News-Info-Alerts

Re: Red, White & True

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: January 07, 2003

"Insights Of Former POW Ring Red, White, True
By GEOFF FOX gfox@tampatrib.com

SPRING HILL - You think you're pretty patriotic, don't you?

You have the stars and stripes on your bumper. You felt rage at the terrorist attacks and relief when those miners were pulled from the Pennsylvania dirt.

You saw ``Saving Private Ryan'' and cried like a good American.

But do you really know what it means to be a patriot?

Retired Air Force Col. Edward L. Hubbard does. You might not have heard of him, but Hubbard knows patriotism the way he got to know pain in a North Vietnam POW camp for more than six years in the 1960s and '70s.

On Thursday, Hubbard - now an artist, author and motivational speaker - will relive his experiences as a prisoner of war and share in two speeches what he has learned about human potential.

Hubbard's first speech will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at Stage West, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd. The second will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at VFW Post 10209, 15166 Spring Hill Drive.

``I want people to come away with a clear understanding and belief that we have a greater capacity, mentally and physically, than we ever dreamed,'' he said. ``If we put our minds to it, we could fix all the problems in this country in a couple days. We have to change the way we see the world.''

Hubbard's speeches are sponsored by Edward Jones Investments and co- sponsored by investment representatives Paul Conrad of Spring Hill and Ron Wheeles of Brooksville. Both events are free.

Hubbard's decorated, 28-year Air Force career began in 1962, when he was 17.

Like many other people who have been POWs, Hubbard says the experience changed his life. But unlike many other former POWs, Hubbard says the experience changed him for the better.

``I found myself locked in a cubbyhole by myself,'' he said. ``I realized the choice was up to me, not someone else. I didn't want to die; there was no requirement to die.

``I made a commitment that day that I would never have a bad day the rest of my life. We don't do bad days.''

When Hubbard wasn't in solitary confinement, he worked to build camaraderie with the approximately 590 other prisoners.

On Sundays, the prisoners held church services, during which they would recite the 23rd Psalm, say the Pledge of Allegiance and sing ``God Bless America.''

``It was our single solitary act,'' he said. ``That's when we found out how powerful it can be for people to believe in something, to be an American, how fortunate we are to have something meaningful to hang on to. That's something the rest of the world will never get to do.

``Not to be arrogant, but that's something we have, and nobody else understands. When I speak overseas, people are astounded.''

Hubbard normally makes more than 144 speeches every year for Edward Jones. .

Hubbard estimates he has talked before 1.5 million people in 11 countries .

Hubbard has been married to his wife, Jennifer, for 24 years. He has one adult son.

He says his dream is to convey his message to larger audiences. He hopes to someday fill Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

``I think I have something that's of significant value,'' he said. ``What happens in your life is not critical; what is critical is how you respond to what happens.

``If your response is inadequate, you get bad results.''


Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 948-4217.


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