POW/MIA

First Term Airmen perform Retreat Sept. 19 at RAF Lakenheath, England. Airmen from different squadrons of the 48th Fighter Wing stood in formation as a part of the closing ceremony for National Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Remembrance Week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)

POW/MIA

Airman 1st Class Steven Copeland, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron, and Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Joseph Dowling, 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. salute a wreath at The Least We Forget Memorial and Air Park Sept. 16 at RAF Lakenheath, England. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)

The Liberty Wing has not forgotten

Published Sept. 24, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Torri K. Larson
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Four F-15's slice through the air with ear-splitting vibration. The "missing man" accelerates with full thrust into a straight vertical climb, rocketing upward and out of sight. One witnessing this maneuver may wonder to themselves, "Where is he?" A chill runs down the spine at the realization that many families are wondering that exact thing and awaiting word on their loved ones who are prisoners of war and missing in action.

It is for that reason members of the 48th Fighter Wing joined together in honoring and observing National Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Remembrance Week Sept. 15 to 19.

Several opportunities were made available to those who wanted to show their respect including a 5K Remembrance Run, motorcycle ride and 24-hour vigil. Liberty Warriors ran, rode and read to honor those lost and still missing in wars ranging from WWI to Desert Storm.

During the 24-hour vigil, Airmen read the names of POW/MIA personnel from noon Sept. 18 to noon Sept.19.

"From the high-noon heat to the cold of midnight the missing are looking to the heavens and feeling all alone" said Master Sgt. Thomas Hutchison, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron propulsion flight support section. "We read the names to show they are not alone and they are not forgotten."

He explained the importance of remembering those who have yet to come home and expressed his gratitude for all the Liberty Warriors who participated in the week's events.
"One-hundred percent of the credit goes to the Airmen of the 48th Fighter Wing," Sergeant Hutchison said. "The honor guard, chiefs, first sergeants and wing leadership really made this possible."

He said there were more than 170 volunteers including active duty members, civilians and dependants.

"You don't really have to persuade people to volunteer for POW/MIA," said Staff Sgt. Sarah Lucio, 48th Aerospace Medical Squadron public health deployment element. "People believe in it and want to come out and participate."

The week culminated in a formal retreat ceremony, performed by the 48th Fighter Wing's first term Airmen.

"It's truly an honor the FTAC Airmen had the privilege participate in the retreat ceremony," said Master Sgt. Michael Montgomery, 48th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. "They were asked to do it because of their professionalism which is greatly attributed to the FTAC instructors and leadership."

Sergeant Lucio said it's important for everyone, especially those in the military, to remember the ultimate sacrifice of those who are lost.

"I don't believe these people should be forgotten," she said. "Their families haven't forgotten them and, being in the military, they're part of our family."