NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES
OF AMERICAN PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
1005 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, SUITE 170, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22201
PH (703) 465-7432 www.powmialeague.org FAX (703) 465-7433
POW/MIA Update: June 30, 2008
AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are now 1,758 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. The remains of Staff Sergeant James K. Caniford, Captain Barclay B. Young, and one officer whose name was not publicly announced at the request of his family, all USAF personnel listed as MIA in Laos on March 29, 1972, were the three most recently identified. Their remains were recovered November 21, 2006. This brought to 825 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,758 still listed as missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.
VIETNAM’S PRIME MINISTER VISITS WASHINGTON: Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister (PM) of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), made a brief but significant visit to Washington, DC, June 23-25th, during which he met with President Bush, Secretary of Defense Bob Gates and other US senior political, defense and commerce/economic officials. The talks focused broadly on many issues of bilateral concern and interest, but POW/MIA accounting clearly was raised. It appears the PM was asked for unilateral action to provide archives, especially on LKA cases in Laos and Cambodia, in keeping with the March 13th Determination (Certification) to Congress. We are awaiting further confirmation on the PM’s reply.
League Executive Director Ann Mills Griffiths and Senior Policy Advisor Richard T. Childress attended a luncheon in the Prime Minister’s honor, hosted by the US-ASEAN Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce, including a private pre-luncheon reception at which both League officials were able to chat briefly with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Pham Gia Kheim and several other Vice Ministers known from many years of meeting with Vietnamese officials in Hanoi, New York and Washington. The PM’s policy address at this function included a specific pledge to allow underwater recovery efforts along Vietnam’s coast, not a new pledge for US Navy ships, but reiterated at the highest level.
UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR POLICY ADDRESSES 39TH ANNUAL MEETING: The League was very pleased that Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ambassador Eric Edelman gave an important address during the session on Friday afternoon, June 20th. In his remarks, in regard to the executive branch’s required Determination (earlier cited as a certification) to Congress on Vietnam’s cooperation stated in part, “The Determination this year, as in recent years, notes that while we appreciate Vietnam’s cooperation to date on our accounting for our missing, we urge Vietnam to improve its work in unilaterally providing documents and archival records, especially pertaining to American captured or killed in areas of Cambodia and Laos under Vietnamese control.”
Noting that the next week the President would be hosting the Vietnamese Prime Minister, he stated, “You may be assured that among the many topics to be covered will be that of continued – and improved – cooperation on accounting for our missing. This is consistent both with the executive branch determination (to Congress) and with the joint statement issued at the conclusion of President Bush’s historic visit to Vietnam in November 2006, in which Vietnam pledged to assist the US through both join and enhanced unilateral actions.”
Commenting on the bilateral relationships with Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, he specifically raised Laos, noting “In Laos, the agreement to exchange defense attaches is a significant step forward in the evolution of the bilateral relationship. For a personnel accounting perspective, this will provide a venue for the stationing of (DIA’s) Stony Beach personnel permanently in-country. We can build upon this development as a way to increase Lao confidence in our bilateral relationship, which we hope will contribute to increased operational flexibility that will help draw down the backlog of cases and enable JPAC to use its resources more efficiently. This, in the final analysis, speeds up the work that needs to be done.”
Comment: Throughout his remarks, Secretary Edelman praised the League for its role over the years to ensure the US Government remained focused on the issue, for setting the bar high for achieving the fullest possible accounting, and for serving as the example for Korean War families and others to follow.
UPDATE ON JPAC OPERATIONS: The 92nd Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Vietnam began work on June 11th and is expected to conclude effort on July 25th. This 45-day work period will see five Recovery Teams (RT), one Phase Two Testing Team (P2T), one Investigation Team (IT), one Underwater Investigation Team (UIT), on Research and investigation Team (RIT) and one Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) unilateral recovery team in a restricted area where US personnel are not allowed.
In Laos, the 105th JFA began on June 26th and will continue until July 30th. Five recovery teams are now operating in northern Laos, in Houaphan and Xiengkhoang Provinces.
And in Europe, a JPAC anthropologist is assisting the US Army Mortuary Affairs Activity-Europe (USAMAA-E) in the disinterment of US remains from the Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupre, Belgium. These remains will be moved through Landstuhl, German, processed there and sent on the JPAC headquarters for forensic analysis.
