Steve Tindall, organizer of the POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony held Friday at the Kenosha County Center, speaks during the program
BRISTOL, Wis. — Laurens “Dutch” Vellekoop made it home safely. Many others did not.
Vellekoop, who was held as a prisoner of war for 130 days shortly after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, was the featured speaker Friday during a POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony at the Kenosha County Center in Bristol.
At the time of his capture, Vellekoop was a civilian employee at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait. During his captivity, he said he endured daily death threats, political threats, restrictions on his movement and attempts to accuse him of being a spy. He was confined in a 6-by-10-foot supply closet.
“The daily physical and psychological hardships, poor living conditions, poor diet, were a daily occurrence for my 130 days in captivity, which has had a lasting effect on me,” Vellekoop said.
After his release, Vellekoop said he struggled for months and years to readjust to life with his young family. He credited assistance from the Veterans Administration and the Kenosha County Veterans Service Office with helping him rebuild his life.
“This event today is a representation of the continued support that is still provided to all veterans, prisoners of war, and those still missing in action,” Vellekoop said.
Local veteran Steve Tindall organized Friday’s ceremony, which was hosted by American Legion Post 361 of Wilmot.
A county spokesperson welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of continuing to recognize POW/MIA Recognition Day.
“It’s so important that we not forget this day,” the spokesperson said, adding, “All gave some, some gave all.”
Other speakers included Kenosha County Veterans Service Officer Robert Swanson and Racine County Veterans Service Officer Shawn Rivers.
Tindall has worked with Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 Wisconsin to place POW/MIA Honor Chairs on permanent display at the Kenosha County Center, Kenosha County Administration Building and Simmons Field.
He encouraged those attending Friday’s ceremony to reflect not only on prisoners of war and service members still missing in action, but also on the families who have endured their absence.
“It’s important for us to remember our POWs and Missing in Action, and even more importantly, their families that they’ve left behind who have suffered along with their capture,” Tindall said. “As you go about your day today, keep that in mind. … And never forget.”
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