Update

POW/MIA Update April 27, 2009

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,742 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. There have been no recent announcements of Vietnam War personnel identified since December 15th. The number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 841. 90% of the 1,742 still missing were lost in Vietnam or areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TESTIFIES ON CAPITOL HILL: The need for additional JPAC and Stony Beach funding was raised, as was the need to “fence” the funds to protect them from use on other issues, as before. Also raised was the League’s opposition to centralized control of the issue by DPMO, a concept being advocated by some that would be very destructive at this critical juncture. Anyone wishing to have a copy of the oral and written testimonies can obtain them by contacting the League office.

JPAC OPERATIONS: The 108th JFA in Laos concluded on April 7th. It was ongoing in Houa Phan and Xieng Khoang Provinces during the League visit; thus, the delegation was privileged to again visit JPAC excavations and witness firsthand the professionalism, dedication and commitment of all involved, led by JPAC Detachment 2 Commander LTC Deck and his Lao counterparts, some of whom have worked the POW/MIA accounting effort for nearly three decades. Joint operations were also ongoing in Vietnam, but well outside the Hanoi area; the delegation was unable to get to them within time constraints. There was also one underwater effort along the northern coast of Vietnam, though using US divers from a Vietnamese platform, not a US Navy ship. No SEA operations are now ongoing, but the JPAC Commander led technical talks this week in Hanoi.

STATUS OF THE LEAGUE: The referendum sent to all League members – family and associate – to determine the level of interest in and commitment to the League’s continuation was distributed during the last two weeks of March with the League Newsletter. The results have been tabulated and will be discussed this week at the Board of Directors meeting, scheduled for May 1-3rd. The Board will then decide whether an election will be held to seat a new Board for 2009 – 2011. In addition to family members and veterans, many former and current US officials have contributed generously, recognizing the importance of the League’s role to continue advocating priority on accounting efforts. The League is exhausting every possible avenue to sustain operations, but the worldwide economic recession is adversely impacting nonprofits, as it is all Americans and worldwide. Members are urged to be imaginative in trying to raise funds and to contribute to the extent possible to sustain League efforts, as some of you already do; you know who you are.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEBSITE:

POW/MIA Update April 23, 2009

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,742 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. There have been no recent announcements of Vietnam War personnel identified since December 15th. The number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 841. 90% of the 1,742 still missing were lost in Vietnam or areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

LEAGUE DELEGATION VISITS LAOS, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM: Executive Director Ann Mills Griffiths, Senior Policy Advisor Richard Childress and Vice Chairman of the Board Mark Stephensen recently returned from meetings with senior officials in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. All three US Ambassadors, JPAC, Stony Beach, the Defense Attaché and other USofficials participated, thus demonstrating a unified effort by the families and the US Government. As promised, letters received from family members were delivered to designated officials. In the order visited, following are brief summaries; however, a full Trip Report will be issued shortly and sent to League members, plus posted on the League’s website.

Thailand: The morning after arriving in Bangkok, the delegation received a Country Team briefing at the US Embassy, hosted by Ambassador Eric John, and appreciated the current information that was presented. A good session was held with retiring JPAC Detachment 1 Commander LtCol Pete Huddle, USAF, incoming Commander LTC Craig Tippins, and Deputy Commander Major Marc Geller, USAF. The scope of their responsibilities is large, including primary logistics support for all Vietnam War-related joint field operations, plus command responsibility for operations in Cambodia and WWII operations in India and Burma. All were especially helpful in last-minute preparations for departure the next day for Laos.

Laos: The delegation was met on arrival by Ambassador Ravic Huso, Detachment 3 Commander LTC Brandt Deck, USA Special Forces, and other Detachment 2 personnel who facilitated arrival requirements. The Ambassador hosted a Country Team briefing, followed by a session at Detachment 3 before the delegation and Ambassador Huso were guests at a dinner hosted by Minister in the President’s Office Soubanh Srithirath, a pioneer in US-Lao cooperation since 1981. We met with Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Somsavat, DPM/Foreign Minister Thongloun, Deputy Minister of Defense Major General Somphet and many other Lao officials. Ambassador Huso hosted a dinner in the delegation’s honor at his residence. Changes in Lao leadership attitudes and receptiveness to engagement and cooperation were visible and welcome. The evolving bilateral relationship – including the long-sought exchange of Defense Attachés – is very positive for broader US-Lao cooperation and POW/MIA accounting, central to the relationship since the early 1980s. A small increase in airlift funding would likely go a long way to expedite field operations in Laos.

Cambodia: After being met by Defense Attaché COL Frank Matheson, USAR, and the two Stony Beach specialists permanently assigned in Phnom Penh, Pete Loverde and Mary Dinh, a lot was scheduled into the two days in-country. US Ambassador Carol Rodley participated in high level meetings and hosted a small dinner at her residence honoring the League delegation. Importantly, General Pol Saroeun, Chief of the Royal Cambodian Army, has retained his position as Chairman of the Cambodia POW/MIA Committee. He was joined at the dinner by Secretary of State for Interior Sieng Lapresse and Major General Kem Chan Nee. Discussions at the dinner, plus meetings with DPM/Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong, DPM/Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, Secretary of State, Ministry of Defense, General Neang Phat and others reinforced Cambodia’s already outstanding cooperation and provided insights into the current political and economic conditions. The delegation also met with a group of university students, sponsored by Sar Sithan, former Royal Cambodian Air Force and head of a nonprofit organization working to provide educational assistance to Cambodians.

Vietnam: JPAC Detachment 2 Commander LTC Todd Emoto, USA Special Forces, and some of his staff met the delegation at the airport and took us to the hotel where we were greeted by Stony Beach Vietnam Specialist Mike Najim. Following a JPAC briefing the next morning, we met with the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) and senior officials in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Public Security. US Ambassador Mike Michalak participated in all senior level meetings, as did the Defense Attaché, Detachment 3 Commander and Casualty Resolution Specialist, and Stony Beach.

At each meeting, the Vietnamese made a proposal to increase the pace and scope of investigations and excavations, based on the stated need to avoid destruction of incident sites being lost to increasing development projects. This proposal warrants serious consideration by the US Government.

Comments: The need for increased funding and personnel was raised at the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee by the League Executive Director and is being brought to the attention of executive branch officials. The League is not in a position to suggest the number of additional personnel required, but recognizes the need for 4-5 more field teams to prevent an adverse impact on recovery of losses from earlier wars. JPAC funding is not adequate in the current FY09 budget, nor does it include funding for operations in North Korea, if it happens to open up as hoped. An increase of at least $20+ million would likely be needed, with a plus-up of forensic anthropologists and other scientific staff. More linguists and trained Stony Beach specialists would also be needed to expedite in-country research and investigations.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TESTIFIES ON CAPITOL HILL: The need for additional JPAC and Stony Beach funding was raised, as was the need to “fence” the funds to protect them from use on other issues, as before. Also raised was the League’s opposition to centralized control of the issue by DPMO, a concept being advocated by some that would be very destructive at this critical juncture. Anyone wishing to have a copy of the oral and written testimonies can obtain them by contacting the League office.

JPAC OPERATIONS: The 108th JFA in Laos concluded on April 7th. It was ongoing in Houa Phan and Xieng Khoang Provinces during the League visit; thus, the delegation was privileged to again visit JPAC excavations and witness firsthand the professionalism, dedication and commitment of all involved, led by JPAC Detachment 2 Commander LTC Deck and his Lao counterparts, some of whom have worked the POW/MIA accounting effort for nearly three decades. Joint operations were also ongoing in Vietnam, but well outside the Hanoi area; the delegation was unable to get to them within time constraints. There was also one underwater effort along the northern coast of Vietnam, though using US divers from a Vietnamese platform, not a US Navy ship. No SEA operations are now ongoing, but the JPAC Commander led technical talks this week..

