POWs and MIAs – Help Needed to Identify Military Remains

Since wars began, soldiers have died and not been identified, thus the families never were able to get closure. Now DNA can positively identify remains found, but help is needed to see that this happens.Those still missing from WWII are a staggering 78,000 Americans; approximately 35,000 may be located if internment sites can be located (which is an ongoing effort), while 43,000 are believed lost at sea or entombed on ships that were sunk; Korean War MIA’s and POW’s are listed at 8,142, while Vietnam War lists 1,159. Also the Cold War has claimed 120, the Gulf War 1, and the Iraq War 3. DNA has now made it possible to identify remains previously buried as unknown. These totals may vary depending on what records were searched.

The United States set up the Graves Registration Service to return and handle the identification of military remains. Hawaii’s Central Identification Laboratory and the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs at Dover Air Force Base are actively trying to identify remains so they can be returned to their rightful families for internment.

Female DNA from grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters, granddaughters must be obtained for identification, time is running out with the aging of these women. If you are still waiting and hoping for the return of a lost soldier or know of someone who is, it is imperative that DNA be collected and put on file for recover of remains to be identified. The government needs help in getting this done as records of families are difficult to find over the years.

Groups very active in seeing that this is accomplished include the “Rolling Thunder” a social-service group, who ride motorcycles, most being veterans. These groups are actively working with Congress, the military and other government departments as well, to see that these valiant men and women receive the honor and respect so deserved and are returned for proper burials. Since many remains are still not identified that could be, if DNA was available, the government needs the help of the public to see this happens.

Becoming aware and joining this cause will guarantee that our military personnel will get the respect and honor they so richly deserve, for protecting the way of life that we as American, so often take for granted. Give thanks for our military and promote this cause in any way possible.