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Team Andersen honors POW/MIAs in 24-hour run, retreat ceremony

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Angelique Smythe
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
A formation of Team Andersen members rendered salute to the U.S. flag as "The Star-Spangled Banner" resounded at 5 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Arc Light Memorial.

After ordering arms, under Guam's rainy sky, members of the 734th Air Mobility Squadron selflessly kicked off the third annual POW/MIA 24-hour Vigil Run in honor of all prisoners of war and those missing in action.

The weather may have caused some discomfort, said Chief Master Sgt. James Cornell, 36th Maintenance Squadron. "But I think it's fair to say, this is a pale comparison to what our POW and MIA comrades endured."

Quoting an unknown author, Chief Cornell said, "Running around the clock, we show our resolve to never forget the deep sacrifice of our comrades in arms made for our nation."

The volunteers carried a baton engraved with 19 names of servicemembers classified as "Missing in Action" while assigned to Andersen.

All units rotated on an hourly basis until 5 p.m. Sept. 21, when the POW/MIA retreat ceremony commenced at the 36th Wing headquarters.