| |
Sept. 22, 2004
Release No. 098
Air Force continues efforts to locate POWs, MIAs
By Tech. Sgt. James Brabenec
AFPC Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Having
returned from New York to commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day
recently, Master Sgt. Cheryl Wells and Mr. Barney Frampton of the
missing persons branch here continue their
efforts to account for Air Force POWs and MIAs.
Sergeant Wells and Mr. Frampton work to bring closure for the families of
the 1,600 Airmen POWs and MIAs lost during the Korean, Cold and Vietnam
wars.
Special events such as the recognition day educate the
general public on this issue, but that is only a fraction of what
the Airmen and civilians do here on a daily basis. The
branch keeps detailed records on each POW or MIA along with all family
correspondence until each individual case is
closed.
“We’ve only recently gained access into some areas where the Korean War was
fought – a war that happened more than 50 years ago. As an active duty NCO,
it’s reassuring to know our government will never give up on its POWs and
MIAs. I’m proud to be a part of that level of commitment,” said Sergeant
Wells, program manager for the missing persons branch.
Wearing a silver POW/MIA bracelet, Sergeant Wells demonstrates her
personal commitment to locating missing servicemen daily. Since her arrival
at the missing persons branch in 2003, she chose to wear the bracelet, with
the name Senior Master Sgt. James H. Calfee etched into it, until his
remains of are recovered.
“This job includes a lot of travel, and though it is inconvenient especially
with airport security checks, I never take my POW/MIA bracelet off,” said
Sergeant Wells. “It is a fantastic way to educate people and will serve as a
reminder of Sergeant Calfee and his family long after I leave here.”
Branch members regularly contact and update families of POWs and MIAs
through regional meetings and national conferences. In addition to these
gatherings, they answer all manner of correspondences from family members of
POWs and MIAs on a daily basis.
Through this contact, branch members get to know these people and the lives
they live. These connections provide an extra reward to these Air Force
professionals.
“Having worked here 14 years with these families, the most gratification I
get is when we identify a POW or MIA,” said Mr. Frampton, senior liaison
officer for the branch. “It means a lot to me to know another one of our
warriors is home, and that his family can now be at peace. That takes a
little burden off my heart.”
(Editor’s note: A photo and cutline is available for inclusion with this
story. Call DSN 665-4435 if interested. Courtesy AFPC News Service)
-30-
Return to Public Affairs |
|
