Search Continues for POWs and MIAs

The display of the POW-MIA flag serves as the symbol of the nation’s concern and commitment to achieving the fullest possible accounting of Americans, who, having been Prisoners of War or Missing in Action, still remain unaccounted for.

JPAC is the Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command. The only Command of its kind in the world. JPAC personnel, along with other U.S. and foreign specialists, research, investigate, recover and identify remains of Americans unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. The highest priority of the organization is the return of any living Americans that remain Prisoners of War.

In 2009 there were 69 missions launched from JPAC. So far this year, 76 missions have been launched. Those missions to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia recovered and positively identified the remains of 26 combatants. The missions to Korea recovered and positively identified 33 combatants. The missions throughout the WWII theatre of operations were able to recover and positively identify the remains of 70 combatants.

Where does that leave us today? Very few of you know the facts. As of September 15, 2010 we still have 74,191 combatants missing from World War II. Many do not realize that we still have 127 missing from the Cold War. A Startling fact is that we still have 8,019 missing from the Korean War and 1,693 warriors are still missing from the Vietnam War, most, unfortunately, have made the ultimate sacrifice, but some may still be alive.

No one is missing in action from the Persian Gulf Wars. However, one Army soldier is being held as Prisoner of War. Captured in Iraq, Bowe Bergdahl from Hailey, Idaho is being held as a Prisoner of War by the Taliban, possibly in Pakistan.

Remember these warriors, each and every one of you. It is not only the warriors that we must remember and keep in our prayers. There are over 500,000 family members, friends and loved ones that await their return.

Remember each ex-POW, those that are being held as Prisoner of War and those Missing in Action, for surely they have not forgotten you. Remember them all until the day they come home.