Tyndall commemorates POW/MIA Recognition Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Isaiah J. Soliz
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Tyndall hosted its 29th annual 24-hour vigil run to commemorate prisoners of war and those missing in action at Flag Park, Sept. 14-15, 2017.

The vigil run consisted of Airmen from all of Team Tyndall running laps around Flag Park for a full 24 hours with a participant holding the baton at all times. Giving many an opportunity to reflect on those missing in action or that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Each year, Airmen from the 81st Range Control Squadron sponsor the run and organize the event by setting up a water station and establishing the track route for participants.

Lt. Col. Adam Bright, the 81st RCS commander, kicked off the event by sharing a few words.

“The POW/MIA events are identified with the Vietnam War, but it now extends to all the wars since World War II and all those that are missing,” Bright said. “From World War II there are still 73,012 people missing; the Korean War there are 7,841; from the Cold War there are 26 people missing from various incidents; the Vietnam War there are 1,626 people that are still missing.”

Col. Michael Hernandez, 325th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Craig Williams, 325th FW command chief, set the tone for the somber event by running the first lap of the event while carrying the ceremonial baton and 325th FW guidon.

“The baton Col. Hernandez carries will be passed to each runner after the first lap in which the passing symbolizes one generation of warriors passing a legacy of valor and patriotism to the next,” Bright said.

After the full 24 hours, members from the 81st RCS carried on the tradition of running the last lap of the event.

“It felt great to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Moncada, 81st RCS assistant NCO in charge. “Events like this allow us to pay respect to those that served before us while also helping to bring the unit together and build our comradery. I’ll be doing this every year throughout my time here at Tyndall.”

As the 29th annual vigil run concluded, the message on the POW/MIA wreath was front and center for all to see: You Are Not Forgotten.