POW/MIA UPDATES

[Guest]

[NC Sentinel]

Updates from the National League of POW/MIA Families - Arlington, VA.

Contact the League's office at: 703-465-7432

Visit the League's website at: www.pow-miafamilies.org

[NC Sentinel]

AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR:  There are now 1,772 US personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  The names of seven US personnel were this week announced as accounted for, including Lt. Col. James H. Ayres, of Pampa, Texas, and Lt. Col. Charles W. Stratton, of Dallas, Texas, both U.S. Air Force, missing in Laos since January 3, 1971.  Remains were jointly recovered during several field operations between 2001-2005.  In addition the names of five Army personnel involved in a UH-1D helicopter incident in Laos on January 5, 1968, were also announced.  The five included Chief Warrant Officer Dennis C. Hamilton, of Barnes City, Iowa; Chief Warrant Officer Sheldon D. Schultz, of Altoona, Pa.; Sgt. 1st Class Ernest F. Briggs, Jr., of San Antonio, Texas; Sgt. 1st Class John T. Gallagher, of Hamden, CT.; and Sgt. 1st Class James D. Williamson, of Olympia, WA.  The group remains of this crew will be buried on Aug. 14 at Arlington National Cemetery.  SFC Gallagher's remains were individually identified, and a separate burial date is being set by his family.   

The identification of the remains of these seven Americans, plus three previously missing and unaccounted for, but not yet announced brings to 811 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.  Over 90% of 1,772 still listed as missing were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.   

UPDATE ON OPERATIONS:  The 100th period of Joint Field Activities (JFA) in Laos, the fourth 30-day JFA this year, began June 26th and concluded July 31st.  Again comprised of some 50 US personnel, four teams focused on incident excavations. A Change of Command occurred on July 2nd, during which LTC Brandt Deck, USA, replaced LTC Wade Owens, USA, as Detachment 3 Commander.  Both are Special Forces officers, as is JPAC’s Detachment Commander in Hanoi, LTC Jim Saenz, USA.   

The 89th JFA in Vietnam also just concluded, though one anthropologist and a linguist stayed longer as observers to a unilateral Vietnamese excavation that was jointly approved.  The 45-day period included roughly 100 US personnel, comprising one Research/Investigation Team (RIT), one Investigation Team (IT), one Phase 2 Testing Team (P2TT) and five recovery Teams (RTs).  The last JFA, March 8th- April 21st, was extended to include an Underwater Investigation Team (UIT) that included the Navy’s Mobile Diving Salvage Unit #1 (MDSU1), operating along the coast of northern Vietnam, though without the US Navy ship as earlier agreed.

Annual, bilateral POW/MIA consultations with a delegation from Cambodia are now ongoing in Hawaii, hosted by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC).   JPAC will also host bilateral, semi-annual POW/MIA Consultations with Laos later this month.   

Worldwide, a survey and investigation of a WWII loss on the island of Iwo Jima took place June 17-27th, and an investigation in South Korea (ROK) took place June 1-30th. While conducting the investigation of a possible burial site identified by an eye witness in the ROK, the US team recovered possible remains and other material evidence; therefore an immediate recovery operation was undertaken to prevent the possibility of disturbance by nearby South Korean personnel. 

A JPAC historian recently returned to Hawaii after a brief visit to the Netherlands to observe salvage operations of a possible US aircraft and conduct interviews related to a WWII incident.   

Finally, excavation of one WWII site in Austria was just completed and two are ongoing in Hungary and Germany, expected to conclude on August 15th.

LAOS AGREES TO ACCEPT U.S. DEFENSE ATTACHE:  During a recent visit to Washington, DC, a Ministry of Defense official long involved in the POW/MIA Issue conveyed his government’s agreement in principle to accept a US Defense Attaché in Vientiane in 2008 and to post a Lao officer at their Embassy in EXCHANGE.  This is very positive development.  The League has sought this agreement for well over a decade, knowing there is much to gain in broadening the bilateral relationship.  The Stony Beach POW/MIA Team is an asset of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and two Stony Beach specialists are now assigned to the DATT in Hanoi and the DATT in Phnom Penh.  It is hoped that the two Lao specialists in Stony Beach will soon be permanently assigned in Vientiane to pursue POW/MIA-related information in Laos.

ARCHIVAL RESEARCH:  There is widespread disappointment – in DPMO, JPAC and the League – in responses to the US Government-funded archival research programs, especially in Vietnam.  This program has been ongoing for several years, but archival records known to exist have not yet been provided, thus the continued calls for unilateral actions by Hanoi, including by President Bush last November.  It is hoped bilateral technical talks with each of the Indochina governments that will occur over the summer will focus on renewing viable multilateral archival cooperation, among other initiatives that are or should be considered.   

WIN A HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER:   The League will receive all proceeds from a nationwide drawing to win a beautiful customized 1989 Harley Sportster that is now ongoing.  Only 8,000 raffle tickets have been printed and numbered, $10.00 each, obtainable by contacting the League office.  With a 1/8,000 chance of winning this Harley Davidson Sportster, the drawing will be held on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 21, 2007, in Washington, DC. Tickets can also be obtained through the League’s website, www.POWMIALeague.org, by clicking on Pay Pal, though handling adds an additional $2.00 to the total cost of the ticket(s).  Now is your chance to win a Harley AND support the League, a nonprofit 501 [c] 3 tax-exempt organization.

38TH ANNUAL MEETING:  The League’s 38th Annual Meeting was held June 21-24th at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, VA.  There were two very full days of League and US Government presentations, both policy and operational, on Friday, June 22nd and Saturday, June 23rd, followed by a League business session wrap-up on Sunday morning, June 24th.   A complete report on all that transpired will shortly be distributed nationwide and put onto the League’s web site.

FAMILIES OPPOSE ANOTHER SELECT COMMITTEE ON POW/MIA AFFAIRS:  With a unanimous vote of the League’s Board of Directors preceding a unanimous membership vote at the 38th Annual Meeting, the League is firmly on record as strongly opposing H. Res. 111.  Previously disproven claims of conspiracy and cover-up are again being raised, and past investigations have completely tied up assets and resources and the accounting was put on hold to allow time and attention to responding to Congress.  The League will continue to fight against another wasteful, time-consuming special committee or commission unless and until there is nothing further that can be done constructively.  In that event, the League would then reconsider.  That time is NOT now!   

