THE ARKANSAS PATRIOT

A U.S. Air Force colonel recounts surviving a shootdown over Iran, saying prayer helped him endure a terrifying free-fall, serious injuries, and two days behind enemy lines. He was part of a two-man crew struck by a shoulder-fired missile, and his parachute was damaged before impact. Despite broken bones and harsh conditions, he evaded capture until U.S. forces rescued him about 50 hours later on Easter Sunday. The piece frames the rescue as a remarkable example of survival, faith, and military coordination.