A remembrance: Dover’s annual POW/MIA Vigil

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Team Dover members stood a rotating vigil at the base flag pole in 10-minute increments Sept. 18 from 6:35 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of a Prisoners of War and Missing in Actions Remembrance Day. 

"We are paying tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice - we are remembering America's missing servicemembers," said Master Sgt. Michael Arms, 9th Airlift Squadron first sergeant, who helped to organize the event. "We have planned the vigil months ahead of time with many volunteers who have been more than willing to be a part of this."
According to Sergeant Arms, 236 Team Dover members participated in this year's vigil, to include retirees, reservists and members of every unit from across the base. 

"This event recognizes the commitment and sacrifices made that we are never to forget from our fellow Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors - prisoners of war and those still missing in action," said Master Sgt. Darren Strange, 9th AS loadmaster superintendent, who volunteered to participate. 

For Staff Sgt. Olvin Agosoto, 9th AS flight engineer, taking 10 minutes out of his day was worth it. 

"I spent my time standing as a time for personal reflection," said Sergeant Agosoto. "When we take the time out of our day to remember others who have served this country, we see that 10 minutes is not much that we offer compared to those who have paid much more than that." 

Though the retreat ceremony marked the end of the vigil, Chief Master Sgt. Jon Lynn, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent, believes POWs/MIAs should be remembered all year long. 

"Until we bring everybody home, we're not done yet," said Chief Lynn.