STATUS OF THE LEAGUE: The referendum sent to all League members – family and associate – to determine the level of interest in and commitment to the League’s continuation was distributed during the last two weeks of March, with the March 12, 2009 League Newsletter. The results will be tabulated before the next meeting of the Board of Directors, scheduled for May 1-3rd. At that time, the Board will decide whether an election will be held to seat a new Board for 2009 – 2011. Every possibility is being exhausted to ensure the League’s continuation, despite the worldwide economic recession. In addition to family members and veterans, many former and current US officials have contributed generously, recognizing the importance of the League’s role to advocate continuing priority on accounting efforts. Members and supporters are urged to be imaginative in trying to raise funds and to contribute to the extent possible to sustain League efforts.

40TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: This year’s annual meeting promises to be special, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and 40 years since the League was formed, then incorporated on May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future in this first year of the Obama Administration. Plan to attend, arriving early if you wish to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital before Opening Session begins on Thursday, July 23rd, at 9:00 a.m. ADM Tim Keating, USN, Commander, US Pacific Command (PACOM), has agreed to Keynote. The Deputy Secretary of Defense has again authorized COIN Assist travel. Reservations can now be made at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel. Call 1-800-HILTONS (800-445-8667), noting affiliation with the League’s 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting, or go to www.hilton.com, and use Group Code “POW” to get the special rate of $149 per room night, single/double. Deadline to secure the special rate is June 19th.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEBSITE:

POW/MIA Update April 11, 2009

Thailand: The morning after arriving in Bangkok, the delegation received a Country Team briefing at the US Embassy, hosted by Ambassador Eric John, and appreciated the current information that was presented. A good session was held with retiring JPAC Detachment 1 Commander LtCol Pete Huddle, USAF, incoming Commander LTC Craig Tippins, and Deputy Commander Major Marc Geller, USAF. The scope of their responsibilities is large, including primary logistics support for all Vietnam War-related joint field operations, plus command responsibility for operations in Cambodia and WWII operations in India and Burma. All were especially helpful in last-minute preparations for departure the next day for Laos.

Laos: The delegation was met on arrival by Ambassador Ravic Huso, Detachment 3 Commander LTC Brandt Deck, USA Special Forces, and other Detachment 2 personnel who facilitated customs requirements. The Ambassador hosted a Country Team briefing, followed by a session at Detachment 3 before the delegation and Ambassador Huso were guests at a dinner hosted by Minister in the President’s Office Soubanh Srithirath, a pioneer in US-Lao cooperation since 1981. We met with Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Somsavat, DPM/Foreign Minister Thongloun and Deputy Minister of Defense Major General Somphet and many other Lao officials. Ambassador Huso hosted a dinner in the delegation’s honor at his residence. Changes in Lao leadership attitudes and receptiveness to engagement and cooperation were visible and welcome. The evolving bilateral relationship – including the long-sought exchange of Defense Attachés – is very positive for broader bilateral cooperation and POW/MIA accounting, central to the relationship since the early 1980s. A small increase in airlift funding would likely go a long way to expedite field operations in Laos.

Cambodia: After being met by Defense Attaché Frank Matheson and the two Stony Beach specialists permanently assigned in Phnom Penh, Pete Loverde and Mary Dinh, a lot was scheduled into the two days in-country. US Ambassador Carol Rodley participated in high level meetings and hosted a small dinner at her residence honoring the League delegation. Importantly, General Pol Saroeun, Chief of the Royal Cambodian Army, has retained his position as Chairman of the Cambodian POW/MIA Committee. He was joined at the dinner by Secretary of State for Interior Sieng Lapresse and Major General Kem Chan Nee. Discussions at the dinner, plus meetings with DPM/Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong, DPM/Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, Secretary of State, Ministry of Defense, General Neang Phat and others reinforced Cambodia’s already outstanding cooperation and provided insights into the current political and economic conditions. The delegation also met with a group of university students, sponsored by Sar Sithan, former Royal Cambodian Air Force and head of a nonprofit organization working to provide educational assistance to Cambodians.

Vietnam: JPAC Detachment 2 Commander LTC Todd Emoto, USA Special Forces, and some of his staff met the delegation at the airport and took us to the hotel where we were greeted by Stony Beach Vietnam Specialist Mike Najim. Following a JPAC briefing the next morning, we met with the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons and senior officials in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Public Security. US Ambassador Mike Michalak participated in all senior level meetings, as did the Defense Attaché, Detachment 3 Commander and Stony Beach specialist.

At each meeting, a proposal was made to increase the pace and scope of investigations and excavations, based on the stated need to avoid destruction of incident sites being lost to increasing construction of development projects. This proposal warrants serious consideration by the US Government and serves as the basis for increasing JPAC and Stony Beach funding and personnel.

The need for increased funding and personnel was raised at the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee and is being brought to the attention of executive branch officials. The League is not suggesting the number of additional personnel required, but recognizes the need for 4-5 more field teams to prevent an adverse impact on recovery of losses from earlier wars. JPAC funding is not adequate in the current FY09 budget, nor does it include funding for operations in North Korea, if it happens to open up as hoped. An increase of at least $20+ million would likely be needed, with a plus-up of forensic anthropologists and other scientific staff. More linguists and trained Stony Beach specialists would also be needed to expedite in-country research and investigations.

Vietnam has repeatedly announced agreement that a USN ship could be used for underwater surveys and recoveries, a decision most visibly announced by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during his visit to Washington in June, 2008. The League had hoped that the announcement by the Prime Minister would overcome any remaining obstacles, but the mission was planned for March, 2009, and again postponed due to regulatory problems raised by Hanoi. It is now scheduled for June/July of this year. The League is cautiously optimistic that this time it will go forward, but there is no guarantee, and problems continue to come up. As always, we’ll have to wait and see. .

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TESTIFIES ON CAPITOL HILL: The need for additional JPAC and Stony Beach funding was raised by the Executive Director, as was the need to “fence” the funds to protect them from use on other issues, as before. Also raised was the League’s opposition to centralized control of the issue by DPMO, a concept being advocated by some that would be very destructive at this critical juncture. Anyone wishing to have a copy of the oral and written testimonies can obtain them by contacting the League office.

JPAC OPERATIONS: The 108th JFA in Laos concluded on April 7th. It was ongoing in Houa Phan and Xieng Khoang Provinces during the League visit; thus, the delegation was privileged to again visit JPAC excavations and witness firsthand the professionalism, dedication and commitment of all involved, led by JPAC Detachment 2 Commander LTC Deck and his Lao counterparts, some of whom have worked the POW/MIA accounting effort for nearly three decades. Though joint operations were ongoing in Vietnam, they were all well outside the Hanoi area and, thus, the delegation was unable to get to them within time constraints. There was one underwater effort along the coast of northern Vietnam, though not using a US Navy ship, but a Vietnamese platform and divers as before. That, too is now concluded.

STATUS OF THE LEAGUE: The referendum to all League members – family and associate – to determine the level of interest in and commitment to the League’s continuation was distributed during the last two weeks of March, with the March 12, 2009 League Newsletter. The results will be tabulated before the next meeting of the Board of Directors, scheduled for May 1-3rd. At that time, the Board will decide whether an election will be held to seat a new Board for 2009 – 2011. Every possibility is being exhausted to ensure the League’s continuation, despite the worldwide economic recession. In addition to family members and veterans, many former and current US officials have contributed generously, recognizing the importance of the League’s role to advocate continuing priority on accounting efforts. Members and supporters are urged to be imaginative in trying to raise funds and to contribute to the extent possible to sustain League efforts.

40TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: This year’s annual meeting promises to be special, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and 40 years since the League was formed, then incorporated on May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future in this first year of the Obama Administration. Plan to attend, arriving early if you wish to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital before Opening Session begins on Thursday, July 23rd, at 9:00 a.m. ADM Tim Keating, USN, Commander, US Pacific Command, has agreed to Keynote. The Secretary of Defense is again expected to authorize COIN Assist travel. Reservations can now be made at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel. Call 1-800-HILTONS (800-445-8667), noting affiliation with the League’s 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting, or go to www.hilton.com, and use Group Code “POW” to get the special rate of $149 per room night, single/double. Deadline to secure the special rate is June 19th.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEBSITE:

www.pow-miafamilies.org

POW/MIA Update April 5, 2009

Cambodia: After being met by Defense Attaché Frank Matheson and the two Stony Beach specialists permanently assigned in Phnom Penh, Pete Loverde and Mary Dinh, a lot was scheduled into the two days in-country. US Ambassdor Carol Rodley participated in high level meetings and hosted a small dinner at her residence honoring the League delegation. Importantly, General Pol Saroeun, Chief of the Royal Cambodian Army, has retained his position as Chairman of the Cambodian POW/MIA Committee. He was joined at the dinner by Secretary of State for Interior Sieng Lapresse and Major General Kem Chan Nee. Discussions at the dinner, plus meetings with DPM/Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong, DPM/Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, Deputy Minister of Defense Tea Banh and others reinforced Cambodia’s already outstanding POW/MIA cooperation and provided insights into the current political and economic conditions. The delegation also met with a group of university students, sponsored by Sar Sithan, former Royal Cambodian Air Force and head of a nonprofit organization working to provide educational assistance to Cambodians.

Vietnam has repeatedly announced agreement that a USN ship could be used for underwater surveys and recoveries, a decision most visibly announced by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during his visit to Washington in June, 2008. The League had hoped that the announcement by the Prime Minister would overcome any remaining obstacles, but the mission was planned for March, 2009, and again postponed due to regulatory problems raised by Hanoi. It is now scheduled for June/July of this year. The League is cautiously optimistic that this time it will go forward, but there is no guarantee, and problems continue to come up. As always, we’ll have to wait and see. .

JPAC OPERATIONS: The 108th JFA in Laos is now concluding. It was ongoing in Houa Phan and Xieng Khoang Provinces during the League delegation’s visit. The delegation was privileged to again visit JPAC excavations and witness firsthand the professionalism, dedication and commitment of these outstanding teams and JPAC Detachment 2 Commander LTC Deck and his Lao counterparts, some of whom have been involved in the POW/MIA accounting effort for nearly three decades. Though joint operations were ongoing in Vietnam, they were all well outside the Hanoi area and, thus, the delegation was unable to get to them within time constraints. There was one underwater effort along the coast of northern Vietnam, though not using a US Navy ship, but a Vietnamese platform and divers as before.

STATUS OF THE LEAGUE: The referendum to all League members – family and associate – to determine the level of interest in and commitment to the League’s continuation as an organization was distributed during the last two weeks of March, with the March 12, 2009 League Newsletter. The results will be tabulated before the next meeting of the Board of Directors, scheduled for May 1-3rd. At that time, the Board will decide whether an election will be held to seat a new Board for 2009 – 2011. Every possibility is being exhausted to ensure the League’s continuation, despite the worldwide economic recession. In addition to family members and veterans, many former and current US officials have contributed generously, recognizing the importance of the League’s role to ensure continuing priority on accounting efforts. Members and supporters are urged to be imaginative in trying to raise funds and to contribute to the extent possible to sustain League efforts.

40TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: This year’s annual meeting promises to be special, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and 40 years since the League was formed, then incorporated on May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future in this first year of the Obama Administration. Plan to attend, arriving early if you wish to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital before Opening Session begins on Thursday, July 23rd, at 9:00 a.m. ADM Tim Keating, USN, Commander, US Pacific Command, has agreed to Keynote. The Secretary of Defense is again expected to authorize COIN Assist travel. Reservations can now be made at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel. Call 1-800-HILTONS (800-445-8667), noting affiliation with the League’s 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting, or go to www.hilton.com, and use Group Code “POW” to get the special rate of $149 per room night, single/double. Deadline to secure the special rate is June 19th.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEBSITE:

POW/MIA Update: March 14, 2009

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,742 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. There have been no recent announcements of Vietnam War personnel identified since December 15th. The number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 841. 90% of the 1,742 still missing from the Vietnam War were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

LEAGUE DELEGATION GOING TO LAOS, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM: Executive Director Ann Mills Griffiths will again lead a small team to Southeast Asia for discussions with senior officials in each named country. Departing on March 15th, the executive director has taken many suchtrips since her first in 1982, including both League and US Government delegations. By vote of the Board of Directors, Senior Policy Advisor Richard Childress and Vice Chairman of the Board Mark Stephensen will complete the three-member delegation. Family members were asked to consider sending brief, thoughtfully-worded letters to relevant officials in the country where their loved one was lost, either thanking them for answers received (as is the case for Mark Stephensen and his family), or appealing for answers and greater cooperation, as is pertinent for over 1,700 families and countless friends. Letters will be taken to Vietnamese, Lao or Cambodian official. The Executive Director has been invited to testify at a hearing of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel and Readiness on April 2nd, the day after returning from Southeast Asia.

DEFENSE ATTACHE OFFICE OPENED IN LAOS: A Defense Attaché Office (DAO) was officially opened on December 5th at the US Embassy in Vientiane, Laos. The long-sought agreement to exchange military attaches between the US and Laos was first announced in 2007. The new US Defense Attaché, Army LTC James McAden, met with senior officials at the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National Defense as part of the DAO opening. US Ambassador to Laos Ravic R. Huso hosted a reception that evening for Lao and US officials and counterpart attaches in the embassies of other countries with representation in Vientiane. LTC McAden is a Southeast Asia Foreign Area Officer (FAO) who most recently served as Deputy to the Foreign Policy Advisor at US Pacific Command (PACOM) in Hawaii and previously at the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. He holds a Masters in Asian Studies from Johns Hopkins University, an Advance Diploma in Strategic and Defense Studies from the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and is a graduate of the US Army’s Command and General Staff College and the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College.

DEFENSE ATTACHE ACCEPTED BY VIETNAM: After months of awaiting approval from the Vietnamese Government, COL Patrick Reardon, USA, has assumed his position as Defense Attaché (DATT) in Hanoi. The first exchange of attaches between the US and Vietnam occurred fairly early in the bilateral relationship formally established in 1995. The resulting improvements in the military-to-military relationship have been useful and are beneficial to both countries, including the pursuit of answers on America’s POW/MIAs. Vietnam has repeatedly announced agreement that a USN ship could be used in the accounting process, most recently affirmed by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during his visit to Washington in June, 2008. The mission was planned for March, 2009; however, Hanoi recently postponed again. The League had hoped that the announcement by the Prime Minister would overcome any remaining obstacles, and it now looks as though the current target timeframe is June/July of this year.

JPAC OPERATIONS: No operations took place during the last half of December to enable all personnel to spend holidays with family and friends; however, activities geared up quickly. The 107th Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Laos began January 25th and ended February 18th, a shorter period of time in the field to conduct operations than is routinely the case due to the 60th Anniversary Commemoration of the Lao Military. During the JFA, two investigation teams, including a DIA Stony Beach specialist, trilateral investigations and one recovery team conducted operations. POW/MIA consultations between US and Laos officials took place February 24-25th in Vientiane to review past operations and discuss future steps. US officials reported increased Lao Government flexibility and seriousness in consistently working to improve the accounting process. The 108th JFA in Laos is now ongoing in Houa Phan and Xieng Khoang Provinces. The 42nd JFA recently concluded in Cambodia, having focused for several weeks on recovery of reported burial sites. JPAC investigation teams also recently completed operations in South Korea and the Republic of Suriname, in South America, plus a recovery team is currently working on a WWII in India. A JPAC delegation also recently completed talks in the PRC aimed at working out acceptable terms to resume conducting joint field operations.

