LAAFB Torch and Wreath

Lead leg Maj. David Learned (right), Global Positioning Systems Wing, hands over the torch to Jason Nelson, Global Positioning Systems Wing, as the second runner to continue the POW/MIA 24-hour Torch Run at the Schriever Space Complex track, Sep. 18. Los Angeles Air Force Base commemorated the National POW/MIA Recognition Day by holding the 140-mile-long run which more than 180 military, civilian, contractor, and family members participated. The run was concluded with a wreath laying ceremony at the end of the event. (Photo by Stephen Schester)

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LAAFB Torch and Wreath

Lt. Gen. Tom Sheridan (second from right), Space and Missile Systems Center commander, runs with the torch with the support of fellow officers during the 24-hour POW/MIA Torch Run held at the Schriever Space Complex track, Sep. 18-19. Los Angeles Air Force Base commemorated the National POW/MIA Recognition Day by holding the 140-mile-long run which more than 180 military, civilian, contractor, and family members participated. The run was concluded with a wreath laying ceremony at the end of the event. (Photo by Lou Hernandez)

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LAAFB Torch and Wreath

Airman 1st Class Turkha Barbedo, 61st Air Base Wing Financial Management, represented all the men and women of Space and Missile Systems Center as he holds the torch during the POW/MIA Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Schiever Space Complex courtyard, Sep. 19. The ceremony was preceded by a 24-hour torch relay commemorating the National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which more than 180 military, civilian, contractor, and family members from Los Angeles Air Force Base participated. (Photo by Stephen Schester)

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LAAFB Torch and Wreath

Col. Donald Wussler, Jr., Space and Missile Systems Center Global Positioning Systems Wing, renders a salute to the wreath during the POW/MIA Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Schiever Space Complex courtyard, Sep. 19. The ceremony was preceded by a 24-hour torch relay commemorating the National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which more than 180 military, civilian, contractor, and family members from Los Angeles Air Force Base participated. (Photo by Stephen Schester)

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GPSW Thanks Base Community For Supporting POW/MIA Events

Published Sept. 25, 2008
By Col Dave Madden

Los Angeles Air Force Base -- Memo to All Base Personnel

On behalf of the GPS Wing, I'd like to thank you for your widespread support last week in support of our LA AFB commemoration of National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

September 19 was National POW/MIA day...a day honor our Prisoners of War, reinforce our country's pledge to bring home those still Missing In Action, as well as restate our commitment to their families and friends who are coping with the absence of their loved ones.

We had a vision to honor our POW/MIAs with a 24-hour torch relay, culminating in a solemn wreath laying ceremony in the Schriever Courtyard. Word spread fast and support for the event poured in. Team SMC pulled together in typical fashion, and we were able to turn our turn vision into reality.

During the 24 hours preceding the wreath laying ceremony, over 180 military, civilian, and contractor personnel and family members representing the entire base carried the torch more than 140 miles. The torch was then passed to A1C Tarkha Barbedo from 61st ABW/FMF, who proudly represented all of the men and women of SMC during the wreath laying ceremony, which was also attended by local veterans' organizations and community leadership.

We delivered a resounding message...Team SMC cares about our POW/MIAs and their families, and will unite for them...and for our nation.

Thanks again for your tremendous support--we look forward to working together to carry on this new tradition next year.

LAAFB Torch and Wreath

LAAFB Torch and Wreath

LAAFB Torch and Wreath

LAAFB Torch and Wreath