By |Published On: May 26th, 2017|Categories: Business Updates|

Editor’s notes: Dedicated web page is here: http://alphaarchitect.com/march-for-the-fallen-2018/.  Pat O’Shaughnessy is doing the event. You can hear our podcast on the subject here. Also, there is a March for the Fallen Training Series here.

As a former US Marine, Memorial Day is every day, however, Memorial Day is special because the time is set aside to reflect on those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Enjoy and stay safe out there!

In addition to enjoying the long Memorial Day weekend, we offer a unique opportunity to honor the fallen and hang with good people trying to do good things for society.

One such event is March for the Fallen.

On 16 September, the National Guard Training Center in PA will host another “March for the Fallen” event.

The Alpha Architect team will be representing…but we’re looking for other motivators who can talk quant finance for 10hrs straight!

What’s March for the Fallen About?

Alpha Architect and friends participated last year and the experience was outstanding.

I rent out an Army barracks for those who are attending so we can get a good night’s rest the night before and pretend we are extras in the movie Full Metal Jacket.

Below is a shot of the scene from last year.

Barracks

The course is 28 miles and there are hundreds of participants (mostly active duty military). The hike is fairly rugged with a mix of rolling hills (here is a map). There are water/nutrition stations spread out throughout the course and the support and camaraderie is second to none.

Two options on the course (both are non-trivial and require reasonable physical fitness, but more importantly, a strong mind):

  • Most folks choose to hike the 28 miles. This is pretty challenging and I highly recommend this approach…however…
  • You can also choose to do the 28 mile hike with a rucksack (35lb min before water/chow ~40lb loaded). This is incredibly challenging, but recommended for those who want to give it a whirl (I’ll be suffering with you).

Here is a shot from last year. Plan on 8-10hr+ out there. We will roll as a squad at a “get ‘er done” pace, not “try to win it” pace.

March for the Fallen 2016

I’m Interested, How To I Participate in This Fiasco?

The event is great for team-building, so feel free to come out in groups. I have lodging setup for around 60 and we’ve got 20 motivators signed up already. So 40 slots left if you want the free lodging deal. (RSVP!)

The high level details:

  • No donations will be accepted/solicited: The donation on this one is blood, sweat, and tears.
  • When: Arrive September 15, event September 16, http://www.gapmwr.com/march-for-the-fallen
  • What: 28 mile march (w/ or w/o pack). A great challenge and team builder
  • Why: To support veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice
  • Where: Fort Indiantown Gap, PA @ the National Guard Training Center (2.5hrs from DC/NYC, 2hr from Philadelphia)
  • Cost: ~$35 for event sign-up. I’ll rent an Army barracks for lodging (Max Capacity = 60). You just need to get there.

Action Items:

Step 1: Pick the right event

Step 2: Sign up and attach to the Alpha Architect team

  • Start a training program: sooner rather than later.
    • Google ruck march training or Special Forces Q Course ruck training
    • Tough Ruck is great: http://www.toughruck.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/AToughRuckGuide_2015edition.pdf
    • Sample 4 month training program below

http://www.toughruck.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/AToughRuckGuide_2015edition.pdf

Semper Fidelis.
–Wes
PS: Exercise builds brain health and will keep you living longer and stronger.

…exercise ensures successful brain function.

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About the Author: Wesley Gray, PhD

Wesley Gray, PhD
After serving as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, Dr. Gray earned an MBA and a PhD in finance from the University of Chicago where he studied under Nobel Prize Winner Eugene Fama. Next, Wes took an academic job in his wife’s hometown of Philadelphia and worked as a finance professor at Drexel University. Dr. Gray’s interest in bridging the research gap between academia and industry led him to found Alpha Architect, an asset management firm dedicated to an impact mission of empowering investors through education. He is a contributor to multiple industry publications and regularly speaks to professional investor groups across the country. Wes has published multiple academic papers and four books, including Embedded (Naval Institute Press, 2009), Quantitative Value (Wiley, 2012), DIY Financial Advisor (Wiley, 2015), and Quantitative Momentum (Wiley, 2016). Dr. Gray currently resides in Palmas Del Mar Puerto Rico with his wife and three children. He recently finished the Leadville 100 ultramarathon race and promises to make better life decisions in the future.

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For informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as specific investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Certain information is deemed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Third party information may become outdated or otherwise superseded without notice.  Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor any other federal or state agency has approved, determined the accuracy, or confirmed the adequacy of this article.

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