Team Vance remembers, honors POW, MIAs Published Jan. 19, 2007 By Public Affairs Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Team Vance remembered those who have endured the hardships of being captured or who are still missing due to war during a formal retreat ceremony Tuesday at the flagpole. Former prisoner of war Fran Hoad, was in attendance and assisted Col Mike Callan, 71st Flying Training Wing commander, in the placing of a POW and MIA wreath at the base of the flagpole. "A stark black and white flag flies today as a sign that the American people will never forget our service members and civilians taken prisoner of war or those whose status is unaccounted for," Colonel Callan said, beginning the ceremony. "We hold this special ceremony today to pay tribute to the thousands who have been held as prisoners of war or whose fate has not been resolved." Mr. Hoad, Vance's guest of honor, was a German POW for 13 months after enemy 105mm coastal guns shot down the B-17 he co-piloted near Oostende, Belgium, in the spring of 1944. "Many were lost in the chaos of battle or in a relentless firefight that prevented rescue or recovery," Colonel Callan said. "Their loss is even more profound for their families because of the inability to determine if they survived. ... captive Americans were stripped of their precious freedom and used cruelly as pawns at the negotiating table. They fought long, lonely battles against despair and the ultimate fear of abandonment. "Today we remember these members of our armed forces who have given everything in defense of the independence we hold dear. It is with deep respect and solemn appreciation that we single out those who paid a heavy price. The American people will never forget their courage and devotion to duty, honor and country -- often in the face of vicious treatment and torture by their captors. Keeping alive the memory of their dedicated service and the sacrifices of their families remind us why they served this great nation and inspires us to emulate their spirit. Our lasting tribute to these Americans who have never returned is that we will never forget!" Colonel Callan concluded the ceremony by addressing the guest of honor. "Mr. and Mrs. Hoad, we thank you for being here today," Colonel Callan said. "Mr. Hoad, on behalf of Team Vance, we thank you and salute you as one of our nation's finest heroes." The formal ceremony concluded a dignified tribute to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action. People at the ceremony heard Taps played off in the distance and saw a four-ship formation of T-38s pull into a missing-man formation. (71st FTW Public Affairs)