Peterson to spend week honoring POWs, MIAs Published Sept. 11, 2007 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- And you thought running for an hour was tough. On Sept. 20, dozens of Airmen here will participate in a 24-hour run to recognize POW/MIA week. Trading off every half hour, 48 different teams will run around Peterson carrying the POW/MIA flag. They'll end at the Base Chapel on Sept. 21, capping the relay off with a ceremony honoring POWs and MIAs. "It just really shows the community that we want to recognize these people," said Tech. Sgt. Melissa Hargis, publicity chair for the POW/MIA week committee. "Even at a time when most of us would rather be sleeping, we're out there remembering what people before us have done." The run is just one of several activities taking place here during POW/MIA week, which begins Sept. 17. Peterson has traditionally held just one ceremony to recognize the week, but this year is holding five days of events in honor of the Air Force's 60th birthday. "This year, with it being the anniversary of the Air Force, we wanted to make it something really special," Sergeant Hargis said. "More events just give everyone in Team Pete a chance to participate at least once." The committee of Air Force Sergeant's Association members organizing the event has already seen a huge outpouring of support in the course of planning POW/MIA week. Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Pavlick, co-chair of the committee, said he hardly had to ask base units for help when planning activities. Units from Security Forces and the Medical Support Squadron are helping out with the 24-hour run; Soldiers from Fort Carson will be assisting with some events; and the Fountain Lions Club will be passing out POW/MIA car magnets. Sergeant Pavlick said the response wasn't a surprise, though, because the week strikes a chord with many people. "Everyone, no matter where they work, has been willing to come out and help with these events," he said. "Being military members or former military members, it's something that's always close to our hearts." POW/MIA Week events: Sept. 17 - Reveille ceremony at 6:45 a.m., Vosler Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. Sept. 18 - POW/MIA vigil, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Base Chapel. U.S. servicemembers' names will be read non-stop throughout the day. Sept. 19 - Operation Gate Guard at 6:30 a.m., North and East gates. Former POWs and Lion's Club members will hand out POW/MIA car magnets. Info table, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Base Exchange. Sept. 20 - Retreat and start of 24-hour POW/MIA run at 12:45 p.m., Vosler Noncommissioned Officers Academy. Sept. 21 - POW/MIA remembrance ceremony at 1 p.m., Base Chapel.