01 2 ) 3 ,2 2 )' 4 ))+,2 5 - senior news georgia · 2,239 days. debra poirot was growing up...
TRANSCRIPT
Submitted by Peggy FreemanState Travel CoordinatorGeorgia State Society, NSDARLilburn, GA
The Task Force Patriot Junedinner meeting proved significantfor the guest speaker, Ron Mastin,Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force(Ret.) and guest Debra Poirot,Office Manager for U.S.Congressman Rob Woodall. Thetwo were introduced by Task ForcePatriot Founder Jim Freeman,Major, U.S. Army (Ret.) for thevery first time.
In 1966, Lieutenant Mastinbegan flying combat missions intoNorth Vietnam with the 11thTactical Reconnaissance Squadronout of Udorn, Royal Thai AFB,Thailand. While on his 34th combatmission on January 16th, 1967 hewas forced to eject from his aircraftover North Vietnam. He was cap-tured and held by Vietnamese farm-ers who turned him over to the North Vietnamese military, where he became a prisoner of war for the next2,239 days.
Debra Poirot was growing up during this same time as a U.S. Air Force “Brat,” living on various militaryfacilities around the world, one of which was Clark AFB in the Philippines. Being the daughter of an Air ForceC-141 aircraft navigator gave her a passion for those who were being captured and held as Prisoners of War.Debra selected the name of Captain Ron Mastin to begin wearing his POW bracelet until such time as hewould be released or declared dead. She wore the bracelet for over ten years, never once meeting Ron Mastin.He was released from enemy captivity during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973.
On Thursday evening June 2, 2016 Debra presented the bracelet bearing the name of Captain Mastin tonow, Lieutenant Colonel Mastin, nearly 50 years after making her commitment to wear it on behalf of the cap-tured officer. LTC Mastin was recognized for his distinguished military service and Debra Poirot was com-mended for her persevering support of an American Prisoner of War. An emotional meeting to say the least.
Article written by Jim Freeman. Photo by Frank Marchese
Task!Force!Patriot!celebrate!special!June!Dinner!Meeting
Debra Poirot and Ron Mastin, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. AirForce (Ret.)