FAMILIES FIGHT AGAINST ANOTHER SELECT COMMITTEE ON POW/MIA AFFAIRS: With a unanimous vote of the League’s voting members present for the 39th Annual Meeting earlier this month, the League is again on record strongly opposing H. Res.111, the measure that would, if passed, result in another House Select Committee on POW/MIA matters. Claims of conspiracy and cover-up are again being alleged, but past investigations have found no evidence to support such charges, completely tying up assets and resources, and the accounting was put on hold to allow time and attention to respond to Congress.
The League is now opposing the discharge petition (H. Res. 1240), introduced by Representative Tom Tancredo (R-CO) that would force an up/down vote on H. Res. 111. To his credit, Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO, who also served on the earlier Montgomery Select Committee in the late 1970s) is actively opposing the discharge petition, and POW/MIA hearings have been called for July 10th to obtain Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) and Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) testimony from Ambassador Charlie Ray and RADM Donna Crisp. The League supports oversight by the House and Senate Armed Services and Foreign Affairs/International Relations Committees, but 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 reconsider, but that time is NOT yet here.
NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY – SEPTEMBER 19, 2008: This year’s official date will again be on the third Friday in September, and the national ceremony will be held on that date. The 2008 poster was unveiled at the League’s 39th Annual Meeting and distributed there in limited number, but will be available shortly to the general public by calling 703-699-1131. A recording will inform the caller on needed what information to prompt a shipment of posters. A second way to order is to visit the DPMO web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo and look at the link on the home page with instructions on how to order posters. There are still some 2007 posters left, and when the 2008 poster is available, the ordering info will be the same. Per DPMO, the posters were again ordered in both the large and small sizes.
COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): The League was recently notified that the stringent criteria for the 2008 campaign were met, and our official number is the same, 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 eligible for donations through CFC & United Way. Despite the reality of many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our eligibility, due to tough requirements that must be met and is in urgent need of tax-deductible donations, FEIN #23-7071242.
The League is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization; Federal Tax ID #23-7071242
POW/MIA Update: June 2, 2008
AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,761 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. The remains of Staff Sergeant James K. Caniford, USAF, and Captain Barclay B. Young, USAF, both listed as MIA in Laos on March 29, 1972, were the two most recently announced as identified. Their remains were recovered November 21, 2006. Though many others have reportedly been identified, but are not yet announced, this brought to 822 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,761 still listed as missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.
JPAC HOLDS COMMANDERS CONFERENCE: New JPAC Commander, RADM Donna Crisp, USN, recently CALLED A Commanders Conference, attended by the three Detachment Commanders in Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, and by the Detachment 4 Commander for worldwide operations. Also visiting for the one-day conference at Hickam AFB, Honolulu, Hawaii, were Ambassador Charlie Ray and his Principal Deputy Colonel Dave Ellis, USAF.
UPDATE ON JPAC OPERATIONS: The two JPAC recovery teams that began operations May 1st at two sites in Xekong and Attapu Provinces are continuing their work and expected to conclude on June 4th. Three JPAC teams – one recovery, one investigation and one underwater investigation – are continuing operations in South Korea and are expected to conclude June 15th. The underwater team was investigating two cases in the Han River, near Seoul, finished May 30th. Two JPAC recovery teams and one investigation teams recently concluded operations in Papua New Guinea. US Ambassador to PNG, Leslie V. Rowe, visited the two recovery teams in Kokopo Province on April 29th, reinforcing the importance of the work being accomplished to recover WWII losses, and the JPAC Commander recently visited to lend her support. Research and survey operations in Japan were concluded in late May. Archival research and interviewing in Europe was continuing last week, plus a pre-deployment survey team completed operations in Germany, for later excavation by a full JPAC recovery team.
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. 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 negative impact that historically has occurred.
NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY – SEPTEMBER 19, 2008: This year’s official date will again be on the third Friday in September, and the national ceremony will be held on that date. The posters for 2008 will be unveiled at the League’s 39th Annual Meeting and will be available shortly thereafter, by calling 703-699-1131. A recording will tell the caller what information is needed for a shipment of posters. The second way is to visit the DPMO web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo and look at the link on the home page with instructions on how to order posters. There are still some 2007 posters left, and when the 2008 poster is available, the ordering info will be the same. Per DPMO, it is not yet known whether the posters will again be ordered in large and small sizes.
COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): The League was just notified that the stringent criteria for the 2008 campaign were met, and our official number is the same, 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 eligible for donations through CFC & United Way. Despite the reality of many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our eligibility, due to tough requirements that must be met and is in urgent need of tax-deductible donations, FEIN #23-7071242.
