American Ex-Prisoners of War
Encyclopedia
Prisoners of War is a service organization that aims to assist the surviving U.S. military
prisoner of war
(POWs), particularly those who are elderly and those who have medical problems. Based in Arlington, Texas
, the American Ex-Prisoners of War was founded in 1942. It received a congressional charter
under Title 36 of the United States Code
in 1982. The group claims a membership of 20,000 members in some 300 chapters nationwide.
The group is open to former American POWs of all wars and their immediate families. Its service officers have assisted POW veteran
s in securing medical services and other entitlement
s. Former POWs may be eligible for special veterans benefits, including medical care in Veterans Affairs hospitals and disability compensation for injuries and diseases caused by internment. These benefits are in addition to regular veterans' benefits and services to which they are also entitled. Widows and minor children of former POWs may qualify for special benefits and compensation.
Notable members include Wilburn Snyder
, James C. Spencer
, and D. C. Wimberly.
Military of the United States
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
prisoner of war
Prisoner of war
A prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a person, whether civilian or combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
(POWs), particularly those who are elderly and those who have medical problems. Based in Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
, the American Ex-Prisoners of War was founded in 1942. It received a congressional charter
Congressional charter
A congressional charter is a law passed by the United States Congress that states the mission, authority and activities of a group. Congress issued federal charters from 1791 until 1992 under Title 36 of the United States Code....
under Title 36 of the United States Code
Title 36 of the United States Code
Title 36 of the United States Code outlines the role of Patriotic Societies and Observances in the United States Code.*Subtitle I—Patriotic and National Observances and Ceremonies*Subtitle II—Patriotic and National Organizations...
in 1982. The group claims a membership of 20,000 members in some 300 chapters nationwide.
The group is open to former American POWs of all wars and their immediate families. Its service officers have assisted POW veteran
Veteran
A veteran is a person who has had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field; " A veteran of ..."...
s in securing medical services and other entitlement
Entitlement
An entitlement is a guarantee of access to benefits based on established rights or by legislation. A "right" is itself an entitlement associated with a moral or social principle, such that an "entitlement" is a provision made in accordance with legal framework of a society...
s. Former POWs may be eligible for special veterans benefits, including medical care in Veterans Affairs hospitals and disability compensation for injuries and diseases caused by internment. These benefits are in addition to regular veterans' benefits and services to which they are also entitled. Widows and minor children of former POWs may qualify for special benefits and compensation.
Notable members include Wilburn Snyder
Wilburn Snyder
Wilburn L. Snyder was a Baptist pastor in Houston, Texas, and a survivor of the Bataan Death March and internment in the Philippine Islands during World War II....
, James C. Spencer
James C. Spencer
James Clarence Spencer was a survivor of the Bataan Death March during World War II and a Democratic politician from Athens, the seat of Henderson County in east Texas.-Background:...
, and D. C. Wimberly.