Vietnam War-era Prisoners of War (POW) will gather for a “Return to Freedom” 45th Anniversary Reunion hosted by NAM-POWs Corporation, a nonprofit veteran organization, and sponsored by Humana Inc (NYSE: HUM), a leading health and well-being company. The reunion takes place Aug. 15-19 in Frisco, Texas.
During the Vietnam War, an estimated 800 military and non-military personnel were taken prisoner in Southeast Asia. The 662 American military POWs averaged more than five years in captivity, and exemplified faith, duty and an indomitable American spirit in the face of incredible inhumane physical and mental torture. These extraordinary men returned with honor – something their captors never took from them. Of those who returned home, 458 are living today with an average age of 78.
Celebrating the release of the last known American POWs serving in Southeast Asia who were held in captivity from 1964 to 1973, the reunion is a chance for the men and their families to reconnect with each other in celebration of their friendship and freedom. On average, the former POWs attending spent 1,476 days in captivity, the shortest being 33 days and the longest 3,113.
“Our bond is strong,” says Dr. Joe Milligan, NAM-POW President. “These opportunities to share time together means a lot to all of us. Humana has always been a big supporter of the United States military and we are honored to have them take such a significant role in our special 45th anniversary event.”
Humana has a long-standing commitment to America’s military, providing health benefits to six million active duty and retired service members and their dependents as the managed care support contractor for the TRICARE East Region. Through its Veterans Hiring Initiative, Humana has hired more than 4,000 veterans and military spouses since 2011. Earlier this year, Humana partnered with Feeding America to help end hunger, with a focus on helping veterans. Research shows one in five of the households Feeding America assists has at least one member who has served in the U.S. military.
“The courage, dedication and sacrifice made by these Vietnam War POWs is something worthy of our utmost respect, appreciation and admiration and that’s why Humana is honored to support the reunion event,” said Neil Mullaney, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Humana Military. “These men demonstrated patriotic allegiance to the United States and courage in the face of adversity. They served – and continue to serve today – our country with honor and for that we salute them.”
As part of the reunion, Humana will host a Vietnam Veterans Pinning Ceremony. Humana is a Commemorative Partner of the Vietnam War Commemoration, a federal program established by the President and Congress in 2012 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and to thank and honor Vietnam veterans.
A partial list of other reunion sponsors includes the Frisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, H. Ross Perot, Ross Perot, Jr., American Airlines, Airpower Foundation, Mark Cuban Foundation, State Farm and InTouch Credit Union.
