Base observes National POW/MIA Recognition day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  As the U.S. continues to be a country at war, the nation's Airmen are consistently at the front lines of combat. As such, they are always at risk of capture by the enemy. Little Rock Air Force Base honored 12 POWs from Arkansas at the POW/MIA Remembrance Day luncheon Sept. 18. 

"While we recognize the sacrifices of those who have gone before us - those who sit in this room today - it goes without saying that any given Airman also in this room could be the nation's next POW," said Col. Greg Otey, 19th Airlift Wing commander. 

On every third Friday in September, the nation observes National Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Recognition day. A Little Rock Air Force Base POW/MIA recognition day luncheon was held Sept. 18 to honor 12 Arkansans who were all former POWs. It was a chance for the community to unite in support of the nation's promise to "Never Forget." 

"This day, like many other veterans-related holidays throughout the year, celebrates the enormous sacrifices of those who've come before us," said Colonel Otey. "Prisoners of War have borne an additional burden through their exemplary service to the nation during times of conflict." 

The former POWs were David Bowlan, Frank Caple, Tony Dodd, Wayne Elliot, Audrey Harris, Silas Legrow, William McGinley, Marion Morgan, John Reaper, Richard Spades, Howarth Taylor and Bruce Waldo. Family was in attendance for former POW Glen Walden. 

Their presence at the luncheon was a testament to human perseverance and was proof the government will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to repatriate every American POW. 

The colonel said the former POWs at the luncheon fought for the freedoms Americans enjoy every single day in this great country. 

"It is only by looking into the eyes of a former prisoner of war, and hearing their story of capture and imprisonment, that you can understand the full depth of commitment these individuals have toward freedom and protecting our nation," said Colonel Otey. 

On May 10, 1944, Mr. Bowlan's aircraft was shot down and he was captured. After being hospitalized for two months, he was transferred to Stalag Luft 4. On Feb. 6, 1945, he and all other prisoners that could walk set off to the west on the "Black March." Mr. Bowlan and 6,000 other American and British Airmen marched 600 miles in 87 days while inadequately dressed and prepared for the subzero winter temperatures. He was repatriated on April 16, 1945. 

Mr. Elliot was captured on Dec. 19, 1944 and was forced to endure an 11-day march through the snow to Stalag 4B. While there, he endured countless work details and lived without heat through the brutally cold months of winter. He was repatriated on May 14, 1945. 

Mr. Legrow deployed in November of 1940 to the Philippines. His unit, the 192nd Tank Battalion, was captured by the Japanese and forced to march to San Fernando. The Bataan Death March lasted 10 days and many of his fellow prisoners were bayoneted, shot or beheaded for falling behind. They marched without food or water. During his captivity at a temporary prison camp, 1,500 Americans died in the first 40 days and 40 to 50 died every day after that. He was repatriated in August of 1945 after 39 months as a POW. 

These men, like all other former prisoners of war, have a story to tell about what they and the men around them were forced to endure. 

President Barack Obama said in his POW/MIA Remembrance Day proclamation, "American prisoners of war exemplify the courage and sacrifice that define our men and women in uniform. These brave warriors have paid a massive share of the costs of freedom, and our nation will be forever in their debt. Today we honor all prisoners of war by recognizing the tremendous sacrifices made and the hardships endured by those who fight for our freedom." 

The base also honored the former POWs and those who are still missing in action by conducting a 24-hour run at the base track in conjunction with POW/MIA recognition day. At midnight Sept. 17, Airmen began running the POW/MIA flag around the track continuously until midnight Sept. 18. 

"Airmen [were] running around the clock, each footstep symbolizing the freedom we now have because of the sacrifices of those who are prisoners of war and those still missing in action," said Colonel Otey.