Pride and Perseverance: Vietnam Veteran relates POW experiences at NCO academy on Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Man has only one to life to live, and retired Capt. Bill Robinson, who was a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton, has used his life to fill in what he believes to be a blank check to the U.S. government.
 
The Hanoi Hilton was an infamous prison that was loathed by many American prisoners during the Vietnam War where the prisoners would endure years of torture and starvation.

Each man was an officer with the exception of three enlisted men; one of whom was Robinson at the time. Most members of the prison were service members who had been shot down during bombing missions and were oftentimes injured in the crash by the time they were already found. At seven and a half years, Robinson is the longest held enlisted prisoner of war in American history from 1965 to 1973. Robinson experienced moments that challenged him as an Airman and as a human being, but in the end what kept him going was that he felt he had something to prove.
 
"I wanted to prove that you could return with honor," Robinson said. "You never give up, no matter what your circumstances. You wanted to be physically strong and mentally sound."

Leadership qualities and taking initiative were some of the habits Robinson found useful during his time in captivity, but having a commitment to be in the armed forces and preserving peace is a theme Robinson believes in for all branches.

"We have a common thread of wanting to serve our country," he said. "One of the things that we strive for is peace through strength."
 
Being able to put away differences and showing pride in the military is what Robinson counts as an important learning experience.

"When we put away our differences there is not a problem we cannot solve," Robinson said. "Ensure you stay focused and be proud of what you do."

Upon his return Robinson received a presidential promotion to the rank of second lieutenant, and believed mental strength was critical to overcoming obstacles. Robinson looks at talking about his experiences as something that is vital to teaching the current generation of armed forces.

"The road today was paved by those before them," he said. "I'm doing this in honor of those who chose not to talk."

Robinson views the oath that military members take as a noble endeavor that requires a unique individual to take up the task of serving their country.

"We gave our country a blank check," Robinson said. "It takes a special person to do that."
 
Overall, Robinson feels that what he went through plays a larger role in what the Air Force does on a global scale.

"We are a nation willing to sacrifice our sons and daughters," Robinson said. "We do it for the betterment of mankind."