HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The local chapter of the Air Force Sergeants Association will host a POW/MIA Recognition Week observance here Sept. 15-18.
The observance will include multiple events to remember the sacrifice and service of prisoners of war, service members missing in action, and their families. AFSA Chapter 161 and the Hanscom AFB First Sergeants Council are hosting the events.
“We wanted to give different options for people to get out of their offices and reflect on the sacrifices that were made by those who were prisoners of war or are currently missing in action,” said Tech. Sgt. Dean Concepcion, AFSA Chapter 161 president.
The events begin Sept. 15 with a 5K Memorial run or walk. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Fitness and Sports Center, and the run starts at 8 a.m.
On Sept. 16, the POW/MIA Table, also known as the "Missing Man Table," will be displayed in the ballroom of the Minuteman Commons. At 4:30 p.m., a ceremony will feature a moment of silence and an explanation of the significance of the items on the table.
A cornhole tournament will follow immediately after the ceremony.
“There were people who didn't come home and nobody is ever going to know them. They were our brothers and sisters who have never come back,” said Airman 1st Class Marie Jane Bullard, an AFSA Chapter 161 member. “Even if you never knew them, you can honor them in the best way that you can.”
Coordinators have also planned a 24-hour run and walk beginning at 8 a.m. Sept. 17 at the base track. During the event, individual participants or teams will keep the U.S. and POW/MIA flags moving around the track.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September. All those with base access are invited to attend scheduled events.
For more information, or to participate in the 24-hour event, contact Concepcion at dean.concepcion@us.af.mil or Senior Master Sgt. Andrea Nehmer at andrea.nehmer@us.af.mil.