POW/MIA Day honored across Offutt

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Whilst thunder clapped and immense rain poured over the base, members of Team Offutt gathered for Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Remembrance Ceremonies at the 557th Weather Wing and the Patriot Club Sept. 19.

This day, observed on the third Friday in September every year, was authorized by Congress in 1971 and honors POW/MIAs and their families.  Although this year's date coincidentally fell on the 68th birthday of the U.S. Air Force, a celebratory occasion, it was vital for its service members to remember those who paid greatly.

The 557th WW's ceremony took place in the morning and highlighted two weather Airmen who were POW/MIA's, Chief Master Sgt. Louis Loicano and Technical Sgt. Grant Adami. U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Coxwell, 557th WW vice commander and guest speaker, asked the audience to reflect on their unique stories as individuals.

"[They were] Americans who sacrificed and kept faith in their god, family, and their fellow captives and brothers in arms," he said. "They did this while enduring great hardships, torture, both mentally and physically, solitary confinement, disease and starvation, and painfully watched many of their fellow prisoners die lonely deaths far away from home, country, and families.  Their bravery and courage extended beyond life changing combat missions...they endured gruesome death marches, insufferable living conditions and absolute brutality at the hands of their captors yet never compromised their honor, their fellow prisoners or country."

Even the younger weather Airmen appreciated the significance of the POW/MIAs contributions, although their service was separated by many decades.

"It is important to honor the service and sacrifices endured by POW/MIAs in my career field," said U.S Air Force Senior Airman Jesse Brown, 16th Weather Squadron, who was also the project lead for the event. "It was a great opportunity to learn more about their roles in WWII and what they went through while held captive. I also felt it was important to get their stories told and honor them so that they may never be forgotten."

Later in the day, the Air Force Sergeant's Association hosted a POW/MIA luncheon. The event featured guest speaker, and Gold Star Mom, Noala Fritz.

Her oldest son, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jacob Fritz, was a POW killed in action in Karbala, Iraq, Jan. 20, 2007.

"He is among those who have taken the opportunity to keep America home of the free because of the brave," Fritz said. "I am very proud of him and I am very proud of his service in the military. I want to thank those who chose to serve our county, you will never be forgotten."

Among the service members in attendance, were the members of AFSA who worked tirelessly to put the event together. For them, the ceremony held great meaning.

"It serves as the time to honor and remember America's prisoners of war, those who are missing in action and their families," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Courtney Bailey, 55th Intelligence Support Squadron and project lead. "Ceremonies, like ours, are held throughout the nation and around the world to remind Americans of our responsibility to account for and bring home all service members."

U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Amber Brown, 2nd Weather Squadron and co-project lead, echoed her sentiment.

"The POW/MIA week means a lot to me," she said. "There are so many people affected.  I wanted to make sure this event happened and provided the opportunity for our community to come together.  In my past, I have served on a base honor guard and given my respects to families who have lost their loved ones to our wars.  I have a very soft spot in my heart for the families with members who suffered as a POW or are still missing."

AFSA also hosted a 24-hour POW/MIA run on the parade field over the weekend.