The “Molar Militia” Completes the 2026 Nijmegen March

The Association of Army Dentistry (AAD) proudly recognizes the exceptional Soldiers and Army Medicine professionals of the “Molar Militia” for their outstanding achievement in completing the 2026 Nijmegen 4Days March, held 21–24 July in the Netherlands.

One of the world’s premier military endurance events, the Nijmegen 4Days March challenges participants to march 40 kilometers (25 miles) each day for four consecutive days while in uniform. Male participants under the age of 50 must carry a minimum 10-kilogram (22-pound) rucksack throughout the event. Many women also choose to carry weight, throughout the event. Those who successfully complete the march earn authorization to wear the prestigious Holland 4Days Cross Medal on their military uniform.

The Molar Militia represented the very best of Army Dentistry. The team included seven Active Duty Army dentists, three 68E Dental Specialists, an Air Force dentist, an Army OB/GYN physician, a Medical-Surgical Nurse, and a Medical Service Corps officer. Joining them were one Active Duty Army dentist from Fort Campbell and one U.S. Army Reserve dentist, who completed the march as individual participants alongside the team.

           Congratulations to the 2026 Molar Militia

  • MAJ Fritz Dawson (team lead), 63B, 30th Med BDE, Germany
  • LTC Martin Smallidge, 63F, SHAPE, Belgium
  • Maj Andrea Deese, USAF, 86th Dental Wing Ramstein AB
  • MAJ Lucas Pepper, 63A, 44th Med BDE, Fort Campbell
  • MAJ Ross Vandercreek, 63A, 7th MSC USAR, Germany
  • CPT Kayleigh Hanson, 63A, Rheinland-Pfalz DENTAC, Germany
  • CPT John Shin, Vicenza AHC, Italy
  • CPT Trevor Millward, 63A, Stuttgart AHC, Germany
  • CPT Brent Harney, 63A, MEDDAC Bavaria, Germany
  • CPT Kohl Valle, 63A, MEDDAC Bavaria, Germany
  • SFC Brenda Cortez, 68E, SHAPE, Belgium
  • SSG Haydee Cruz Carballo, 68EX2, 30th Med BDE, Germany
  • SPC Nicolas Romano, 68E, MEDDAC Bavaria, Germany
  • COL Sarah Rabie, 60J (OBGYN), 30th Med BDE, Germany
  • CPT Kayla Moschetti, 66H (MedSurg Nurse), 30th Med BDE, Germany
  • 2LT Spencer Brooks, 70B (Health Services Officer), 30th Med BDE, Germany

The accompanying photo tell the story of the journey—from the team’s first day together, across miles of Dutch countryside, through moments of fatigue and perseverance, to the pride of crossing the finish line after 160 kilometers (100 miles) over four days.

The Association of Army Dentistry proudly salutes every member of the Molar Militia. Your endurance, professionalism, teamwork, and commitment exemplify the values of the Army Dental Corps and demonstrate that Army Dentistry delivers readiness wherever the mission leads.

Congratulations on an outstanding accomplishment, and thank you for representing Army Dentistry, Army Medicine, and the United States Army and Air Force with distinction.

                     This We’ll Defend.