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC) APPROVES LEAGUE FOR 2007:  The League was just notified that all criteria were met, and our newly assigned (five digit) number is 10218, just assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC.  The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing Vietnam War POW/MIAs and KIA/BNR’s and their families that is eligible for donations through the CFC & United Way structure.  Despite the reality that there are many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our CFC eligibility, knowing the tough criteria any organization must meet.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

www.POWMIALeague.org

www.POWMIALeague.com

www.pow-miafamilies.org

[NC Sentinel]

AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR:  There are now 1,773 US personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  The names of six US personnel, previously missing and unaccounted for, were announced last week, including Lt. Col. James H. Ayres, of Pampa, Texas, and Lt. Col. Charles W. Stratton, of Dallas, Texas, both U.S. Air Force, missing in Laos since January 3, 1971.  Remains were jointly recovered during several field operations from 2001-2005.  In addition the names of five Army personnel involved in a UH-1D helicopter incident in Laos on January 5, 1968, were also announced. Sgt 1st Class John T. Gallagher of Hamden, CT, was individually identified November 13, 2006.  He will also be included in the group internment of remains that includes Chief Warrant Officer Dennis C. Hamilton, of Barnes City, Iowa; Chief Warrant Officer Sheldon D. Schultz, of Altoona, PA; Sgt. 1st Class Ernest F. Briggs, Jr., of San Antonio, Texas; and Sgt. 1st Class James D. Williamson, of Olympia, WA.  The group remains of this crew will be buried on Aug. 14 at Arlington National Cemetery. 

The identification of the remains of these six Americans, plus three previously missing and unaccounted for, but not yet announced brings to 810 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.  Over 90% of 1,773 still listed as missing were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.   

UPDATE ON OPERATIONS:   The 100th period of Joint Field Activities (JFA) in Laos began June 26th and concluded July 31st.  Again comprised of some 50 US personnel, four teams focused on incident excavations. A Change of Command occurred on July 2nd, during which LTC Brandt Deck replaced LTC Wade Owens as Commander of Detachment 3.  Both are US Army Special Forces officers, as is JPAC’s Detachment 2 Commander in Hanoi, LTC Jim Saenz. 

The 89th JFA in Vietnam also recently concluded, though one anthropologist and a linguist stayed longer to monitor a unilateral Vietnamese excavation that was jointly approved.  The 45-day period included roughly 100 US personnel, consisting of one Research/Investigation Team (RIT), one Investigation Team (IT), one Phase 2 Testing Team (P2TT) and five recovery Teams (RTs).  The prior JFA, March 8th- April 21st, was extended to include an Underwater Investigation Team (UIT) that used the Navy’s Mobile Diving Salvage Unit #1 (MDSU1), operating along the coast of northern Vietnam, though without the US Navy ship as earlier pledged. 

Annual, bilateral POW/MIA consultations with a delegation from Cambodia were held last week in Hawaii, hosted by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC, and semi-annual POW/MIA Consultations with Laos will also be hosted later this month.   

Worldwide, a survey and investigation of a WWII loss on the island of Iwo Jima took place June 17-27th, and an investigation in South Korea (ROK) took place June 1-30th. While conducting the investigation of a possible burial site identified by an eye witness in the ROK, the US team recovered possible remains and other material evidence; therefore an immediate recovery operation was undertaken to prevent the possibility of disturbance by nearby South Korean personnel.  A JPAC historian recently returned to Hawaii after a brief visit to the Netherlands to observe salvage operations of a possible US aircraft and conduct interviews related to a WWII incident.  Finally, excavation of one WWII site in Austria was just completed and two are ongoing in Hungary and Germany, expected to conclude on August 15th.

LAOS AGREES TO ACCEPT U.S. DEFENSE ATTACHE:  During a recent visit to Washington, DC, a Ministry of Defense official long involved in the POW/MIA Issue conveyed his government’s agreement in principle to accept a US Defense Attaché in Vientiane in 2008 and to post a Lao officer at their Embassy in EXCHANGE.  This is very positive development.  The League has sought this agreement for well over a decade, knowing there is much to gain in broadening the bilateral relationship.  The Stony Beach POW/MIA Team is an asset of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and two Stony Beach specialists are now assigned to the DATT in Hanoi and the DATT in Phnom Penh.  It is hoped that the two Lao specialists in Stony Beach will soon be permanently assigned in Vientiane to pursue POW/MIA-related information in Laos.

ARCHIVAL RESEARCH:  There is widespread disappointment – in DPMO, JPAC and the League – in responses to the US Government-funded archival research programs, especially in Vietnam.  This program has been ongoing for several years, but archival records known to exist have not yet been provided, thus the continued calls for unilateral actions by Hanoi, including by President Bush last November.  It is hoped bilateral technical talks with each of the Indochina governments that will occur over the summer will focus on renewing viable multilateral archival cooperation, among other initiatives that are or should be considered.   

WIN A HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER:  The League will receive all proceeds from a nationwide drawing to win a beautiful customized 1989 Harley Sportster that is now ongoing.  Only 8,000 raffle tickets have been printed and numbered, $10.00 each, obtainable by contacting the League office.  With a 1/8,000 chance of winning this Harley Davidson Sportster, the drawing will be held on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 21, 2007, in Washington, DC. Tickets can also be obtained through the League’s website, www.POWMIALeague.org, by clicking on Pay Pal, though handling adds an additional $2.00 to the total cost of the ticket(s).  Now is your chance to win a Harley AND support the League, a nonprofit 501 [c] 3 tax-exempt organization.

38TH ANNUAL MEETING:  The League’s 38th Annual Meeting was held June 21-24th at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, VA.  There were two very full days of League and US Government presentations, both policy and operational, on Friday, June 22nd and Saturday, June 23rd, followed by a League business session wrap-up on Sunday morning, June 24th.   A complete report on all that transpired will shortly be distributed nationwide and put onto the League’s web site.

FAMILIES OPPOSE ANOTHER SELECT COMMITTEE ON POW/MIA AFFAIRS:  With a unanimous vote of the League’s Board of Directors preceding a unanimous membership vote at the 38th Annual Meeting, the League is firmly on record as strongly opposing H. Res. 111.  Previously disproven claims of conspiracy and cover-up are again being raised, and past investigations have completely tied up assets and resources and the accounting was put on hold to allow time and attention to responding to Congress.  The League will continue to fight against another wasteful, time-consuming special committee or commission unless and until there is nothing further that can be done constructively.  In that event, the League would then reconsider.  That time is NOT now!   

LEAGUE APPROVED FOR 2007 COMBINED FFEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC):  The League was just notified that all criteria were met, and our newly assigned (five digit) number is 10218, just assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC.  The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing Vietnam War POW/MIAs and KIA/BNR’s and their families that is eligible for donations through the CFC & United Way structure.  Despite the reality that there are many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our CFC eligibility, knowing the tough criteria any organization must meet. 

