The American Baton
The American Baton Custodian
Josh Ploetz is former USMC and lives in Minnesota, he became involved with the Baton in 2013 and will always be remembered for his incredible effort ‘Paddle Off The War early in 2014 when he canoed the length of the Mississippi carrying the American Baton, his objective was to highlight the plight of his comrades battling PTSD as he does. This he did very successfully, capturing the hearts of thousands along the river, drawing attention from major media organisations in the US and Europe.
American Baton News
The USA Baton at the Pentagon November 2014
Another truly memorable photo for the Baton from the Pentagon U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) The US Baton at the Pentagon with Secretary Jessica L. Garfola Wright November 2014 To see the US Baton in such distinguished hands is indeed an honour, Secretary Wright is...
The Marine Corps Marathon October 2014
Starting adjacent to the very thought provoking Arlington Cemetary Alan ran with Stuart Taylor, Director Washington DC & Metro Area Allied Forces Foundation, Josh Ploetz American Baton Custodian and very special lady Amie Kalsbeek who has humility and strength one...
The American Baton Runs The American Odyssey 200 mile Relay with Team Red White & Blue April 25th & 26th 2014
This was a fabulous team effort on the American Odyssey Relay with the incredible warmth of American spirit that Alan found when running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC October 2013 - the photos say it all and many more can be seen at...
USMC Veteran Joshua Ploetz Paddles the Mississippi 2014…
Joshua wanted to highlight the problems of PTSD for his comrades and all who live under its shadow in the hope that even more help and understanding could be achieved, with this aim Joshua decided to paddle the entire length of the Mississippi, a journey nearing 2,575...
The American Baton’s first journey keeping the Message Alive for our valued comrades and their families…
The USA Baton under the care of Capt James Vendetti of the 109th Air Lift Wing National Guard @109thaw left left the USA Tuesday, February 4th 2014 on its first journey with planned visits to Christchurch New Zealand, McMurdo Station Antarctica, Pago Pago American...
True inspiration on the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon
Many people have been and are still inspiring on the Baton’s journey, none less than Jax Owns who in turn found holding the American Baton powerful enough to finish a marathon, something she had never attempted before since becoming an amputee - a truly humbling...
The American Baton starts its journey October 2013
The American Baton started its journey in 2013 to promote more understanding of US forces and families issues when Alan joined the Allied Forces Foundation Marine Corps Marathon team, running with the now AFF President and Chief Executive Officer, Stuart...
The American Baton News
The price of freedom… The Freedom Wall Washington DC. The banner photo is most apt being the ‘Freedom Wall’ WW2 Memorial Washington DC. The Baton’s purpose is to carry a Message of Conscience for those who protect our freedoms and their families, reminding society to...