POW / MIA Recognition Day
"All American POW/MIAs deserve a homecoming"

Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
(aka Cleveland's Wade Park VA)

Cleveland, Ohio
September 16, 2005

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Each year, Mr. Lovel Henderson, Assistant Chief, Voluntary / Recreation Services of the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, holds his POW / MIA Recognition Day to show honor and homage to all of our Nation's POWs (Prisoners of War) and to remember our Nation's MIAs (Missing in Action). 

This year (and every year), Dr. Barbara Fleming was again tagged to be in charge of the remembrance festivities.  And what a great job she did.  We now know why Dr. Fleming is annually selected to host this heart felt event - she does a "WOW" job each and every year.  I might also add that Dr. Fleming is the POW Physician Coordinator for the Wade Park VA which makes her the "Top Gun" for this event.

The event was held on September 16, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., in the VAVS (Veterans Administration Volunteer Services) meeting room at the Wade Park VA.  The ceremony was crafted by Dr. Fleming; the invocation was rendered by Mr. George Hankins, Chaplain; the colors were posted by the VFW Post 7754 Color Guard; the Pledge of Allegiance was rendered by Mr. Robert Mills of the Catholic War Veterans; opening remarks were given by Mr. William D. Montague, Medical Center Director; and our Keynote speaker was Mr. Leroy Brinkhoff of the American Legion.

As an additional treat this year, Ms. Alice Shepherd gave us a "Missing Man Table Ceremony."  I know that all of the former POWs present really appreciated this ceremony as did the rest of the participants.
 

Dr. Barbara Fleming shown with
Mr. Leroy Brinkoff, Keynote Speaker

The POW / MIA Recognition Day Gets Underway
 

Dr. Barbara Fleming gives her opening remarks to a very receptive crowd.
 

Mr. Montague gives homage to our POWs present at the festivities and remembers all of our Nation's POW/MIAs.
 
Mr. Leroy Brinkhoff, Keynote Speaker, takes the podium.
 
Ms. Alice Shepherd, representing the VFW Post 7754 Auxiliary, begins the "Missing Man Table Ceremony"
 
Mr. Lovel Henderson introduces Dr. Barbara Fleming.
 
The VFW Post 7754 Color Guard (from left)

Mr. Mel Fundermark, Mr. Tom Zmecek and Mr. Norman Manninen
 
Dr. Fleming assists Mr. Montague as he brings everyone up to date on the many renovations taking place at the Wade Park VA as well as the Brecksville VA.
 
Mr. Brinkhoff remembers and gives homage to Sgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin and to all of our POW / MIAs. 
 
Sgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin is the only POW/MIA from the Iraqi War
(Click here to go to Matt's Page)
 
Service Flags
 
Mr. John A. Evans, Sr. participates in the Missing Man Table Ceremony.
 
Ms. Alice lays out the Missing Man Table
 

Rose Mitchell (left) and Ruth Dratwa assist Alice with the Missing Man Table Ceremony
 

Missing Man Table
WE REMEMBER and WE WILL NEVER FORGET
 
 


The Balloons Take to Flight to Remember our POW / MIAs
 

Balloons line the ceiling of our meeting room.  Lovel Henderson made sure that participants had plenty of balloons on hand to fill up the sky.  The balloons served to remind everyone about our POW / MIAs.
 
Ms. Helen Beal (left) and Ms. Virginia Clark get ready to release their balloons.
 
The balloons could be seen a long way off.
 
And aaawwwwaaaayyyyyy they go.
 
These are two very happy young ladies for sure.
 
Mr. M. W. "Doc" Unger and his wife Helen were amongst the crowd.  Doc is Commander of the Department of Ohio American Ex-Prisoners of War.
 
 

Mr. Lovel Henderson presents Ms. Darlene Speakman with her winning door prize, a commemorative POW/MIA plaque.
 

Mr. George Hankins, Chaplain, gave the invocation and benediction.
 

 

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