Shaw members memorialize POW/MIAs
By Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado, 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
/ Published September 21, 2018
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Team Shaw members honored the legacy of prisoners of war, those still missing in action and those who paid the ultimate price during POW/MIA Remembrance Week, Sept. 17 -21.
During the week, service members and their families participated in numerous events, such as a candlelight vigil, a 24-hour run and a ceremony to remember those heroes.
“This is our history, it's our heritage,” said Master Sgt. Tiffany Rankins, 20th Force Support Squadron Airmen and Family Readiness Center noncommissioned officer in charge. “We pay homage every single day when we put on this uniform, but it's easy to simply go through the motion. This week provides the opportunity to reflect and bring prisoners of war and missing in action service members to the forefront of our hearts and minds as we are reminded of our duty to never forget.”
At the conclusion of the week, Team Shaw members gathered to hear the words of Susan Stephens, the sister of MIA U.S. Army Sgt. Stephen Geist, during the POW/MIA Remembrance Week ceremony. Stephens spoke about her brother’s story and current search efforts, as well as provided words of wisdom to the future of the U.S. armed forces.
“Our nation has pledged not to rest until we can get the fullest possible accounting and every American missing in action home,” said Susan Stephens, POW/MIA ceremony guest speaker. “We remember them in our thoughts and prayers, wherever they are…wherever they have fallen. Remember that dying for freedom isn’t the worst that could happen…being forgotten is.”
According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, more than 82,000 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars, and other recent conflicts around the globe.
“There are only 24 hours in a day, we can't control that but what we can control is how we spend our time,” said Master Sgt. Clyde Rankins, 20th FSS David B. Reid Airman Leadership School commandant. “The mission does not allow the entire base to stop and attend all of the events but those who could, did. And I think that during those brief moments we had the opportunity to slow down and remember why we serve.”
By continuing to remember the sacrifices of those who came before them, members of Team Shaw will continue to lead the way in excellence, accomplish the current mission and prepare for future operations.