GREENWOOD, NS - Residents living in communities around 14 Wing Greenwood will likely see increased activity outside the grounds of the air force base until July.
A marching contingent of Canadian Armed Forces personnel are in the midst of training for the international Nijmegen March.
The training group includes approximately 40 soldiers, conducting multiple distance marches each week on sidewalks, trails and roads between Aylesford and Nictaux. The group marches in formation, with safety-vested individuals marking both the front and back of the group. The soldiers will also be following provincial laws and march as pedestrians, facing oncoming traffic.
Staff at 14 Wing are asking drivers to exercise caution if they come upon the group and ensure vehicles pass by with enough space to keep everyone safe. A honk in support of the group’s efforts would be much appreciated, Capt. John Pulchny, the 14 Wing Greenwood public affairs officer, said in a press release.
The Nijmegen March marks its 102nd 166-kilometre event in and around Nijmegen, a town in the Netherlands, this summer. The July 17-20 challenge brings together approximately 50,000 military marchers on teams from countries around the world and over one million spectators. Teams march an average of 40 kilometres a day – or more - carrying a 10-kilogram ruck sack, food and water. Canadian teams have participated since 1952.
The 14 Wing Greenwood team is one of a handful to represent the Canadian Armed Forces in 2018. By the time they leave for Nijmegen, they will have logged over 880 training kilometres and hours of personal fitness time. The final team will be whittled down to 11 members, plus two spares.
While overseas, the 14 Wing contingent will also participate in memorial services at Vimy Ridge.
