By AII POW-MIA:
Over the years there have been inherent problems with the official agency of record for Prisoners of War and Missing in Action.
Regardless of its name, where it is located, who and what reports to it or is under it, this agency, and its many, many incarnations, is THE end all and be all for all things POW-MIA in the USG.
Going back to the war years in Southeast Asia, the genesis of what would eventually become DPMO may be found. We had Two-Party groups, Four-Party Teams, IAGs, Office of POW-MIAs, Missing In Action became Missing Personnel and ultimately we found ourselves with DPMO. The mission to account for the missing from SEA expanded to Korea, the Cold War and WW II. With new conflicts the lists grew, the names, the places, to encompass virtully every place on earth and time within the last century.
Over the years, caring citizens, activists, advocates, family members, veterans and others have done battle with the agencies of record, sometimes gaining a little many times losing. We have had Hearings, legislature, Congressional intervention. But, in the long run, the folks at DPMO and the Families and others have fallen into a love/hate relationship that works for some, leaves much to be desired for others but nonetheless works and has done some excellent work in finding answers and providing resolution when it can.
Is it perfect? Not by a long shot. There have been many problems. Then again, there have been many bright moments. But the main issue for most is the continuance of DPMO as a responsible, responsive entity that aggressively looks for answers - be they in jungles, on mountains, in the desert, GULAGs or archives - continues an ongoing dialogue with former adversaries, is available to family members and honest in its reporting to the people of the United States.
With that said, the health and well-being of DPMO is of paramount importance. Not only to the men and women who are unaccounted-for, but to the families to whom a debt of answers and truth is owed, to our military in uniform who may one day, God forbid, go missing and to the millions of veterans and citizens who have invested decades in this issue to bring all the boys (and girls) home.
That health has been gravely impacted the past several years by mismanagement, bureaucratic bull, power-struggles (within and without) and an endless litany of grievances. Fortunately, before any more damage could be done, the former head of DPMO took his leave, a new broom swept in to straighten things out in the personage of Newberry & Co., and a search for a competent, HONEST, and committed new DASD for the POW-MIA Office began.
The majority - a SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY - of family members, as well as 3 of the 4 family member organizations, millions of vets and advocates have unanimously said NORMAN KASS is the go-to guy for this job.
Norman Kass, who has served so honorably and selflessly all these years at DPMO and the US-Russia Joint Commission, WANTS THE JOB. How do we know? He told us so.... we have the long distance bills to prove it.
He said he wanted it. He submitted his resume. He interviewed for the job. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to figure out the man is interested and willing to do the job.
So, why is it that someone, somewhere is telling Congressional Offices that Mr. Kass does NOT want the job? Why is it that when Family Members call their Congressional Rep and ask why they have not sent a letter to the Pentagon and White House in support of Mr. Kass's appointment, they are told that Mr. Kass doesn't want the job yet they will not say who told them that? Who are they protecting?
Congress has done little enough on this issue, the very least they can do is listen to their constituents, make sure they have the TRUTH, and support their Family Member constituency by recommending Mr. Kass.
We have put up with enough garbage all these years, all these decades, and come so far in this issue that we cannot allow the personal politics or agenda of control to affect this incredibly important appointment. We have come so far and we can not, will not take one single step backward.
Whoever is behind this whisper campaign to diminish Mr. Kass's chances for consideration as DASD is simply spreading lies. Not rumors, but lies, period.
A decision and announcement are due this month. We are out of time - make the call. Tell the President that Mr. Kass not only wants the job, but is the best and most desirable candidate. Contact your Congressional Rep and Senators and tell them to do something of value on this issue for once by giving the families the man they need to help them find answers and a little peace of mind.
For those who have another agenda and a rather underhanded way of advancing it, remember this - No one person or entity can control this issue, it belongs to all Americans.
CONTACT THE WHITE HOUSE: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
CONTACT SENATE: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
CONTACT HOUSE: http://www.house.gov/writerep/
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.shtml