For almost six years, U.S. Air Force Col. Gregory Johnson went by another name. As a prisoner of the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam War, his captors called him “Gio.”
Gio – pronounced “jaw” – means “strong bridge” in Vietnamese, and though he has no idea why his captors called him that, the most decorated serviceman in Iowa said he tried to be just that after being taken in April 1967.

On the 30th of that month, Johnson was flying a secret mission as part of Operation Wild Weasel when his plane was shot down in the mountains of North Vietnam. After evading the North Vietnamese Army for four hours, he was finally captured and eventually ended up at the prisoner-of-war camp nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton.”

As the featured speaker at Hooverfest’s evening ceremonies, with a throng of veterans in attendance, Johnson shared his experiences and his admiration for America’s servicemen and women.

He told the story of his capture and the toll it took on his family. His wife didn’t learn he was alive until seeing Johnson in video footage released by the North Vietnamese. When he left on his mission, his daughter was entering kindergarten; when he returned, she was 12.

Johnson moved on in his speech to honor the men and women of the U.S. military, and all those who have been prisoners of war or missing in action.

“My experiences have taught me there are no great men. Only great circumstances,” Johnson said. “On the P.O.W./M.I.A. flag it states, ‘You are not forgotten.’ The soldiers only ask, ‘Remember me.’ And when they get back, ‘Welcome home.’”

The Master of Ceremonies of the night’s festivities was President Hoover’s great-granddaughter, Margaret Hoover, a political consultant and regular guest on the Fox News program “The O’Reilly Factor.”

“It’s such an honor,” Hoover said of being asked to emcee. “The whole family loves (Hooverfest). It’s a wonderful opportunity today to honor our veterans who have done so much for our country. It’s a great weekend.”

Hoover said it was an honor to have Johnson as the featured speaker for an event themed “Salute to the Military” and featuring the Moving Vietnam Wall and the U.S. Honor Flag.

“Col. Johnson is just an unbelievable example of American sacrifice,” Hoover said.

Johnson was flying his 93rd mission with Wild Weasel when he went down. After 100 missions, he would’ve been finished and already had orders to be an instructor at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

The colonel said he was honored to be part of the event.

“I’m flattered to be a part of it,” he said. “I’m pleased to have an opportunity to share my experiences and honor veterans.

“Every person out here has a story.”