Colonel Lewis L. Millet American Legion Post 38, South Korea, hosted and conducted a POW/MIA recognition ceremony on September 21, 2019, on US Army Garrison Casey (Camp Casey), South Korea. The ceremony was led by Post 38 Commander William Wight, who gave the welcoming remarks. Wight explained the meaning of the POW/MIA table. The tradition of setting up the POW/MIA table was in honor of our prisoners of war and missing comrades. This has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War. The manner in which this table is decorated is full of special symbols to help us remember our brothers and sisters in arms.
Post 38 POW/MIA Chairman David Hill spoke of the history of National POW/MIA Recognition Day during the ceremony. USAG Casey Deputy Garrison Commander Drew A. Turinski was the guest speaker for the ceremony. Turinski, a retired US Army officer, recognized all the Vietnam War veterans in the audience. He gave thanks to them for their service. Turinski told the audience to remember the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war (POWs), as well as those who are missing in action (MIA), and their families. In closing, he reminded us that freedom is not free.
Distinguished attendees at POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony were USAG Casey Commander Lieutenant Colonel Diosabelle (Jo) Buack, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Pacific Area 3 Commander Jeffery Birkle and former VFW Commander of Post 9985 Vernon Hill. They were joined by active-duty soldiers, veterans, civilians and family members from the USAG Casey community. POW/MIA Flag honors were conducted by Post 38 Sergeant at Arms William Scafe and Legionnaire Bill Beatty. A wreath was placed on the POW/MIA Memorial Rock by Wight and Birkle. Taps was played immediately after the wreath was placed. Post 38 Chaplain Tim Lane performed the invocation and benediction during this event.