Edward Hubbard said he hasn’t had a bad day since 1966. That’s when his plane was shot down while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was captured and spent more than 6 years and 7 months as a prisoner in North Vietnam.
Hubbard said it was during that time he realized “bad days” are relative.
“You have to believe you’re capable of doing whatever needs to be done under the circumstances, then you have to be willing to expend any amount of effort it takes to get there,” said Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Edward Hubbard.
Hubbard shared his story of survival Friday morning at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.
Hubbard detailed the physical and mental challenges as a prisoner. He had to survive on 300 calories a day and spent months in solitary confinement.
Service members in the audience said it was a powerful message of hope.
“When we deploy, we’re away for a year and that seems like a long time. The situation that he was in being in captivity, it makes you appreciate life better,” said Chris Krause, a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
“You learn how to adapt to whatever situation you’re in. If you keep a positive attitude, life is much easier,” said William Davis, a retired U.S. Navy hospital medic.
Hubbard was released in 1973.
“When you walk out the front door of the prison, your world suddenly is beautifully clear,” said Hubbard.
Hubbard said he got into public speaking by accident. Now, he enjoys traveling and sharing his experience to inspire others.
“The feedback I get from people whose lives changed; who thought they were at the end of the road and suddenly, they found out there was so much more,” Hubbard said.
“To be able to get up and think it’s going to be a good day, it certainly is,” said Davis.
Hubbard said it’s important for people to reflect on their lives and recognize their ability to overcome any obstacle.
“If you don’t believe, you don’t try. And if you don’t try, you fail. Guaranteed fail. So you’ve got to try,” said Hubbard.
