Beyond Survival champions America’s Vietnam POWs because America needs what they taught us: Faith can overcome fear – Hope can survive despair – Unity is stronger than isolation – Honor can not be tortured out of a person – The human spirit is more powerful than any prison. They were tortured – not defeated, imprisoned – never conquered, kept the faith, and returned with honor.
Mission
Preserve the extraordinary legacy of America’s Vietnam Prisoners of War. Honor their courage, unbreakable faith, and profound sacrifice. Educate, ignite and inspire future generations. Champion a permanent National Vietnam POW Memorial in the Washington, DC area.
The Vietnam POW Memorial Project
After returning home, Captain Jerry Coffee created this sketch from memory since POWs were denied paper and pencils in captivity. The only photographs released by the Communists were staged propaganda. His drawing became a powerful way to preserve the truth of their experience.
Help America establish a permanent POW memorial in the Washington, DC area, honoring the over 600 POWs held in captivity, endured brutality, yet returned with honor.
(Renowned sculptor Sabin Howard creator of the National World War I Memorial, has expressed interest in this historic project.)
Please join us! Let’s bring this important project to life!
Ways Beyond Survival Serves
Preserve History
We collect and archive photographs, documents, letters, and oral histories from POWs and their families.
Educate
We provide educational programs, lectures, and resources to schools, universities, and research institutions.
Honor Service
We organize commemorative events and ensure these heroes’ stories continue to inspire.
Share Stories
We provide content including books, films, and digital archives for public engagement.
Invincibility of the American Spirit
Dedication
“Beyond Survival is dedicated to my husband Navy Captain Jerry Coffee (1934-2021). While held in Hanoi for over 7 years, he felt God calling him to relate more than just his prison experience when he finally came home, but to highlight the lessons learned and emphasize to people that the key to his survival was simply faith: in self, others, country, and God. He spoke to thousands of audiences worldwide for over 35 years.” Susan Coffee
Help Us Preserve This Legacy
Your prayers and support ensure these stories of courage, faith, and resilience
continue to inspire future generations.
Going Beyond Survival
Preserving the extraordinary legacy of U.S. Navy Captain Jerry Coffee and his fellow Vietnam POWs.
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