ÊLEAGUE NEWSLETTER
April 12, 2006
PERSONNEL ACCOUNTED FOR FROM THE VIETNAM WAR:Ê According to the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO), seven US personnel have been accounted for since our November Newsletter.Ê The remains of Colonel Harold B. Lineberger, USAF, from Austin, TX, listed as MIA in Cambodia on January 29, 1971, were recovered from an isolated grave site March 11, 1997, and identified December 5, 2005.Ê Remains of Major Jack L. Barker, Waycross, GA, Captain John F. Dugan, Roselle, NJ, Sergeant John J. Chubb, Gardena, CA and Sergeant William E. Dillender, Naples, FL, all US Army personnel listed as KIA/BNR in Laos March 30, 1971, were recovered December 12, 2002 and identified August 30, 2005. ÊÊThe remains of Technical Sergeant Patrick L. Shannon, USAF, from Owasso, OK, listed as KIA/BNR March 11, 1968, were recovered April 7, 2003 and identified October 31, 2005.Ê And finally, the remains of Captain Burke H. Morgan, USAF, from Manitou Springs, CO, listed as KIA/BNR in Laos August 22, 1967, were recovered February 17, 2005 and identified October 31, 2005.Ê To each of these families, the League extends support and hope that this final answer brings long-awaited peace of mind.Ê To the Lao and Cambodian governments, the League extends gratitude and optimism that cooperation will continue to increase, despite current US funding challenges (see below).ÊÊ
AMERICANS STILL MISSING FROM THE VIETNAM WAR: ÊThe number of US personnel listed by DoD as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War has been 1,807 Ð 1,382 in Vietnam, 364 in Laos, 54 in Cambodia and 7 in PRC territorial waters Ð since early this year; however, some 63 Americans, accounted for pre-1975 in areas where the US had access, were added to the 776 US personnel accounted for since the end of the war in 1975.Ê That makes a total of 839 US personnel.Ê These additional 63 Americans should be recognized for their sacrifice, but they were brought home without cooperation from the post-war governments of Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia.Ê Yet current media releases are already citing the larger number with the misleading inference that answers came as the result of bilateral US-Vietnam cooperation.Ê
ACTING DPMO LEADER:Ê Since January 9th, Mr. Bob Newberry has been serving as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for POW/MIA Affairs, replacing Jerry Jennings who tendered his resignation on December 2nd following an absence from his office of over seven months.Ê Colonel George Gagnon, USAF, was named Principal Director of DPMO, and both have been doing an outstanding job of cleaning up the dysfunctional situation.Ê In preparation for the appointment of a permanent DASD for POW/MIA Affairs, now expected in mid-April, Mr. Newberry was charged with restoring relations and communication with family and non-government organizations (Legion, VFW, DAV, VA, NWV, etc.) and correcting problems within DPMO.Ê During this transition, all aspects of DPMOÕs operations are being scrutinized, including policies, strategy, plans, budget, personnel, travel, conferences and communication with all affected by the issue.ÊÊÊ
NEW DASD:Ê For the first time in the LeagueÕs history, the Board of Directors deemed it necessary to seek removal of a US official.Ê Hostility toward the families and the League, missed opportunities to achieve greater and more rapid results, alienation of foreign officials, a breakdown of interagency cooperation and collapsing office morale in DPMO are the major reasons for the LeagueÕs decision to call for removal of Jerry D. Jennings.Ê The last two years were a nightmare for the League and all who care about the POW/MIA accounting mission.Ê The LeagueÕs Board of Directors voted unanimously to support Ambassador Charles A. Ray, a person of stature, integrity, commitment and honesty, as DASD for POW/MIA Affairs.Ê A career Foreign Service Officer and retired US Army officer, Ambassador Ray will bring a renewed sense of unity and purpose into the vacuum that had existed.Ê Following retirement from a 20-year Army career, including two wartime tours in Vietnam, Ambassador Ray attended Chinese language training before serving two tours in China (PRC) from 1983-1987.Ê After Thai language training, he served in the US Consulate in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 1988-91, then as Deputy Chief of Mission in Sierra Leone, before a refresher course in Vietnamese and posting as the first US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), 1998-2001.Ê He was posted as US Ambassador to Cambodia from 2002-2005.Ê It would be hard to find someone more qualified to serve in this demanding position, and we sincerely hope that he will be appointed by President Bush.ÊÊ
JPAC OPERATIONS IMPEDED BY LACK OF FUNDING:Ê POW/MIA consultations took place in Laos in late February and in Vietnam in mid-January.Ê In both instances, foreign officials were informed that unless additional US funds came through immediately, joint operations would be severely reduced.Ê As a result, the recently completed Lao field operation was reduced to only one team, excavating one site, despite a backlog of nearly 100 cases previously identified and awaiting excavation.
