POW/MIA Memorial Walk McConnell Air Force Base 2023

Latest News

Guard Continues Domestic, Global Missions in a Busy 2022
December 21, 2022 — ARLINGTON, Va. - The National Guard’s footprint on domestic and international events continued in... MORE

Spc. Megan Koszarek, an infantryman with the Alaska Army National Guard’s Avalanche Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, conducts a security sweep during a training exercise near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 3, 2022. The exercise's aim was to enhance the unit’s combat readiness and evaluate proficiency in an arctic environment.

South Carolina Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing is Mission Ready
October 28, 2022 — WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. – From exercising air power in South America to conducting hurricane evacuations... MORE

Colombian Air Force KFIRs and the U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the South Carolina Air National Guard, 157th Fighter Squadron, fly in formation during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Aug. 30, 2022. South Carolina is Colombia’s partner in the State Partnership Program.

New York Army Guard Aviators Complete Hurricane Mission
October 11, 2022 — ROCHESTER, N.Y. – New York Army National Guard Soldiers completed their Florida mission helping... MORE

Civilian search and rescue personnel on a CH-47F Chinook helicopter operated by New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, head to a mission on Sanibel Island, Florida, Oct. 2, 2022. At the direction of Gov. Kathy Hochul, the New York National Guard deployed two Chinook helicopters and 11 Soldiers to help the Florida National Guard respond to the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian.

Florida Guard’s RED HORSE Squadron Clears Roads
October 5, 2022 — PINE ISLAND, Fla. – The Florida Air National Guard’s 202nd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy... MORE

Members of the 202nd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers (RED HORSE) Squadron, Florida Air National Guard, clear roads of Hurricane Ian debris in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, Oct. 1, 2022. The 202nd RED HORSE Squadron, stationed at Camp Blanding, Florida, is a specialized, highly mobile civil engineering team of Florida Air National Guard members.

Virginia National Guard Prepared for Possible Severe Weather
October 3, 2022 — RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia National Guard staged Soldiers and trucks in the Eastern Shore and... MORE

The Virginia National Guard staged eight Soldiers and four tactical trucks capable of high water transportation on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and 12 Soldiers and six trucks at readiness centers in the Hampton Roads area Oct. 3. The Guard was prepared to respond to potential severe weather if needed.

Virginia National Guard Prepared for Hurricane Response
September 30, 2022 — RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia National Guard staged about 60 Soldiers and Airmen across the... MORE

Virginia National Guard Soldiers prepare for possible severe weather from Hurricane Ian Sept. 30, 2022, in Powhatan, Virginia. Soldiers assigned to the 180th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group, were prepared to provide high mobility transport and clear debris if needed.

Louisiana Guard Joins Hurricane Ian Response in Florida
September 30, 2022 — PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana National Guard is supporting the response to Hurricane Ian in Florida... MORE

Nearly 60 Louisiana National Guardsmen assigned to the 1087th Transportation Company, 165th Combat Sustainment and Support Brigade, 139th Regional Support Group, prepare tactical vehicles to assist emergency operations in Florida after Hurricane Ian, Slidell, Louisiana, Sept. 29, 2022.

Thousands of Guardsmen Supporting Hurricane Ian Response
September 29, 2022 — ARLINGTON, Va. – More than 5,000 National Guardsmen from multiple states are positioned across... MORE

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Florida National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive - Enhanced Response Force Package load supplies as part of their response to Hurricane Ian, Sarasota, Fla., Sept. 29, 2022. Soldiers and Airmen were joined by emergency responders from other states as they mobilized to support the local community.

National Guard Staged for Florida Hurricane Response
September 28, 2022 — ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Some 5,000 Florida National Guard troops were ready Wednesday to help... MORE

Florida National Guard Army Pfc. Kenneth Bonn, a combat engineer with the 753rd Engineering Brigade, inspects a search and rescue vessel during Hurricane Ian state activation, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., Sept. 27, 2022. Bonn is part of the Florida National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) - Enhanced Response Force Package (FL-CERFP).

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Video by Staff Sgt. Adam Goodly

POW/MIA Memorial Walk McConnell Air Force Base 2023

22nd Air Refueling Wing

Sept. 11, 2023 | 8:27

Date: September 11, 2023 - September 12, 2023

Location: McConnell Air Force Base, Memorial Walk

McConnell Air Force Base is proud to host the annual POW/MIA 24-Hour Walk, a solemn and meaningful event that unites our community in remembrance, honor, and support. This heartfelt vigil will take place from September 11, 2023, to September 12, 2023, as we commemorate those who have been Prisoners of War (POW) and those Missing in Action (MIA) while defending our nation's freedom.

Organized by the dedicated members of the 972nd Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter, this event is part of a global tradition observed by every military branch. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave service members and their families.

Event Highlights:

- The Walk: The central focus of this 24-hour vigil is a continuous walk and run, covering a 1.1-mile course that winds through the beautiful Memorial Walk on base. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate, walking or running in 30-minute intervals. Each step taken is a symbol of our commitment to ensuring that our POWs and MIAs are never forgotten.

- Flags in Motion: Throughout the entire 24-hour period, the American Flag and the POW/MIA flag will be proudly carried in motion. These flags symbolize the enduring spirit and unwavering dedication of our armed forces and serve as a constant reminder of the heroes who have yet to return home.

- Commemoration: The POW/MIA 24-Hour Walk is a time for reflection and remembrance. As you walk the course or join us as a spectator, take a moment to pay tribute to the courageous men and women who have made tremendous sacrifices for our nation. The event will also include moments of silence, candlelight vigils, and a moving ceremony at the end of the 24 hours.

- Unity: This event brings together people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of unity and support for our military community. It's a chance to stand together, regardless of our backgrounds, and honor those who have served and continue to serve.

We are honored to announce two distinguished speakers who will inspire and guide us during this solemn occasion:

First Speaker:
Technical Sergeant (TSgt) Tim Kelly

Second Speaker:
Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Anthony Kelly