JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
As many of our Airmen are still putting their lives in order after Hurricane Sandy, much is happening in the world, with ongoing mobilizations, federal sequestration and fiscal arguments occurring now and for the foreseeable future. As a result, we all are faced with the added stresses of uncertainty about how our country and military may be affected.
I recall a training film about Vietnam-era prisoners of war we watched early in my time with the Air Force. It discussed how they survived their ordeal.
One of the things that really struck me as odd when I first saw it was a comment one of them made about being "grateful" for the experience.
How on earth could he feel gratitude after the great deprivations and physical and mental torture of his ordeal in the Hanoi Hilton? I have met and spoken with some of his comrades from this experience, and though they were all very different when they went in, they all seem to share some very strong and common changes in their approach to life as a result of their experience together there.
They speak about the code of conduct as a tool to survive successfully in captivity, and how it helped them maintain their pride, integrity and honor, which in turn helped them not give up and survive the experience. These men could not control many aspects of their life, but they could control what they were trying to do with their life.
They were able to keep faith with each other and they knew that no one could take away their integrity without their permission.
The images of the POWs returning on the C-141 "Freedom Bird" did not show beaten or disgraced men, but rather a group who stood tall and with a distinct aura of dignity and honor. This group had an extraordinary record of success in their lives after their return.
As our country grapples with the challenges ahead, much of what will happen may cause pain or adjustment on our part. I don't mean to compare our strife with that of our Vietnam POWs, but rather to share one of their great philosophies which allowed them to survive a difficult time with honor. How we deal with our trials and tribulations can strengthen our character, make us better people and help us live with honor and peace within ourselves.
Some subscribe to the philosophy that times of great stress don't so much build character as expose it, but I think the example of the POWs proves they helped to build greater character in each other, rather than accept the occasional slips as permanent flaws from within.
We need to take care of our families, both at home and here at the Freedom Wing, as we face these trials together. It may be years later and upon reflection, we too may be oddly grateful for the challenges we successfully confronted together.