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

www.POWMIALeague.org
www.POWMIALeague.com
www.pow-miafamilies.org

[NC Sentinel]

POW/MIA Update:  August 27, 2007

AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR:  There are 1,773 US personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  The names of six US personnel, previously MIA and KIA/BNR, were recently announced, including Lt. Col. James H. Ayres, of Pampa, Texas, and Lt. Col. Charles W. Stratton, of Dallas, Texas, both U.S. Air Force officers missing in Laos since January 3, 1971.  Remains were jointly recovered during several field operations from 2001-2005.  In addition the names of five Army personnel involved in a UH-1D helicopter incident in Laos on January 5, 1968, were also announced.  Sgt 1st Class John T. Gallagher of Hamden, CT, was individually identified November 13, 2006.  He will also be included in the group internment of remains that includes Chief Warrant Officer Dennis C. Hamilton, of Barnes City, Iowa; Chief Warrant Officer Sheldon D. Schultz, of Altoona, PA; Sgt. 1st Class Ernest F. Briggs, Jr., of San Antonio, Texas; and Sgt. 1st Class James D. Williamson, of Olympia, WA.  The group remains of this crew will be buried on Aug. 14 at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Earlier, the number of missing was reduced by the identification of the remains of three Americans.  The accounting for Corporal Jim E. Moshier, USMC, occurred as a result of repatriation on August 15, 2005, and identification finalized on April 5, 2007.  The remains of Technician Chief Roland R. Pineau, USN, were also repatriated from South Vietnam on August 15, 2005, and identification was finalized on June 12, 2007.  The remains of LtCol Michael J. Masterson, USAF, were jointly recovered in Laos on August 4, 2005, and the identification date was February 7, 2006, but not immediately announced.

The identification of the remains of these Americans brings to 810 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.  90+% of 1,773 still missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.   

UPDATE ON OPERATIONS:  The 100th period of Joint Field Activities (JFA) in Laos began June 26th and concluded July 31st.  Again comprised of some 50 US personnel, four teams focused on incident excavations. A Change of Command occurred on July 2nd, during which LTC Brandt Deck replaced LTC Wade Owens as Commander of Detachment 3.  Both are US Army Special Forces officers, as is JPAC’s Detachment 2 Commander in Hanoi, LTC Jim Saenz.  The 89th JFA in Vietnam also recently concluded, though one anthropologist and a linguist stayed longer to monitor a unilateral Vietnamese excavation that was jointly approved.  The 45-day period included roughly 100 US personnel, consisting of one Research/Investigation Team (RIT), one Investigation Team (IT), one Phase 2 Testing Team (P2TT) and five recovery Teams (RTs).  The prior JFA, March 8th- April 21st, was extended to include an Underwater Investigation Team (UIT) that used the Navy’s Mobile Diving Salvage Unit #1 (MDSU1), operating along the coast of northern Vietnam, though without the US Navy ship as earlier pledged. 

The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) hosted annual POW/MIA consultations with a delegation from Cambodia and semi-annual POW/MIA Consultations with Laos at their headquarters, Hickam AFB, Hawaii.  The level of attention from both governments is extremely high, and while improvements continue to be sought in the Lao-US process, Cambodia continues to lead all the Indochina countries with their full cooperation.

Worldwide, a survey and investigation of a WWII loss on the island of Iwo Jima took place June 17-27th, and an investigation in South Korea (ROK) took place June 1-30th. A JPAC historian recently returned to Hawaii after a brief visit to the Netherlands to observe salvage operations of a possible US aircraft and conduct interviews related to a WWII incident.  Finally, excavation of one WWII site in Austria was just completed, and two excavations in Hungary and Germany ended on August 15th.

LAOS AGREES TO ACCEPT U.S. DEFENSE ATTACHE:  During a recent visit to Washington, DC, a Ministry of Defense official long involved in the POW/MIA Issue conveyed his government’s agreement in principle to accept a US Defense Attaché (DATT) in Vientiane in 2008 and to post a Lao officer at their Embassy in exchange.  This is very positive development.  The League has sought this agreement for well over a decade, knowing there is much to gain for both governments and peoples.  The Stony Beach POW/MIA Team is an asset of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and two Stony Beach specialists are now assigned to the DATT in Hanoi and the DATT in Phnom Penh.  It is hoped that the two Lao specialists in Stony Beach will soon be permanently assigned in Vientiane to pursue POW/MIA-related information in Laos.

ARCHIVAL RESEARCH:  There is widespread disappointment – in DPMO, JPAC and the League – in responses to the US Government-funded archival research programs, especially in Vietnam.  This program has been ongoing for several years, but archival records known to exist have not yet been provided, thus the continued calls for unilateral actions by Hanoi, including by President Bush last November.  It is hoped bilateral technical talks with each of the Indochina governments that will occur over the summer will focus on renewing viable multilateral archival cooperation, among other initiatives that are or should be considered.   

WIN A HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER:  The League will receive all proceeds from a nationwide drawing to win a beautiful customized 1989 Harley Sportster that is now ongoing.  Only 8,000 raffle tickets have been printed and numbered, $10.00 each, obtainable by contacting the League office.  With a 1/8,000 chance of winning this Harley Davidson Sportster, the drawing will be held on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 21, 2007, in Washington, DC. Tickets can also be obtained through the League’s website, www.POWMIALeague.org, by clicking on Pay Pal, though handling adds an additional $2.00 to the total cost of the ticket(s).  Act now before it is too late to win a Harley AND support the League, a nonprofit 501 [c] 3 tax-exempt organization.

FAMILIES OPPOSE ANOTHER SELECT COMMITTEE ON POW/MIA AFFAIRS:  With a unanimous vote of the League’s Board of Directors preceding a unanimous membership vote at the 38th Annual Meeting, the League is firmly on record as strongly opposing H. Res. 111.  Previously disproven claims of conspiracy and cover-up are again being raised, and past investigations have completely tied up assets and resources and the accounting was put on hold to allow time and attention to responding to Congress.  The League will continue to fight against another wasteful, time-consuming special committee or commission unless and until there is nothing further that can be done constructively.  In that event, the League would then reconsider.  That time is NOT now!   

LEAGUE APPROVED FOR 2007 COMBINED FFEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC):  The League was recently approved and notified that the stringent criteria were met.  Our new (five digit) number is 10218, assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC.  The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing American POW/MIAs, KIA/BNR’s and their families that is eligible for donations through the CFC & United Way structure.  Despite the reality that there are many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our CFC eligibility, knowing the tough requirements that any organization must meet.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

www.POWMIALeague.org

www.POWMIALeague.com

www.pow-miafamilies.org

[NC Sentinel]

POW/MIA Update:  September 24, 2007

AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR:  There are still 1,773 US personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  This brings to 810 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.  90+% of 1,773 still missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.   