Field operations took place in Cambodia January 12th - February 13th, but despite earlier plans to resume February 14th and conclude March 18th, the second segment was canceled, also due to lack of funds, and an investigation team was also cancelled.Ê Thus, the last joint operations in Vietnam were also scaled back.Ê Only three excavations took place, though a double team Ð excavating a large site due to its size and the number of personnel involved - is still in Vietnam trying to complete their work, as requested by the Vietnamese.ÊÊ
Some POW/MIA-related budgets and personnel, including DIAÕs Stony Beach Team and DPMO, are fenced - restricted from use for other purposes, though Stony Beach is currently being restructured.Ê JPACÕs budget, under the US Pacific Command (PACOM), is not protected.Ê The reality is that JPAC, as well as predecessors JTF-FA and CIL, were consistently funded too low to meet expanded requirements.
JPACÕs headquarters is a facility that the League fought to establish.Ê It was built in 1989-91 for the Central Identification Laboratory (CIL), then a much smaller team (about 50) with only 12 forensic anthropologists.Ê Since the October 1, 2003 merger of CIL and the Joint Task Force-Full Accounting (JTF-FA) into the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), that small facility has been JPAC headquarters, but some offices are located at Camp H.M. Smith, the location of US Pacific Command (PACOM), and others work in dilapidated travel trailers.Ê The arrangement is not working for the 400+ personnel that comprise JPAC, and the long-sought, long-promised facility for JTF-FA/CIL (now JPAC) is still being pushed back and not funded.Ê This has occurred despite long-completed plans, site selection and approval, then change again, and now plans for an excellent site on Hickam AFB that all find suitable.Ê Yet, PACOM still has NOT asked for the military construction funds and is suggesting FY 2010 as the start date.Ê It is absurd, and unacceptable, that an organization as highly respected around the world (also highly visible) and implementing a stated priority of the United States is being partially housed in mold-infested travel trailers, cramped quarters for scientists who have inadequate space to conduct identifications, etc., etc.Ê
Comment: This problem is due to the Department of DefenseÕs failure to ensure adequate funding to sustain operations, not due to any backing off by the Lao, Vietnamese or Cambodian governments. The League joins the POW/MIA families from the Korean War, Cold War and WWII, as well as interested veterans, in trying to understand how this could occur under President BushÕs stated priority.Ê To his credit, Acting DASD Bob Newberry, who inherited this situation, has been actively pushing to get JPAC fully funded for Fiscal Year 2006 (FY06).Ê Some funds were already pushed into this gap, though too late to reschedule the multiple Lao operations.Ê Congress has expressed their concerns as well and has been pushing for addition funds.Ê
You can help!ÊÊ Write to your two Senators and your own Representative, by email or by faxing a letter to their offices, in Washington or in their home state/district. For email addresses and fax numbers, go to www.senate.gov and follow the instructions.Ê If you are not on line, letters can be mailed to any US Senator in Washington, DC, using the ZIP Code 20510.Ê Any named Representative can be reached by using Zip Code 20515; however, in both instances, there may be a lengthy delay due to security requirements and mail sorting procedures.Ê Also feel free to call the League office for information or ask your children and grandchildren to locate the information for you and facilitate your communications.Ê THIS ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN NOW!Ê If you want answers, you must help; we canÕt do it alone.Ê Congress listens to constituents, and volume counts!Ê Ask them to:ÊÊ
- Write to the Department of Defense to insist that the small amount needed for FY06 (only $3.6 million) be found and provided immediately to JPAC so that there is no further reduction in accounting efforts.ÊÊ
- Support adequate funding for JPAC to conduct POW/MIA accounting operations, some $60 million for FY07 and beyond, annually.
