STATEMENTS BY WIVES OF CAMP PENDLETON POWS

Mary Hunter and Cindy Acree had thought their husbands were missing in action. They learned Sunday that the men, based at Camp Pendleton, were captured by Iraqi forces after their plane was downed in southern Kuwait. Following are their statements, issued by Camp Pendleton:

Mary Hunter, wife of Chief Warrant Officer Guy Hunter Jr.:

I am very concerned about my husband’s present status. I hope he is being treated well. We all feel very scared, but with this news of him being a POW, we all feel somewhat relieved to know that he is alive. All our prayers are with him, and I know that he knows and feels our love for him.

We are a very close-knit family. I will hope and pray each minute and day for his release to us. And I hope it is not too long, because we all miss him ever so much.

I want to say that the military is being most helpful, but they have a special way of taking care of all of us in the military. And the family and all the dear friends have been equally outstanding. I am so grateful to have such wonderful people around me and in contact with me. At a time like this you really need all the love and support you can get.

I’ve been a Marine wife for 14 years and I am very proud of my husband and all that he has done. This is his choice in life to be the best Marine he can be, and I support him all the way.

I do pray for this war to end soon with very few casualties. My heart goes out to all the fine outstanding men and women over there who are putting their lives on the line for us. God bless all of them.

Cindy Acree, wife of Lt. Col. Clifford Acree:

Cliff loves to fly and is very proud of the men in his squadron. He has often told me that he couldn’t have asked for a better group of men to work with.

Having Cliff gone has been difficult. We are very close, best friends actually, and I couldn’t ask for a more loving and devoted husband. What has helped me and continues to give me strength is knowing that Cliff is dedicated to serving his country and he will persevere.

My goal is to do everything I can to support Cliff and the families of the men in his squadron.

I have the greatest admiration and respect for Cliff both as a Marine and as a husband and father. His first concern is always the other person; he never worries about himself but always wants to make sure the other person is taken care of.

He has the support of many family and friends, and we are all praying for him. Wherever he is, he knows that I love him more than anything in this world and I always will.

I would like to repeat to Cliff a message from a letter I wrote to him on Jan. 14 which he has not yet received:

“We have so many things left to do, so much to look forward to. I love you very much and always will. I’m behind you in everything you do, sweetheart. You have some difficult times ahead of you, but when you get tired and discouraged or overwhelmed, just think of the strong love I have for you and that I’m backing you up and will be here for you regardless of what happens. You can count on me for the long term. I think you’re the greatest, and I have so much respect and admiration for you. I wish I could be there to comfort you and hold you. Just know that I’ll wait as long as necessary for you to come home safe to me. Stay strong, sweetheart. I love you.”

I ask that everyone here support all of our military families wherever they may be assigned. This is a difficult time for all of them, and an extra phone call or letter provides great comfort.