Vance Remembers Missing and Captured Servicemembers

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Tyler Gross
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla --  Vance Airmen join together to remember captured and missing servicemembers, for the annual Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day.

The ceremony, which took place at the flag pole outside Bldg 500 at 3:50 p.m., included a bagpiper, 150 American flags provided by the Patriot Guard Riders, a missing man formation flown by T-38s from the 25th Flying Training Squadron and a visit by former POW Francis Hoad of Enid, Oklahoma.

Col. Roger Witek, the 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander, spoke about the sacrifice and courage of the 140,000 American servicemembers who have been prisoners of war since the first World War. Colonel Witek related accounts of captured Airmen with stories ranging from World War II to the Korean and Vietnam wars.

In addition to the accounts related by Colonel Witek Vance members had the opportunity to hear the personal story of Mr. Hoad.

"I was a member of class 43 F and flew B-17s in the European theatre" said Mr. Hoad "I was then shot down and spent 13 months in Stalag Luft 2."

Mr. Hode who has attended several past POW/MIA events recalled his experiences and was honored that the military still remembers those who have sacrificed for their country.
"It was inspiring to see the number of active and prior-service members, community partners, and families who were present to honor the legacy of those who sacrificed so much on our behalf." said Capt. Matthew Cummins the POW/MIA Day ceremony's officer in charge. "It reminds you that freedom has a price for those who stand in its defense and we are truly blessed for the likes of Mr Hoad, and those like him, who quietly walk beside us every day."