- Support a one-time military construction appropriation of $60 million for a new JPAC facility, with a mandated start-date in FY07 or FY08, at the latest.Ê
LAOS TAKES POSITIVE STEPS:Ê Unilateral Lao investigations that took place in December brought the most positive results to date from such efforts, including several leads on LKA cases.Ê In response to requests from JPAC, reinforced by Ambassador Haslach, the Lao Government has allowed the US to augment its staff in Vientiane by adding a Deputy Commander and recently notified the US of agreement to permit two-year, accompanied tours for JPACÕs Detachment 3 personnel.ÊÊ
Note: Hopefully, the two-year tour decision reflects improving military-to-military relations leading to an exchange of Defense Attaches, the norm for most countries around the world.Ê Detachment 1 in Bangkok has long been led by an Air Force LtCol for a three-year accompanied tour; Thailand is a treaty ally, and the military-to-military relationship is close.Ê Vietnam permitted two-year tours some time ago; both governments have broadly improved relations. The SRV Prime Minister visited Washington, DC, in June, 2005, a visit preceded by the November and December 2003 visits of VietnamÕs Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense.Ê It is anticipated that Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld will soon visit Hanoi, and the President is expected to do so by yearÕs end.ÊÊÊÊ
HERO RETURNS TO HANOI AFTER 30+ YEARS:Ê At the request of Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Representative Sam Johnson (R-TX) returned to Vietnam and the place where he was held for over seven years, most in solitary confinement.Ê He wrote about the experience, stating ÒI won't rest until every American service member is released from his bonds or his remains are brought home. The war is long over, yet 1,800 souls are still out there. Their families want, need and deserve this peace of mind. I will help find them and I will help bring them home. This is my charge and I will see it to completion.ÓÊ The League deeply appreciates Congressman JohnsonÕs longstanding support, including his active role as the House Republican Member of the US-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIA Affairs, preceded by his wifeÕs charter membership in the League.ÊÊ
OTHER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TAKE ACTION: ÊSeveral other Members of Congress have recently taken a more active role and are speaking out. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Select Committee on Intelligence also serves as the Senate Republican on the US-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIA Affairs.Ê His leadership has been crucial across a wide range of issues and concerns raised by the League in requests for supportÕ he has consistently responded, we are grateful.Ê
Representative John McHugh (R-NY), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, House Armed Services Committee, has been instrumental in raising to DoD officials the need to fully fund JPACÕs mission.Ê Congressman McHughÕs interventions have been many and helpful, including serious efforts to retain active duty military positions in the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO).Ê
Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Vice Chairman of the House International Relations Committee and Chairman of the Africa, Human Rights and International Operations Subcommittee, chaired a joint hearing with the Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee on March 29th, entitled ÒThe Human Rights Dialogue with Vietnam:Ê Is Vietnam Making Significant Progress?ÓÊÊ After opening the hearing, Congressman Smith stated:Ê ÒBut I cannot begin any hearing on Vietnam without first raising the issue that engages more Americans, more deeply, than any other when we talk of Vietnam Ð a full, thorough and responsible accounting of the remains of American MIAs from the Vietnam conflict.Ê ÉÉÉ I remain concerned that the government of Vietnam could be more forthcoming and transparent in providing the fullest possible accounting.Ê It is our sacred duty to the families of the missing that we never forget and never cease our pursuit until we achieve the fullest possible accounting of our MIAs.ÓÊÊ The League deeply appreciates his pointing out the need for Vietnam to be more forthcoming, a theme repeatedly raised by the President in terms of the need for unilateral actions by Vietnam to provide records and to locate and return remains of US personnel that canÕt be jointly recovered in the field.ÊÊ
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PRESIDENT RECOGNIZES RETURNED POWS:Ê The President proclaimed April 9, 2006, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.Ê The proclamation stated in part, ÒAmerican patriots, both past wars and present, have stepped forward to defend our great nation.Ê None deserves our gratitude and honor more than those who have placed themselves in harmÕs way and have endured the unspeakable horrors known only to our former prisoners of war. On this day, we pause to remember them, to renew our commitment to the families of those still missing and toÊ our military service members and civilians who today often face a battlefield of so many uncertaintiesÉÉ..Heroic sacrifice continues to define Americans on the battlefields of today.Ê Let no one doubt that America will be unyielding in its commitment to recover and repatriate those who may be captured, those who, in an unending line of patriots, continue to earn the respect and honor of a grateful nation.Ó
