TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. —
Travis AFB dedicated a full week of activities in honor of POW/MIA Remembrance Week for service members and their families, Sept. 16-20.
The POW/MIA Recognition Day is nationally recognized on the third Friday in September each year. A majority of military installations host events around this day to honor and remember U.S. Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action during all wars and conflicts in the past. Travis’ Air Force Sergeants Association honored heroes of the past through events all week long to show support, not only to them, but to their families as well.
“POW/MIA Remembrance Week is dedicated to honoring and remembering the U.S. personnel who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ashley Payne, 60th Air Mobility Wing Inspector General analyst. “This observance is intended to recognize their sacrifices and the ongoing efforts to account for and bring them home. As well as to raise awareness among the public to reaffirm their service, commitment and sacrifice to our country and freedoms.”
As of Sept. 9, 2024, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) reports more than 81,000 Americans are still unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and the Gulf Wars, as well as other conflicts.
The week began with an opening ceremony at the Travis Aviation Museum. As part of that ceremony the Founder of Project Recover and a former POW held a vigil. The Travis leadership team attended the event and provided remarks setting the tone for the week ahead.
“It is a solemn week with a lot of events happening at Travis to recognize and honor those still missing,” said Col. Steven Byrum, 60th AMW deputy commander. “None of that happens without a lot of people volunteering to step up and do the work so we can all take a minute to remember.”
Later in the week, members of Travis AFB participated in a ruck march and a team-oriented obstacle course named the “Legacy of Valor” challenge which provided opportunities for participants to learn more about the trials and tribulations of former prisoners of war and reflect on their service.
“The Ruck and the 24-hour run are a principal [of POW/MIA events] we host every year,” said Tech. Sgt. Dorell Pettus, 60th AMW/IG analyst. “However, this year we created a new event: the Legacy of Valor Challenge. Teams will race across the base by working together to solve challenges that are comprised of mental, physical and team building obstacles.”
All six obstacles were related to the challenges POWs faced while held captive, specifically during the Vietnam War.
“We were really excited about this concept because it helps to better educate and engage our community in a way that hasn’t been done before,” said Pettus.
Service members also participated in a 24-hr Remembrance Run, which concluded with running the official flag to the closing ceremony held at the Vacaville City Hall. Service members, veterans, local community leaders and members gathered together to conclude POW/MIA Remembrance Week.
“I returned home, I have no regrets; I saw an adventure, I found adventure, and I’m here today still standing up,” said retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard “Dog” Brenneman POW Vietnam War 1967-1973. “Today is about the people that did not come home with me that I feel for.”
For more information about the DPAA mission and their search for POW/MIA service members, visit https://www.dpaa.mil/Our-Missing/Past-Conflicts/.
