JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston hosted POW/MIA Recognition Day by hosting a series of memorial events at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 16, 2021.
The POW/MIA Recognition Day is on the third Friday of September every year but was held a day early this year due to the Air Force ball being held on Friday afternoon. The events that took place were a continuous run/walk throughout the day, a retreat ceremony, the reading of names and guest speaker, Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Dick Vaughan, a rescued prisoner of war.
Each year the Air Force Sergeants Association hosts the event to maintain tradition and remember those who are lost but never forgotten.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Beatrix Bainter, 437th Maintenance Squadron Commander Support Staff Program manager, was a coordinator for the retreat ceremony and she was happy to listen to the guest speaker.
“As a committee, we wanted to make sure the ceremony had a good turnout,” said Bainter. “To look someone in the eyes that lived through that experience; it felt amazing to be able to honor him.”
Airmen stood in formation for the POW/MIA Recognition Day Retreat Ceremony during a downpour.
Senior Airman Alicia Corey, 437th Aerial Port Squadron packing and crafting technician, usually participates in the memorial run; unable to this year, she still found a way to render respect.
“It means a lot to me to be able to be a part of remembering these men and women,” Corey said. “Whether you’re in for 10 years or 20 years, this is something you will remember that you were able to support. It’s not something you’ll easily forget.”