Laughlin to honor heroes Published Sept. 16, 2010 By Joel Langton 47th Flying Training Wing, chief of public affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- "Service before Self: Examples in Heroism" is the theme as Laughlin AFB honors a prisoner of war and three others who's aircraft were shot down and had to evade capture during the Vietnam War as part of Laughlin AFB's Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Remembrance Day activities Sept. 17. Lt. Col. John Blevins, a former POW, will be honored along with Col's (Retired) Joe Lee Burns and Mike Gilroy, and Lt. Col. (Retired) Ed Larson, at a luncheon, a round-table discussion and a retreat ceremony. Colonel Blevins, who was shot down Sept. 9, 1966, was a prisoner of war for more than six years before being released by the North Vietnamese on March 4, 1973. Colonel's Burns, Gilroy and Larson were all shot down but managed to evade capture by the enemy and were eventually rescued by friendly forces. The day's activities will begin with a luncheon at Laughlin's Club XL. Following the luncheon, a roundtable discussion will be held where the members will share their stories and then answer questions from the audience. At approximately 3:45 p.m., a retreat ceremony will be held at Heritage Park in front of the wing headquarters building honoring these warriors. Throughout the day, Laughlin AFB military members will maintain a vigil in front of the POW/MIA wreath at Heritage Park. While Laughlin AFB is honoring the POWs, part of the point to the day is to ensure that Laughlin members understand their heritage, said Col. Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. "These gentlemen set a standard for bravery, courage and sacrifices made that I strive to ensure we instill in our students," Colonel Frankel said. "People like these are what make our country and our military great."