MOODY AIR FORCE BASE — Lt. Col. Robert J. Sweet was on his 30th mission in Desert Storm when he learned the reality of the term “Prisoner of War.”

Sweet, then a first lieutenant, was southwest of Basra, Iraq, on Feb. 15, 1991, when his A-10 aircraft came under attack. He was shotdown and held by Iraqis as a prisoner of war for 19 days.

“It was a month-plus into the war, and I was feeling a little indestructible at that time,” Sweet said Friday, during a POW/MIA ceremony at Moody Air Force Base. “I had already been engaged by (surface to air missiles), (Triple-A gunfire), and quite frankly I was a little complacent. As a fighter pilot, when you realize you’re bailing out because you’ve been shot down, that’s the worst feeling you can ever experience.”

Moody AFB held a remembrance ceremony at the base’s Heritage Park. Moody personnel bowed their heads during moments of silence as the black POW/MIA flag rippled in the morning breeze.

Sweet is the squadron commander for Moody’s 435th Fighter Training Squadron and helps to prepare young pilots for flying fighter jets. His experience in the A-10 gave him an in-depth understanding of the combat search and rescue mission (CSAR) Moody focuses on with the 347th Rescue Wing.

“I must admit it’s difficult for me at times to recall my past experiences … it is a little like picking a scab for me, but when I’m talking to fellow warriors and airmen, especially during a time of war, it’s well worth it,” Sweet said.

Senior Master Sgt. Victor B. Johnson, narrator for the ceremony, reminded onlookers what military members have given to the United States.

“Let us be always mindful of the continuous pain, sorrow and sacrifice of our heroes who wear the mournful title ‘Missing in Action, Prisoner of War,’ and recently our fallen patriots of terrorism whose stories are still untold,” Johnson said. He read a proclamation from President George W. Bush claiming Sept. 15 was dedicated to remembering POWs and MIAs.

Sweet said he was fortunate when captured to have been a low-ranking officer and latecomer in the prison. He narrowed his experience to one word: Faith. He said he had faith in his training, the military and spirituality.

While a student at the United States Air Force Academy, Sweet underwent survival training that prepared him for time in captivity. “It was rough training, everybody hated it, but I credit that training with saving my life,” he said. “It gave me the tools I needed in the jailhouse.”

Col. Kenn Todorov, Moody vice commander, said Friday was set aside to recognize America’s airmen, soldiers, sailors, Coast Guard personnel and Marines who are still missing in action.

“For these brave Americans and patriots, we will never stop searching we will never stop praying for their safe return,” Todorov said. “It is our duty to stand behind those who serve our great nation and do everything possible to account for those who do not return. For them we will always be committed, for them we will never forget.”

Sweet said Moody’s CSAR mission will reach a new height of excellence with the addition of the 23rd Fighter Wing. “It’s very important for fighter pilots, warriors, soldiers, airmen and marines to realize that there’s a robust force out there trying to save them.”

He said when your number is up, it’s good to have spiritual faith to fall back on.

Sweet said his flight lead, Capt. Stephen Richard Phillis, was killed on that fateful mission while performing the combat search and rescue for Sweet.

Sweet said he all of today’s military forces need to be trained in survival mechanisms. “The reality is we don’t train as many people in that as we used to. And the nature of today’s warfare, it’s no longer the aviators that are sole threat of getting captured. The reality is anybody can be captured at any time in this war on terror,” Sweet said.