POW/MIA day 2011

The 435th Air Ground Operations Wing will host National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day Sept. 16. Team Ramstein members will be given the opportunity to run alongside former POW Col. Joseph E. Milligan during a 5K memorial run, hear Milligan reflect on stories of extraordinary determination during a luncheon, and reflect on and remember POW/MIAs during a wreath laying ceremony.

POW/MIA schedule of events for Sept. 16:
» 8 a.m.: POW/MIA 5K memorial run at the 435th Construction and Training Squadron running trail (exit Ramstein West Gate and follow the CTS signs). No pre-registration required, and it’s free. Dress is PT uniform. For more information, call Master Sgt. Lawrence Kirkley at 489-5500.

» 11:30 a.m.: POW/MIA luncheon at the Ramstein Officers’ Club, Suite 1. Cost is $9.50 for club members and $12.50 for non-members for a barbecue chicken sandwich, side and beverage catered by the Flying Pig. For reservations by Sept. 13, call Kirkley at 489-5500. Dress is uniform of the day.

Guest speaker will be former POW retired Air Force Col. Joseph E. Milligan.
Milligan was one of the original 12 “Wild Weasel” pilots assigned to fly top-secret
surface-to-air missile hunter/killer missions over Vietnam.

He was shot down May 20, 1967, and held as a prisoner of war for nearly six years, until his release on Feb. 18, 1973.

» 4 p.m.: Wreath laying ceremony at the River Rats Memorial. The memorial is located behind the officers’ club adjacent to the Berlin Wall. This is a free event and is open to the general public. Dress is uniform of the day. For more information, call Master Sgt. Gerard Boulay at 489-6838.

(Courtesy of the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing)