POW/MIA Week

Lt. Col. Michael Ross, 48th Security Forces Squadron commander, holds the 48th SFS guidon over his head as he crosses the finish line of the 5K POW/MIA run, Sept. 16, 2009, at RAF Lakenheath, England. The 5K run was one of many events that took place during the POW/MIA Remembrance Week. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Eboni Knox))

POW/MIA Week

Col. Jay Silveria, 48th Fighter Wing commander, introduces Charles Waite, former prisoner of war, before Mr. Waite shares his experiences at the POW/MIA commencement breakfast, Sept. 14, 2009, RAF Lakenheath. Charles Waite was a British prisoner of war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eboni Knox)

POW/MIA Week

Senior Airman Joseph Chesire, 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron crash recovery journeyman, reads the names of POW/MIA personnel in the early morning hours, Sept. 18, 2009, at RAF Lakenheath, England. Airmen read the names for 24 hours to remember those who have not returned or been accounted for. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Eboni Knox)

POW/MIA Week

Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Janssen, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management flight chief, receives a plaque from the Ex-Prisoners of War Association presented by Les Allen, a former POW, during the POW/MIA Week retreat ceremony Sept. 18, 2009, at Memorial Park on RAF Lakenheath, England. Mr. Allen was the guest speaker at the retreat ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eboni Knox)

RAF Lakenheath celebrates POW/MIA week

Published Sept. 24, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Eboni Knox
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Members of the 48th Fighter Wing participated in numerous events, including a commencement breakfast, motorcycle rally, 24-hour vigil, remembrance run, and a formal retreat ceremony during POW/MIA Week on Sept. 14 to 18.

U.S. Armed Forces, as well as international militaries and civilians celebrate POW/MIA Week to remind people of the captive servicemembers and those not accounted for.

"The purpose of POW/MIA week is to pay respect and recognize those captured and missing in action," said Master Sgt. Tammy Turnbull, RAF Lakenheath POW/MIA Week coordinator. "This national week of recognition allows us to remember and reflect on why we serve and not take for granted those before us."

The week's events included guest speakers, such as Charles Waite, former POW, who spoke at the commencement breakfast.

"It was an honor to have former POW Charles Waite at the commencement breakfast," said Sergeant Turnbull. "His presence brought history to life."

In the spirit of the week, participants in the motorcycle rally showed their respect by exercising their freedom to ride.

The motorcycle rally brought more than 50 riders from RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and British locals together to remember the unaccounted for and captured servicemembers who fought for their freedom.

"I've been here at RAF Lakenheath for three years now, and this year, with fifty plus riders, is the best turn out I've seen so far," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Richichi, POW/MIA motorcycle rally coordinator. "Next year we'll try to break seventy."

The week's events, concluded with a reading of the names vigil at the Memorial Park. The 24-hour vigil started at 3:45 p.m., Sept. 17.

"This year we were able to read off more than 10,000 recorded names of servicemembers from every branch of service," said Sergeant Turnbull.

Former POW Les Allen spoke at the closing retreat ceremony about his fellow captives and read poetry written by some of his fallen comrades.

"We were very fortunate to have Les Allen share his experiences with RAF Lakenheath personnel and the Ministry of Defence community," said Sergeant Turnbull. "I have a tremendous amount of pride in the 48th Fighter Wing personnel because we were able to bring history to life with our distinguished guests and share experiences with the military and MOD community.

"The men and women here really worked hard to bring honorable mention and observance to those that served in the U.S. and British forces so that today's military knows where it started -- we will never forget."