Team Whiteman invited to POW*MIA breakfast

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Team Whiteman is invited to the Inaugural Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Breakfast at 8 a.m., Sept. 14 at Mission's End.

National POW*MIA Recognition Day gives Americans an opportunity to pay respect and honor all individuals who became prisoners of war and the men and women still missing in action. Additionally, it was first observed in 1980, and traditionally observed on the third Friday of September.

"The breakfast serves as a remembrance to POW*MIAs for wars that the United States has been involved in," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Tucek, Team Whiteman POW*MIA Breakfast committee member from the 23rd Fighter Group, Detachment 2. "Whiteman has never done a breakfast to honor POW*MIAs before, and we wanted to change that."

Additionally, the event will have a POW*MIA table. Also known as the missing man table, each military branch will have service covers set at the POW/MIA table, to honor missing comrades in arms.

Tech. Sgt. Matthew Coltrin, event project lead from the 509th Maintenance Squadron, said the idea for the breakfast stemmed from the success at his previous duty location, and he wanted to share the observance with members here.

"The ceremony is one which service members hold in high regard," said Coltrin.

During the breakfast, Team Whiteman will be provided with an opportunity to continue the POW*MIA tradition and remember the sacrifices of our military founding fathers and sisters, according to Master Sgt. Randy Wyatt, event project officer and first sergeant from the 509th Munitions Squadron.

"The observance is also intended to assist guests in helping the descendants and family members of POW*MIAs cope, and offers a theme of resiliency to all attendees," said Wyatt.

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mark Clark is scheduled to be keynote speaker.

Clark entered the Air Force in August 1979 and retired August 2009. Today he is an active scholar working on a master's degree in criminal justice from Columbia College and serves as adjunct instructor with Park University teaching a variety of management courses.

When he is not studying or in the classroom, he is active with the American Legion, American Legion Riders and the Air Force Sergeant's Association and enjoys spending time with his family.

Clark said it is an honor to be selected to speak during the POW*MIA breakfast and looks forward to sharing the significance behind remembering our nation's warriors throughout our history who remain unaccounted for.

In conjunction with the breakfast, Whiteman AFB is also holding a POW*MIA run, Sept. 13, to honor those who answered the nation's call.

The breakfast menu includes: scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, juice, coffee and tea. The cost is $9.75 for members and $10.75 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased no later than Sept. 10 from their squadron point of contact or first sergeant. Military should wear the uniform of the day and civilians should dress business casual.