Prisoners of War and Missing in Action

Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. . , On May 17, 1974, Major Anthony Shine was honored in ceremonies at the Base Chapel. The event was the dedication of a Freedom Tree to honor not only Major Shine, but also those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. The Freedom Tree was planted on the Chapel Grounds and provided a living tribute to these men., Major Shine deployed with the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in October 1972 and Major Anthony C. Shine became missing in action when he did not return from a combat mission December 10 that year., Major Shine was a member of the 355th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the unit that wound up the Wing's deployment commitment to Southeast Asia after its return from Korat., A bronze plaque was laid in concrete at the base of the Freedom Tree, honoring Major Shine, other MIAs and former POWs. The plaque was relocated to Valor Memorial Garden in 2008 and a new Freedom Tree was planted to honor all MIAs and POWs., They are not forgotten.