RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Randolph Air Force Base personnel are invited to help celebrate the 34th Annual Freedom Flyer Reunion here March 30.
The event is hosted annually by the 560th Flying Training Squadron to recognize the sacrifices made by former prisoners of war from the Vietnam War.
"I am extremely proud to be associated with the 560th Flying Training Squadron tradition of honoring these American heroes who came so close to making the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation," said Lt. Col. Kelly Kleifges, this year's reunion coordinator and 560th FTS instructor pilot.
In 1973, the 560th FTS began retraining repatriated POWs to fly again in the Air Force. Later, the squadron provided POW pilots who had not been retrained to fly one last time, ensuring that their last flight in an Air Force aircraft wouldn't be the flight on which they were shot down and captured, Colonel Kleifges said.
"Now that these patriots are unable to fly in Air Force aircraft, we are proud to honor them one more time for their selfless service," he said.
The day kicks off at 9 a.m. in the base theater with a symposium where former prisoners of war will recount their experiences with Vietnam War captivity and discuss aspects of POW life and repatriation.
A wreath-laying ceremony at noon pays tribute to POWs and those listed as missing in action who did not return home from war. The ceremony will include a T-38 4-ship missing man flyover and words from Maj. Gen. Irving Halter, 19th Air Force commander.
Static displays of historical and modern aircraft will be available for viewing on the east flightline from 1-3 p.m., including the four aircraft currently flown at Randolph.
The evening will conclude with a formal dining-in ceremony for the Freedom Flyers, including an Aerial Review of Vietnam-era and modern aircraft flying over the Taj Mahal and the officer's club in 1:05-minute intervals beginning at 6 p.m.