Butler VA Honors Former Prisoners of War on POW/MIA Recognition Day September 15
PRESS RELEASE
September 15, 2023
Butler , PA — Today, the Butler VA Health Care System observes National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
This observance symbolizes the VA’s resolve to never forget those service members who sacrificed their own freedom to protect ours. On the third Friday of each September, the nation honors the valor and sacrifices of service members captured as prisoners of war, those who are still missing in action, and their families.
“On behalf of the Butler VA Health Care System, we will never forget the sacrifices of the POWs and we will never forget those who remain missing. Those brave men and women and their loved ones have allowed us to enjoy the freedoms of this great country, and for that we will be forever grateful” comments Sharon Coyle, Executive Director.
The Butler VA renews their pledge to these Veterans that they will be accorded the honor and support their courage and fortitude deserve. Coyle and members of Butler VA’s leadership team will be visiting with 4 local Former Prisoners of War to personally thank them for their service and to present them with gifts of appreciation compliments of Butler VA’s Voluntary Services Program and Butler County Commissioners. Veterans being honored are:
- WWII Army Sgt. John Durisko (Hermitage, PA - Mercer County)
- WWII Air Force 1ST Lt. Wallace King (New Wilmington, PA - Lawrence County)
- Korean War Army Cpl. Harold Beerbower (Meadville, PA - Crawford County)
- Vietnam War Navy PO2 Hilles Miles (Edinburg, PA - Lawrence County)
Since the first world war, over 142,000 service members, including 85 women, have been captured and interned as prisoners of war (POW). Not only did POWs answer the call of duty, but they risked capture, internment and their very lives to protect the United States.
Many patriots still remain unaccounted for today. Over 81,000 soldiers remain missing from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War, Gulf War and other conflicts. Of these, about three quarters are in the Indo-Pacific, and more than half of those missing are believed lost at sea.
Questions concerning the Butler VA’s Former Prisoner of War program can be directed to Candice McManis, Former Prisoner of War Advocate, at 724-556-0266 or go to Benefits For Former Prisoners Of War (POWs) | Veterans Affairs (va.gov).