Ex-POW Speaks at Bend ‘Yellow Ribbon’ Event

Col. Lee Ellis, a prisoner of war for more than five years when his plane was shot down. Ellis is now founder and president of Leadership Freedom, serving as a leadership consultant.

And on Saturday, at a special event at The Riverhouse in Bend, Ellis was teaching service members leadership under all circumstances.

“How no matter where you are at in your life, in your deployment cycle, you can always take the time to lead with honor,” said Amy Schmid, who works for the Yellow Ribbon program, said.

Lee has authored five books on leadership and career development.

The Yellow Ribbon Program was signed into law in 2008 to address the unique needs and challenges of National Guard and reserve service members throughout all phases of deployment.

Ellis returned home nearly 40 years ago, after nearly 2,000 days in North Vietnamese captivity, and spoke at the Bend event to help the troops now returning home from war.

He noted how even the simplest things, like sitting in a chair or sleeping in a bed, or having a cold drink — took major adjustment after his ordeal.

Ellis’s latest book, “Leading With Honor,” talks of the lessons he learned in prison — ones that resonate today, during troubled economic times back home.