39TH ANNUAL MEETING: Registration for the League’s 39th Annual Meeting, June 19-21st, Hilton Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, VA, will continue until June 6th, though reservations with Service Casualty Office for COIN Assist transportation are closed, as are Hilton Hotel reservations at the League’s reduced price rooms. In fact, the League is seeking to expand the allotted space as there are still family members and US officials seeking rooms that can’t yet be accommodated. Deadline to register for the League’s 39th Annual Meeting is June 6th.
Registration will be Wednesday, June 18th, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and again from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. to ensure availability for early Thursday morning, June 19th, when the sessions actually begin. The 39th Annual Dinner will be that evening. The Service-hosted luncheons will be on Friday, June 20th and a concert will be held that evening at the new Air Force Memorial, following by a visit to the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A lengthy Q & A Session will be on Saturday morning, June 21st, followed that afternoon with a League business session.
You can help the League raise funds by bringing items for the Silent Action; however, due to restrictive limits on luggage allowed on flights, you may wish to bring very small items, easily packed and lightweight.
39TH ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM AD RATES
INSIDE FRONT & BACK COVER - $1,000*
FULL PAGE (8 ½” x 11”) - $500*
½ PAGE (8 ½” x 5 ½”) - $250*
¼ PAGE (4 ¼” x 5 ½”) - $125**
BUSINESS CARD - $50
(As submitted)
“IN HONOR OF” - $25
(Submit Name of POW/MIA with Your Name)
PATRON - $10
(Your Name Listed)
Send camera-ready ads by email; mail text with payment to:
National League of POW/MIA Families
1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170
Arlington, VA 22201
703-465-7432
powmiafam@aol.com
*Donors at this level receive League Membership, Newsletters, Updates
and registration for the 39th Annual Meeting.
**Donors at this level receive League Membership, Newsletters and Updates.
The League is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization; Federal Tax ID #23-7071242
POW/MIA Update: May 23, 2008
AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,761 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. The remains of Staff Sergeant James K. Caniford, USAF, and Captain Barclay B. Young, USAF, both listed as MIA in Laos on March 29, 1972, were the two most recently announced as identified. Their remains were recovered November 21, 2006. Though many others have reportedly been identified, but are not yet announced, this brought to 822 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,761 still listed as missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.
JPAC HOLDS COMMANDERS CONFERENCE: New JPAC Commander, RADM Donna Crisp, USN, recently CALLED A Commanders Conference, attended by the three Detachment Commanders in Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, and by the Detachment 4 Commander for worldwide operations. Also visiting for the one-day conference at Hickam AFB, Honolulu, Hawaii, were Ambassador Charlie Ray and his Principal Deputy Colonel Dave Ellis, USAF.
UPDATE ON JPAC OPERATIONS: The two JPAC recovery teams that began operations May 1st at two sites in Xekong and Attapu Provinces are continuing their work and expected to conclude on June 4th. Three JPAC teams – one recovery, one investigation and one underwater investigation – are continuing operations in South Korea and are expected to conclude June 15th. The underwater team is investigating two cases in the Han River, near Seoul, until May 30th. Two JPAC recovery teams and one investigation teams just concluded operations in Papua New Guinea. US Ambassador to PNG, Leslie V. Rowe, visited the two recovery teams in Kokopo Province on April 29th, reinforcing the importance of the work being accomplished to recover WWII losses, and the JPAC Commander recently visited to lend her support. Research and survey operations in Japan were concluded this week, but archival research and interviewing continues in Europe, plus a pre-deployment site survey team completed operations in Germany, for later excavation by a full JPAC recovery team.
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. 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 negative impact that historically has occurred.
NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY – SEPTEMBER 19, 2008: This year’s official date will again be on the third Friday in September, and the national ceremony will be held on that date. The posters for 2008 will be unveiled at the League’s 39th Annual Meeting and will be available shortly thereafter, by calling 703-699-1131. A recording will tell the caller what information is needed for a shipment of posters. The second way is to visit the DPMO web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo and look at the link on the home page with instructions on how to order posters. There are still some 2007 posters left, and when the 2008 poster is available, the ordering info will be the same. Per DPMO, it is not yet known whether the posters will again be ordered in large and small sizes.
COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): The League was just notified that the stringent criteria for the 2008 campaign were met, and our official number is the same, 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 eligible for donations through CFC & United Way. Despite the reality of many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our eligibility, due to tough requirements that must be met and is in urgent need of tax-deductible donations, FEIN #23-7071242.
