News

Ceremony honors POW/MIAs, serves those seeking answers

  • Published
  • By Brian Shreve
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Under different circumstances, it might sound like something from an old Patsy Cline song.

She has his picture, they have him ... somewhere.  

Sharon Ray was only 7 on Aug. 14, 1950, the day her brother, an Army sergeant, was last seen in Korea.  

The Robins Prisoner of War/Missing in Action organization's annual recognition ceremony was held at the Museum of Aviation Sept. 18, a somber observance of the national day of remembrance the following day.  

"I've been coming to these events ever since I found out about them," said Ray. "I asked what I could do to help because I don't have money, and organizers just said to make people aware. I can do that. Some people don't even know what that flag looks like, and I want them to know."

Serving as the keynote speaker, retired Lt. Gen. Claude Kicklighter, Department of Defense Commemorations Office director, thanked all veterans and their families in attendance - many traveling from great distances - including those with loved ones still unaccounted for.  

Kicklighter, a Vietnam veteran, is the former commander of the U.S. Army in the Pacific, later serving as DOD inspector general, Iraq/Afghanistan Joint Strategic Transition Planning Group director, the first head of the Department of Veterans Affairs Homeland Security office, among other high-profile positions.  

The substantial crowd also included local politicians, commanders, representatives from the offices of Georgia's U.S. congressmen as well as various veterans groups.  

The Rolling Thunder, Patriot Guard, Tuskegee Airmen and other motorcycle clubs dedicated to honoring veterans were on hand, standing with flags throughout the entire ceremony.  

But as Kicklighter said himself, the day, belonged to those yet to return home from foreign lands.  

"This is a very special day," he said. "Even though there's no way to feel the sorrow and hurt they feel, the least we can do as a nation is say that we share that pain."

In addition to his speech, Kicklighter delivered a special presentation in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the commemoration of which begins next year and will last through 2025.  

Tommy Clack, a leading POW/MIA advocate and triple-amputee following his service in Vietnam, said though he attends many recognition events, he remains impressed with the ceremony at Robins.

"Year after year, they do a great job," he said. "It's about showing up and helping people understand why we need accountability."

Closing comments were given by Joanne Shirley, former chairwoman of the National League of POW/MIA Families; Shirley's brother, Air Force Maj. Bobby Jones, has been listed as missing in action since the Vietnam War.

"Freedom isn't free, and I've had to learn that the hard way," she said. "My chances of closure for Bobby are not very good. But miracles do happen. I will never give up my dream of bringing him home."