JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. --
America’s 35th president, John F. Kennedy, once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
This quote holds true for U.S. military members, who are required to make every effort to escape and aid others to escape when they become prisoners of war.
More than 150,000 Americans who are missing in action or have been held as prisoners of war were payed tribute during a POW/MIA closing ceremony here, Jan. 16. Today, more than 83,400 service members are still unaccounted for.
“This was an opportunity for our community to honor those who survived and remember some still remain,” said Master Sgt. Vanessa Reeves, POW/MIA committee chairman. “We should never give up faith until every one of them is returned home.”
The POW/MIA committee spent four months planning and organizing the event.
“It was both a memorable and emotional event,” Reeves said. “I am extremely proud with the outcome of our POW/MIA ceremony.”
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. (Ret.) Barry Bridger, a six-year POW during the Vietnam War, and Allen Orndorff, a U.S. Army World War II veteran from the 101st Airborne Division, both gave positive feedback about the ceremony, Reeves said.
“This POW/MIA remembrance event is a way for all of us to experience the positive power of the service and sacrifice [of the POWs], and say thank you. We shall never forget,” Bridger said. “Our veterans are always first in line to fight and die to protect our country.”
Bridger, who was also the guest speaker, discussed how America’s warriors have been able to endure the ordeal of war and return with honor.
“Words cannot be assembled that capture in full measure the horror of war, the pain, the scars [and] the sacrifice,” Bridger said. “[A POW camp] can destroy the mind and body, but cannot touch the value of a good heart and spirit.”
Bridger also explained why he feels the virtue of America’s military members make the U.S. armed forces one of the most respected institutions in the country.
“Virtue is a willing sacrifice of one’s private interests for the greater good of [of the country,]” Bridger said. “Our warriors have always walked onto the battlefields of our nation’s enemies, and some of us into the prison camps of our adversaries, with these values of our ancestors. And they have always brought us home with honor.”
Bridger’s words inspired Airmen to think about why it is important to remember their country’s POWs, according to Senior Airman Alex Nieves, 633rd Air Base Wing Honor Guard member.
“What I took out of Mr. Bridger’s speech was that it wasn’t just about remembering the POWs, it’s also about taking action,” Nieves said. “It puts the responsibility back on us.”
Military members and civilians also had the opportunity to meet Bridger and Orndorff after the ceremony.
“I can’t even begin to understand what they went through,” Nieves said. “But the fact that they did it and can return with honor makes them heroes in my eyes because I can always look up to them.”
Orndorff was still a teenager when he and more than 160,000 Allied troops fought the Nazis along a 50-mile stretch of beach on the coastlines of Normandy, France, during “D-day” on June 6, 1944. It was the largest amphibious attack in history.
“You’re an inspiration to everyone here,” said MSgt. Travis Shaw, Air Combat Command Surgeon General pararescue medical program manager, as he hugged Orndorff after the ceremony.
Orndorff didn’t have the chance to go home to his family after battling through the European theater, Shaw said.
“Right before he went home, they shipped him off to the Pacific theater,” Shaw said. “The hardships you see with that are not prevalent today.”
“It really puts things into perspective when you come out here, meet these gentlemen, the POWs and [learn] what they endured,” Shaw said. “What they fought for really paved the way for what we do today. You have to be thankful for that.”
Tears trickled down the eyes of Orndorff, Reeves, military members and civilians as Taps was played by the base honor guard during the ceremony.
“Every time you hear [Taps], it sends shocks down your spine. All of those feelings run through your body, and it’s just overwhelming,” Shaw said. “There are so many things that go through your head when you hear Taps, about what people did to sacrifice before you, and what we’re doing today to sacrifice for America and all the freedoms we fight for.”
The current generation of servicemen and women owe a large debt of gratitude to heroes like Orndorff and Bridger, according to Col. Caroline M. Miller, 633rd Air Base Wing commander.
“As we recognize these heroes today, let us also remember their sacrifice,” Miller said during her closing remarks. “We remember their spirit, we share their story and we remember all of our service members … who served honorably in absolutely unfathomable circumstances.”
Miller also noted in her speech that the sacrifice of the families whose lives were forever affected by their loved one being held a prisoner of war on a distant battlefield.
“Too often, we’re quick to forget that not all of our men and women in uniform return back home. For any family that contains a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine, this is an incredibly difficult burden to bear,” Miller said. “It is fitting that we, as service members, remember all who came before us. I have no doubt that the heroic efforts of our POW/MIAs will never be forgotten.”
(Editor’s Note: This is part three of a three-part series in honor of Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day)