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ON RECOGNITION DAY:

  Secretary of Defense Bob Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace, USMC, hosted the Pentagon’s National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony last Friday.  In his remarks, Secretary Gates stated, “I would also like to thank the families and friends of those still missing. Missing-in-action status is marked by ambiguity and uncertainty - a severe test of spirit and resolve for anyone seeking closure. Your attendance today proves once again that the bond of love transcends the passage of time - that while our nation's heroes may remain missing in body, they are always present in spirit.  We will neither forget our duty to bring home all POWs and MIAs, nor relent in our efforts to do so.” 

Though extemporaneous and not available (at least not yet), General Pace’s remarks were relevant, informal and meaningful to those present, based on his many years of service in and commitment to our Armed Forces.  Patricia Scharf, widow of Col Charles Scharf, USAF (MIA October 1, 1965 over North Vietnam, remains recovered December 16, 1992 and announced as identified August 10, 2006) was recommended by the Defense POW/MIA Office and reportedly selected by Secretary Gates to make remarks from her perspective.  There were countless ceremonies held across the country and around the world, including in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. 

UPDATE ON OPERATIONS:  Technical talks, led by JPAC Commander BG Mike Flowers, USA, and Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) Director Nguyen Ba Hung.  BG Flowers is due to retire from the Army and will be replaced by RADM Donna Crisp, USN, at a Change of Command on January 4, 2008.  Foreign Ministry official Nguyen Ba Hung is being promoted and will no longer serve as the Director after TET 2008, having served through the visits of President Bush in November 2006 and the reciprocal visit by President Triet in June of this year.  The incoming VNOSMP Director has not yet been identified.  Archival Research talks will be held there before the end of the month in an effort to get some movement on program.

The third recovery operations of this fiscal year ended on September 17th with a formal repatriation ceremony at the international airport in Phnom Penh in which US Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli participated.  Senior Cambodian officials also participated, led by General Pol Saroeun, Deputy Commander of the Cambodian Army and, by direction of Prime Minister Hun Sen, Chairman of the Cambodian POW/MIA Committee. 

A team of seven JPAC personnel finished operations in South Korea where they had been investigating multiple ground and aircraft incidents of loss since September 5th.  All information was to be brought back to the JPAC Intelligence Directorate (J2) for further analysis.  This was the fourth and final JPAC mission to South Korea during Fiscal Year 2007, ending September 30th. 

Regarding the expanding program of investigations and remains recoveries related to WWII incidents, operations have recently taken place in the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, France (including an underwater investigation on the Island of Corsica), Luxemburg, Italy and Germany, with ongoing operations expected to conclude on September 29th.

WINNER OF HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER:  The winner of the Harley Davidson Sportster was drawn on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 21, 2007, as promised.  The drawing took place at The American Legion Post 364 in Woodbridge, Virginia, following a Recognition Day ceremony jointly held with Post #364 Auxiliary.  Significantly, the winning ticket was drawn by a career US Army National Guard soldier with prior Army tours in the Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, Mogadishu, Iraq; he is scheduled for deployment to either Iraq or Afghanistan within the next three months. 

The winner is Dan Meeks, an Air Force Vietnam Veteran from Ohio, owner of Web Media Developers, who served in Operation Ranch Hand, in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam, November 1968 to 69.  Dan is a member of Central Ohio Chapter of VVA, AMVETS, The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Congratulations to Dan, and special thanks to Allen Harvey for his generosity in donating the Harley and to American Legion Post 364 and its Auxiliary Unit members who supported us generously, including last-minute raffle ticket purchases. 

FAMILIES OPPOSE ANOTHER SELECT COMMITTEE ON POW/MIA AFFAIRS:  With a unanimous vote of the League’s Board of Directors preceding a unanimous membership vote at the 38th Annual Meeting, the League is firmly on record as strongly opposing H. Res. 111.  Previously disproven claims of conspiracy and cover-up are again being raised, and past investigations have completely tied up assets and resources and the accounting was put on hold to allow time and attention to responding to Congress.  The League will continue to fight against another wasteful, time-consuming special committee or commission unless and until there is nothing further that can be done constructively.  In that event, the League would then reconsider.  That time is NOT now!   

REGION IV MEETING TO BE HELD AT SCOTT AFB:  A regional meeting for League members and veterans in the north-central part of the country will be held October 26-28th at Scott AFB, Bellevue, Illinois.  Chaired by longstanding Region IV and Ohio State Coordinator Liz Flick, Region IV includes the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.  The Board of Directors will meet on October 26th, with the regional sessions on the 27th.  Arrangements have been made to billet attendees in quarters on base for only $35 per night, and registration is only $30 per person, including breakfast, lunch and dinner on the 27th.  Officials from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO), Life Science Equipment Laboratory (LSEL) and the Service Casualty Offices will make presentations and be available for discussion.  For further information, call Liz Flick at 614-451-2405 or email her at rflick@columbus.rr.com.

LEAGUE APPROVED FOR 2007 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC):  The League was recently approved and notified that the stringent criteria were met.  Our new (five digit) number is 10218, assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC.  The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing American POW/MIAs, KIA/BNR’s and their families that is eligible for donations through the CFC & United Way structure.  Despite the reality that there are many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our CFC eligibility, knowing the tough requirements that any organization must meet.

[NC Sentinel]

POW/MIA Update:  October 4, 2007

AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR:  There are now 1,768 US personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  Within the last few days, DPMO has released the names of six US personnel as now being accounted for, including:

Major Perry H. Jefferson, USAF, MIA 4-3-69, SVN, CO
Airman 1st Class George W. Long, USAF, KIA/BNR 5-12-68, SNV, KS
CAPT Warren R. Orr, USAR, MIA 5-12-58, SVN, IL
LTjg Norman L. Roggow, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, IA
LTjg Donald f. Wolfe, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, MT
LTjg Andrew G. Zissu, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, NY

This brings to 815 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.  90+% of 1,768 still missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.   

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ON RECOGNITION DAY:  Secretary of Defense Bob Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace, USMC, hosted the Pentagon’s National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony last Friday.  In his remarks, Secretary Gates stated, “I would also like to thank the families and friends of those still missing. Missing-in-action status is marked by ambiguity and uncertainty - a severe test of spirit and resolve for anyone seeking closure. Your attendance today proves once again that the bond of love transcends the passage of time - that while our nation's heroes may remain missing in body, they are always present in spirit.  We will neither forget our duty to bring home all POWs and MIAs, nor relent in our efforts to do so.” 

