Re: Former Wife of POW; Everyday is Precious

Date: June 24, 2004

"Ex-Wife Of Former POW In Somalia Recalls What It Was Like

It has been 10 years since former Army helicopter pilot Michael Durant was held captive in Somalia when after his Blackhawk helicopter was shot down. But his former wife remembers those days all too well.

Since American POW's have been held captive by Iraqi militants, Laurie Durant has been reliving the days when her ex-husband went through the same experience. "It just brings back all of those emotions to me that I went through and it hurts me for them," Durant says.

She remembers finding out her husband's Blackhawk helicopter had been shot down, and Michael's captivity proved to be the longest 14 days of her life. "The waiting was very difficult," Durant says. However she believes their story is one others should remember. "We need to keep our focus on those people coming out alive and that's going to happen, I believe." Durant says.

At one point during her experience, Laurie was not so optimistic. That is until she saw her husband alive on television during his captivity. She thinks recent video of the POW's is a good thing.

"They are accountable, once those pictures are broadcast they are accountable for those people. So its a little bit of insurance for those people that are being held," Durant says.

She adds her experience changed her outlook on life and that every day, to her, is precious. "