POW/MIA day is a worldwide remembrance of the thousands of lives that remain unaccounted for as a result of wars past and present. To help make this day one that stands out AFSA planned and participated in a memorial service that honored these men and women. The day began with members of team Buckley standing vigil at the flagpole. There were also Team Buckley personnel running around base with the POW/MIA flag. The Retreat ceremony at the end of the day took on special meaning with a ceremony, 21 gun salute, SMSgt (ret) Larry Tunnicliff playing taps and SSgt Yolanda Becker, Chapter 1179 Membership Trustee, narrating for the ceremony. Becker, spoke about the meaning of the day and the importance of everyone remembering the sacrifices that our comrades in arms made everyday. “Let us be ever mindful of those American service members who are no longer able to share in these types of events… Let us be especially mindful of the continuing pain sorrow and sacrifice of our one hundred thousand comrades who wear the title POW/MIA, whose story is till unfinished” Becker said. Becker then went on to read the names of the 29 men from Colorado who are still unaccounted for. POW/MIA day was not a nationally recognized day of commemoration until July 18, 1979. The first ceremony was held at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. President Reagan assigned the highest priority to achieving the fullest possible accountability for American’s still missing from the Vietnam War. This brought about greater awareness and support for the POWs, MIAs and their families.

A1C Heather Peeley