Though extemporaneous and not available (at least not yet), General Pace’s remarks were relevant, informal and meaningful to those present, based on his many years of service in and commitment to our Armed Forces.  Patricia Scharf, widow of Col Charles Scharf, USAF (MIA October 1, 1965 over North Vietnam, remains recovered December 16, 1992 and announced as identified August 10, 2006) was recommended by the Defense POW/MIA Office and reportedly selected by Secretary Gates to make remarks from her perspective.  There were countless ceremonies held across the country and around the world, including in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. 

UPDATE ON OPERATIONS:  Technical talks, led by JPAC Commander BG Mike Flowers, USA, and Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) Director Nguyen Ba Hung were held September 12th.  On January 4, 2008, RADM Donna Crisp, USN, will assume command of JPAC at a Change of Command.  Foreign Ministry official Nguyen Ba Hung is being promoted and will no longer serve as the Director after TET 2008, having served through the visits of President Bush in November 2006 and the reciprocal visit by President Triet in June of this year.  The incoming VNOSMP Director has not yet been identified.  DPMO-led archival research talks were held in Hanoi on September 26th in an effort to get some movement on program.  In Cambodia, the third recovery operations of this fiscal year ended on September 17th with a formal repatriation ceremony at the international airport in Phnom Penh in which US Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli participated.  Senior Cambodian officials also participated, led by General Pol Saroeun, Deputy Commander of the Cambodian Army and, by direction of Prime Minister Hun Sen, Chairman of the Cambodian POW/MIA Committee. 

A team of seven JPAC personnel finished operations in South Korea where they had been investigating multiple ground and aircraft incidents of loss since September 5th.  This was the fourth and final JPAC mission to South Korea during Fiscal Year 2007, ending September 30th. 

Regarding the expanding program of investigations and remains recoveries related to WWII incidents, operations have recently taken place in the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, France (including an underwater investigation on the Island of Corsica), Luxembourg, Italy and Germany, with ongoing operations expected to conclude on September 29th.

WINNER OF HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER:  The winner of the Harley Davidson Sportster was drawn on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 21, 2007, as promised.  The drawing took place at The American Legion Post 364 in Woodbridge, Virginia, following a Recognition Day ceremony jointly held with Post #364 Auxiliary.  Significantly, the winning ticket was drawn by a career US Army National Guard soldier with prior Army tours in the Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, Mogadishu, Iraq; he is scheduled for deployment to either Iraq or Afghanistan within the next three months. 
 
The winner was Dan Meeks, an Air Force Vietnam Veteran from Ohio, who served in Operation Ranch Hand, in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam, November 1968 to 69.  He is a member of Central Ohio Chapter of VVA, AMVETS, The American Legion and the VFW.  Congratulations to Dan, and special thanks to Allen Harvey for his generosity in donating the Harley and to American Legion Post 364 and its Auxiliary Unit members who supported us generously, including last-minute raffle ticket purchases and drawing of the winning ticket. 

FAMILIES OPPOSE ANOTHER SELECT COMMITTEE ON POW/MIA AFFAIRS:  With a unanimous vote of the League’s Board of Directors preceding a unanimous membership vote at the 38th Annual Meeting, the League is firmly on record as strongly opposing H. Res. 111.  Previously disproven claims of conspiracy and cover-up are again being raised, and past investigations have completely tied up assets and resources and the accounting was put on hold to allow time and attention to responding to Congress.  The League will continue to fight against another wasteful, time-consuming special committee or commission unless and until there is nothing further that can be done constructively.  In that event, the League would then reconsider.  That time is NOT now!   

REGION IV MEETING TO BE HELD AT SCOTT AFB:  A regional meeting for League members and veterans in the north-central part of the country will be held October 26-28th at Scott AFB, Bellevue, Illinois.  Chaired by longstanding Region IV and Ohi8o State Coordinator Liz Flick, Region IV includes the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.  The Board of Directors will meet on October 26th, with the regional sessions on the 27th.  Arrangements have been made to billet attendees in quarters on base for only $35 per night, and registration is only $30 per person, including breakfast, lunch and dinner on the 27th.  Officials from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO), Life Science Equipment Laboratory (LSEL) and the Service Casualty Offices will make presentations and be available for discussion.  For further information, call Liz Flick at 614-451-2405 or email her at rflick@columbus.rr.com.

LEAGUE APPROVED FOR 2007 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC):  The League was recently approved and notified that the stringent criteria were met.  Our new (five digit) number is 10218, assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC.  The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing American POW/MIAs, KIA/BNR’s and their families that is eligible for donations through the CFC & United Way structure.  Despite the reality that there are many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our CFC eligibility, knowing the tough requirements that any organization must meet.

[NC Sentinel]

POW/MIA Update:  October 19, 2007

AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR:  There are now 1,767 US personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  Within the last few days, DPMO has released the names of six US personnel as now being accounted for, including:

Major Perry H. Jefferson, USAF, MIA 4-3-69, SVN, CO
Airman 1st Class George W. Long, USAF, KIA/BNR 5-12-68, SNV, KS
CAPT Warren R. Orr, USAR, MIA 5-12-58, SVN, IL
LTjg Norman L. Roggow, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, IA
LTjg Donald f. Wolfe, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, MT
LTjg Andrew G. Zissu, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, NY

This brings to 816 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.  90+% of 1,767 still missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.   

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ON RECOGNITION DAY:  Secretary of Defense Bob Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace, USMC, hosted the Pentagon’s National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony last Friday.  In his remarks, Secretary Gates stated, “I would also like to thank the families and friends of those still missing. Missing-in-action status is marked by ambiguity and uncertainty - a severe test of spirit and resolve for anyone seeking closure. Your attendance today proves once again that the bond of love transcends the passage of time - that while our nation's heroes may remain missing in body, they are always present in spirit.  We will neither forget our duty to bring home all POWs and MIAs, nor relent in our efforts to do so.” 

Though extemporaneous, General Pace’s remarks were relevant, informal and meaningful to those present, based on his many years of service in and commitment to our Armed Forces.  Patricia Scharf, widow of Col Charles Scharf, USAF (MIA October 1, 1965 over North Vietnam, remains recovered December 16, 1992 and announced as identified August 10, 2006) was recommended by the Defense POW/MIA Office and reportedly selected by Secretary Gates’ Protocol Office to make remarks from her perspective.  There were countless ceremonies held across the country and around the world, including in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. 

