Misawa Airmen recognize POW/MIA

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  While Americans throughout the U.S. are about to observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day, today, Airmen halfway around the world at Misawa Air Base, Japan, are too - with their first POW/MIA vigil.

"The vigil is a time for us to stay true to our promise," said Tech Sgt. Milton Correia, 301st Intelligence Squadron Godzilla flight superintendent and vigil organizer, "which is to remember our prisoners of war and those missing in action all across the globe."

More than 100 Airmen and Sailors are standing in Risner Circle for 15 minutes at a time, recognizing and announcing names of POW/MIA from the Korean and Vietnam wars.

"The vigil will not be stopped unless there is some really bad weather," said Sergeant Correia. "If it's not a typhoon, high-wind storm or a lighting storm, we will continue to recognize our POW/MIA."

For the volunteers participating in the event, the vigil is a memorable experience.

"This was a great experience for me," said Staff Sgt. Ian Manzy, 610th Air Control Flight readiness and operations NCO in charge, who stood from 3:15 to 3:30 a.m. "I just wanted to be able to pay my respects and remember these people.

"I hope this event will remind everyone to take a moment to think about those who were lost and those who have had to rely on our Code of Conduct to survive," he said.