Keeping the promise

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Aaron P. Vezeau
  • 157th Air Refueling Wing
Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H. --  New Hampshire Air National Guard (NHANG) Airmen, representatives of the N.H. Congressional Delegation, and retirees gathered today to partake in the National Prisoner of War (POW) and Missing In Action (MIA) Day Recognition Day.

The ceremony included the presentation of the Missing Man Table, a reading in honor of Col. George Day, the reading of names of the many men and women who are POW/MIA, a flag folding ceremony by the Pease ANGB Honor Guard team, and the laying of a wreath at the POW/MIA memorial located just outside Pease Air National Guard Base.

"It provides us with an opportunity to take the time to remember those who are prisoners of war and those who are still listed as missing in action.", said Chief Master Sergeant Dean Rice, the Master of Ceremony for the event.

Guest speakers included representative Josh Denton from the office of U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, Sherri Pierce from the office of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Kate Pyle from the office of U.S. Senator Kelly A. Ayotte, as well as various members of the 157th Air Refueling Wing.

"As a member of the House Armed Service Committee, I am honored to work for all of those who have served in our Nation's military.", Josh Denton reads from a letter from U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. "We must never forget that we have soldiers who have not come home yet, and we must always honor our commitment to them and to their families."

"We are fortunate to live under the freedom and protection afforded us by our men and women in uniform. The peace that we enjoy, however, come at a high price.", Kate Pyle reads from a letter from U.S. Senator Ayotte. "Our military personnel need to know that their nation is steadfast in its commitment to account as fully as possible for those still missing. The message is clear. 'You are not forgotten'."

Special guests for the event were Col. Paul Hutchinson, Wing Commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing, Col. Peter Sullivan, Wing Vice Commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing, other wing leadership, members of the Chief Master Sgt.'s group, airman from across the wing, and several NHANG retirees.