UPDATE ON OPERATIONS:  Technical talks, led by JPAC Commander BG Mike Flowers, USA, and Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) Director Nguyen Ba Hung were held September 12th.  On January 4, 2008, RADM Donna Crisp, USN, will assume command of JPAC at a Change of Command.  Foreign Ministry official Nguyen Ba Hung is being promoted and will no longer serve as the Director after TET 2008, having served through the visits of President Bush in November 2006 and the reciprocal visit by President Triet in June of this year.  The incoming VNOSMP Director has not yet been identified.  DPMO-led archival research talks were held in Hanoi on September 26th in an effort to get some movement on this stalemated program.  In Cambodia, the third recovery operations of this fiscal year ended on September 17th with a formal repatriation ceremony at the international airport in Phnom Penh in which US Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli participated, as did senior Cambodian officials, led by General Pol Saroeun, Deputy Commander of the Cambodian Army and, by direction of Prime Minister Hun Sen, Chairman of the Cambodian POW/MIA Committee.   Field operations in Laos and Vietnam resume later this month.  A team of seven JPAC personnel finished operations in South Korea where they had been investigating multiple ground and aircraft incidents of loss since September 5th.  This was the fourth and final JPAC mission to South Korea during Fiscal Year 2007, ending September 30th. 

Regarding the expanding program of investigations and remains recoveries related to WWII incidents, operations have recently taken place in the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, France (including an underwater investigation on the Island of Corsica), Luxembourg, Italy and Germany, with ongoing operations expected to conclude on September 29th.

WINNER OF HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER:  The winner of the Harley Davidson Sportster was drawn on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 21, 2007, as promised.  The drawing took place at The American Legion Post 364 in Woodbridge, Virginia, following a Recognition Day ceremony jointly held with Post #364 Auxiliary.  Significantly, the winning ticket was drawn by a career US Army National Guard soldier with prior Army tours in the Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, Mogadishu, Iraq; he is scheduled for deployment to either Iraq or Afghanistan within the next three months. 

The winner was Dan Meeks, an Air Force Vietnam Veteran from Ohio, who served in Operation Ranch Hand, in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam, November 1968 to 69.  He is a member of Central Ohio Chapter of VVA, AMVETS, The American Legion and the VFW.  Congratulations to Dan, and special thanks to Allen Harvey for his generosity in donating the Harley and to American Legion Post 364 and its Auxiliary Unit members who supported us generously, including last-minute raffle ticket purchases and drawing of the winning ticket. 

FAMILIES OPPOSE ANOTHER SELECT COMMITTEE ON POW/MIA AFFAIRS:  With a unanimous vote of the League’s Board of Directors preceding a unanimous membership vote at the 38th Annual Meeting last June, the League is on record as strongly opposing H. Res.111.  Previously disproven claims of conspiracy and cover-up are again being raised, but past investigations have completely tied up assets and resources and the accounting was put on hold to allow time and attention to respond to Congress.  The League will continue to fight against another wasteful, time-consuming special committee or commission unless and until there is nothing further that can be done constructively.  In that event, the League would then reconsider.  That time is NOT now!   

REGION IV MEETING TO BE HELD AT SCOTT AFB:  A regional meeting for League members and veterans in the north-central part of the country will be held October 26-28th at Scott AFB, Bellevue, Illinois.  Chaired by longstanding Region IV and Ohio State Coordinator Liz Flick, Region IV includes the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.  The Board of Directors will meet on October 26th, with the regional session on the 27th.  Arrangements have been made to billet attendees in quarters on base for only $35 per night, and registration is only $30 per person, including breakfast, lunch and dinner on the 27th.  Officials from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) and the Service Casualty Offices will make presentations and be available for discussion.  For further information, call Liz Flick at 614-451-2405 or email rflick@columbus.rr.com.

LEAGUE APPROVED FOR 2007 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC):  The League was recently approved and notified that the stringent criteria were met.  Our new (five digit) number is 10218, assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC.  The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing American POW/MIAs, KIA/BNR’s and their families that is eligible for donations through the CFC & United Way structure.  Despite the reality that there are many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our CFC eligibility, knowing the tough requirements that any organization must meet.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

www.POWMIALeague.org

www.POWMIALeague.com

www.pow-miafamilies.org

 

[NC Sentinel]

POW/MIA Update:  October 23, 2007

AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR:  There are now 1,767 US personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  Within the last few days, DPMO has released the names of six US personnel as now being accounted for, including:

Major Perry H. Jefferson, USAF, MIA 4-3-69, SVN, CO
Airman 1st Class George W. Long, USAF, KIA/BNR 5-12-68, SNV, KS
CAPT Warren R. Orr, USAR, MIA 5-12-58, SVN, IL
LTjg Norman L. Roggow, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, IA
LTjg Donald f. Wolfe, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, MT
LTjg Andrew G. Zissu, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, NY

This brings to 816 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.  90+% of 1,767 still missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.   

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ON RECOGNITION DAY:  Secretary of Defense Bob Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace, USMC, hosted the Pentagon’s National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony September 21st.  In his remarks, Secretary Gates stated, “I would also like to thank the families and friends of those still missing. Missing-in-action status is marked by ambiguity and uncertainty - a severe test of spirit and resolve for anyone seeking closure. Your attendance today proves once again that the bond of love transcends the passage of time - that while our nation's heroes may remain missing in body, they are always present in spirit.  We will neither forget our duty to bring home all POWs and MIAs, nor relent in our efforts to do so.” 

Though extemporaneous, General Pace’s remarks were relevant, informal and meaningful to those present, based on his many years of service in and commitment to our Armed Forces.  Patricia Scharf, widow of Col Charles Scharf, USAF (MIA October 1, 1965 over North Vietnam, remains recovered December 16, 1992 and announced as identified August 10, 2006) was recommended by the Defense POW/MIA Office and reportedly selected by Secretary Gates’ Protocol Office to make remarks from her perspective.  There were countless ceremonies held across the country and around the world, including in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. 

UPDATE ON OPERATIONS:  The 101st Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Laos is now ongoing, with four excavations at sites in the two southern Lao provinces of Khammouan and Attapeu.  Multiple investigations will also be conducted in this area during the 30-day operation, plus in Savannakhet Province, also in southern Laos.  One excavation is underway in Cambodia, begun on October 14th, and expected to conclude on November 27th.  In Vietnam, the 90th JFA began on October 19th and will extend over the agreed 45 days until December 2nd.  Operations will occur in 11 provinces, plus Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), with four excavations and investigations into numerous cases.  There was a ten-day advance period of preparation by a smaller joint team.

Regarding WWII incidents, operations have recently taken place in the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, France (including an underwater investigation on the Island of Corsica), Luxembourg, Italy and Germany.   Two JPAC teams began further operations in Europe on October 15th.  A recovery team will excavate a site, possibly two sites, in Germany.  The investigation team will look into several cases in Poland and France, concluding on November 29th. 

WINNER OF HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER:  The winner of the Harley Davidson Sportster was drawn on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 21, 2007, as promised.  The drawing took place at The American Legion Post 364 in Woodbridge, Virginia, following a Recognition Day ceremony jointly held with Post #364 Auxiliary.  Significantly, the winning ticket was drawn by a career US Army National Guard soldier with prior Army tours in the Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, Mogadishu, Iraq; he is scheduled for deployment to either Iraq or Afghanistan within the next three months. 
 
