimeter fence."

Sergeant McHugh's hard work proved worth it. He finished the 100-mile march in 44 hours.

"Master Sgt. McHugh is a standout senior NCO and an example for young as well as experienced Airmen throughout the squadron; especially when it comes to fitness," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey White, 48th MDSS commander. "He took this to heart and identified the four-day, 100-mile march as an opportunity to learn a part of the area's military heritage as well as challenge his Airmen's fitness," he said, adding that Sergeant McHugh invited other members of the squadron to participate in the event with him.

Staff Sgt. Jeff Anke and Senior Airman Kevin Meyers, both biomedical equipment repair specialists in the 48th MDSS MERC, accepted that challenge but weren't able to keep up with "the old man".

Airman Meyers was medically disqualified after the second day.

"My feet started to blister after the first day," said Airman Meyers. "After the second day the skin actually started to come off the top of my toes. They told me not to walk because I could do permanent damage.

"I'll be honest with you; I thought it was going to be a lot easier than it was. I thought I could just go up there and walk 100 miles in four days. I honestly didn't think it was going to be as hard on me physically as it was. I learned a hard lesson on how important fitness is in our day-to-day lives."

Sergeant Anke was unable to start the race due to a clerical issue with his application. Both are taking steps to ensure the mistakes that kept them from finishing the race aren't repeated next year.

"We've already done a walk to Ely in prep for next year," said Airman Meyer. "This was a mistake I will not repeat. I don't like the fact that the 40-year-old in the shop beat me." 

Sergeant Anke agreed.

"Watching everyone else finish and not being able to take part in the event has motivated me to make sure I'm eligible next year," said Sergeant Anke. "We can't let the old man beat us again." 

Their commander intends to do everything he can to make sure those goals are met.

"It was an honor to support the three members of the MERC shop in their quest to complete the march," said Colonel White. "I am extremely proud of all of them, especially Master Sgt. McHugh who showed his young Airmen what can be accomplished through grit and determination. Next year we hope to send at least 10 members of the squadron to participate in the march."