STATUS OF THE LEAGUE: Since the financial appeal was distributed in mid-October, funds received have enabled the League to continue. The Board of Directors met February 6-7th to discuss where things stand and decided to send out a referendum to all League members – family and associate – to determine the level of interest in and commitment to the League’s continuation as an organization. The March 12, 2009 League Newsletter, including the referendum, is now being distributed and is also available on line at the League’s web site at www.POWMIALeague.org. Results will be tabulated before the next meeting of the Board of Directors, scheduled for May 1-3rd. At that time, the board will decide whether an election will be held to seat a Board of Directors for 2009 – 2011. Every possibility is being exhausted to ensure the League’s continuation, despite the worldwide economic recession. In addition to family members and veterans, many former and current US officials have contributed generously, recognizing the importance of the League’s role to ensure continuing priority on accounting efforts. Members and supporters are urged to be imaginative in trying to raise funds and to contribute to the extent possible to sustain League efforts.

40TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: This year’s annual meeting promises to be special, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and 40 years since the League was formed, then incorporated on May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future in this first year of the Obama Administration. Plan to attend, arriving early if you wish to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital before Opening Session begins on Thursday, July 23rd, at 9:00 a.m. ADM Tim Keating, USN, Commander, US Pacific Command, has agreed to Keynote. The Secretary of Defense is again expected to authorize COIN Assist travel. Reservations can now be made at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel. Call 1-800-HILTONS (800-445-8667), noting affiliation with the League’s 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting, or go to www.hilton.com, and use Group Code “POW” to get the special rate of $149 per room night, single/double. Deadline to secure the special rate is June 19th.

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): The League (a 501 [c] 3 nonprofit) again met the stringent criteria for eligibility in the 2008 campaign, and has already applied for the 2009 campaign that doesn’t begin until next October. Our official number is the same, CFC #10218, assigned by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC. The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing American POW/MIAs, KIA/BNRs 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.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEBSITE:

POW/MIA Update: March 1, 2009

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,742 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. There have been no recent announcements of Vietnam War personnel identified since December 15th. The number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 841. 90% of the 1,742 still missing from the Vietnam War were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

LEAGUE DELEGATION GOING TO LAOS, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM: Executive Director Ann Mills Griffiths will again lead a small team to Southeast Asia for discussions with senior officials in each named country. Departing on March 15th, the executive director has taken many suchtrips since her first in 1982, including both League and US Government delegations. By vote of the Board of Directors, Senior Policy Advisor Richard Childress and Vice Chairman of the Board Mark Stephensen will complete the three-member delegation. Family members are asked to consider sending brief, thoughtfully-worded letters to relevant officials in the country where their loved one was lost, either thanking them for answers received (as is the case for Mark Stephensen and his family), or appealing for answers and greater cooperation, as is pertinent for over 1,700 families and countless friends. Please send all letters to the League office, in an envelope containing your letter to a Vietnamese, Lao or Cambodian official in a smaller, unsealed envelope. All appropriate letters will be taken to the respective country of loss. The Executive Director has been invited to testify at a hearing of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel and Readiness on April 2nd, the day after returning from Southeast Asia.

JPAC OPERATIONS: No operations took place during the last half of December to enable all personnel to spend holidays with family and friends; however, activities geared up quickly. The 107th Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Laos began January 25th and ended February 18th, a shorter period of time in the field to conduct operations than is routinely the case due to the 60th Anniversary Commemoration of the Lao Military. During the JFA, two investigation teams, including a DIA Stony Beach specialist, trilateral investigations and one recovery team conducted operations. POW/MIA consultations between US and Laos officials took place February 24-25th in Vientiane to review past operations and discuss future steps. US officials reported increased Lao Government flexibility and seriousness in consistently working to improve the accounting process. The 42nd JFA recently concluded in Cambodia, having focused for several weeks on recovery of reported burial sites. JPAC investigation teams also recently completed operations in South Korea and the Republic of Suriname, in South America, plus a recovery team is currently working on a WWII in India. A JPAC delegation also recently completed talks in the PRC aimed at working out acceptable terms to resume conducting joint field operations.

STATUS OF THE LEAGUE: Since the financial appeal was distributed in mid-October, funds received have enabled the League to continue for now; however, the outcome is by no means clear. The Board of Directors met February 6-7th to discuss where things stand and decided to send out a referendum to all League members – family and associate – to determine the level of interest in and commitment to the League’s continuation as an organization. That mailing will be distributed very soon and results tabulated before the next meeting of the Board of Directors, now scheduled for May 1-2nd. At that time, the board will decide whether an election will be held to seat a Board of Directors for 2009 – 2011. Every possibility is being exhausted to ensure the League’s continuation, despite the worldwide economic recession. In addition to family members and veterans, many former and current US officials have contributed generously, recognizing the importance of the League’s role to ensure continuing priority on accounting efforts. Members and supporters are urged to be imaginative in trying to raise funds and to contribute to the extent possible to sustain League efforts.

40TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: This year’s annual meeting promises to be special, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and 40 years since the League was formed, then incorporated on May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future in this first year of the Obama Administration. Plan to attend, arriving early if you wish to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital before Opening Session begins on Thursday, July 23rd, at 9:00 a.m. ADM Tim Keating, USN, Commander, US Pacific Command, has agreed to Keynote. The Secretary of Defense is again expected to authorize COIN Assist travel. Reservations can now be made at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel. Call 1-800-HILTONS (800-445-8667), noting affiliation with the League’s 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting, or go to www.hilton.com, and use Group Code “POW” to get the special rate of $149 per room night, single/double. Deadline to secure the special rate is June 19th.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEBSITE:

POW/MIA Update: February 19, 2009

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,742 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. There have been no recent announcements of Vietnam War personnel identified since December 15th. The number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 841. 90% of the 1,742 still missing from the Vietnam War were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

LEAGUE DELEGATION GOING TO LAOS, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM: Executive Director Ann Mills Griffiths will again lead a small team to Southeast Asia for discussions with senior officials in each named country. Departing on March 15th, this trip will be the 29th or 30th undertaken by the executive director since her first in 1982, including both League and US Government delegations. By vote of the Board of Directors, Senior Policy Advisor Richard Childress and Vice Chairman of the Board Mark Stephensen will complete the three-member delegation. Family members are asked to consider sending brief, thoughtfully-worded letters to relevant officials in the country where their loved one was lost, either thanking them for answers received (as is the case for Mark Stephensen and his family), or appealing for answers and greater cooperation, as is pertinent for over 1,700 families and countless friends. Please send all letters to the League office, in an envelope containing your letter to a Vietnamese, Lao or Cambodian official in a smaller, unsealed envelope. All appropriate letters will be taken to the respective country of loss. The Executive Director has been invited to testify at a hearing of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel and Readiness on April 2nd, the day after returning from Southeast Asia.

JPAC OPERATIONS: No operations took place during the last half of December to enable all personnel to spend holidays with family and friends; however, activities geared up quickly. The 107th Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Laos began January 25th and ended February 18th, a shorter period of time in the field to conduct operations than is routinely the case due to the 60th Anniversary Commemoration of the Lao Military. During the JFA, two investigation teams, including a DIA Stony Beach specialist and trilateral investigations, and one recovery team conducted operations. POW/MIA consultations between US and Laos officials will take place February 24-25th in Vientiane to review past operations and discuss future steps. The US has reported increased Lao Government flexibility and seriousness in consistently working to improve the accounting process. The 42nd JFA is continuing in Cambodia, focused on recovery of a reported burial site, an operation scheduled for completion on February 24th. An investigation team recently completed operations in South Korea and the Republic of Suriname, in South America, plus a recovery team is currently working on a WWII in India. A JPAC delegation also recently completed talks in the PRC aimed at working out acceptable terms to resume conducting joint field operations.