The winner was Dan Meeks, an Air Force Vietnam Veteran from Ohio, who served in Operation Ranch Hand, in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam, November 1968 to 69.  He is a member of Central Ohio Chapter of VVA, AMVETS, The American Legion and the VFW.  Congratulations to Dan, and special thanks to Allen Harvey for his generosity in donating the Harley and to American Legion Post 364 and its Auxiliary Unit members who supported us generously, including last-minute raffle ticket purchases and drawing of the winning ticket. 

FAMILIES OPPOSE ANOTHER SELECT COMMITTEE ON POW/MIA AFFAIRS:  With a unanimous vote of the League’s Board of Directors preceding a unanimous membership vote at the 38th Annual Meeting last June, the League is on record as strongly opposing H. Res.111.  Previously disproven claims of conspiracy and cover-up are again being raised, but past investigations have completely tied up assets and resources and the accounting was put on hold to allow time and attention to respond to Congress.  The League will continue to fight against another wasteful, time-consuming special committee or commission unless and until there is nothing further that can be done constructively.  In that event, the League would then reconsider.  That time is NOT now!   

LEAGUE APPROVED FOR 2007 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC):  The League was recently approved and notified that the stringent criteria were met.  Our new (five digit) number is 10218, assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC.  The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing American POW/MIAs, KIA/BNR’s and their families that is eligible for donations through the CFC & United Way structure.  Despite the reality that there are many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our CFC eligibility, knowing the tough requirements that any organization must meet.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE
www.POWMIALeague.org
www.POWMIALeague.com
www.pow-miafamilies.org 

[NC Sentinel]

AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR:  There are now 1,766 US personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  Within the last few days, DPMO has released the names of another Air Force officer, adding to the previous six US personnel recently announced as accounted for, including:

Captain Johnnie C. Cornelius, USAF, KIA/BNR 6/26/68, NVN, AZ
Major Perry H. Jefferson, USAF, MIA 4-3-69, SVN, CO
Airman 1st Class George W. Long, USAF, KIA/BNR 5-12-68, SVN, KS
CAPT Warren R. Orr, USAR, MIA 5-12-68, SVN, IL
LTjg Norman L. Roggow, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, IA
LTjg Donald f. Wolfe, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, MT
LTjg Andrew G. Zissu, USNR, KIA/BNR 10-8-67, SVN, NY

This brings to 817 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.  90+% of 1,766 still missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.   

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ON RECOGNITION DAY:  Secretary of Defense Bob Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace, USMC, hosted the Pentagon’s National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony last Friday.  In his remarks, Secretary Gates stated, “I would also like to thank the families and friends of those still missing. Missing-in-action status is marked by ambiguity and uncertainty - a severe test of spirit and resolve for anyone seeking closure. Your attendance today proves once again that the bond of love transcends the passage of time - that while our nation's heroes may remain missing in body, they are always present in spirit.  We will neither forget our duty to bring home all POWs and MIAs, nor relent in our efforts to do so.” 

Though extemporaneous, General Pace’s remarks were relevant, informal and meaningful to those present, based on his many years of service in and commitment to our Armed Forces.  Patricia Scharf, widow of Col Charles Scharf, USAF (MIA October 1, 1965 over North Vietnam, remains recovered December 16, 1992 and announced as identified August 10, 2006) was recommended by the Defense POW/MIA Office and reportedly selected by Secretary Gates’ Protocol Office to make remarks from her perspective.  There were countless ceremonies held across the country and around the world, including in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. 

UPDATE ON OPERATIONS:  The 101st Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Laos is now ongoing, with four excavations at sites in the two southern Lao provinces of Khammouan and Attapeu.  Multiple investigations will also be conducted in this area during the 30-day operation.  One excavation is underway in Cambodia, begun on October 14th, and expected to conclude on November 27th.  In Vietnam, the 90th JFA began on October 19th and will extend over the agreed 45 days until December 2nd.  Operations will occur in 11 provinces, plus Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), with four excavations and investigations into numerous cases.  There was a ten-day advance period of preparation by a smaller joint team.

Regarding WWII incidents, operations have recently taken place in the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, France (including an underwater investigation on the Island of Corsica), Luxembourg, Italy and Germany.   Two JPAC teams began further operations in Europe on October 15th.  A recovery team is excavating a site in Germany.  The investigation team is now in Paris, France, and another Research-Investigation Team is working in Germany.  All are expected to conclude work on November 29th. 

WINNER OF HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER:  The winner of the Harley Davidson Sportster was drawn on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 21, 2007, as promised.  The drawing took place at The American Legion Post 364 in Woodbridge, Virginia, following a Recognition Day ceremony jointly held with Post #364 Auxiliary.  Significantly, the winning ticket was drawn by a career US Army National Guard soldier with prior Army tours in the Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, Mogadishu, Iraq; he is scheduled for deployment to either Iraq or Afghanistan within the next three months. 

The winner was Dan Meeks, an Air Force Vietnam Veteran from Ohio, who served in Operation Ranch Hand, in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam, November 1968 to 69.  He is a member of Central Ohio Chapter of VVA, AMVETS, The American Legion and the VFW.  Congratulations to Dan, and special thanks to Allen Harvey for his generosity in donating the Harley and to American Legion Post 364 and its Auxiliary Unit members who supported us generously, including last-minute raffle ticket purchases and drawing of the winning ticket. 

FAMILIES OPPOSE ANOTHER SELECT COMMITTEE ON POW/MIA AFFAIRS:  With a unanimous vote of the League’s Board of Directors preceding a unanimous membership vote at the 38th Annual Meeting last June, the League is on record as strongly opposing H. Res.111.  Previously disproven claims of conspiracy and cover-up are again being raised, but past investigations have completely tied up assets and resources and the accounting was put on hold to allow time and attention to respond to Congress.  The League will continue to fight against another wasteful, time-consuming special committee or commission unless and until there is nothing further that can be done constructively.  In that event, the League would then reconsider.  That time is NOT now!   

