Hi, my name is Mauricio Rodriguez and I am currently a senior at the University of South Florida. The purpose of this fundraiser is to aid in sponsoring a team of eight individuals to attend the Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The Bataan Memorial Death March consists of a 26.2 Mile weighted (35LBS) ruck march in which military members, non military members, ROTC programs, JROTC programs, and many other groups ruck a rigorous course under the conditions of the New Mexico desert in order to commemorate the Bataan Death March.
        The Bataan Death March which occurred during WWII on April 9, 1942, began when tens of thousands of U.S. and Filipino soldiers were forced to become prisoners of war to the Japanese after seven months of battle within the Philippines combined with extreme temperatures, disease, and lack of vital supplies. The soldiers were deprived of food, water, and medical attention by their Japanese captors and were forced to march to confinement camps throughout the Philippines. The captive soldiers were marched for days, approximately 65 miles through the scorching jungles of the Philippines. Thousands died. Those who survived faced the hardships of prisoner-of-war camps and the brutality of their Japanese captors.
        For more information on the Bataan Memorial Death March visit the link down below: https://bataanmarch.com
        Donations will be utilized for travel costs, lodging costs, and meals. Any amount donated is highly appreciated. Thank you for your support.

Disclaimer*** Donations are in no way associated with the Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Army, or U.S. Army ROTC, but only with the Suncoast Battalion Student Organization.