Nellis AFB Holds POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony

By Chuck N. Baker

(North Las Vegas) — War itself is a sad affair for those who participate and for those friends and families who are left behind. But war doesn’t always end when the fighting ceases. While combat always comes to an end, unfortunately there are some warriors who don’t immediately come home with the rest of the troops; and in some cases, they do not come home at all. And while federal government offices attempt to hasten to return those known to be held captive, and work to identify details of those missing in action, the heartache and heartbreak is always present.

At Nellis AFB, airmen and invited guests gathered to remember POW/MIA individuals. Held in the cavernous Red Horse Warehouse in a select section of the Base, the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Recognition Ceremony included as guests, several former POWs who now reside in southern Nevada. Singled out in the audience and applauded were Gene Ramos, Dean Whitaker and Vincent Shank. Additionally former POW Marvin Carter was on stage as a presenter. He spoke about the perseverance of those who are held captive. He quoted former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill who once said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going!”

Governor Steve Sisolak issued a proclamation presented by Nevada Department of Veterans Services’ Fred Wagar. It said in part, “Whereas Americans are still listed as POW/MIA, we honor and remember them.” He proclaimed September 17 as “POW/MIA Recognition Day in Nevada.” Students from the Rancho High School Jr. ROTC took part in the ceremony, and the school choir sang the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Colonel Todd Dyer, commander of the 99th Air Base Wing at Nellis, said, “Today is a day when the nation pauses to remember our brothers and sisters in arms who answered the call of duty and never returned home. But while we are honoring them today, we always remember.” According to Nellis Public Affairs, there are 83,114 service members still missing from conflicts throughout U.S. history, including from World War ll, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Cold War. Dyer concluded by telling the audience, “We will never stop working to bring home those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. May we never forget to honor those who cannot be here with us today.”

# # #