39TH ANNUAL MEETING: Registration and hotel reservation forms for the League’s 39th Annual Meeting, June 19-21st, Hilton Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, VA, were sent to all League members, and some Service Casualty Offices sent them out with the COIN Assist and other Service-related information. The Defense Department has again authorized commercial flights for two family members to represent each missing Vietnam War serviceman or civilian. The two persons authorized travel must be designated by the primary next-of-kin (PNOK). Deadline for Hilton reservations is May 31st; deadline to register for the League’s 39th Annual Meeting is June 6th. For most, the arrival date will be Wednesday, June 18th, to ensure availability for early Thursday morning, June 19th, when the sessions actually begin. The 39th Annual Dinner will be that evening. The Service-hosted luncheons will be on Friday, June 20th and a concert will be held that evening at the new Air Force Memorial, following by a visit to the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A lengthy Q & A Session will be on Saturday morning, June 21st, followed that afternoon with a League business session.
You can help the League raise funds by bringing items for the Silent Action; however, due to restrictive limits on luggage allowed on flights, you may wish to bring very small items, easily packed and lightweight.
You can also honor a missing loved one or friend by taking an ad to be published in the official program for our 39th Annual Meeting, per the rates listed below. AD deadline: June 1, 2008
39TH ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM AD RATES
FULL PAGE (8 ½” x 11”) - $500*
½ PAGE (8 ½” x 5 ½”) - $250*
¼ PAGE (4 ¼” x 5 ½”) - $125**
BUSINESS CARD - $50
(As submitted)
“IN HONOR OF” - $25
(Submit Name of POW/MIA with Your Name)
PATRON - $10
(Your Name Listed)
Send camera-ready ads by email; mail text with payment to:
National League of POW/MIA Families
1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170
Arlington, VA 22201
703-465-7432
powmiafam@aol.com
*Donors at this level receive League Membership, Newsletters, Updates
and registration for the 39th Annual Meeting.
**Donors at this level receive League Membership, Newsletters and Updates.
The League is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization; Federal Tax ID #23-7071242
POW/MIA Update: May 14, 2008
AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are 1,761 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office as still missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. The remains of Staff Sergeant James K. Caniford, USAF, and Captain Barclay B. Young, USAF, both listed as MIA in Laos on March 29, 1972, were recently announced as identified. Their remains were recovered November 21, 2006. The most recent identifications, though many others are not yet announced, brought to 822 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,761 still listed as missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.
JPAC COMMANDER TRAVELS: New JPAC Commander, RADM Donna Crisp, USN, recently visited Laos for the first time and Vietnam for a second time, holding talks with counterpart officials in both countries. POW/MIA consultations in Laos included US Ambassador Ravic Huso, Detachment 3 Commander LTC Brandt Deck, USA, and DPMO, Stony Beach and JPAC staff. While in Vientiane, Ambassador Huso also arranged for RADM Crisp to meet the Vice Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense. In Hanoi she held technical talks with the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP), Vietnam’s interagency committee to deal with the US on POW/MIA accounting matters. They discussed results from recent joint field operations and plans for upcoming activities. RADM Crisp just returned from visiting Papua New Guinea for talks there related to WWII recoveries, followed by a second visit to Cambodia for consultations with the Cambodian POW/MIA Committee, the highest level such group with which JPAC and DPMO deal on a regular basis. Just before her first Southeast Asia trip, RADM Crisp visited South Korea to discuss ways to expedite accounting for Korean War losses. Following talks in South Korea, RADM Crisp went on to Beijing to meet with PRC officials in an effort to restore recovery operations in that country and visited India to pursue plans to conduct WWII recovery operations there.
UPDATE ON JPAC OPERATIONS: On May 1st, two JPAC recovery teams began operations at two sites in Xekong and Attapu Provinces and are expected to conclude on June 4th. A JPAC investigation team is also in South Korea and will conduct operations in Hwachon Province through June 15th. A JPAC Advance Team arrived in South Korean on April 27th to prepare for the arrival of a recovery team and an underwater investigation team that will conduct recovery operations in Kangwon and Kyongsang Provinces until mid-June. The underwater team will investigate two cases in the Han River \, near Seoul, until May 30th. Finally, two recovery teams and one investigation team are close to concluding field operations in Papua New Guinea. US Ambassador tp PNG, Leslie V. Rowe, visited the two recovery teams in Kokopo Province on April 29th, reinforcing the importance of the work being accomplished to recover WWII losses.
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.
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 negative impact that historically has occurred.
NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY – SEPTEMBER 19, 2008: This year’s official date will again be on the third Friday in September, and the national ceremony will be held on that date. The posters for 2008 will be unveiled at the League’s 39th Annual Meeting and will be available shortly thereafter, by calling 703-699-1131. A recording will tell the caller what information is needed for a shipment of posters. The second way is to visitthe DPMO web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo and look at the link on the home page with instructions on how to order posters. There are still some 2007 posters left, and when the 2008 poster is available, the ordering info will be the same. Per DPMO, it is not yet known whether the posters will again be ordered in large and small sizes.
COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): The League was just notified that the stringent criteria for the 2008 campaign were met, and our official number is the same, 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 eligible for donations through CFC & United Way. Despite the reality of many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our eligibility, due to tough requirements that must be met and is in urgent need of tax-deductible donations, FEIN #23-7071242.
39TH ANNUAL MEETING: Registration and hotel reservation forms for the League’s 39th Annual Meeting, June 19-21st, again at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, VA, have been distributed to all League members, plus some of the Service Casualty Offices have sent them out with the COIN Assist and other Service-related information. The Defense Department has again authorized commercial flights for two family members to represent each missing Vietnam War serviceman or civilian. The two persons authorized travel must be designated by the primary next-of-kin (PNOK). For most, the arrival date will be Wednesday, June 18th, to ensure availability for early Thursday morning, June 19th, when the sessions actually begin. The 39th Annual Dinner will be that evening. The Military Services will again host luncheons on Friday, June 20th. The lengthy Q & A Session will be on Saturday morning, June 21st. You can help the League and honor a missing loved one or friend by taking an ad to be published in the official program for our 39th Annual Meeting, per the rates listed below.
The League is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization; Federal Tax ID #23-7071242
POW/MIA Update: May 5, 2008
AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are 1,761 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office as still missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. The remains of Staff Sergeant James K. Caniford, USAF, and Captain Barclay B. Young, USAF, both listed as MIA in Laos on March 29, 1972, were recently announced as identified. Their remains were recovered November 21, 2006. The most recent identifications, though many others are not yet announced, brought to 822 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,761 still listed as missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.
PACOM COMMANDER SUPPORTS JPAC: Admiral Tim Keating, USN, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) testified before Congress in mid-March that PACOM’s budget for Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) included funding to complete design of the long-sought new headquarters building for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC). He also pledged that PACOM’s request for FY10 would include authorization and funding for construction, estimated currently to be just over $100M dollars.
Executive Director Comment: That welcome news is long overdue. Expanding JPAC’s capabilities will help them meet increased demands for recovering remains of those lost before the Vietnam War, back to WWII. This is also an important signal to those serving today in the global war on terrorism, but especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. They must be able to depend on all of us here at home should they be captured or become missing in action while serving our country and defending our freedom.
JPAC COMMANDER TRAVELS: New JPAC Commander, RADM Donna Crisp, USN, recently visited Laos for the first time and Vietnam for a second time, holding talks with counterpart officials in both countries. POW/MIA consultations in Laos included US Ambassador to Laos Ravic Huso, Detachment 3 Commander LTC Brandt Deck, and DPMO, Stony Beach and JPAC staff. Ambassador Huso also arranged for RADM Crisp to meet the Vice Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense while in Vientiane. In Hanoi she held technical talks with the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP), Vietnam’s interagency committee to deal with the US of POW/MIA accounting matters. They discussed results from recent joint field operations and plans for upcoming activities. RADM Crisp is now in Papua New Guinea for talks there related to WWII recoveries and will then travel to Cambodia for a second visit to that country to hold talks with the Cambodian POW/MIA Committee, the highest level such group with which JPAC and DPMO deal on a regular basis. Just before her first Southeast Asia trip, she visited South Korea to discuss ways to expedite solving Korean War losses. Following talks in South Korea, RADM Crisp went on to Beijing to meet with PRC officials in an effort to restore recovery operations in that country. Prior to that trip, she visited India to pursue plans to conduct WWII recovery operations there.
UPDATE ON JPAC OPERATIONS: On May 1st, two JPAC recovery teams began operations at two sites in Xekong and Attapu Provinces and are expected to conclude on June 4th. A JPAC investigation team is also in South Korea and will conduct operations in Hwachon Province through June 15th. A JPAC Advance Team arrived in South Korean on April 27th to prepare for the arrival of a recovery team and an underwater investigation team that will conduct recovery operations in Kangwon and Kyongsang Provinces until mid-June. The underwater team will investigate two cases in the Han River \, near Seoul, until May 30th. Finally, two recovery teams and one investigation team are close to concluding field operations in Papua New Guinea. US Ambassador tp PNG, Leslie V. Rowe, visited the two recovery teams in Kokopo Province on April 29th, reinforcing the importance of the work being accomplished to recover WWII losses.
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.