LEAGUE 37TH ANNUAL MEETING:Ê The LeagueÕs 37th Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday, June 21st, through Saturday, June 24th, again at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel, in Arlington, VA, the same hotel as the last two years.Ê All briefings by Department of Defense officials will take place at the League-contracted hotel, unlike last yearÕs fiasco with two locations, and military transportation was approved on April 7th.Ê The 37th Annual Dinner will be held on Thursday, June 22nd, so start planning now.Ê Make plans to come early and arrange appointments with your elected representatives on Wednesday, June 21st, then attend the Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill.Ê
Registration:Ê Registration to attend the 37th Annual Meeting during which USG briefings will be given will occur on Wednesday, June 21st, 10:00 a.m. Ð 5:00 p.m., and continue 7:30 Ð 9:00 p.m. in the Admiralty Ballroom Foyer.Ê All must have a color-coded badge for entrance into various League-hosted and Service-hosted events.Ê
37th Annual Dinner:Ê A highlight of each annual meeting is the annual dinner, a meaningful and patriotic opportunity for all.Ê Tickets for the 37th Annual Dinner and Candlelight Ceremony honoring our POW/MIAs are $35.00 per person; add the appropriate amount to your check for advance registration on the enclosed form.Ê If any space is still available, tickets can be obtained after arrival from the League Registration Office; however, this event is sold out each year.Ê
Hotel Reservations:Ê Enclosed is the Reservation Form for use in reserving rooms at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel for the 37th Annual Meeting.Ê The rate is $119.00 per room, per night (single/double/triple/quad occupancy), plus applicable taxes.Ê Please be sure to arrive on Tuesday if at all possible, so that you can take part in visits to Capitol Hill and the special function noted below.Ê
Congressional Reception:Ê A reception for Members of Congress to meet with POW/MIA families and friends will be held at the US Capitol.Ê Hosted by Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), this event will be held in Room #G50, Dirksen Senate Office Building, 5:30 Ð 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21st. All who register for the full 37th Annual Meeting are welcome to attend.
NewcomersÕ Welcome & Orientation: There will be a one-hour program in the Charleston II Room, Plaza Level, on Wednesday, June 21st from 7:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
DoD Offices:Ê Service Casualty Offices, AFDIL, JPAC/CIL, LSEL, DIA/Stony Beach, JCSD and DPMO officials will be present throughout the 37th Annual Meeting from Wednesday afternoon, June 21st, through noon on Saturday, June 24th.Ê All displays will be located on the Plaza Level, in close proximity to the 37th Annual Meeting sessions in the Admiralty Ballroom.Ê Service Casualty Offices will be located on the 1st Floor: ÊFamily members who have not yet provided a sample for mtDNA comparison are strongly urged to do so.
USA/AFDIL - Mt. Vernon Room
USMC, USN, CIA & Civilians - Jamestown Room
USAF - Williamsburg Room
DPMO/JCSD - Monticello Room.
Transportation: ÊIn addition to flights authorized by the Secretary of Defense, DoD has offered to bus all attendees and participants in the 37th Annual Meeting, at which official briefings will be given, to the World War II, National Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Memorials.Ê First departure on Friday, June 23rd, will be at 5:30 p.m., with the last bus returning to the Hilton Hotel at 7:00 p.m.Ê Use Metro or taxis to Capitol Hill and the Hilton Hotel shuttle service to/from Reagan National Airport.
Silent Auction:Ê A Silent Auction will be open from 7:30 Ð 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21st, and at posted times on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a few special items on display at the reception prior to the 37th Annual Dinner.Ê Please refer to the signs designating location and time, and check the special page in your registration packets for details concerning how the auction benefits the National League of POW/MIA Families.ÊÊ SEND OR BRING SPECIAL ITEMS FOR THE ANNUAL SILENT AUCTION.
Ads for the Annual Meeting Program:Ê Enclosed is a flyer laying out the costs for inserting ads in the formal program for the 37th Annual Meeting, ranging from $500 for a full page, to ÒIn Honor ofÓ your missing loved one or friend for $20.Ê The funds generated help offset the costs for the meeting, so please look at the flyer and send your check.Ê Camera ready ads should be emailed to powmiafam@aol.com or mailed to the League office.Ê
OPENING SESSION - 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 22nd:ÊÊ This session includes the Call to Order Êand remarks by the League Chairman of the Board, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Keynote Speaker; the League Executive DirectorÕs Report on the status of the issue, remarks from US Ambassador to Laos Patricia Haslach, Êan Interagency Policy Panel of senior officials from the National Security Council and the Departments of State and Defense, unveiling of the National POW/MIA Recognition Day poster for September 15, 2006, and a brief ceremony ÒIn Memory & HonorÓ of recently accounted for Americans, previously listed as missing.
