Heroes not forgotten at POW/MIA ceremony

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
Eglin honored National POW/MIA Recognition Day Sept. 20 by saluting its heroes and ceremoniously raising awareness of America's commitment to return all patriots home.

Florida's proclamation of the day was read after a memorial atmosphere was set at the Air Force Armament Museum.

"My wife and family were home anxiously waiting to hear my name," said guest speaker (ret.) Col. John Streit. "You can imagine the horror they experienced at that time."

Guests watched a T.V. news video that Streit said his family will always remember for a long time. It featured his return from a prison camp near Chorwon, North Korea, in September 1953. Streit was among the last group of U.S. and allied military to cross over the freedom bridge out of captivity, which for him, lasted two years.

A flat tire in route almost made his team miss the T.V. cameras, but his wife was relieved when the announcer proclaimed "wait, we have 10 more names."

"September 6th is an important day in my memory," said the former POW.

Although Streit suffered through two brutal winters with limited provisions eating a radish-like vegetable he hated, he knew it was not as life threatening as the prisoners who'd gone before him. He said in the first year the war began, starting July 1950, America faced the highest attrition rate in war. North Korean run camps were known for hosting the highest death rate before the aircraft Streit was piloting was shot down by Chinese forces Jan. 1, 1952. Not only did the colonel undertake heavy fighting on the DMZ just a year after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy, he resumed his Air Force career upon returning to U.S. soil.

Unfortunately, the war was so long ago it is not as relevant to recent events, said the colonel.
While events 60 years ago are fresh in the pilot's memory, generations now may not be aware of the wars that paved the way for the freedom America experiences today.

"It is important for the families of prisoners of war and those missing in action to know we, their extended family, have not forgotten the sacrifices that were made," said Tech. Sgt. Ashley Willie, of the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron and narrator at the ceremony. "We all have someone who we go home to at the end of the day, but there is one family service members are a part of 24/7. That family is the one we joined when we signed on the line. "

After guests watched the broadcast of Streit and his comrades returning home from Korea, a joint honor guard presented the nation's colors. The National Anthem was sung by the Opus One Chorus from Niceville High School. A prayer, poem and proclamation were also read before the guest speaker took stage.

Streit left the crowd with thoughts of hope, success, wealth, enthusiasm, faith and determination.

"These heroes have amazing stories to share and lessons learned that inspire and motivate me to be better," said Master Sgt. David Brown, of the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron and emcee of the ceremony. "As a senior NCO, we strive to demonstrate, inspire, and develop the future Airmen to understand the concept of service. These great heroes have epitomized service to our Nation and I want them to know we are grateful still today."

Outside the museum, the ceremony concluded with a wreath presentation by Lewis Middle School students and an Honor Guard rifle volley. The playing of Taps closed the ceremony on a note as solemn as it started.