Op-Ed By Capt. Tim Kinsella, NAS Pensacola
Every year, former American prisoners of war (POWs) are invited to visit the Robert E. Mitchell Center for Repatriated Prisoners of War Studies here at NAS Pensacola, where they are evaluated to study the long-term mental and physical effects of captivity. John McCain visited for a while until his congressional duties became too time-consuming, as did Medal of Honor recipient Brig. Gen. Bud Day, who is laid to rest here at Barrancas National Cemetery. I’ve met former POWs on many occasions through the years, and have found them to possess a deep sense of duty and patriotism. I have also found them to have a serenity and grace that is underscored with a fierce tenacity, learned from enduring years of solitary confinement, torture, and the torment of never knowing if that day’s sunrise would be their last. Early last year, weeks after the terrorist shooting on base, I invited former POW Guy Gruters, with whom I had become friends, to join my family, for dinner. He and his wife, Sandy, joined us for what would be one of the most memorable dinners of my life. He told stories about Naval Aviator Michael Christian (and his cell-made American flag) … I asked Guy how (those POWs) could keep hope alive, knowing that each day could be their last. … (Source: Pensacola News Journal op-ed letter 01/10/21) Heartbreaking lessons from POWs reminder for leaders | Capt. Kinsella (pnj.com)
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