GENERAL SESSION* - 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22nd:Ê This session will include an address on Intelligence Community Contributions (to the issue) by a senior Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) official, a DIA/JPAC panel on In-Country Investigations, an Operations Policy Panel comprised of DoD, DPMO and JPAC policy officials, and a Research & Analysis Panel comprised of DPMO and JPAC intelligence analysts.ÊÊÊÊ
Following a no-host reception, the 37th ANNUAL DINNER & CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY will be held to conclude the first full day with a meaningful and patriotic evening.ÊÊ Special guests will join us to represent all of the ASEAN countries, the Military Services (uniformed and civilian), the Executive Branch and the major national veterans organizations.Ê The evening concludes with the presentation of League Awards and the inspirational Candlelight Ceremony honoring AmericaÕs POWs/MIAs from the Vietnam War.Ê Tickets to the 37th Annual Dinner are only $35 per person, with your registration.
GENERAL SESSION* - 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 23rd:Ê Official briefings will resume with a Russian Embassy presentation on MoscowÕs view regarding the US-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIA Affairs, followed by the US SenateÕs view.Ê The two guest speakers will be followed by a Joint Commission Support Directorate (JCSD) Panel, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) Panel and conclude the morning session with theÊ Identification Process Panel, comprised of specialists from the CIL, AFDIL & ÊLSEL.ÊÊÊ
SERVICE HOSTED LUNCHEONS* will be held from 12:45 Ð 2:15 p.m.Ê (Family members must sign up for the Service Luncheons in advance, by mail, through the Service Casualty offices.)
A VETERANS ORGANIZATION PANEL comprised of representatives from The American Legion, VFW, DAV, JWV and VVA will lead off the afternoon session, 2:30Ð3:30 p.m.Ê From 3:30Ð5:00 p.m., the LEAGUE ADVISORS, all former USG policy, operations and military specialists, will conclude the dayÕs sessions with a significant opportunity for questions and answers immediately following their assessments of where the issue stands.ÊÊÊÊÊ
VISIT TO WORLD WAR II, NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS & KOREAN WAR MEMORIALS* ÊBuses will depart from just outside the Hilton Crystal City Hotel Lobby at 5:30 p.m. and return to the Hilton at 7:00 p.m. ÊÊFor the first time ever, a **CASINO NIGHT fundraising event will be held, in the Chesapeake Ballroom of the Hilton, that promises to be fun for all, sponsored by the dedicated younger generation.ÊÊÊ
Ê 9:00 AM DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PANEL* - 9:00 a.m.Ð12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 24th:ÊÊ Officials from DPMO, DIA/Stony Beach, JPAC/CIL, JCSD, LSEL & AFDIL will respond to questions from family members, veterans and others, covering all subjects raised in prior sessions and USG briefings.
Following a lunch break, the LEAGUE BUSINESS SESSION will be held from 2:00Ð4:30 p.m., officially concluding the 37th Annual Meeting.ÊÊ There will be MUCH to discuss this year that is crucial to the League and the issue; every League member needs to do his/her best to attend.Ê
The final event is **BINGO NIGHT, also in the Chesapeake Ballroom, a time of innocent and enjoyable fun with family and friends, a time to relax at the end of what is expected to be a very interesting, informative and enlightening three days of meetings, briefings, discussions and exchanges with others who share your concerns and objectives related to the POW/MIA issue.ÊÊÊÊ
*All family members, including those registered for Government Briefings Only, are eligible to attend with appropriate credentials.Ê