STATUS OF THE LEAGUE: Since the financial appeal was distributed in mid-October, funds received have enabled the League to continue for now; however, the outcome is by no means clear. The Board of Directors met February 6-7th to discuss where things stand and decided to send out a referendum to all League members – family and associate – to determine the level of interest in and commitment to the League’s continuation as an organization. That mailing will be distributed before the end of February, and result tabulated before the next meeting of the Board of Directors, now scheduled for May 1-2nd. At that time, the board will decide whether an election will be held to seat a Board of Directors for 2009 – 2011. Every possibility is being exhausted to ensure the League’s continuation, despite the economic recession at home and abroad, and many former and current US officials have contributed, recognizing the importance of the League’s role to ensure priority efforts continue. Members and supporters are urged to be imaginative in trying to raise funds and to contribute to the extent possible to sustain League efforts, without which POW/MIA accounting will be solely in the hands of elected and appointed politicians and career officials.

40TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: This year’s annual meeting promises to be special, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and 40 years since the League was formed, then incorporated on May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future in this first year of the Obama Administration. Plan to attend, arriving early if you wish to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital before Opening Session begins on Thursday, July 23rd, at 9:00 a.m. ADM Tim Keating, USN, Commander, US Pacific Command, has agreed to Keynote. The Secretary of Defense is again expected to authorize COIN Assist travel. Reservations can now be made at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel. Call 1-800-HILTONS (800-445-8667), noting affiliation with the League’s 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting, or go to www.hilton.com, and use Group Code “POW” to get the special rate of $149 per room night, single/double. Deadline to secure the special rate is June 19th.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEBSITE: www.POWMIALeague.org; www.POWMIALeague.com; www.pow-miafamilies.org

POW/MIA Update: February 7, 2009

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,742 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. There have been no recent announcements of Vietnam War personnel identified since December 15th. The number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 841. 90% of the 1,742 still missing from the Vietnam War were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

LEAGUE DELEGATION GOING TO LAOS, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM: Executive Director Ann Mills Griffiths will again lead a small team to Southeast Asia for discussions with senior officials in each named country. Departing on March 15th, this trip will be the 29th or 30th taken by the executive director since her first in 1982, on both League and US Government delegations. By vote of the Board of Directors, Senior Policy Advisor Richard Childress and Vice Chairman of the Board Mark Stephensen will complete the three-member delegation. Family members are asked to consider sending brief, thoughtfully-worded letters to relevant officials in the country where their loved one was lost, either thanking them for answers received (as is the case for Mark Stephensen and his family), or appealing for answers and greater cooperation, as is pertinent for over 1,700 families. Please send all letters to the League office, in an envelope containing your letter to a Vietnamese, Lao or Cambodian official in a smaller, unsealed envelope. All appropriate letters will be taken to the respective country of loss.

DEFENSE ATTACHE OFFICE OPENED IN LAOS: A Defense Attaché Office (DAO) was officially opened on December 5th at the US Embassy in Vientiane, Laos. The long-sought agreement to exchange military attaches between the US and Laos was first announced in 2007. The new US Defense Attaché, Army LTC James McAden, met with senior officials at the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National Defense as part of the DAO opening. US Ambassador to Laos Ravic R. Huso hosted a reception that evening for Lao and US officials and counterpart attaches in the embassies of other countries with representation in Vientiane. LTC McAden is a Southeast Asia Foreign Area Officer (FAO) who most recently served as Deputy to the Foreign Policy Advisor at US Pacific Command (PACOM) in Hawaii and previously at the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. He holds a Master of Arts in Asian Studies from Johns Hopkins University and an Advance Diploma in Strategic and Defense Studies from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College and of the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College.

DEFENSE ATTACHE ACCEPTED BY VIETNAM: After months of awaiting approval from the Vietnamese Government, COL Patrick Reardon, USA, has now assumed his position as Defense Attaché (DATT) in Hanoi. The first exchange of attaches between the US and Vietnam occurred fairly early in the bilateral relationship formally established in 1995. The resulting improvements in the military-to-military relationship have been useful and are beneficial to both countries, including the pursuit of answers on America’s POW/MIAs. Vietnam has repeatedly announced agreement that a USN ship could be used in the accounting process, most recently by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dug during his visit to Washington in June, 2008. The mission was planned for March, 2009; however, Hanoi recently postponed again. The League had hoped that the announcement by the Prime Minister would overcome any remaining obstacles, and it now looks as though the current target timeframe is June/July of this year.

JPAC OPERATIONS: The 107th Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Laos began January 25th and will end February 18th, a shorter period of time in the field to conduct operations than is routinely the case. Two investigation teams, including a DIA Stony Beach official, and one recovery team. A recovery is continuing on one case in Cambodia that began on January 13th and will conclude on February 9th. No operations took place during the last half of December to enable all personnel to spend holidays with family and friends; however, activities have geared up quickly. Trilateral investigations begin soon in Laos, teams are currently in Cambodia and South Korea conducting field operations, and a JPAC delegation just completed talks in the PRC aimed at working out acceptable terms for conducting joint field operations.

STATUS OF THE LEAGUE: Since the financial appeal was distributed in mid-October, funds have been received to enable the League to continue for the present; however, the outcome is by no means clear. The Board of Directors will meet February 6-8th to discuss where things stand and make necessary decisions, including election of a Board of Directors for 2009 – 2011. Every possibility is being exhausted to ensure the League’s continuation, despite the economic recession at home and abroad, and many former and current US officials have contributed, recognizing the importance of the League’s role to ensure priority efforts continue. Members and supporters are urged to be imaginative in trying to raise funds and to contribute to the extent possible to sustain League efforts, without which POW/MIA accounting will be solely in the hands of elected and appointed politicians and career officials.

PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: This year’s annual meeting promises to be special, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and 40 years since the League was formed, then incorporated on May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future. Importantly, it will also be the first year of the Obama Administration. Such political turmoil brings with it many changes in leadership and focus that, hopefully, will benefit the issue, but require close attention and actions by all members and supporters, especially our major national veterans organizations. Please do your part and start planning now to attend, arriving early if possible to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital BEFORE the important sessions start on Thursday, July 23rd. The Secretary of Defense is again expected to authorize COIN Assist travel. Reservations can now be made at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel. Call 1-800-HILTONS (800-445-8667), noting affiliation with the League’s 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting, of go to www.hilton.com, and use Group Code POW to get the special rate of $149 per room night, single/double. Deadline for securing the special rate is June 19th.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

POW/MIA Update: February 6, 2009

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,742 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. There have been no recent announcements of Vietnam War personnel identified since December 15th. The number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 841. 90% of the 1,742 still missing from the Vietnam War were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

LEAGUE DELEGATION GOING TO LAOS, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM: Executive Director Ann Mills Griffiths will again lead a small team to Southeast Asia for discussions with senior officials in each named country. Departing on March 15th, this trip will be the 29th or 30th taken by the executive director since her first in 1982, on both League and US Government delegations. By vote of the Board of Directors, Senior Policy Advisor Richard Childress and Vice Chairman of the Board Mark Stephensen will complete the three-member delegation. Family members are asked to consider sending brief, thoughtfully-worded letters to relevant officials in the country where their loved one was lost, either thanking them for answers received (as is the case for Mark Stephensen and his family), or appealing for answers and greater cooperation, as is pertinent for over 1,700 families. Please send all letters to the League office, in an envelope containing your letter to a Vietnamese, Lao or Cambodian official in a smaller, unsealed envelope. All appropriate letters will be taken to the respective country of loss.

DEFENSE ATTACHE OFFICE OPENED IN LAOS: A Defense Attaché Office (DAO) was officially opened on December 5th at the US Embassy in Vientiane, Laos. The long-sought agreement to exchange military attaches between the US and Laos was first announced in 2007. The new US Defense Attaché, Army LTC James McAden, met with senior officials at the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National Defense as part of the DAO opening. US Ambassador to Laos Ravic R. Huso hosted a reception that evening for Lao and US officials and counterpart attaches in the embassies of other countries with representation in Vientiane. LTC McAden is a Southeast Asia Foreign Area Officer (FAO) who most recently served as Deputy to the Foreign Policy Advisor at US Pacific Command (PACOM) in Hawaii and previously at the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. He holds a Master of Arts in Asian Studies from Johns Hopkins University and an Advance Diploma in Strategic and Defense Studies from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College and of the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College.

PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: This year’s annual meeting promises to be special, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and 40 years since the League was formed, then incorporated on May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future. Importantly, it will also be the first year of the Obama Administration. Such political turmoil brings with it many changes in leadership and focus that, hopefully, will benefit the issue, but require close attention and actions by all members and supporters, especially our major national veterans organizations. Please do your part and start planning now to attend, arriving early if possible to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital BEFORE the important sessions start on Thursday, July 23rd. The Secretary of Defense is again expected to authorize COIN Assist travel. Reservations can now be made at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel by calling 1-800-HILTONS, or on line at www.hiltons.com. The deadline for securing the special rate of $149, plus tax, per room (single/double) per night is June 19th. To get the special rate you MUST indicated you are reserving rooms for the 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

www.POWMIALeague.org, www.POWMIALeague.com, www.pow-miafamilies.org

POW/MIA Update: January 2, 2009

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are 1,742 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. On December 15th, DPMO released an announcement naming four US Air Force personnel whose remains will be part of a group interment on December 18th at 9:00 a.m., Arlington National Cemetery. The four men are Major Bernard L. Bucher of Eureka, IL; Major John L. McElroy of Eminence, KY; 1st Lieutenant Stephen C. Moreland of Los Angeles, CA; and Staff Sergeant Frank M.Hepler of Glenside, PA. Two other servicemen, individually identified in October 2007, are also represented in this group of US personnel lost on May 12, 1968, on board a C-130 Hercules aircraft evacuating Vietnamese citizens from the Kham Duc Special Forces Camp near Da Nang, South Vietnam. They are Captain Warren R. Orr, Jr., USA, of Kewanee, IL, and Airman 1st Class George W. Long, USAF, of Medicine, KS. The remains of these men were recovered over a period of several years from 1993 to 2007 and five separate field investigations and recoveries. This brings to 841 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,742 still missing from the Vietnam War were lost in Vietnam itself or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

LTC McAden is a Southeast Asia Foreign Area Specialist (FAO). He most recently served as Deputy to the Foreign Policy Advisor at the US Pacific Command (PACOM) in Hawaii and previously served at the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. He holds a Master of Arts in Asian Studies from The Johns Hopkins University and an Advance Diploma in Strategic and Defense Studies from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College and of the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College.

DEFENSE ATTACHE ACCEPTED BY VIETNAM: After months of awaiting official approval from the Government of Vietnam, COL Patrick Reardon, USA, will shortly depart with his family for Hanoi. The first exchange of attaches between the US and Vietnam occurred fairly early in the bilateral relationship formally established in 1995. The resulting improvements in the military-to-military relationship have been useful and are beneficial to both countries, including the pursuit of answers on America’s POW/MIAs. There is announced agreement by Vietnam that the use of a US Navy ship in the accounting process can occur and is expected in March of 2009. The final details are still being worked out, but since the latest formal announcement was made by the Prime Minister during his June 2007 visit to Washington, DC, there should have been no further delay; however, the SRV has again requested that the US Navy hydrographic ship mission be postponed until the May-June 2009 timeframe and the US has agreed.

JPAC OPERATIONS: No JPAC operations were ongoing during the last half of December to enable JPAC personnel to spend the holidays with their families.

STATUS OF THE LEAGUE: Since the financial appeal was distributed in mid-October, funds have been received to enable the League to continue through December 31st. The Board of Directors will be meeting in early February to discuss where things stand. The Board and Executive Director are exhausting every possibility to ensure the League’s continuation, hopefully despite the economic downturn now facing the US. League members and supporters are urged to be imaginative in trying to raise funds and to contribute to the extent possible to sustain League efforts.

PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE 40TH ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: Next year’s annual meeting promises to be special in many ways, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, and 40 years since the League was formed May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future. Importantly, it will also be the first year of a new administration. Any such political turmoil brings with it many changes in leadership and focus that, hopefully, will benefit the issue, but require close attention and actions by all members and supporters, especially our major national veterans organizations. Please do your part and start planning now to participate, arriving early if possible to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital BEFORE the important sessions start on Thursday, July 23rd. The Secretary of Defense is again expected to authorize COIN Assist transportation.

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): The League (a 501 [c] 3 nonprofit) has again met the stringent criteria for eligibility in the 2008 campaign, and our official number is the same, CFC #10218, assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC. The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing American POW/MIAs, KIA/BNRs 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.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

www.POWMIALeague.org, www.POWMIALeague.com, www.pow-miafamilies.org

POW/MIA Update: December 16, 2008

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are now 1,742 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. On December 15th, DPMO released an announcement naming four US Air Force personnel whose remains will be part of a group interment on December 18th at 9:00 a.m., Arlington National Cemetery. The four men are Major Bernard L. Bucher of Eureka, IL; Major John L. McElroy of Eminence, KY; 1st Lieutenant Stephen C. Moreland of Los Angeles, CA; and Staff Sergeant Frank M.Hepler of Glenside, PA. Two other servicemen, individually identified in October 2007, are also represented in this group of US personnel lost on May 12, 1968, on board a C-130 Hercules aircraft evacuating Vietnamese citizens from the Kham Duc Special Forces Camp near Da Nang, South Vietnam. They are Captain Warren R. Orr, Jr., USA, of Kewanee, IL, and Airman 1st Class George W. Long, USAF, of Medicine, KS. The remains of these men were recovered over a period of several years from 1993 to 2007 and five separate field investigations and recoveries. This brings to 841 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,742 still missing from the Vietnam War were lost in Vietnam itself or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

LTC McAden is a Southeast Asia Foreign Area Specialist (FAO). He most recently served as Deputy to the Foreign Policy Advisor at the US Pacific Command (PACOM) in Hawaii and previously served at the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. He holds a Master of Arts in Asian Studies from The Johns Hopkins University and an Advance Diploma in Strategic and Defense Studies from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College and of the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College.

DASD RAY VISITS SOUTHEAST ASIA: In mid-November, Ambassador Charles Ray, DPMO Director and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for POW/MIA Affairs, visited the capitals of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, plus Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), before heading back to the US. Though the precise reasons for his trip are unclear, and perhaps it was a farewell visit of sorts, though no high level calls occurred, but one can assume that the usual points were raised. The only known issues that would really help include pressing Vietnam for unilateral provision of archival records, especially on cases in Laos and Cambodia, and implementation of Hanoi’s now longstanding commitment to allow viable use of a US Navy ship for underwater surveys, investigations and recoveries.

JPAC OPERATIONS: Commander of JPAC RADM Donna Crisp, USN, conducted two command visits in Southeast Asia in late October. After meeting with US Ambassador to Laos Ravic Huso, Lao Vice Minister of Defense Somphet and Detachment 3 personnel in Vientiane, she visited JPAC teams working at all five recovery sites. She went on to Hanoi where she met with US Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak, SRV Ambassador Nguyen Van Dao, Vietnam Office of Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) Director, and Detachment II personnel, she visiting a team at one site, before returning to Hawaii. Operations recently or just concluded in Vietnam, Laos, South Korea and India.

Five Recovery Teams (RTs) conducted operations in Laos from October 14 – November 18th. The 106th Joint Field Activity (JFA) took place in Khammouan and Savannakhet Provinces. In Vietnam, four RTs excavated four cases in Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Son La and Ninh Binh Provinces. One IT planed to investigate 23 cases in eight provinces and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The second IT was to conduct research and interviews related to 10 cases in Hanoi and three cases in two other provinces. Reportedly, unilateral advance research and interviews were also conducted by the VNOSMP on 12 cases throughout the country. The 45-day work period ended on December 9th with redeployment of the JPAC teams to Hawaii. In South Korea, one IT concluded work in Kyong Gi Province and in the DMZ on November 25th, as did another IT conducting underwater Phase Two Testing (P2T) operations in the Port of Pyongtaek. Another P2T recently conducted operations in India and concluded its work on November 21st.

