Thinking About S.E.R.E. as the 4th of July Approaches

[Wishful]

As the calendar turns to July the parent of a young pilot thoughts turns to S.E.R.E.
1st. thought is of much respect to those who by their service, made the program what it is. From a parent, I cannot think of words to express my thanks, thoughts, & prayers for all of The POW's living and of have those who've passed. The program stands on the shoulders of the giants who went before; i.e. yours. And that's an unbelievable understatement. Safe to say that the worst day at SERE would undoubtedly be the best day of a POW...every day for xx months/yrs.

For those of a younger age who didn't live thru the Vietnam/Cold War against communism, this is from the AFA's Vietnam POW's memorial.
This was what Air Force/Navy aviator personnel experienced; Army & Marines' POW's didn't rate this; they weren't taken as POW's, just executed...after a while...

This post is not meant to reflect anything negative against the people who continue to suffer under communist gangster regimes; they too are prisoners...in a way. There is evil in this world; to doubt or forget it would be a grievous mistake. See above.

Happy 4th of July to those who those who have gone in harms' way before, & to those who go there today... for ALL of US.

 

[UHBlackhawk]

I would recommend reading "Five Years to Freedom" by Nick Rowe, one of the few prisoners to survive a Viet Cong POW camp. He was actually being led to his execution when an American attack gave him the opportunity to escape.
He subsequently set up the Special Operations SERE School at Camp Mackall, which is now called the Colonel James "Nick" Rowe Training Compound at Camp Mackall. Colonel Rowe was assassinated by communist rebels in the Philippines in 1989. This is the school SOF normally attend.
NSDQ

 

[cb7893]

I would recommend reading "Five Years to Freedom" by Nick Rowe, one of the few prisoners to survive a Viet Cong POW camp. He was actually being led to his execution when an American attack gave him the opportunity to escape.
He subsequently set up the Special Operations SERE School at Camp Mackall, which is now called the Colonel James "Nick" Rowe Training Compound at Camp Mackall. Colonel Rowe was assassinated by communist rebels in the Philippines in 1989. This is the school SOF normally attend.
NSDQ

Welcome to the 'Nasty Nick'

The Soldiers are panting as they circle the first curve. The cold air seems to be no help as the sweat begins to form, and this is only the beginning.

www.army.mil

 

[Wishful]

@UHBlackhawk I did read that book; Nick Rowe was one tough soldier.

 

[CatDog99]

COL Rowe story is incredible. RIP, sir.
Another good book recounting Vietnam POW experience is “In Love and War” by VADM James Stockdale and his wife, Sybil. Admiral Stockdale was awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership under extreme duress in the Hao Lo prison, aka the Hanoi Hilton. I have visited the Hanoi Hilton twice and it is a powerful monument, propaganda tool, and historic site. What I found most interesting is that the real vitriol is reserved not for Americans, but for the colonial French who held Vietnamese political prisoners there.