** Everyone is welcome to join in the fun of Casino Night and Bingo Night.
POW/MIA BRACELETS AVAILABLE:ÊÊ The Ohio Chapter MIA-POW, led by Liz Flick (Ohio & Region IV League Coordinator), distributes the ÒoriginalÓ stainless steel POW/MIA bracelets at a cost of only $8.00 per bracelet.Ê For many, many years, the Ohio Chapter has donated all proceeds to the League.Ê These bracelets are approved by the Army and Air Force for wearing with military uniforms, and Navy regulations donÕt preclude them.Ê The Ohio Chapter maintains a significant inventory of oft-requested names and distributes them with a biographical sketch, but if you wish to have a POW/MIA bracelet engraved with the name of a specific POW/MIA, send your request with a check to the Ohio Chapter MIA-POW at P.O. Box 14853, Columbus, OhioÊ 43214.Ê The Ohio Chapter also distributes high quality, reversible nylon POW/MIA flags and T-shirts.ÊÊÊ
The LeagueÕs Special Projects Committee, chaired by NJ & Region II Coordinator Tom Engkilterra, is involved in many League projects, especially working with State Coordinators and veterans groups. Members of the Committee including VA State Coordinator Pam Cain and GA & Region I Coordinator Susie (Ragan) Stephens, with Liz Flick (see above) serving as Advisor due to her many years of successful experience. Due to ever-expanding demands and reduced financial capacity, a Fundraising Subcommittee was formed.Ê
Fundraising Subcommittee members Traci and Bill Wood, Karoni Forrester Gonzalez, Debbie McIntosh and Phillipe Ritter, also the inspiration behind CASINO NIGHT fundraiser during the 37th Annual meeting, initiated a new project to raise sorely needed funds by producing generic black silicone POW/MIA bracelets, inscribed with ÒYou Are Not ForgottenÓ on the outside and the LeagueÕs web site address on the inside. The concept is to bring the issue to a new generation of Americans with this readily available, inexpensive symbol of support and awareness.Ê Send a check made out to the National League of POW/MIA Families, with a donation of only $2 per bracelet (postage would be appreciated as well) to:Ê Traci Wood, 419 Wakefield Lane, Geneva, ILÊ 60134-1006.Ê
EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY TO JOIN THE LEAGUE:Ê In response to requests from several Korean and Cold War POW/MIA families, the Board of Directors has been considering the possibility of allowing family members from other wars to join the League.Ê The LeagueÕs bylaws do not allow voting membership by any family members except those directly related to Americans missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.Ê Following lengthy discussion at the meetings of the Board last November and again January 27-29th, there was a Board consensus to invite other POW/MIA family groups from all wars to meet to discuss matters that can be jointly pursued in an effort to present a strong united voice on such matters. ÊThe board also voted unanimously that when 100 family members from wars/conflicts other than the Vietnam War have demonstrated interest in League members by joining as Associate Members, the Board will then consider recommending to the full membership a change in the by-laws that would make these families full, voting League members.Ê To implement this Board decision, a special membership application was designed for family members of Korean War, Cold War and WWII unaccounted for US personnel to join the League, initially as associate members.Ê These applications can be requested by phone, email or letter to the League office.Ê If/when the required number is reached, the Board will consider submitting proposed bylaw changes to the voting membership for a decision.Ê When a date for the next meeting of the Board of Directors is determined, POW/MIA organizations representing family members from past wars will be invited for discussion.
DOCUMENT RECLASSIFICATION: The highly publicized effort to reclassify some documents that were previously declassified has raised concerns on the part of some involved in POW/MIA affairs.Ê The League has received assurance from Archival Research Advisor George J. Veith that no POW/MIA-related documents have been reclassified following earlier declassification.Ê That does not mean that all POW/MIA-related documents have been declassified and made available, but it does mean that after checking carefully, Mr. Veith is confident that the POW/MIA families do not need to be concerned with reclassification of relevant documents.Ê That is good news, and Mr. VeithÕs efforts to determine the potential impact are greatly appreciated.Ê
MEMBERSHIP DUES:Ê Enclosed is a letter signed by each member of the Board of Directors, reflecting an action taken due to the LeagueÕs grave financial situation.Ê Though with sincere regret, the decision was that unless family and associate members value League membership enough to send in dues of only $25.00 per years, they will be considered inactive.Ê Family members would no longer be able to vote in elections or on policy matters.Ê Inactive family and associate members would no longer receive League materials.Ê To determine your dues status, review the paid-to date on the label of this mailing envelope; it must be 1 Jan 07, or your dues are in arrears.Ê To retain current membership, your 2006 dues must be paid in full by May 1, 2006.Ê Again, this action is deeply regretted, but was necessary.Ê League costs to support inactive family members cannot be justified in our current financial condition.
