Davis-Monthan carries the legacy of POW/MIA service members

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — Davis-Monthan Airmen honored prisoners of war and service members missing in action throughout the week with a POW/MIA breakfast, rucks and a recognition ceremony.

The week began with a POW/MIA breakfast featuring Capt. Christopher Hekowczyk, an education officer with the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Arizona State University, as the guest speaker. Capt. Hekowczyk spoke about perseverance, survival and continuing forward despite uncertainty.

“This week should remind us that perseverance is more than enduring hardship,” said Hekowczyk. “Perseverance is continuing forward, even when the outcome is uncertain, and making sure the sacrifices of those who came before us are never forgotten.”

Airmen continued the remembrance with the “Carry Their Legacy” ruck, followed later in the week by a 24-hour ruck. During the 24-hour event, Airmen carried the American and POW/MIA flags in shifts throughout the day and night, handing them off to the next participant at the end of each shift, always keeping the flags moving.

The week concluded with a POW/MIA recognition ceremony at the Pima Air & Space Museum featuring World War II survivor Harvey “Harv” Horn as the guest speaker.

“My story is about 36 days that changed my life,” said Horn. “I stand here today, not just as a survivor, but as a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit.”

Horn served as a navigator with the 772nd Bomber Squadron, 463rd Bomber Group, before his B-17 was shot down in March 1945. He and his crew were captured by German forces and spent 36 days as prisoners of war.

“Not only will you inspire all of us to continue service,” said Col. Jose Cabrera, 355th Wing commander. “But you are living proof that we truly stand on the shoulders of giants.”

Col. Cabrera’s remarks closed the ceremony and the week of remembrance, reinforcing the responsibility of today’s Airmen to carry forward the legacy of those who served before them.

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