Airline Honors Veteran on First Vietnam Visit Since POW Imprisonment

U.S. Air Force veteran Bob Jeffrey returns to Vietnam for the first time since his release as a POW, culminating in an emotional flight home where he was recognized by the airline crew.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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U.S. Air Force veteran Bob Jeffrey and his wife Jean recently traveled to Vietnam, his first visit to the country since being released as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. On their flight home to Phoenix, American Airlines Captain John Newman took a moment to acknowledge Jeffrey's service and sacrifice, with Newman and the first officer also being veterans. Jeffrey had joined American Airlines as a pilot after his release and retired in 1999.

Why it matters

This story highlights the powerful emotions and significance of a Vietnam War veteran returning to the country decades after his imprisonment, as well as the meaningful gesture by the airline crew to honor Jeffrey's service. It underscores the lasting impact of the Vietnam War and the importance of recognizing those who served.

The details

After seven years as a prisoner of war, Bob Jeffrey visited Vietnam for the first time since his release. On the flight home to Phoenix, American Airlines Captain John Newman addressed the cabin to acknowledge Jeffrey's service and sacrifice, noting that both he and the first officer were also veterans. Jeffrey had joined American Airlines as a pilot after his release and retired in 1999.

  • Bob Jeffrey visited Vietnam for the first time since his release as a POW during the Vietnam War.
  • On Sunday, Jeffrey and his wife Jean were on a flight home to Phoenix from their trip to Vietnam.

The players

Bob Jeffrey

A U.S. Air Force veteran and former prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, who recently visited Vietnam for the first time since his release and was honored by the airline crew on his flight home.

Jean Jeffrey

The wife of Bob Jeffrey, who accompanied him on his trip to Vietnam.

John Newman

The American Airlines captain who addressed the cabin to honor Bob Jeffrey's service and sacrifice during the flight home from Vietnam.

American Airlines

The airline that employed Bob Jeffrey as a pilot after his release as a POW, and whose crew honored him on the flight home from his trip to Vietnam.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate you. We stand on your shoulders. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

— John Newman, American Airlines Captain

What’s next

Jeffrey's trip back to Vietnam will be part of a documentary later this year.

The takeaway

This story highlights the powerful emotions and significance of a Vietnam War veteran returning to the country decades after his imprisonment, as well as the meaningful gesture by the airline crew to honor Jeffrey's service and sacrifice. It underscores the lasting impact of the Vietnam War and the importance of recognizing those who served.