JWV TESTIFIES ON COMMITMENT: The National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of America (JWV), David L. Majidson, testified before the Veterans Affairs Committee on JWVÕs commitment to the POW/MAI issue.Ê As part of his March 9, 2006, testimony on issues of concern and interest to the veterans community, Commander Majidson stated: ÒThere is one issue that has long been the focus on our attention, and that is the POW/MIA accounting issue.Ê Initially begun with sole focus on those missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, the effort has expanded dramatically over the years since President Reagan raised the priority, thanks in no small measure to the National League of POW/MIA Families, our JWV and other veteran-related NGOÕs (non-government organizations).Ê We in the NWV fully support the POW/MIA families who have remained vigilant and serve as the conscience of our nation in this regard.Ê We urge Congress to give thoughtful oversight to this issue of national concern.Ê Together, we must work to ensure that assets and resources needed are in place to account for those who serve Ð past, present and future.Ê Our commitment to the principles of the POW?MIA mission is a signal to the world that we, as a nation, stand fully with those who are fighting for the cause of freedom and against terrorism around the world.Ó ÊThe League deeply appreciates JWVÕs public expression of support and concern.ÊÊ
VETERAN DELEGATIONS TRAVEL TO VIETNAM & RUSSIA:Ê Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the VFW Gary Kurpius led a 12-day fact-finding mission to Hanoi in February, during which they challenged the Vietnamese to increase POW/MIA cooperation, pressed for deeper access into VietnamÕs archival records and Òpointed out that their efforts lagged behind their counterparts in the Lao and Cambodian governments.ÓÊ Since 1991, VFW leaders have regularly visited Vietnam seeking answers.Ê You can read the full report at www.vfw.org.Ê ÊVVA sent a delegation to Russia and Ukraine and had productive discussions with Russian Veterans who served during the Vietnam War and since.Ê The details of this visit are also on their web site, www.vva.org.Ê VVA has also traveled frequently over the years to Southeast Asia pursuing answers.Ê Such direct interventions by noted veteran organizations are most often very helpful in pushing the accounting forward.ÊÊ
VETERANS ON THE RECORD:Ê The policies related to POW/MIA accounting are stated on organizational its websites.Ê This newsletter has already noted the web sites for the VFW, VVA and JWV, so it is appropriate to also include The American Legion, www.legion.org, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), www.dav.org.Ê For other national veterans groups, either call or query through a search engine.Ê All immediate family members of POW/MIA personnel are eligible to become members of auxiliaries of the national veterans organizations and are encouraged to do so, regardless of whether you choose to be active.Ê Being a member gives you a say in organizational policy and approach, as well as events that take place in your community.
NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY Ð SEPTEMBER 15, 2006:Ê Mark this date!Ê Ceremonies will be held across the country and planning can begin now, as it is for POW/MIA Night at Jacobs Field.Ê Co-sponsored by VVA Chapter 616, VVA Chapter 15, AMVETS Post 26, The Cleveland Indians and the League, The Cleveland Indians will donate $4 from every ticket sold for the Cleveland Indians vs the Minnesota Twins game at Jacobs Field.Ê This first occurred on National POW/MIA Recognition Day in 2005, and from that positive experience, this yearÕs event promises to be much better, not only having time for adequate planning for the half-time ceremony, but for ticket sales advertised and sold by each of the organizations, a $4 donation will be made to the League.Ê
WISH LIST FOR THE LEAGUE OFFICE:Ê The League office is grateful for the donation of a new HP printer/scanner/copier from various citizens of New Jersey, especially, the people of American Legion Post 351, and League NJ Co-Coordinators Tom and Nancy Engkilterra for their extraordinary effort to generate donations of items for raffles to raise funds for the League.Ê We ask other League members and friends to think of creative ways to help, such as underwriting part of the costs for hosting the Congressional Reception during our 37th Annual Meeting.Ê Or, if you own a business, add an extra when ordering printer cartridges or other office supplies, a quick and useful donation to the POW/MIA issue.Ê Some suggestions include:ÊÊ
Stamps:Ê most frequently used denominations are 39 cent; 63 cent, 87 cent, $1, and PRIORITY MAIL $4.05.
