At Beyond Survival, our mission is to enlighten and educate. We are inspired by the incredible story of the American Prisoners of War in North Vietnam. From shoot down to capture to torture and often bad decisions by their government that kept them there for so long is their story, one that has been lost in history.
Our inspiration: Navy Captain Jerry Coffee and the Vietnam POWs. Why specifically Jerry? He dedicated his entire life after prison sharing full-time with people, anyone who would listen, the key to his survival: FAITH in self, in the people around you, and God. He passionately believed this faith could work for anyone going through a traumatic trial or set back.
You deserve to know the buried truth of the POWs experience from a time when the country was in turmoil—just like today. And more so how most came home without bitterness, instead with a vow to be better than they were before prison.
Now! During the America 250 Celebration. What better time than when we are looking for American heroes? They were there in spades in the Hanoi Hilton.
The unyielding courage of the Vietnam War POWs will educate and inspire generations young and old. Beyond Survival’s commitment is to educate using historical facts, POW testimonies in their own words, archival video, and exercises that demonstrate the invincibility of the human spirit.
Today, despair feels epidemic—veteran suicide rates soar; a collective identity crisis claims the lives and spirit of our youth, and our national divisions are deep and bitter. All Americans need to embrace the invincibility of their own human spirit. Believe. Have faith. If Jerry Coffee and fellow POWs could find strength to survive and go beyond survival from a filthy prison cell, why can’t we?