OWENSBORO, Ky. (WFIE)– The Rolling Thunder honored the life of an Owensboro man who went missing in action nearly five decades ago, WFIE reports.
The group advocates for those who were prisoners of war or who went MIA. The wreath ceremony was held over the weekend to remember the life of Colonel Charles Shelton.
The bravery of Colonel Shelton will never be forgotten. It has been nearly 50 years since his family saw him and his story is still alive today.
“He really sacrificed his life for our country, and there are many others that have and we don’t need to forget them,” his daughter, Joan Shelton told WFIE.
Her father volunteered to fly an unarmed aircraft on a bomb assessment mission. The plane was hit, forcing him to parachute out. He was captured before U.S. troops could rescue him.
“The more people that we can reach, and the more people that realize there is an MIA within their community, and there is a family of an MIA within their community. That’s all we can ask for,” said Todd Matonich, a board member of Rolling Thunder.
Dozens from the Owensboro community paid their respects, giving him one final salute.
“It’s a blessing to have all these people care and would take the time out of their lives to honor my father, and the other missing in action prisoners of war that weren’t brought home,” said Joan.
This is not the last time the Rolling Thunder plans to honor Colonel Shelton. They hope to continue the tradition in the future.
