Re: It's Closure, but I would Rather Hold On To Hope

Date: May 22, 2004

"Remains of Vietnam MIA Soldier Coming Home to Arkansas
by Angela Rachels

Little Rock, AR - The remains of a Vietnam soldier missing in action for nearly four decades are now on their way home to Arkansas. The remains of a Vietnam soldier missing in action for nearly four decades, are now on their way home to Arkansas.

Senior Master Phillip J. Stickney last spoke to his family in 1966. They say he died while on a secret mission.  

Right now, his son is in Hawaii to bring home his remains. The family says they've been through a 38 year battle-- always wondering what might have happened to Phillip--but an answer to their questions came in December of 2003 when a DNA test identified his remains.

A photo and several medals symbolize the valiant efforts of Sergeant Stickney.

His daughter Debbie was only six years old , when she held her father's hand for the last time.

(Debbie Stickney, daughter) "He got out, gave us kisses and said good bye and that was a good bye."

A good bye that was hard to accept-- Debbie reveals for years, she combed the pages of phone books looking for her father, hoping he could still be alive.

"It's great to hold onto hope, but with his remains, now it's closure, I guess, I would rather hold onto hope."

Debbie has been holding onto hope with her mother, a woman she describes as a hero.and together they remain strong and proud to bring their loved one home.

Debbie and Pat say a young Arkansas soldier has been wearing Phillips ID bracelet for years. He will present it to them at a a service honoring Phillip on Memorial Day.

©2004 KATV, LLC "