JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Team Charleston will honor all former "Prisoners of War" and those "Missing in Action" during a series of events scheduled to begin Sept. 16 at 3:30 p.m. and concluding, Sept. 17 at 4:30 p.m. on the base.
The series of events include:
A 24-hour vigil run: More than 100 service members, Department of Defense employees, family members and local Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets will run continuously in 30-minute increments in teams of four, for the entire 24-hour period starting at 3:30 p.m. Sept 16 and concluding at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 17.
POW/MIA Recognition Luncheon: More than 200 guests will attend a luncheon at the Charleston Club Sept. 17 honoring former POWs. More than 20 former POWs from throughout the state of South Carolina will be attending as honored guests. Guest speaker for the luncheon is Senior Master Sergeant Kevin Kloeppel, a former AC-130 Gunner and current 15th Airlift Squadron Superintendent.
C-17 static display: At 2:15 p.m., following the luncheon the POW's will tour "The Spirit of American POW/MIA" C-17.
POW/MIA retreat ceremony: The retreat ceremony will begin at 3:30 when the POW/MIA flag is delivered by the 437th Air Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Terrence Greene from the vigil run culminating with a special POW/MIA retreat ceremony at base flag pole.
The retreat ceremony will be conducted by the Charleston Naval Weapon Stations Joint Service honor guard and members for the 628th Air Base Wing and 437th Airlift Wing to include: a wreath laying ceremony by the installation commander and the POW commander for the State of South Carolina; reading of the Code of Conduct, retirement of the colors; playing of TAPS; and a 21-gun salute.
For more information on this event, contact Tech. Sgt. Steven Thompson at 963-3777. For any other questions, contact Master Sgt. Jeff Faretra at 963-7154.