In observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base gathered on Sept. 17 for a solemn 24‑hour ruck around a mile‑long on‑base track. The rain‑soaked morning in Cheyenne set a reflective tone as service members took turns walking, running or rucking—carrying heavy bags—to ensure the track was never unattended.
Discipline and Connection
Master Sergeant Amber Salinas, who organized the event, emphasized that the vigil is about “discipline” and “connection together.” While most participants will only be on the track for a few hours, a few will complete the full 24‑hour rotation, echoing the sacrifices of those who were forced to work, walk and starve while imprisoned.
“When you do something that sucks essentially, you get closer,” Salinas said. “Naturally just that bond happens.” The ruck serves as a tangible reminder to the families of missing service members that the nation has not forgotten their loved ones.
Historical Remembrance
Colonel Brian Lane, Deputy Commander of the 90th Missile Wing, addressed the airmen, recalling the stories of Navy Lieutenant Jeremiah Denton, who blinked the word “torture” on live television after eight years of captivity in North Vietnam, and Senator John McCain, who refused early release despite his father’s influence, choosing to stay with his fellow prisoners.
Lane highlighted the enduring symbolism of the POW/MIA flag that flies across the country, noting, “The flame of their sacrifice must never burn out. We must be their voice, their memory and their shield.” He was the first to carry the flag around the track, a gesture that other service members will repeat throughout the vigil.
Support from the Base Community
While a rotating team maintains the ruck, other personnel provide food, beverages and even a tent for rest between shifts. The collective effort underscores the Air Force’s commitment to honoring those who never returned and to supporting the families who continue to wait.
According to the Department of Defense, more than 80,000 Americans remain missing in action, many of whom are unlikely to be recovered. The Cheyenne ruck is a local expression of a national promise to remember and to pray for those families.
Why It Matters to Cheyenne
For the Cheyenne community, the event is both a tribute and a reminder of the values that bind the nation: faith, family, and liberty. Residents watching from the sidelines see a living example of disciplined service and shared sacrifice, reinforcing the town’s long‑standing support for its military members.
The 24‑hour ruck will conclude on the morning of Sept. 18, marking the official day of remembrance. As the final lap is completed, the base will raise the POW/MIA flag one more time, sending a clear message that the sacrifices of the past will never be forgotten.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
