On November 6, 2013 at Military Emphasis Week’s Convocation, North America’s largest weekly gathering of Christian students, Gerald Coffee spoke to students and faculty about the four different levels of faith, that being faith in yourself, your fellow man, America, and ultimately, faith in God. He explained that even after spending seven years as a prisoner of war, “God equals strength.” Born in Modesto, California, Gerald “Jerry” Coffee joined the Navy in 1957 after graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He spent seven years as a POW in the Communist prisons of North Vietnam. His military decorations include the Silver Star, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, two Purple Hearts, and the Vietnam Service Medal with 13 stars. For the past 20 years, Captain Gerald Coffee, has been considered one of the nation’s top speakers, addressing thousands each year.
The Vietnam War at 50: The POW Experience with Dr. Hal Kushner
Captured and held in a prisoner of war camp for five years, Dr. Kushner’s tale of torture, abuse, survival, humanity, and perseverance was both sobering and moving. As our closing keynote speaker for VMI’s Vietnam symposium ‘The Vietnam War at 50,’ our audience leaves on a powerful note among the several personal stories they heard today.
