War veteran named nation's top ex-POW
Award honors man's service to others

Pendleton Woods learned a lot about helping others during the five months he spent as a German prisoner of war during World War II.

He and other POWs had to pool their meager resources to keep themselves alive through the bitter winter after he was captured behind enemy lines in December 1944.

The realization he could help himself by helping others has carried through Woods' life, leading to volunteer work with community groups. Many of those groups serve veterans.

His dedication spurred the Oklahoma City chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War to nominate him for national recognition.

Last month, Woods, 82, was surprised with a plaque and the announcement he is the nation's Outstanding Ex-POW of 2005.

"It was something I really appreciated, he said.

Evelyn Holtzclaw, a member of the Oklahoma City chapter, said Woods was an obvious choice for the local group's nomination.

"I tell you, he does for people like you wouldn't believe, said Holtzclaw, whose husband, Ralph, is a former POW.

Woods is the namesake of the Oklahoma City chapter of the Military Order of World Wars, the only one of nearly 150 in the nation named for a living veteran. He is a former local, state and regional commander for the organization of present and former military officers.

Woods is director of Oklahoma Christian University's American Citizenship Center, which teaches young people about patriotism and commitment to public service.

He said those are lessons all POWs learned while they were held captive. Being a prisoner made them recognize the importance of freedom.

"There's nothing we can take for granted, Woods said.

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