Everett Alvarez, Jr. spent one of the longest times as a Prisoner of War in the history of the United States Military. Shot down while in Vietnam, Alvarez’s triumphant repatriation after over 8 years in captivity thrust him into the spotlight and accelerated his career. 

In this interview with Greg Kelly, part one of part two coming later in the week, Everett Alvarez, Jr. details his time in Vietnam, work with the VA in the Reagan administration and his ambition to join the astronaut program.

Alvarez is a true American hero whose patriotism is only matched by his ambition to better himself through education and service to his country.