Incirlik Airmen march for POW/MIA troops Published Sept. 23, 2009 By Senior Airman Alex Martinez 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Airmen from around base participated in remembrance events Sept. 18 honoring American servicemembers who have been prisoners of war or are listed as missing in action. Annually, the third Friday of September is National POW/MIA Day of Remembrance, and for some dedicated Airmen here, they chose to honor POW/MIAs by participating in an across-base march. "I was very proud to march," said Senior Airman Jefry Johnson, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "It was for a good cause, and a way for me to honor those who should never be forgotten." Equipped with a POW/MIA flag and a ruck sack, teams of Airmen took one-hour turns marching in formation back and forth from the 39th Air Base Wing headquarters to the base chapel in silence. At the head of the formation, the POW/MIA flag was flown while a single Airman marched with a ruck sack, symbolizing the pain felt by POW/MIAs and their family members. "The ruck sack was only a small symbol of the sacrifices [POW/MIA] people and their families had to go through," said Master Sgt. Glenn McAlister, 39th LRS first sergeant and march participant. "The people we marched for sacrificed so much. It's humbling to know we can do something; to take one hour out of our day to remember and honor them." At the base of the flagpole in front of the headquarters building were eight poster boards with portraits and stories behind former prisoners of war and Airmen listed as missing in action. The day's events were organized and coordinated by the Air Force Sergeant's Association, and concluded with a retreat ceremony.