VFW 1075 Marks POW-MIA Recognition Day

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – The Sept. 20 observance of POW-MIA Recognition Day at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1075 began with a luncheon prepared for attendees. Program followed, beginning with introduction of distinguished guests, including keynote speaker Ken Hibl, Colonel (retired), U.S. Army; U.S. Congressman John Moolenaar, represented by his aide Josiah Bear; VFW-District 11 Commander Scott Taylor; Clare County Prosecuting Attorney represented by criminal analyst Matt Miller; Clare County Sheriff John Wilson; Clare County Undersheriff Ed Williams; Michigan State Police 1^st Lt. David Johnson; Michigan State Police Lt. Alex Zamarron; Harrison City Mayor Dan Sullivan; and Ray Lopez, 1^st Past State Commander VFW-Michigan.

Next on the agenda was the Tribute to Comrades Ceremony, with master of ceremonies Gabe Ambrozaitis describing each element. They included table placement of a laurel wreath, an evergreen sprig, and flowers representing the stripes/colors of the American Flag: Red flowers symbolizing courage and gallantry [presented by Tony Argenta, junior vice commander]; White flowers [presented by Aaron Lonsway, senior vice commander] reminding of comrades’ unselfish devotion to duty; and Blue flowers [presented by Carl Lounsbury, officer of the day] symbolizing the great love military comrades have for the flag and country. The evergreen tribute [presented by Chaplain Ralph Powell] was a symbol of life everlasting and the undying love for missing and imprisoned comrades. The laurel wreath [presented by Scott Taylor, Post Commander] symbolizing victory over death for those who have made the supreme sacrifices – a last token of affection in honor of missing comrades who have gone to their final reward. A prayer was then offered by Chaplain Powell.

Next to speak was Ray Lopez, who began by saying he was honored to attend to salute the men and women who have sacrificed to keep America free – and to salute the families of the missing, who continue to keep the candle of hope alive.

“Today, there are more than 81,000 Americans listed as Missing and Unaccounted For in our nation’s wars, going back to the beginning of World War II,” he said. “That’s 81,000 military and civilian men and women, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters.”

Lopez went on to cite the staggering numbers attendant to each of this nation’s military conflicts, beginning with World War II which officially ended 78 years ago this month. In the less than four years that America was involved, it claimed more than 400,000 American lives and saw more than 130,000 taken as prisoners of war, and continues to list more than 72,000 Americans as Missing in Action. He noted that in the three bloody years America was at war in Korea, more than 35,000 Americans died in theater; more than 7,100 were taken captive; and today nearly 7,500 continue to be listed as Missing in Action.

“Then came Vietnam,” Lopez said. “A war that resulted in more than 58,000 American deaths in theater; almost 600 POWs; and more than 2,500 missing and unaccounted for Americans – a number that has now been reduced to around 1,500 because of the tremendous search and recovery efforts of the U.S. government. One of those POWs who was held in captivity for 1,979 days – who endured extremely harsh and inhumane treatment – was Captain James Warner who is a life member of VFW Post 1075 here in Harrison.

“As we pause and remember their sacrifices, we must remember the sacrifices of the families of the missing continue to give. It is true the costs of war extend beyond the last shots being fired, and for the MIA families the passage of time does not heal their wounds. For them, the days become weeks, weeks become months and years, and now, sadly, decades.”

Lopez spoke further of the agonizing heartache of not knowing if a loved one is alive or dead, while wanting answers to questions where there may be none.

“Today, this nation reaffirms its resolve to achieve the fullest possible accounting of those who are missing,” Lopez said. “As veterans and family members of veterans, we too do our part and to remember their service, their sacrifice. I encourage you to seek out the POWs and the families of the missing in your communities, and ask them to publicly tell their stories so that our children and their children will under the service and sacrifice that’s required when America calls upon its military.

“Teach them about World War II, about a time when a nation of 133 million citizens put 16 million into uniform to help save the world from tyranny. Teach them about Korea – the Forgotten War, but one just as brutal as any in our nation’s history. Teach them about Vietnam – about how a nation turned its back on an entire generation of soldiers because the public couldn’t separate the politics of war from the warrior fighting it. Teach them about Operation Desert Storm, the first Gulf War – when America vowed to never turn its back on its warriors, when America regained its pride an appreciation for those in the uniform of our country. And teach them about our recent wars against terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq, and where you were 22 years ago when the terrorists dared to strike our great country.”

