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Fairchild holds POW/MIA Recognition Day events

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Taylor Curry
  • Senior Airman Taylor Curry
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  
Approximately 130 Team Fairchild members paid tribute to veterans during a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day that included a "Ruck for the Missing 5K" and Retreat ceremony that featured a former POW guest speaker in front of the headquarters building flag pole Sept. 20.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is a day of observance for all Americans to pause in remembrance of the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war as well as those who are missing in action.

This day, traditionally observed on the third Friday in September, is one of six days that Congress has mandated flying the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag. The other days are: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

"We have this recognition day so that we never forget that military members have become prisoners and because there are still thousands of military members that have not been accounted for," said Tech Sgt. Brian Daubert, 22nd Training Squadron training NCO. "This day reminds us all not to forget and continue to work towards bringing everyone home, so that we can appropriately repatriate them based on their circumstances or experiences."

Retired Lt. Col. Frederick McMurray, a former prisoner of war, was the guest speaker for the Retreat ceremony. McMurray, captain at the time, was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a POW on Sept. 12, 1972. After spending 199 days in captivity, McMurray was released during Operation Homecoming on March 29, 1973.

"The first time I saw my family upon my return was the greatest feeling I'd ever had in my life," McMurray said during his speech.

The Ruck for the Missing 5K was held earlier in the day. Fairchild military, civilian and families participated carrying more than 20-pound rucks and raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.

"Our goal is to raise awareness and honor those still missing in action," said Tech. Sgt. Gustavo Larsen, 336th Training Support Squadron survival, evasion, resistance and escape psychology services NCO in charge.