POW/MIAs remembered

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  • By Public Affairs
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Vance Air Force Base remembered servicemembers held captive or who are still missing during a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action retreat ceremony Sept. 16 at the flagpole.
Former POW Fran Hoad attended the ceremony and assisted Col. Jerry Siegel, 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander, in placing a POW/MIA wreath at the base of the flagpole.
"Today we honor the heroism of our nation's finest - Americans who have endured captivity in enemy hands, as well as those whose fate remains unknown," Colonel Siegel began. "Every September, for the past 25 years, our nation has paused to reflect on their special brand of courage in the face of almost unimaginable hardship and abuse."
Mr. Hoad was a POW of Germany for 13 months after enemy 105mm coastal guns shot down the B-17 he co-piloted near Oostende, Belgium, in the spring of 1944.
"Since World War I, more than 140,000 Americans have been prisoners of war," Colonel Siegel said. "Some of them came home alive, but many more did not. For some, their fate still remains in question.
"To those families and friends of our missing in action, we vow to continue efforts to locate, recover and bring their loved ones home. Whatever the cost, however long it takes, and wherever it takes us, these American heroes will come home.
"President George W. Bush said, 'It is not in our nature to seek out wars and conflicts, but when adversaries have left us no alternative, American men and women have stood ready to take the risks and to pay the ultimate price.' In response to the savage surprise attack on our nation on 9/11, America unfortunately once again found itself a nation at war, with our young men and women once again being put in harm's way," Colonel Siegel said. "As our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen defend the nation, they must know that their country will never abandon them. That we will spare no effort to bring them home.
"This is the sacred trust we owe to those who serve: If they go down in enemy territory, we will do everything in our power to rescue them. If they are captured, we will use every option available to secure their safe release. And if they should fall, we pledge to bring these heroes home. That is our solemn commitment. We owe them nothing less.
"Mr. Hoad, we thank you for joining us today as we remember those, like yourself, who have endured so much, so that the rest of us could live our lives in freedom," Colonel Siegel said. "Because of you and so many like you, America remains a shining example to the world where life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness can flourish. You are true American heroes and we're so very honored by your presence here today.
"And so, we pause to remember your sacrifices and the sacrifices of so many others who endured enemy captivity, and for those still to be returned home. May they come home soon for the hero's welcome they so richly deserve.
"Before closing, I would like to ask all of you to keep the families in the Gulf Coast region in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina," Colonel Siegel said. "In keeping with our military tradition of service before self, our Armed Forces response to this disaster is a great source of pride. Tens of thousands of men and women in uniform, including those from Team Vance, are truly making a difference.
"To anyone and everyone who has fought, suffered, sacrificed or given their life for this great nation, I salute you -- all of America salutes you. Thank you and God bless America."
The ceremony was a dignified tribute to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action. It concluded with the playing of Taps and a T-37 missing-man formation.