Tyndall remembers POW/MIA

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall held a 24-hour vigil run Sept. 18 through 19 at Flag Park to commemorate prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Every third Friday in September is POW/MIA Recognition Day. The 81st Range Control Squadron has sponsored the run for the past 25 years at Tyndall.

"The purpose of the vigil run is to honor military brothers and sisters who have been prisoners of war or still are missing in action," said Staff Sgt. Brent Wardrip, 81st RCS weapons director.

This year 225 participants ran 143.55 miles around the park.

"What I like the most is watching everyone around base come together to make this event possible," Wardrip said. "There are a lot of moving pieces behind the scenes that were critical to ensuring a smooth execution of the events."

In addition, a luncheon was held at Tyndall's Heritage Club where more than 120 attendants were present.

The luncheon provided a brief history in recognition of all POW/MIA and a presentation to all military branches by the base honor guard.

"I think these events are very beneficial to Airmen at Tyndall because it helps them keep in perspective that there are harsh conditions our wingmen are currently enduring, and we have a mission to bring them home," Wardrip said.

One Airman who participated in the run shared his sentiment.

"We are not going to forget," said Airman 1st Class Joshua Lanoue, 325th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist. "It's a very rewarding feeling when you are out there running for this cause. These are people you are running for that went through something you never want anyone to go through."