quote:

Organizers say as years pass, it becomes harder for the ex-POWs to attend and the conference feels more toned down each year.
“We’re all about 80-years-old, so we don’t get too frisky,” joked Morris Barker, the Texas commander and national director of the POW group.
The convention is intended to inform the ex-POWs “about legislation, disabilities and various diseases — how to avoid and treat them,” Barker said.

All Non-Comissioned Officers from Texas
in attendance... are to meet behind the Latrine...for 'short arm' Inspection.

http://www.oaoa.com/news/nw051906a.htm

As a trainer/instructor, as a Marine, and as an amateur historian I link up with these guys whenever/wherever I can and have an affinity for these guys and gals who went through so much (I debriefed a few recovered POWs as part of my job as well). Find your local Ex-POW organization and link up. Invite them to the service B-day balls, come talk to the troops, whatever. I can always tie a lesson into their expereinces (you think it's hard to write reports? Here, this POW will tell you about writing notes with a mixture of charcoal and his own urine!) and get these guys and gals to talk with us. Have met some truly amazing Americans.