They are not forgotten

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The base paid tribute to prisoners of war and servicemembers still missing in action during POW/MIA remembrance activities here Sept. 25.

"It's in keeping with the proud traditions of the military and especially in keeping with the proud traditions of our Airman's Creed that says 'I will never leave an Airman behind,'" said Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander. "We will not rest until we have exhausted every opportunity to bring all those home that we can bring home."

The day began with a ruck march, which according to 2nd Lt. Jeff Taylor, 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron tactical response force flight commander, symbolized the fact Minot AFB has not forgotten "our brothers and sisters in arms that have come before us."

A ruck, which is a bag on a frame designed to help Airmen carry a heavy load over long distances, was carried by each of the Airmen participating in the ruck march throughout the day.

"A ruck march is a small token of gratitude," Lieutenant Taylor said. "It's us sacrificing a little bit of our time and effort to show that we have not forgotten."

Another participant in the ruck march, Senior Airman Justin Miller, 791st MSFS tactical response force member, talked of the sacrifice POWs and MIAs have made for their country.

"The reason we're doing this is to represent all the POWs that have been captured in war and give respect to them," said Airman Miller. "This is important to me because they're the ones who gave their life or would have given their life to make this country free."

Master Sgt. Dan Barnes, 5th Force Support Squadron customer-support superintendent, made a commitment to ruck the entire day, which lasted from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"The POWs and MIAs that have gone before me have endured more struggles than rucking all day," he said. "That's my main motivation of why I'm out here."

In addition, the Airmen who participated in the march carried the POW/MIA flag throughout the day.

A luncheon was also held at the Jimmy Doolittle Center here to commemorate POWs and MIAs. Chief Master Sgt. Mark Clark, 5th Bomb Wing command chief master sergeant, was the guest speaker.

"I cannot even begin to put into words how honored and humbled I am to share the rarified air with those members who have sacrificed more than most in defense of the freedom we sometimes take for granted," Chief Clark said, referring to the World War II veterans in the audience -- all former POWs.

"The creed (Airman's Creed) talks about being faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor and a legacy of valor," Chief Clark said. "The reason why we have those words and why they mean so much to us is because of those men and their families ... the heroes that are with us today."

"Today is not about slogans and bumper stickers," Chief Clark added. "It's about remembering the sacrifices of those who wear our uniform, from generations past into the war we fight today."

One of the WWII veterans present was Tioga, N.D., resident Arnold Epostovit, who was taken prisoner while serving with the 710th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, in Anzio, Italy.

"We made a landing in Anzio behind enemy lines with the idea that we would break out and join other forces," Mr. Epostovit said. "But when the enemy found out we were there, they immediately sent everything they had at us and we couldn't get out. They came at us with tanks and flamethrowers and we were overwhelmed."

Mr. Epostovit was taken prisoner and held for 14 months before finally being freed. POW/MIA Recognition Day has significant meaning for him, and he is very grateful for what Minot AFB does to recognize POWs and MIAs each year.

"It makes me feel great," he said. "I have so many people come up to me and thank me for serving. If you've ever been in the military and then you come to a post or a base like this, you can just feel the camaraderie."

"As long as we can go, we'll go," said Helen Vanous, wife of Elwin Vanous, who was captured in North Africa and later escaped from Italy by walking 600-700 miles at night until he reached the British front. For at least 15 years, Helen and Elwin have driven more than 100 miles from Tuttle, N.D., to attend the base's POW/MIA Day remembrance activities. This year, Mr. Vanous could not attend.

The day's events concluded with a formal retreat ceremony at the base flag pole, which included the conclusion of the ruck march and a B-52H Stratofortress flyover.

"It's a solemn way to remember those who came before us and sacrificed so
much for their country," said Col. Chris Ayres, 91st Missile Wing commander.