ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Vietnam War veteran Edward Hubbard spent six years as a prisoner of war, enduring conditions that would break most people. Today, he uses that experience to motivate others.

The Air Force veteran now travels the nation as a motivational speaker with a mission to help others find their purpose. Hubbard came to Albany to speak to Sunbelt Ford employees following the company’s sale.

Surviving extreme conditions

The Viet Cong captured Hubbard in in 1966. For many months he was locked in an isolated cell. His arms were partly paralyzed after being tied up. Food was also scarce.

“We had miniature soup bowls with a pile of rice on it. There was another bowl of what we called ‘weeds’. It was just a green vegetable we didn’t know what it was,” Hubbard said.

The physical conditions were brutal.

“It was 120 degrees in your room. 24 hours a day for about 8 months in the year,” Hubbard said. “Then in the winter it was cold. The temperature was down below freezing. You just learned to deal with it.”

Returning to Vietnam

Fifty years after his release, Hubbard returned to Vietnam. While there, he visited his former captivity site.

“I went back because I was [in Vietnam] for seven years and never got to see anything. So I went back to see what I missed,” he said.

Public Speaking

Hubbard continues to speak at events nationwide, offering his story as a guide for those facing their own battles. His messages centers on not letting challenges define a person. He views every aspect of life as a lesson.

“[When traveling] I will look on the map to the find the nearest waterfront or refuge to take pictures with my camera. My wife always ask ‘How many pictures do you need.’ And I respond, saying ‘I’m always looking for a better picture.’ My whole life is driven by doing better every day. And so, I want people to have a purpose. Doing well is good. Doing ‘better’ tomorrow is better,” Hubbard said.

WALB’s Moriah Norman will have more in our later newscasts.

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