MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Retired Lt. Col. Barry Bridger talks with Minot Airmen about his experiences as a six-year prisoner of war during the Vietnam War at the base theater here April 23. On Jan. 23, 1967, Colonel Bridger was shot down over Son Tay, North Vietnam, by a surface-to-air missile and subsequently captured and tortured for six years. He escaped to complete a fruitful career and retire after 22 years of service. He now travels the nation teaching today’s Airmen about the monumentous sacrifice POWs and servicemembers missing in action make for the freedom of all Americans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton)