Desert Storm POW to highlight Heritage of Freedom Oct. 29 Published Oct. 15, 2009 By Kevin Gilmartin 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- An Air Force colonel who was a prisoner of war during Operation Desert Storm will be one of three guest speakers at the next Heritage of Freedom Speaker Series, set for 4 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Minuteman Club Ballroom. Col. William F. Andrews, an F-16 pilot who was shot down over Iraq and captured on Feb. 27, 1991, will share his experiences as one of only 21 American Desert Storm POWs. The colonel currently teaches at the National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washington D.C. Joining Colonel Andrews as speakers will be Senior Master Sergeant Raul Ruiz, first sergeant for the 66th Air Base Wing, who will discuss his recent deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq, and Capt. Scott Carstetter of the 653rd Electronic Systems Group, who will talk about his recent deployment experiences. The Heritage of Freedom Speaker Series is a free event held quarterly that features three speakers, each of whom discuss their experiences serving in combat or while deployed. Their hard-hitting 15 minute presentations are followed by short question and answer periods. The event is informal, and features free refreshments available throughout the discussions. Attendees are encouraged to remain after the addresses and talk informally with the speakers. Colonel Andrews has an operational fighter background. He began flying upon his graduation from the USAF Academy in 1980, with tours in the EF-111, and F-16. He has commanded an F-16 squadron and a composite operations group of fighter, bomber, and tanker squadrons, as well as commanding Al Udeid AB, Qatar in the opening months of Operation Enduring Freedom. His combat tours include Desert Storm, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom.