The First Annual “Volunteer Gut Check” is a 26.2 mile march in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee conducted as a tribute to our men and women in uniform.  The initial motivation was to honor 1LT Frank Walkup, a UTK alumni who was killed in Iraq in 2007.  Inspired by the Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands, NM, the concept quickly evolved into a tribute to all service members.  We wanted to demonstrate our appreciation for those who have sacrificed and continue sacrificing so much for this great country by walking a mile (or 26.2) in their boots.  Hence the motto of the event, “Honor Through Actions.”

We would like to thank the administrators of the Bataan Memorial Death March for the concepts we borrowed.