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): The League (a 501 [c] 3 nonprofit) has again met the stringent criteria for eligibility in the 2008 campaign, and our official number is the same, CFC #10218, assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC. The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing American POW/MIAs, KIA/BNRs 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.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

www.POWMIALeague.org, www.POWMIALeague.com, www.pow-miafamilies.org

POW/MIA Update: December 5, 2008

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,746 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Late last month, DPMO released an announcement naming four Marines whose remains were either individually identified, or included in the group identification. The four Marines are LCPL Kurt E. LaPlant of KS, LCPL Luis F. Palacios of CA, LCPL Ralph L. Harper of IN and PFC Jose R. Sanchez of NY. All were lost on June 6, 1968, in a CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter incident in South Vietnam in which 12 of the 23 personnel on board were killed. All but these four were subsequently recovered and identified. The remains of these men were recovered over a period of several years from 1993 to 2007 and five separate field investigations and recoveries. This brings to 837 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,746 still missing from the Vietnam War were lost in Vietnam itself or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

LAO DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER MEETS WITH LEAGUE: Lao Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisolith made a brief visit to Washington, DC, primarily to meet with Lao Ambassador Phiane Philakone and members of the Lao Embassy staff, but also met with League Executive Director Ann Mills Griffiths for a 45-minute cordial and productive discussion of accounting-related issues. Griffiths commended increased Lao Government flexibility in dealing with the US, especially Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) field operations, but also bilateral agreement to exchange Defense Attaches by the end of this year, a major move forward in the evolving military-to-military relationship. This exchange, formally implemented this Friday, December 5th, will be mutually beneficial and enable the Defense Intelligence Agency’s POW/MIA specialist (Stony Beach Team) to be assigned to the US Embassy in Vientiane, working under the auspices of the Defense Attaché Office (DAO). The League deeply appreciates and supports the advances that the two governments have made on POW/MIA and other bilateral issues of concern.

20-YEAR ASSESSMENT OF US-SRV COOPERATION & TECHNICAL TALKS HELD: Ambassador Charles Ray, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for POW/MIA Affairs, hosted Vietnamese officials in Hawaii on September 17th for a one-day assessment of the last 20 years of POW/MIA accounting cooperation. Chief of the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) Ambassador Nguyen Van Dao led the nine-member Vietnamese delegation, comprised of several long involved officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Public Security known to the League. US participants included JPAC Commander RADM Donna Crisp, USN, Detachment Commanders from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and senior members of the JPAC staff, plus Principle Director of the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) Col David Ellis, USAF, and senior DPMO staff. League Executive Director Ann Mills Griffiths, a guest of JPAC, made a presentation at the Opening Session, following Ambassador Ray, RADM Crisp and Ambassador Dao, and attended associated social events.

The 20-year Assessment followed the twice yearly US-SRV Technical Talks, hosted on September 16th by RADM Crisp to review the recently concluded 92nd Joint Field Activity (JFA) and plans for the 93rd and 94th JFAs. The latter is scheduled to include the first ever use of a US Navy hydrographic survey vessel in accounting efforts, a step agreed to by the Vietnamese Government in October 2006, but still not implemented due to bureaucratic inertia, now possibly complicated by proposed new requirements for implementation that Vietnam is proposing. Though not required for shallow water surveys/investigations that can be conducted using other platforms, the US Navy’s ship can help expedite the process of identifying possible shallow-water excavation sites and should be acceptable for use on the humanitarian accounting effort, as it was last year to provide humanitarian medical assistance to the Vietnamese people. The Vietnamese leadership should raise NO additional requirements for POW/MIA accounting-related missions than for other humanitarian matters; therefore, the US should make clear that such cooperation is simply part of the expanding military-to-military relationship, now evolving in a mutually beneficial fashion.

JPAC OPERATIONS: Commander of JPAC RADM Donna Crisp, USN, conducted two command visits in Southeast Asia from October 26-31st. After meeting with US Ambassador to Laos Ravic Huso, Lao Vice Minister of Defense Somphet and Detachment III personnel in Vientiane, she visited JPAC teams working at all five recovery sites. She went on to Hanoi where she met with US Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak, SRV Ambassador Nguyen Van Dao, Vietnam Office of Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) Director, and Detachment II personnel, she visiting a team at one site, before returning to Hawaii.

After a brief period during which no JPAC teams were deployed, operations are either now ongoing or just concluded in Vietnam, Laos, South Korea and India. Five Recovery Teams (RTs) conducted operations in Laos from October 14 – November 18th. The 106th Joint Field Activity (JFA) took place in Khammouan and Savannakhet Provinces.

In Vietnam,four RTs are still excavating four cases in Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Son La and Ninh Binh. Provinces. One IT planed to investigate 23 cases in eight provinces and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The second IT was to conduct research and interviews related to 10 cases in Hanoi and three cases in two other provinces. Reportedly, unilateral advance research and interviews are being conducted by the VNOSMP on 12 cases throughout the country. The 45-day work period should end on December 9th with redeployment of the JPAC teams to Hawaii.

In South Korea, one IT concluded work in Kyong Gi Province and in the DMZ on November 25th, as did another IT conducting underwater Phase Two Testing (P2T) operations in the Port of Pyongtaek. Another P2T recently conducted operations in India and concluded its work on November 21st.

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC): The League (a 501 [c] 3 nonprofit) has again met the stringent criteria for eligibility in the 2008 campaign, and our official number is the same, CFC #10218, assigned by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Washington, DC. The League is the ONLY nonprofit organization representing American POW/MIAs, KIA/BNRs 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.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

www.POWMIALeague.org, www.POWMIALeague.com, www.pow-miafamilies.org

POW/MIA Update: November 18, 2008

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are still 1,746 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. DPMO recently released an announcement naming four Marines whose remains were either individually identified, or included in the group identification. The four Marines are LCPL Kurt E. LaPlant of KS, LCPL Luis F. Palacios of CA, LCPL Ralph L. Harper of IN and PFC Jose R. Sanchez of NY. All were lost on June 6, 1968, in a CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter incident in South Vietnam in which 12 of the 23 personnel on board were killed. All but these four were subsequently recovered and identified. The remains of these men were recovered over a period of several years from 1993 to 2007 and five separate field investigations and recoveries. This brings to 837 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,746 still missing from the Vietnam War were lost in Vietnam itself or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

LAO DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER MEETS WITH LEAGUE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: On September 26th, Lao Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisolith, made a brief visit to Washington, DC, primarily to meet with Lao Ambassador Phiane Philakone and members of the Lao Embassy staff. He also agreed to meet with Ann Mills Griffiths for a 45-minute cordial and productive discussion of accounting-related issues. Griffiths commended the increased Lao Government flexibility in dealing with the US, especially Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) field operations, but also bilateral agreement to exchange Defense Attaches by the end of this year, a major move forward in the evolving military-to-military relationship. This exchange will be mutually beneficial and enable the Defense Intelligence Agency’s POW/MIA specialist (Stony Beach Team) to be assigned to the US Embassy in Vientiane, working under the auspices of the Defense Attaché Office (DAO). The League deeply appreciates and supports the advances that the two governments have made on POW/MIA and other bilateral issues of concern.

