Francis Gary Powers Jr., the son of Francis Gary Powers Sr., a Milligan alum whose story inspired the 2015 film “Bridge of Spies,” is set to visit Milligan’s campus during homecoming week. Powers Jr. is also the founder of the Cold War Museum located in Warrenton, Virginia, and the author of “Spy Pilot.”
Powers Sr. graduated from Milligan in 1950 and flew U-2 spy planes during his military service in the Cold War. His plane was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960, sparking an international incident.
After spending two years imprisoned for espionage, Powers Sr. returned home in 1962 after negotiations led to a spy exchange on Glienicke Bridge near Berlin.
Austin Stowell plays Powers Sr. in the Steven Spielberg directed film. The film recounts the story of what happened to Powers during the Cold War and what occurred after he was shot down. Powers Jr. served as a consultant during the production of the film, helping Spielberg by sharing what his father told him about the events that took place.
Milligan will be hosting a showing of the movie on Oct. 23 in the main auditorium of Seeger Chapel. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and Powers Jr. will give an introduction prior to the showing. Afterward, he will give a brief commentary and open the floor to questions from the audience.
According to Milligan President Bill Greer, this event will be the first time, since the release of the 2015 film, that Powers Jr. will visit Milligan to tell the story of his father’s mission during the Cold War. President Greer encourages current students and Milligan alumni to attend this memorable event.
“This is one of those opportunities for students to learn a little bit about a prior Milligan alumnus and walk away with a little more inspiration as to how they can have a positive impact,” said Greer. “I encourage students to come out, enjoy the evening, hear a little about history, and hear about one of their own.”