Former POW reflects on experience

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Powell
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  Retired Lt. Col. Richard "Gene" Smith was the keynote speaker for the graduation of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 08-02 Friday. 

Colonel Smith, a former Vietnam prisoner of war, spoke about his Air Force experiences during his speech. 

Columbus AFB is well acquainted with Lt. Col. Smith. He served time here as a former operations officer and squadron commander of the 50th Flying Training Squadron. His name also now is engraved in the wall at what formally known as the Ceremonial Plaza in front of the Wing Headquarters building. 

Colonel Smith, an F-105 pilot, was a POW for more than five years during the Vietnam War. He contributes three things to getting him through those five years: his strong belief in God, his belief that our country would not forsake him and his knowing that his family was safe and being taken care of in the U.S. 

"The worst thing about being a POW is the horrible indefinite of it," said Colonel Smith. "You just didn't know when that workout was going to come to an end." 

"I always feel honored and I am motivated about the good things in my country, when I get to come to a graduation of SUPT pilots," said Colonel Smith. "They represent everything that is good about this country." 

When asked how he felt about having the plaza named after him, he said "Obviously it is a tremendous honor, but it represents all that that's about. It is ironic on how the paths of some of that are crossed," said Colonel Smith. 

This irony that he spoke of was as simple as a name that is also engraved into that wall. The name of Medal of Honor recipient, retired Colonel Bernard Fisher, is one that hits home for Colonel Smith. After his time in Vietnam, Colonel Smith was stationed at Hahn AFB, Germany, with Colonel Fisher. An interesting fact about Colonel Fisher is that his propeller is also on display in the lobby of the Wing Headquarters building. 

The experiences Colonel Smith faced during his Air Force career are unimaginable for some. By honoring him with the opportunity in interact with the newest class of Air Force pilots, his experiences can be shared with others.