This year, members of 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, were joined by U.S. Coast Guardsmen from Sector Houston and the Houston Recruiting Office as they marched and jogged the Norwegian Foot March, a military endurance test organized by the Norwegian Defense University College of the Norwegian Armed Forces, which is comprised of a 30 kilometer (18.6-mile) long route, carrying a rucksack of at least 25 lbs while in uniform within a certain time frame, at Long Acres Ranch, Richmond, Texas, February 28, 2026.
The annual event was hosted by 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, and supported by 1st Battalion medical staff at first aid stations as well as general support and logistics personnel from each battalion and headquarters. A timed event, qualifiers performed within limits according to age and gender, from 4 hours and 30 minutes to 6 hours. The march prepares troops physically and mentally to handle challenges in the field as a team, supporting each other to reach a common goal. 2nd Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Jones explained, “Events like this reinforce that success is built on shared effort, disciplined leadership, and a team committed to taking care of one another. I saw leadership and teamwork on full display throughout the Norwegian Foot March: service members and leaders from all the battalions and HHC worked together, supported by the outstanding team at Long Acres Ranch.”
Three participants earned the Norwegian Foot March Badge: Graham Fuller, U.S. Coast Guard, Yeoman 1st Class Joanna Parsons, U.S. Coast Guard, both with bronze for their first event and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Illich with silver for a second successful completion.
Coast Guardsmen Matthew Jackett and John Griffin and Spc. Wyman Mizell, TXSG, also completed the 30K, earning the Texas State Guard Exemplary Service Medal.
Completing 20K (12.4 miles) to earn the Texas State Guard Commendation Medal: Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Smith, Cpl, Gevorg Sargsyan, Pvts Christopher Barry and Jacob Malnar, 1st Lts. Dustin Appel Omoefe Onoriobe, 1st Sgt. Philip Harralson and 1st Lt. Christian Constanzo.
All who attempted 10K (6.2 miles) completed the course in less than 2 hours, earning the Texas State Guard Achievement Medal. Congratulations to Pfc. Ian Hernandez, Sgt. Steven Garza, Sgt. 1st Class Jose Alfaro and Sgt. Paul Bostik.
3rd Battalion commander, Maj. Robert Connell remarked, “as the hosting commander, I really appreciate the effort put in by all the battalions of 2nd Brigade to pull this off. After our original event date was rescheduled due to the winter storm on Jan 28th, everyone compressed months of planning into only 3 weeks and made it happen. Special thanks to Long Acres Ranch, ATX Timing (for the tracking and timing system) and HEB. It just shows how well we can work with our communities and as a team to accomplish a goal.”
Col. Arthur Levesque, 2nd Brigade Commander, on hand to tour the grounds and congratulate all the participants, summarized, “The Norwegian Foot march was an opportunity for all participants to accept the challenge and test their mettle. Despite the delay of nearly four weeks due to freezing weather, the event was smooth and enjoyable for all.” He added, “This year we had participants from the U.S. Coast Guard for the first time with two of their personnel successfully earning the badge.”
Congratulations and well done all! 2nd Brigade is “Ad Omnia Parati” (Ready for Anything)
By Gregory Illich, Chief Warrant Officer 2, Texas State Guard
(Texas State Guard photos by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Illich and Warrant Officer 1 Willie Grimes)