In Search of America's POWs and MIAs

In Search of America’s POWs and MIAs

by Donna Teresa, Homefront Journal

Families across America will faithfully be participating in the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day on Sept. 19.

Many wars and years may pass, but one fact remains: Americans are still missing in action and there are prisoners of war unaccounted for. For families of POWs and MIAs, the war will never end until their questions are answered and their loved ones are found and returned home. The mission to bring them home is strong thanks to those who make sure our government does not forget them.

Commander Scott Speicher was an airman serving with the U.S. Navy on the USS Saratoga in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm. A member of an FA-18 fighter/bomber squadron, his aircraft was hit by a surface-to-air missile and crashed. While numerous stories have surfaced about his whereabouts and fate, he remains missing in action. His status was changed to killed in action months later. But after many heated discussions and further intelligence from the Pentagon, the possibility of Speicher still being alive was put back on the table. His status was changed back to missing in action by President Clinton prior to leaving office. The crash site has been excavated, but Speicher’s remains weren’t found. The mystery continues.

While the process of finding our POWs and MIAs is slow and discouraging, especially for the families of those lost, there are many veterans throughout the country who have not given up on finding answers and making our government more accountable and making the POW/MIA issue a priority.

Here in California, there are many tireless POW/MIA advocates working behind the scenes to make sure POW/MIA legislation is passed and communities reminded of this very sensitive issue. Terry "Hutch" Hutchinson of the Vietnam Vets M/C of Freedom continues his quest to keep the issue of POWs and MIAs alive in the minds of our legislators. He encourages all Americans to call their state representatives and co-sponsor HR 111 and HR 1240, which establish a select committee on POW and MIA affairs. In addition, Hutchinson has been working on changing the policy of flying the POW/MIA flag throughout the state 365 days a year in remembrance and honor of those still unaccounted for and missing. This follows the lead taken by Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, who established the order in 2007 that the POW/MIA flag fly over all state buildings.

"Remember the solemn promise made between our government and those that answered its call to fight for our freedoms and beliefs. The words ‘Leave No Man Behind’ are the contract that every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine takes with them into war. There is no P.S. at the bottom that says, unless it’s not convenient. We owe Americans of past wars, as well as those in the military today and in the future, the commitment to honor this contract to the fullest," says Hutchinson.

Another powerful POW/MIA advocate is Sgt. DJ "Sniper" Nader, a California POW/MIA officer. He sent me a terrific link of a talk he did on Blog Talk Radio about the POW/MIA issue. There are not many people on the radio currently speaking on this issue, but Sgt. Nader is doing a fine job keeping many of us informed and updated with his efforts. Thanks to Terry, DJ and all America’s veterans, who keep the light on for all those missing and unaccounted for and because of their ongoing work, those lost or missing are never forgotten.

Donna Teresa can be reached at [email protected].

Original Story Posted at: http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_10305630?nclick_check=1