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 negative impact that historically has occurred.
COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): Though technically now concluded, the League was notified that the stringent criteria for the 2007 campaign 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 eligible for donations through CFC & United Way. Despite the reality of many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our eligibility, due to tough requirements that must be met. We have also applied for the 2008 Combined Federal Campaign and, if again successful, our eligibility number will remain the same: #10218.
39TH ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULED: Plan now to attend the League’s 39th Annual Meeting, June 19-22nd, again being held at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, VA. The Defense Department has again authorized commercial flights for two family members to represent each missing Vietnam War serviceman or civilian. The two persons authorized travel must be designated by the primary next-of-kin (PNOK). For most, the arrival date will be Wednesday, June 18th, to ensure availability for early Thursday morning when the sessions actually begin. The 39th Annual Dinner will be that same evening, and the Military Services will again host luncheons on Friday.
39TH ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM AD RATES
INSIDE FRONT & BACK COVER - $1,000*
FULL PAGE (8 ½” x 11”) - $500*
½ PAGE (8 ½” x 5 ½”) - $250*
¼ PAGE (4 ¼” x 5 ½”) - $125**
BUSINESS CARD - $50
(As submitted)
“IN HONOR OF” - $25
(Submit Name of POW/MIA with Your Name)
PATRON - $10
(Your Name Listed)
Send camera-ready ads by email; mail text with payment to:
National League of POW/MIA Families
1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170
Arlington, VA 22201
703-465-7432
powmiafam@aol.com
*Donors at this level receive League Membership, Newsletters, Updates
and registration for the 39th Annual Meeting.
**Donors at this level receive League Membership, Newsletters and Updates.
The League is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization; Federal Tax ID #23-7071242
POW/MIA Update: April 24, 2008
AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are now 1,761 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.. Staff Sergeant James K. Caniford, USAF, and Captain Barclay B. Young, USAF, both listed as MIA in Laos on March 29, 1972, have now been accounted for. Their remains were recovered November 21, 2006 and recently identified. The most recent identifications, though many others are not yet announced, brought to 822 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,761 still listed as missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE VISITS JPAC: During a visit to the US Pacific Command in February, Secretary of Defense Bob Gates visited JPAC, receiving briefings on JPAC’s vast worldwide operations, and touring the Central Identification Laboratory.
PACOM COMMANDER SUPPORTS JPAC: Admiral Tim Keating, USN, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) testified before Congress in mid-March that PACOM’s budget for Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) included funding to complete design of the long-sought new headquarters building for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC). He also pledged that PACOM’s request for FY10 would include authorization and funding for construction, estimated currently to be just over $100M dollars.
That welcome news is long overdue. Expanding JPAC’s capabilities will help them meet increased demands for recovering remains of those lost before the Vietnam War, back to WWII. This is also an important signal to those serving today in the global war on terrorism, but especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. They must be able to depend on all of us here at home should they be captured or become missing in action while serving our country and defending our freedom.
JPAC COMMANDER TRAVELS: New JPAC Commander, RADM Donna Crisp, USN, has just visited Laos on her first visit to that country and is going on to Vietnam for a second visit. Shortly after returning, she will go to Papua New Guinea then on to Cambodia for a second visit to that country. Just before her first Southeast Asia trip, she visited the Republic of Korea (South Korea) to discuss ways to expedite solving Korean War losses. On that trip, RADM Crisp went on to Beijing to meet with PRC officials in an effort to restore recovery operations in that country. Most recently, RADM Crisp visited India to pursue plans to conduct WWII recovery operations there.
UPDATE ON JPAC OPERATIONS: The JPAC teams operating in Vietnam and Laos have now concluded operations and returned to headquarters in Hawaii. JPAC Commander RADM Donna Crisp, USN, has just visited Laos, holding her first consultations with Lao officials. US Ambassador to Laos Ravic Huso participated in the talks, as did Detachment 3 Commander LTC Brandt Deck, and DPMO, Stony Beach and JPAC staff. Ambassador Huso also arranged for RADM Crisp to meet the Vice Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense while in Vientiane. She went on to Hanoi where technical talks were being held with the VNOSMP to discuss results from recent joint field operations and plans for upcoming activities.
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.
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 negative impact that historically has occurred.
COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): Though technically now concluded, the League was notified that the stringent criteria for the 2007 campaign 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 eligible for donations through CFC & United Way. Despite the reality of many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our eligibility, due to tough requirements that must be met. We have also applied for the 2008 Combined Federal Campaign and, if again successful, our eligibility number will remain the same: #10218.
