News-Info-Alerts

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Re: NLF Update Line

Date: March 13, 2002

"Update Line
AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: According to the Department of Defense, there are now 1,936 Americans still missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Most recently, remains jointly recovered in June, 1994, were identified as Air Force Colonels Peter M. Cleary of CT and Leonardo C. Leonor of NY, both listed as MIA October 10, 1972 in North Vietnam. Also recently identified were Army SSGs Larry G. Kier of NB and Rufugio T. Teran of MI, missing in a South Vietnam ground incident since May 6, 1970. Local villagers initially provided remains in August 1992; joint operations resulted in further information and remains. Others recently accounted for include Air Force Col William C. Coltman of PA and LtCol Robert A. Brett, Jr., of OR, missing in Laos since September 29, 1972, with remains jointly recovered August 28, 2000.

Also announced as accounted for within the last two weeks were LtCol Lawrence G. Evert, USAF, from WY, LT David E. McRae, USN, of GA, LT Gene R. Gollahon, USN, of OH, CAPT Jon E. Swanson, USA, of CO, and SSG Larry G. Harrison of NC. In addition, one Air Force officer, previously missing in North Vietnam, was accounted for through identification of remains recovered during several field operations beginning in January 1997. No public announcement has yet been authorized by his next-of-kin.

Of the 1,936 total unaccounted for, 1,461 are in Vietnam, 409 in Laos, 58 in Cambodia and 8 in the territorial waters of the PRC. Over 90% of all Vietnam War missing were lost in Vietnam or areas under its wartime control.

US TEAM IN LAOS FOR JOINT FIELD OPERATIONS: US personnel from JTF-FA, CILHI and DIA's Stony Beach Team are currently in Laos for a 30-day period of joint field investigations and recoveries that is scheduled to conclude on March 12th. Another US team was recently in Laos to work with Lao personnel in developing a successful unilateral Lao Oral History Program. On March 26-27th, POW/MIA consultations will again be held, followed by an operational assessment on March 28th. US and Lao officials will travel to Luang Prabang for these important sessions.

JOINT ACTIVITIES IN VIETNAM: Technical talks were held in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, on February 28th, and an assessment of operations over the past year took place on March 1st. BG Steve Redmann, USAF, Commander of the Joint Task Force-Full Accounting, led a US delegation comprised of other JTF representatives, plus DPMO, CILHI and DIA. The League is awaiting a report on both sessions.

CAMBODIA & US CONDUCTING FIELD OPERATIONS: US and Cambodian officials are conducting month-long joint operations that began on February 14th. Several cases are under investigation and others are being excavated over a 30-day period. Cambodian officials are also involved in a unilateral plan of investigations that was proposed by the Cambodian government and is being supported by the United States. The League welcomes this initiative to assist in accounting for our missing men.

US PURSUING ANSWERS IN FORMER REPUBLIC OF USSR: Officials from DPMO and the Joint Commission Support Directorate, or JCSD, are currently conducting interviews of potential witnesses with useful POW/MIA-related information.

LEAGUE REGIONAL MEETINGS SCHEDULED: League members and friends are invited to attend two upcoming regional meetings. The Region IV and V meeting will be held in Columbus, Ohio, on April 6th. Region IV includes OH, IN, MI, WI and MN; Region V includes IL, MO, IA, KS, NE, SD and ND. Registration forms and information will be sent to all League members and associate members. Further information can be obtained by calling Region IV Coordinator Liz Flick at 614-451-2405.

The Regions II and III meeting will be held in Newport, Rhode Island, on May 3-4th. Registration forms will also be sent out for this meeting, and further information can be obtained by calling Region III Coordinator Maureen Dunn at 781-961-2110.

UPDATE LINE TO BE RESTORED: Due to a breakdown of old equipment, and inability to locate any replacement device, automated service was suspended until a suitable replacement could be located. It now appears that an automated substitute through the telephone service will have to be retained for this purpose, and that action is now underway.

LEAGUE ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULED: The League's 33rd Annual Meeting will be held June 19-22nd, 2002, at the Crystal City DoubleTree Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Forms to register for the meeting and reserve hotel rooms will soon be distributed to all League members by mail and available by request to the League office.

THE LEAGUE HAS MOVED: The new League office location is 1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170, Arlington, VA 22201. Although still getting settled, the office is now fully open and functional.

POW/MIA car window decals are available at a cost of $20 per 100 by sending a check to the League. POW/MIA lapel pins are also available at $3 each or 2/$5, also by sending a check to the League office. For added information on any subject, please contact the League's web site at www.pow-miafamilies.org or call the national office at 703-465-7432. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message and your call will be returned.

The National League of Families of
American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia
1005 North Glebe Road
Suite 170
Arlington, Virginia 22201
(TEL) 703-465-7432
Federal Tax ID #23-7071242"