Battle Creek VAMC Honors Former POWs
LTC Gus Gorzynski, Fort Custer Training Center Post Commander, addresses the audience at the Battle Creek VAMC’s POW/MIA recognition event September 18, 2015 at the Battle Creek VAMC . The event marked the 29th anniversary of Congress establishing September 18, as POW/MIA recognition day.
Battle Creek VA Medical Center (VAMC) leadership, employees and the local military community from the Battle Creek area paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of former POWs and those missing in action September 18 at the Battlec Creek VA MC.
The event provided an opportunity for Former POWs to share their experiences and give a first-hand account of why it is important to never forget.
Dr. Mary Beth Skupien, Battle Creek VAMC Director, provided remarks at the event highlighting the theme of the day.
“I beleive today is a testament to how our country places emphasis on meeting the heart-felt obligation we have to former POWs….and to all our Veterans. That is an obligation to never forget.” said Skupien. “We should never forget the service and sacrafice of those who served. I can say without a doubt the employees here at the Battle Creek VA Healthcare Delivery System uphold that obligation each day,” she said.
The event marked the 29th anniversary of Congress establishing September 18, as POW/MIA recognition day. An estimated 20,000 former POWs are still living, most from the Korean War and WWII era.
Mr. Larry Jenkins is a former POW who was honored at the event . Jenkins said events like these are important because of the historical reference that he and other former POWs provide from our nation’s wars.
“We all served. I think it helps to let people realize that we all sacrificed something in our service. I am just happy to know people care about our service,” Jenkins said.
Skupien closed by reaffirming the commitment to Veteran care.
“I want to thank them for their service, their sacrifice, and more importantly their example of bravery and commitment to duty under the most trying circumstances,” said Skupien. It is because of this, we continue to meet the obligation of never forgetting, and will always work to provide the highest quality of care to the men and women who have selflessly served,” she said.