Lopez then reminded that the story of America is one of people putting others before themselves, and that this country rose to greatness on the shoulders of ordinary citizens who refused to shake the responsibility of citizenship.

“Some of whom paid the highest price to preserve the peace and freedom for others to enjoy,” he said. Lopez then went on to recognize the various people/labs around the world involved in the government’s full-accounting missions.

Ambrozaitis then introduced keynote speaker Ken Hibl, citing the many elements of his 31-year career in the U.S. Army with notable assignments in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. That service included armor, cavalry, aviation and law enforcement units, plus two combat tours in Vietnam. The program also listed the many military awards Hibl received. The bio also noted his 22 years as Clare City Manager, and after leaving that post, the many civic organizations of which he is a part.

Hibl began by noting the fine reputation enjoyed by Post 1075 for the things it does and its community involvement.

“I sit down south of you and look north and say, ‘WOW, that’s what a VFW post is supposed to be like,’” he said. “So thanks for everything that you do.”

Hibl went on to not that law enforcement and firefighters are an extension of all who wear the military uniform, as they understand the meaning of sacrifice and what it means to be in harm’s way.

“So, I salute you guys and appreciate that you are here with us today,” he said. Hibl then recognized Tony Argenta, himself a former POW, thanked him and encouraged a round of applause.

Hibl then thanked everyone for coming to commemorate all the service members who were either held captive as a POW or declared Missing during armed conflict in which the United States has participated over the past 200-plus years. He also spoke of the more than 80,000 MIAs, their families, and the work of Mary Hoff, wife of an MIA, to see that a symbol be created to honor POWs MIAs, and to recognize the sacrifices made by POWs and their families.

“The resulting symbol is a simple but tremendously inspiring black and white flag,” he said. “Today, it flies continuously over the White House, over our nation’s Capital, over national cemeteries, over U.S. post offices and a significant number of federal buildings – wherever the American Flag is flown.”

Hibl quoted in part that the POW-MIA flag “has come to be one of the most recognizable symbols of our nation, and a tribute to the sacrifices made by members of our armed forces and their families … to those of us who have served, it represents courage, duty, honor and sacrifice.”

In closing his remarks, Hibl asked attendees to join him in a moment of silence as a salute to the nation’s MIAs and their families.

Scott Taylor then came forward to for law enforcement awards portion of the day. He noted that after 35 years in law enforcement he had seen a lot of people come and go, but that he’d also had the distinct honor of working with both of this year’s nominees and seeing them grow in their careers.

“It’s an honor to have served with you,” Taylor said. “But at the same time, it’s good to see the mentorship continue and it’s good to see you continue to grow in your careers.”

He then invited Deputy Michael Heugel and Trooper Mitchell Budnick to the podium where Josiah Bear presented their Congressional Recognition Awards on behalf of Congressman John Molenaar. He began with Heugel, reading:

“Today I congratulate Deputy Michael Heugel on receiving the 2024 nomination for the VFW Officer of the Year Award from the Clare County Sheriff Department. Since joining the department in 2020, Deputy Heugel has advanced by becoming a field training officer and a school resource officer. During his four years at the department, Deputy Heugel has received five life-saving awards and multiple tributes. His commitment and willingness to help others make him more than deserving of this esteemed recognition. On behalf of Michigan’s 2^nd Congressional District, I’d like to extend my appreciation to Deputy Heugel for his efforts and wish him the best to come.”

Scott Taylor then also presented Heugel with the VFW Award in appreciation of his service.

Bear then read Molenaar’s award for Trooper Budnick:

“Today I want to congratulate Trooper Budnick on receiving the 2024 nomination for the VFW Officer of the Year Award from the Mount Pleasant State Police Post. Since joining the department, Trooper Budnick has made significant impacts in the community through building rapport, his investigation work, teaching and mentoring. His commitment and willingness to help others make him more than deserving of this esteemed recognition. On behalf of Michigan’s 2^nd Congressional District, I’d like to extend my appreciation to Mitchell Budnick for his efforts and wish him the best to come.”

Taylor also presented the VFW Award to Budnick.

The ceremony concluded with the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and retiring of colors.

© Clare County Cleaver