News-Info-Alerts

Re: Former Iraq POW Speaks to Run For The Wall

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: May 16, 2003

"Hudson Speaks To Washington Bound Bikers

By Ben Swann, KFOX News at Nine Reporter

Hundreds are riding. From the west coast all the way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Its called Run for the Wall.

Many of these men from the Vietnam War know we left men behind that were unaccounted for. Both prisoners of war and missing in action, said Vietnam veteran Kent Wilson.

Former P.O.W. Joseph Hudson said, I just want to say thank you to all you all. I know what you do. This means a lot. Thank you very much and ride!

Friday, these bikers stopped in Anthony for a special visit from specialist Joseph Hudson. Hudson was captured in an ambush in Nasiriyah, Iraq March 23rd. Three weeks later, marines north of Baghdad rescued Hudson and six other P.O.W.s.

Hudson was presented with a special gift: seven bracelets. One for each member of the Fort Bliss 507th, and the two Apache helicopter pilots, rescued by marines. Bracelets that were worn until those soldiers were found. There was one biker at the rally who had a little history to share with Specialist Hudson.

I'm just proud to be able to meet him. I never knew him, but I knew his father and it was a special moment to be able to shake his hand, said Vietnam veteran Allen Patton.

As Hudson led the group of bikers as they started again on their way to the nations capital, he served as a reminder of just why they ride.

As long as one American is unaccounted for, we will ride, said Wilson.

Run for the Wall has been going on now for about 15 years. Riders from as far away as Chicago, Kansas, and even New York, make the trip each year. The group will be donating a collectors bike when they reach Washington D.C.

© 2003 by KFOXTV"