Decorated Vietnam War veteran John Fer will be the guest speaker at a Holy Week special presentation at Mary Star of the Sea Church in San Pedro on April 7. Fer, a former Prisoner of War (POW) will speak on his years of captivity in North Vietnam and how his faith carried him through the ordeal.

"Mr. Fer's experience is a poignant one," said Elaine Hernandez, president of the Young Adults of Mary Star. "Prayer is central to our faith and is fundamental to our relationship with God. Mr. Fer's story is an inspiring one."

Fer was born and raised in San Pedro and attended Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School. He later attended USC and the U.S. Air Force Academy. He served as an Air Force Officer for 28 years flying 54 combat missions as a pilot.

Recently Fer served as principal of Beatitudes of Our Lord School in La Mirada and founded Citizens for a New Library in San Pedro.

The Power of Prayer Presentation begins at 7 p.m. at Mary Star of the Sea Church, 870 W. 8th St. in San Pedro.