39TH ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULED: Plan now to attend the League’s 39th Annual Meeting, June 19-22nd, again being held at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, VA. The Defense Department has again authorized commercial flights for two family members to represent each missing Vietnam War serviceman or civilian. The two persons authorized travel must be designated by the primary next-of-kin (PNOK). For most, the arrival date will be Wednesday, June 18th, to ensure availability for early Thursday morning when the sessions actually begin. The 39th Annual Dinner will be that same evening, and the Military Services will again host luncheons on Friday.
39TH ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM AD RATES
INSIDE FRONT & BACK COVER - $1,000*
FULL PAGE (8 ½” x 11”) - $500*
½ PAGE (8 ½” x 5 ½”) - $250*
¼ PAGE (4 ¼” x 5 ½”) - $125**
BUSINESS CARD - $50
(As submitted)
“IN HONOR OF” - $25
(Submit Name of POW/MIA with Your Name)
PATRON - $10
(Your Name Listed)
Send camera-ready ads by email; mail text with payment to:
National League of POW/MIA Families
1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170
Arlington, VA 22201
703-465-7432
powmiafam@aol.com
*Donors at this level receive League Membership, Newsletters, Updates
and registration for the 39th Annual Meeting.
**Donors at this level receive League Membership, Newsletters and Updates.
The League is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization; Federal Tax ID #23-7071242
POW/MIA Update: April 21, 2008
AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,763 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. The most recent identifications, though many others are not yet announced, brought to 820 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,763 still listed as missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE VISITS JPAC: During a visit to the US Pacific Command in February, Secretary of Defense Bob Gates visited JPAC, receiving briefings on JPAC’s vast worldwide opeations, and touring the Central Identification Laboratory.
PACOM COMMANDER SUPPORTS JPAC: Admiral Tim Keating, USN, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) testified before Congress in mid-March that PACOM’s budget for Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) included funding to complete design of the long-sought new headquarters building for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC). He also pledged that PACOM’s request for FY10 would include authorization and funding for construction, estimated currently to be just over $100M dollars. That news is long overdue, but most welcome. Expanding JPAC’s capabilities will help them meet increased demands for recovering remains of those lost before the Vietnam War, back to WWII. This is also an important signal to those serving today in the global war on terrorism, but especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. They must be able to depend on all of us here at home should they be captured or become missing in action while service our country and defending our freedom.
JPAC COMMANDER TRAVELS: New JPAC Commander, RADM Donna Crisp, USN, has just visited Laos on hr first visit to that country and is going on to Vietnam for a second visit. Shortly after returning, she will go to Papua New Guinea then on to Cambodia for a second visit to that country. raveled to several countries where JPAC has Detachments and conducts operations to introduce herself and become familiar with US and foreign officials. She first visited Vietnam and Cambodia, but due to Shortly before her first Southeast Asia trip, she visited the Republic of Korea to discuss ways to expedite solving Korean War losses. On that trip, RADM Crisp went on to Beijing to meet with PRC officials in an effort to restore recovery operations in that country. Most recently, RADM Crisp visited India, accompanied by Johnie Webb, to pursue plans to conduct WWII recovery operations there.
UPDATE ON JPAC OPERATIONS: The 103rd Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Laos began on March 6th and concluded with the April 8th deployment to Hawaii. The team consisted of one recovery team and two investigation teams pursuing information on a large number of incidents in six provinces throughout the country. The 40th JFA in Cambodia began January 15th and ended March 1st, followed by a repatriation ceremony attended by senior Cambodian and US officials. The 41st JFA in Cambodia began immediately thereafter, focused on excavation of one site and Phase 2 Testing (P2T) on another site, before the P2T moved on March 17th to Laos to complete its work. P2T is intended to more accurately affix the precise location and scope of a site to be excavated. The 91st joint operations that began in Vietnam on March 1st have also now concluded, and teams ended investigations in South Korea today. Two recovery teams and one investigation team continue operations in Papua New Guinea on WWII incidents, and one P2Tjust concluded work on another WWII aircraft loss incident on Pagan Island in the Northern Mariana Islands. JPAC recovery teams also recently completed an underwater recovery of a WWII loss in Palau.
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. 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.
COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): Though technically now concluded, the League was notified that the stringent criteria for the 2007 campaign 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 eligible for donations through CFC & United Way. Despite the reality of many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our eligibility, due to tough requirements that must be met. We have also applied for the 2008 Combined Federal Campaign and, if again successful, our eligibility number will remain the same: #10218.
