What does freedom mean to you?

In honor of Veteran’s Day, I thought it would be appropriate to share the story of a man I had the pleasure of meeting earlier this year.  Although our meeting was brief, his story is a powerful one that enters my thoughts often.  Growing up with several kids whose parents served in the Vietnam war, this is another example of the selfless sacrifice our men & women in uniform have endured over our nation’s history.  His experiences struck me so profoundly, I chose it as the subject of a speech I gave soon after our meeting.  As a tribute to all our Veterans here are some of the details of his heroic journey.

Serving as a helicopter Crew Chief in the US Air Force, then Airman First Class Bill Robinson was shot down & captured on September 20, 1965, in North Vietnam.  He was a resident of several prison camps from 1965-1973.  He is the longest enlisted prisoner of war in American military history, surviving an astounding 2,703 days.

When he first arrived he was subjected to a mock execution by firing squad.  They fired 6 times….all blanks.  After that, he knew he would survive because it would have been easy to kill him but he was spared.  He gave others hope when he emerged from daily torture with a smile on his face.  This simple act had a deep & lasting impact on the relationship he had with other POWs.  For the first 3 ½ years he was listed as Missing In Action, further worrying his family regarding his status.

Only 1 out of every 5 aircrew members shot down survived during the war.  Bill Robinson kept himself going with this mantra; “yesterday was when I was captured, today is now & tomorrow I’m going home”.  This optimism helped him deal with the animosity he felt toward his captures.

Below are just a few of the milestones the longest enlisted POW in American history missed.  What would you have missed if you were absent for over 7 years?

In 1965 the “Sound of Music” premiered; the “Big Bang” theory won the Nobel Prize

In 1966 “Star Trek” premiered; “The Pill” was released; Walt Disney died

In 1967 PBS created; racial violence in Detroit, MI

In 1968 “60 Minutes” debuted; MLK was assassinated

In 1969 Neil Armstrong & Buz Aldrin landed on the moon; “Woodstock”

In 1970 the Beatles broke up; Monday Night Football debuted; the floppy disc came out

In 1971 M.A.S.H. debuted; racial desegregation passed the Supreme Court

In 1972 the CAT scan was developed; HBO debuted; Title IX came out

In 1973 the MRI was developed; Watergate scandal; Roe v. Wade decision

Years after being released, he was invited back to Vietnam to reconcile with his captures.  He accepted gifts from the female guard featured on the postage stamp below & who he stated was just “doing her job”.  On the trip, he refused to shake hands with the male guard who “enjoyed” his job of torture & killing.  This was one of the ways he dealt with his resentment by putting pressure on the guard to reconcile his own actions.

Awareness of his story of courage can help us as leaders in helping others get through personal & professional difficulties.  To avoid living a life full of resentment we must address events & frame them properly to move on effectively.

It’s obvious to everyone who meets him that his resentment has faded to disappointment…..and that, it seems, he has learned to live with.  He was asked what freedom meant to him, he simply replied; “Doors with knobs on the inside.”

So, on this Veteran’s Day, thanks to all the brave men & women who have risked so much in service to our nation.  It’s my hope we all find time to reflect on what the gift of freedom means to each of us.  Thanks, Captain (retired) Bill Robinson for your example of endurance in the face of so much adversity!

All the best,

Karl

*I encourage you to read his amazing story in the book “The Longest Rescue: The Life and Legacy of Vietnam POW William A. Robinson”
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