Whiteman Airmen honor POW/MIA with 24-hour run

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michaela R. Slanchik
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Team Whiteman held their annual 24-hour POW/MIA run Sept. 17 and 18, 2015, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., to pay tribute to prisoners of war and our missing brothers and sisters in arms.

Every year, on the third Friday of September, our nation honors our prisoners of war and missing in action.

"The POW/MIA run is an opportunity for Team Whiteman to remember those who have made such great sacrifices for our nation," said Col. Matthew Brooks, 509th Bomb Wing vice commander. "We must never forget those men and women who have given all to defend freedom and the American way of life.  The Whiteman AFB POW/MIA run is an event that honors them and their legacy of excellence."

The event began with a remembrance ceremony where a torch was lit and a POW/MIA flag was raised.

Whiteman Airmen ran in half-hour increments around Ike Skelton Lake while keeping the flame and a POW/MIA flag moving constantly for 24 hours straight.

The event concluded on Sept. 18, which was this year's POW/MIA recognition day, as well as the Air Force's 68th Birthday.

"I am thankful I had the opportunity to show my respect for these men and women," said Airman 1st Class Amanda Smith, 509th Comptroller Squadron financial services technician and participant in the run. "It is important that their service is remembered, and they are never forgotten."