LEAGUE APPROVED FOR 2007 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC):  The League was recently approved and notified that the stringent criteria were met.  Our new (five digit) number is 10218, assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC.  The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing American POW/MIAs, KIA/BNR’s and their families that is eligible for donations through the CFC & United Way structure.  Despite the reality that there are many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our CFC eligibility, knowing the tough requirements that any organization must meet.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

www.POWMIALeague.org
www.POWMIALeague.com
www.pow-miafamilies.org

[NC Sentinel]

POW/MIA Update:  December 5, 2007

AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR:   There are now 1,763 US personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  Today, DPMO Changed the statistical data to reflect the accounting for SSGT Maurice H. Moore, USA, from Maryland, date of loss 5-12-68, South Vietnam.  His remains were jointly recovered October 30, 2006, and identified May 22, 2007.  DPMO also recently released the names of Major Robert F. Woods, USAF, from Utah, and Gunnery Sergeant Richard W. Fischer, USMC, from Wisconsin, as accounted for.  Major Woods was listed as KIA/BNR in North Vietnam on June 26, 1968; his remains were jointly recovered and repatriated on October 19, 2004, identified on May 29, 2007, but only recently announced.  Gunnery Sergeant Fischer was listed as MIA in South Vietnam on January 8, 1968; his remains were jointly recovered and repatriated on October 7, 1994, identified on September 4, 2007.  This brings to 820 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.  90+% of 1,763 still missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.   

UPDATE ON JPAC OPERATIONS:  The 101st Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Laos, the first in this fiscal year, concluded on November 20th with four excavations at sites in the two southern Lao provinces of Khammouan and Attapeu.  Multiple investigations were also scheduled to be conducted in this area during the 30-day operation.  One excavation, begun in Cambodia on October 14th, concluded on November 27th.  In Vietnam, the 90th JFA that began October 19th and extended over a 45-day period has ended, and the teams were scheduled to return today to Hawaii.  Operations were scheduled to occur in 11 provinces, plus Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), with four excavations and investigations into numerous cases, preceded by a ten-day advance preparation period by a smaller joint team.    Regarding WWII incidents, operations have recently taken place in the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, France (including an underwater investigation on the Island of Corsica), Luxembourg, Italy and Germany.   All field operations in Europe were recently concluded, and the teams redeployed to Hawaii. 

US/SRV MEET IN BANGKOK TO DISCUSS ALLEGED 20TH ANNIVERSARY:  Despite many questions concerning precisely what is being commemorated and why, JPAC Commander BG Michael Flowers, USA, and his Vietnamese counterpart on POW/MIA matters Nguyen Ba Hung, Director for the Americas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are meeting this week in Bangkok, accompanied by several officials from each country.  Proposed by Ba Hung (long involved in POW/MIA matters), the purpose is said to deal with preparations for the 2008 commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of US/SRV cooperation. 

The last such “anniversary” was also requested by the SRV, in 1998, to review the prior 10 years of cooperation, though not cited as an anniversary, at least publicly.  In reality, the SRV plan at that time – to obtain praise for their efforts, openness and improved cooperation – was a success, despite the lack of unilateral Vietnamese efforts to provide the archival records needed or repatriate remains not available through the joint excavation process.  That level of cooperation is still missing!

In the early 1990’s, with the urging of the US Ambassador, JTF-FA was actively raising public awareness on Vietnam’s cooperation – real or contrived – in anticipation of possible controversy over normalization of relations.  Continuation of this should stop; the political and economic objectives have been overcome by events.  The truth is that bilateral cooperation, even in the field, started in 1985, NOT in 1988.  Then an active duty Army officer, Johnie Webb (now the civilian Deputy to the JPAC Commander) led that field operation.  JPAC knows these facts, yet the military leadership continues the façade for reasons unknown.     

FAMILIES OPPOSE ANOTHER SELECT COMMITTEE ON POW/MIA AFFAIRS:  With a unanimous vote of the League’s Board of Directors preceding a unanimous membership vote at the 38th Annual Meeting last June, the League is on record as strongly opposing H. Res.111.  Previously disproven claims of conspiracy and cover-up are again being raised, but past investigations have completely tied up assets and resources and the accounting was put on hold to allow time and attention to respond to Congress. 

The League will continue to oppose another wasteful, time-consuming special committee or commission unless and until there is nothing further that can be done constructively.  In that event, the League would then reconsider.  That time is NOT yet here, so we urge Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Members of the Rules Committee to stop this resolution from being attached to another measure coming to a vote in the full House.  If that happens, the League will do its best to prevent the destruction that historically has occurred.     

LEAGUE APPROVED FOR 2007 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC):  The League was recently approved and notified that the stringent criteria were met.  Our new (five digit) number is 10218, assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC.  The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing American POW/MIAs, KIA/BNR’s and their families that is eligible for donations through the CFC & United Way structure.  Despite the reality that there are many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our CFC eligibility, knowing the tough requirements that any organization must meet.   

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

www.POWMIALeague.org
www.POWMIALeague.com
www.pow-miafamilies.org

[NC Sentinel]

POW/MIA Update:  December 14, 2007

AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR:  There are still 1,763 US personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  Today, DPMO Changed the statistical data to reflect the accounting for SSGT Maurice H. Moore, USA, from Maryland, date of loss 5-12-68, South Vietnam.  His remains were jointly recovered October 30, 2006, and identified May 22, 2007.  DPMO also recently released the names of Major Robert F. Woods, USAF, from Utah, and Gunnery Sergeant Richard W. Fischer, USMC, from Wisconsin, as accounted for.  Major Woods was listed as KIA/BNR in North Vietnam on June 26, 1968; his remains were jointly recovered and repatriated on October 19, 2004, identified on May 29, 2007, and recently announced.  Gunnery Sergeant Fischer was listed as MIA in South Vietnam on January 8, 1968; his remains were jointly recovered and repatriated on October 7, 1994, identified on September 4, 2007.  This brings to 820 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.  90+% of 1,763 still missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.   

UPDATE ON JPAC OPERATIONS:  The 101st Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Laos, the first in this fiscal year, concluded on November 20th with four excavations at sites in the two southern Lao provinces of Khammouan and Attapeu.  Multiple investigations were also scheduled to be conducted in this area during the 30-day operation.  One excavation, begun in Cambodia on October 14th, concluded on November 27th.  In Vietnam, the 90th JFA that began October 19th and extended over a 45-day period has ended, and the teams were scheduled to return today to Hawaii.  Operations were scheduled to occur in 11 provinces, plus Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), with four excavations and investigations into numerous cases, preceded by a ten-day advance preparation period by a smaller joint team.    Regarding WWII incidents, operations have recently taken place in the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, France (including an underwater investigation on the Island of Corsica), Luxembourg, Italy and Germany.   All field operations in Europe were recently concluded, and the teams redeployed to Hawaii. 

US/SRV MEET IN BANGKOK TO DISCUSS ALLEGED 20TH ANNIVERSARY:  Despite many questions concerning precisely what is being commemorated and why, JPAC Commander BG Michael Flowers, USA, and his Vietnamese counterpart on POW/MIA matters Nguyen Ba Hung, Director for the Americas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are meeting this week in Bangkok, accompanied by several offici