The Robert E. Mitchell Center for Prisoner of War Studies: the Product of One Flight Surgeon's Promise to Honor a Grateful Nation's Warriors

Abstract : This historical note outlines the development of the Robert E. Mitchell Center (REMC) for Prisoner of War (POW) Studies and summarizes the pivotal role CAPT Mitchell, MC, USN played in its establishment. His singular vision and sheer audacity enabled the center to provide an unbroken 41 years of dedicated service to those who suffered as a POW. CAPT Mitchell s dedication is the reason that today the REMC for POW studies stands as the only program which continued its care of U.S. repatriated prisoners of war (RPWs) well beyond the expiration of the original 1973-1978 charter. Without CAPT Mitchell s unwavering dedication the many lessons learned would not be possible. Today the REMC is recognized for its subject matter expertise.