ARLINGTON, Va. (Army News Service, July 24, 2009) -- Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston spoke to the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia on Friday.
On the 40th anniversary of the organization, Preston reflected on the service and sacrifice of the men and women who were prisoners of war and those missing in action. He said it was important to make sure they are never forgotten.
Aca,!A"Your attendance today proves once again that the bond of love transcends the passage of time,Aca,!A? Preston said. Aca,!A"That while our nation's heroes may not be always present in spirit, they will never be forgotten.Aca,!A?
Preston discussed the significant role the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command has in returning Soldiers to their families and helps them find closure. JPACAca,!a,,cs mission is to account for all of AmericaAca,!a,,cs missing as a result of past conflicts.
The families of the missing have to live with unanswered questions everyday, according to Preston.
Aca,!A"All they want to know is what happened to their loved ones, and thatAca,!a,,cs not too much for them to ask and itAca,!a,,cs not too much for the government to answer,Aca,!A? Preston said.
Susan Stephens, the Georgia state president for the National League of Families of POW/MIAs, said her family member went missing in 1967 while he was serving in Vietnam. She said the Army has helped piece together what happened to him.
Aca,!A"I appreciate everything the Army does,Aca,!A? Stephens said. Aca,!A"Without them, I wouldnAca,!a,,ct have the information that I have.Aca,!A?
Social Sharing