Laughlin to honor heroes

  • Published
  • By Joel Langton
  • 47th Flying Training Wing, chief of public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  "Service before Self: Examples in Heroism" will be the theme as Laughlin honors a prisoner of war and three others who were shot down and had to evade capture during the Vietnam War as part of Laughlin's Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Remembrance Day activities Friday, Sept. 17.

Lt. Col. John Blevins, a former POW, will be honored as well as Col. Joe Lee Burns, Col. Mike Gilroy and Lt. Col. Ed Larson, all retired, at a luncheon, a round table discussion and a retreat ceremony.

Blevins, who was shot down Sept. 9, 1966, was a prisoner of war for more than six years before being released by the North Vietnamese March 4, 1973.

Col. Burns, Gilroy and Larson were all shot down but evaded capture before being rescued by friendly forces.

The day's activities begin with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Laughlin's Club XL.

Following the luncheon, a roundtable discussion will be held in Anderson Hall. During the discussion, members will share their story and then answer questions from the audience.

Afterwards, at approximately 3:45 p.m., a retreat ceremony will be held at Heritage Park in front of the wing headquarters building honoring these warriors.

Throughout the day, Laughlin military members will maintain a vigil in front of the POW/MIA wreath at Heritage Park.

While Laughlin is honoring the POWs, part of the point to the day is to ensure that Laughlin members understand their heritage, said Col. Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander.

"These gentlemen set a standard for bravery, courage and sacrifices made that I strive to ensure we instill in our students," said Colonel Frankel. "People like these are what make our country and our military great."