The 20-year Assessment followed the twice yearly US-SRV Technical Talks, hosted on September 16th by RADM Crisp to review the recently concluded 92nd Joint Field Activity (JFA) and plans for the 93rd and 94th JFAs. The latter is scheduled to include the first ever use of a US Navy hydrographic survey vessel in accounting efforts, a step agreed to by the Vietnamese Government in October 2006, but still not implemented due to bureaucratic inertia, now possibly complicated by proposed new requirements for implementation that Vietnam is proposing. Though not required for shallow water surveys/investigations that can be conducted using other platforms, the US Navy’s ship can help expedite the process of identifying possible shallow-water excavation sites and should be acceptable for use on the humanitarian accounting effort, as it was last year to provide humanitarian medical assistance to the Vietnamese people. The Vietnamese leadership should raise NO additional requirements for POW/MIA accounting-related missions than for other humanitarian matters; therefore, the US should make clear that such cooperation is simply part of the expanding military-to-military relationship, now evolving in a mutually beneficial fashion.

DASD RAY VISITS SOUTHEAST ASIA: Ambassador Charles Ray, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for POW/MIA Affairs, visited the capitals of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, plus Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), before heading back to the US. Though the precise reasons for his trip are unclear, one can assume that the usual points would be raised. The only known issues that would really help include pressing Vietnam for unilateral provision of archival records, especially on cases in Laos and Cambodia, and implementation of their commitment to allow viable use of a US Navy ship in underwater surveys, investigations and recoveries.

On October 24th, four RTs and two Investigation Teams (ITs) began the 93rd JFA in Vietnam. The four RTs plan to excavate four cases in four separate provinces – Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Son La and Ninh Binh. One IT plans to investigate 23 cases in eight provinces and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The second IT is conducting research and interviews on 10 cases in Hanoi and three cases in two other provinces. Reportedly, unilateral advance research and interviews will be conducted by the VNOSMP on 12 cases throughout the country. The 45-day work period will mean redeployment to Hawaii on December 9th.

In South Korea, one IT began working in Kyong Gi Province and in the DMZ. The other IT began conducting underwater Phase Two Testing (P2T) operations in the Port of Pyongtaek. These teams are expected to conclude their work on November 25th. Another P2T recently commenced operations in India and is expected to conclude its work about November 21st.

PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE 40TH ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: Next year’s annual meeting promises to be special in many ways, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, and 40 years since the League was formed May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future. Importantly, it will also be the first year of a new administration. Any such political turmoil brings with it many changes in leadership and focus that, hopefully, will benefit the issue, but require close attention and actions by all members and supporters, especially our major national veterans organizations. Please do your part and start planning now to participate, arriving early if possible to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital BEFORE the important sessions start on Thursday, July 23rd. The Secretary of Defense (whomever that may be) is expected to authorize COIN Assist transportation.

NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY POSTERS AVAILABLE: The 2008 poster, unveiled at the League’s 39th Annual Meeting, is again available to the general public by calling 703-699-1131, as is a limited number of the 2007 posters.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

POW/MIA Update: November 5, 2008

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are now 1,746 US personnel listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Today, DPMO released an announcement naming four Marines whose remains were either individually identified, or included in the group identification. The four Marines are LCPL Kurt E. LaPlant of KS, LCPL Luis F. Palacios of CA, LCPL Ralph L. Harper of IN and PFC Jose R. Sanchez of NY. All were lost on June 6, 1968, in a CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter incident in South Vietnam in which 12 of the 23 personnel on board were killed. All but these four were subsequently recovered and identified. The remains of these men were recovered over a period of several years from 1993 t0 2007 and five separate field investigations and recoveries. This brings to 837 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,746 still missing from the Vietnam War were lost in Vietnam itself or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

JPAC OPERATIONS: Commander of JPAC RADM Donna Crisp, USN, conducted two command visits in Southeast Asia from October 26-31st. After meeting with Lao Vice Minister of Defense Somphet and visiting Detachment III in Vientiane, she visited JPAC personnel working at all five sites. She went on to Hanoi where she met with Ambassador Nguyen Van Dao, VNOSMP Director, and visited Detachment 11, before visiting teams at several sites, before turning to Hawaii yesterday.

On October 24th, four RTs and two Investigation Teams (ITs) began the 93rd JFA in Vietnam. The four RTs plan to excavate four cases in four separate provinces – Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Son La and Ninh Binh. One IT plans to investigate 23 cases in eight provinces and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The second IT will conduct research and interviews on 10 cases in Hanoi and three cases in two other provinces. Reportedly, unilateral advance research and interviews will be conducted by the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) on 12 cases throughout the country. The 45-day work period will mean redeployment to Hawaii on December 9th.

In South Korea, one IT began working in Kyong Gi Province and in the DMZ. The other IT began conducting underwater Phase Two Testing (P2T) operations in the Port of Pyongtaek. These teams are expected to conclude their work on November 25th. Another P2T commenced operations in India last week and is expected to conclude its work about November 21st.

PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE 40TH ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: Next year’s annual meeting promises to be special in many ways, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, and 40 years since the League was formed May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future. Importantly, it will also be the first year of a new administration. Any such political turmoil brings with it many changes in leadership and focus that, hopefully, will benefit the issue, but require close attention and actions by all members and supporters, especially our major national veterans organizations. Please do your part and start planning now to participate, arriving early if possible to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital BEFORE the important sessions start on Thursday, July 23rd. The Secretary of Defense (whomever that may be) is expected to authorize COIN Assist transportation.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE

POW/MIA Update: November 2, 2008

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are 1,750 US personnel still listed by the Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War; 833 US personnel have been accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 90+% of the 1,750 still missing and unaccounted for were lost in Vietnam itself or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control.

Though not required for shallow water surveys/investigations that can be conducted using other platforms, the US Navy’s ship can help expedite the process of identifying possible shallow-water excavation sites and should be acceptable for use on the humanitarian accounting effort, as it was last year to provide humanitarian medical assistance to the Vietnamese people. The Vietnamese leadership should raise NO additional requirements for POW/MIA accounting-related missions than for other humanitarian matters; therefore, the US should make clear that such cooperation is simply part of the expanding military-to-military relationship, now evolving in a mutually beneficial fashion.

After a brief period during which no JPAC teams were deployed, operations are now ongoing in Vietnam, Laos, South Korea and India. Five Recovery Teams (RTs) deployed for Laos on October 14th for their 106th Joint Field Activity (JFA) and will be conducting operations on five separate cases in Khammouan and Savannakhet Provinces until November 19th. On October 24th, four RTs and two Investigation Teams (ITs) began the 93rd JFA in Vietnam. The four RTs plan to excavate four cases in four separate provinces – Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Son La and Ninh Binh. One IT plans to investigate 23 cases in eight provinces and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The second IT will conduct research and interviews on 10 cases in Hanoi and three cases in two other provinces. Reportedly, unilateral advance research and interviews will be conducted by the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) on 12 cases throughout the country. The 45-day work period will mean redeployment to Hawaii on December 9th. In South Korea, one IT began working in Kyong Gi Province and in the DMZ. The other IT began conducting underwater Phase Two Testing (P2T) operations in the Port of Pyongtaek. These teams are expected to conclude their work on November 25th. Another P2T commenced operations in India last week and is expected to conclude its work about November 21st.

PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE 40TH ANNUAL MEETING JULY 22-25, 2009: Next year’s annual meeting promises to be special in many ways, including commemoration of over 35 years since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, and 40 years since the League was formed May 28, 1970. Governmental transitions are taking place, and there will be much to discuss and decide in terms of the League’s and the issue’s future. Importantly, it will also be the first year of a new administration. Any such political turmoil brings with it many changes in leadership and focus that, hopefully, will benefit the issue, but require close attention and actions by all members and supporters, especially our major national veterans organizations. Please do your part and start planning now to participate, arriving early if possible to call on Members of Congress and visit meaningful sites in our nation’s capital BEFORE the important sessions start on Thursday, July 23rd. The Secretary of Defense (whomever that may be) is expected to authorize COIN Assist transportation.

CHECK THE LEAGUE’S UPDATED WEB SITE