39TH ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULED: Start planning now to attend the League’s 39th Annual Meeting, June 19-22nd, again being held at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, VA. The Department of Defense will again authorize commercial flights for two family members to represent each Vietnam War missing and unaccounted for serviceman or civilian. The two persons authorized transportation will be designated by the primary next-of-kin (PNOK). Arrival date will be Wednesday, June 18th, for most, to ensure availability for early Thursday morning when the sessions actually begin; the 39th Annual Dinner will be that same evening, and the Military Services will again host luncheons on Friday.
39TH ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM AD RATES
INSIDE FRONT & BACK COVER - $1,000*
FULL PAGE (8 ½” x 11”) - $500*
½ PAGE (8 ½” x 5 ½”) - $250*
¼ PAGE (4 ¼” x 5 ½”) - $125**
BUSINESS CARD - $50
(As submitted)
“IN HONOR OF” - $25
(Submit Name of POW/MIA with Your Name)
PATRON - $10
(Your Name Listed)
Send camera-ready ads by email; mail text with payment to:
National League of POW/MIA Families
1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170
Arlington, VA 22201
703-465-7432
powmiafam@aol.com
*Donors at this level receive League Membership, Newsletters, Updates
and registration for the 39th Annual Meeting.
**Donors at this level receive League Membership, Newsletters and Updates.
The League is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization; Federal Tax ID #23-7071242
POW/MIA Update: April 15, 2008
AMERICANS ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,763 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. The most recent identifications, though others are not yet announced, brought to 820 the number of US personnel returned since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,763 still missing and unaccounted-for were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.
PACOM COMMANDER SUPPORTS JPAC: Admiral Tim Keating, USN, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) testified before Congress in mid-March that PACOM’s budget for Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) included funding to complete design of the long-sought new headquarters building for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC). He also pledged that PACOM’s request for FY10 would include authorization and funding for construction, estimated currently to be just over $100M dollars. That news is long overdue, but most welcome. Expanding JPAC’s capabilities will help them meet increased demands for recovering remains of those lost before the Vietnam War, back to WWII. This is also an important signal to those serving today in the global war on terrorism, but especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. They must be able to depend on all of us here at home should they be captured or become missing in action while service our country and defending our freedom.
JPAC COMMANDER TRAVELS: New JPAC Commander, RADM Donna Crisp, USN, has traveled to several countries where JPAC has Detachments and conducts operations to introduce herself and become familiar with US and foreign officials. She first visited Vietnam and Cambodia, but due to Secretary of Defense Gates’ February visit to JPAC, her planned visit to Laos was postponed; however, she will travel to Laos later this month and return to Vietnam as well. Shortly before her Southeast Asia trip, she also visited the Republic of Korea to discuss ways to expedite solving Korean War losses. Deputy to the JPAC Commander Johnie Webb had worked for years with the South Koreans, including the last two years establishing a JPAC-like facility in South Korea. On that trip, RADM Crisp went on to Beijing to meet with PRC officials in an effort to restore recovery operations in that country. Most recently, RADM Crisp visited India, again accompanied by Johnie Webb, to pursue plans to conduct WWII recovery operations there.
UPDATE ON JPAC OPERATIONS: The 103rd Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Laos began on March 6th and concluded with the April 8th deployment to Hawaii. The team consisted of one recovery team and two investigation teams pursuing information on a large number of incidents in six provinces, stretching the length of the country. The 40th JFA in Cambodia began January 15th and ended March 1st, followed by a repatriation ceremony attended by senior Cambodian and US officials. The 41st JFA in Cambodia began immediately thereafter, focused on excavation of one site and Phase 2 Testing (P2T) on another site, before the P2T moved on March 17th to Laos to complete its work. P2T is intended to more accurately affix the precise location and scope of a site to be excavated. The 91st joint operations that began in Vietnam on March 1st have also now concluded, and teams ended investigations in South Korea today. Two recovery teams and one investigation team continue operations in Papua New Guinea on WWII incidents, and one P2T is working on another WWII aircraft loss incident on Pagan Island in the Northern Mariana Islands. That mission is to include later this week. JPAC recovery teams also recently completed an underwater recovery of WWII losses in Palau.
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. 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.
COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): Though technically now concluded, the League was notified that the stringent criteria for the 2007 campaign 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 eligible for donations through CFC & United Way. Despite the reality of many competing charities and much need, especially in a time of war, the League is proud of our eligibility, due to tough requirements that must be met. We have also applied for the 2008 Combined Federal Campaign and, if again successful, our eligibility number will remain the same: #10218.
39TH ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULED: Start planning now to attend the League’s 39