Printer cartridges:Ê black ink, for HP LaserJet 4Plus; HP LaserJet III; HP #PSC2355; Lexmark 4505
Cartridges in black and multi-color for Brother Color Multi-Function Center #MFN 5840ÊÊ
Copy paper, 20 lb., 8 ?Ó x 11Ó standard white; bond paper, 25 lb, water-marked, for formal letters
Labels:Ê Avery white mailing labels, #5160
THE CITADEL HONORS POW/MIA: The Citadel, Charleston, SC, honored all prisoners of war and those missing in action by raising LeagueÕs POW/MIA flag on Summerall Field during their parade on Friday, September 16, 2005, National POW/MIA Recognition Day last year.Ê It is now flying 24/7 at The Citadel, thanks to leadership by Citadel Alumni Ted Curtis of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, who inspired the effort as a project of his Class of 1964.ÊÊÊÊ
The occasion was also used to recognize The CitadelÕs known POW alumni from World War II and the Vietnam War and invited all former prisoners of war and families of those missing in action in the nearby area to attend the parade and be recognized. ÊA former Air Force pilot, Mr. Curtis expressed his belief that recognizing alumni POWs will remind the Corps of Cadets of their heritage.Ê ÒThose alumni who were prisoners of war are shining examples of the leadership and sacrifices that duty may require,Ó Curtis said. ÒBringing these former POWs to campus gives cadets a powerful connection to their heritage and to the traditions that have made The Citadel great.Ó
In coverage that accompanied the event, it was noted that the POW/MIA flag was developed by the National League of POW/MIA Families to serve as a reminder of those who were held in enemy captivity as well as the more than 1800 Americans who are still missing and unaccounted for.ÊÊ
The Class of 1964 funded the flagpole and plaque bearing the inscription:Ê This flag flies every day and night as a tribute to those great Americans who are Prisoners of War or Missing in Action and to remind each member of the South Carolina Corps Of Cadets of the sacrifices made by Citadel alumni as well as all American servicemen and women in the cause of freedom.
Known Citadel alumni who were prisoners of war include:Ê World War II Ð James Jackson Monoghan Õ43 (deceased), Richard H. Kellahan Õ44 and William D. Warthen Õ44; Vietnam War Ð Alfred Alfred Agnew Õ62Õ Col. Quincy Collins, USAF (Ret.) Õ53, Lt Col William J. Elander, USAF (Ret.) Õ57, Alan J. Kroboth Õ69, Capt. Henry E. Lesesne, USN (Ret.) Õ58; and Lt Col Glen Myers, USAF (Ret.) Õ64
LOOKING AHEAD!Ê There is cautious optimism, though also concern and uncertainty due to the need for a permanent DASD for POW/MIA Affairs/DPMO Director. The League welcomes the steps being taken and is very relieved that the former DPMO leadership is no longer involved.Ê We expect the President to appoint a person of integrity and sufficient stature to command respect Ð domestically and internationally Ð to help unify the disparate organizations Ð within and outside the US Government.Ê
There is an urgent need to restore a sense of mission and purpose, interagency coordination and cooperation, and serious policy focus to the POW/MIA accounting effort.Ê Although there has been incremental progress since 2001, there have been several lost opportunities due to past leadership failures, not least of which is the grave budget situation now impeding accounting efforts.Ê
The League recognizes the scientific and operational improvements that have occurred Ð including assignment of Special Forces officers as JPAC Detachment Commanders in Vietnam and Laos Ð and appreciate our supportive US Ambassadors and their Embassy staffs.Ê 2005 was a year that most involved in POW/MIA matters were thankful to leave behind; 2006 offers promise if wise decisions are made and a worthy DASD for POW/MIA Affairs is named.Ê We know that all must work together to make that happen, and Acting DASD Bob Newberry and his team are working hard to establish a good environment.Ê
Restructuring an issue that deals with the past may seem like a tall order for a bureaucracy engrossed in a worldwide war against terrorism and the continued fight for freedom and democracy in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries, but this issue strikes at the heart of what America means Ð that we stand behind those who serve our country Ð and we firmly believe the United States is capable of handling many priorities simultaneously.Ê
Note:Ê The enclosures noted in the text of the newsletter will be mailed to all League members and are available by request through email, phone or mail to the League office.
Ann Mills Griffiths
Executive Director
National League of POW/MIA Families
1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170
Arlington, VA 22201
(PH) 703-465-7432 (FX) 703-465-7433
www.pow-miafamilies.org