Tom's POW / MIA Page

My Family has long history of veterans serving in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War,
W.W. I, W.W.II, Korea and now Vietnam. When I went I thought I knew what serving was
all about, since I grew up as a Navy brat. It took the whole year I was in Vietnam to realize
I didn't know diddly squat as to what it meant. I didn't have a buddy killed next to me so I
don't know what that's like. I knew several pilots that didn't make it back home. I know of
the empty feeling and knot in my stomach when I learned of their demise and realizing people
are dying. My Father had his ship sunk out from under him, along with everyone else on board.
My Father-in-Law saw hand to hand combat in China during the first outbreaks of W.W.II.
Neither one would ever talk about these events unless encouraged by the liquid that makes you
relax a little. Over the years I have learned from them what it meant to them to serve. I've come
to realize that I had the same feelings but didn't recognize them. The people I served with in
Vietnam are some of the best I have known. I wouldn't trade the experience for all the tea in
China. I hope the things I post on this page will always reflect my respect for all those who have
served in any capacity. I believe being Patriotic is more than just waving the flag. You have to
actually do something, in whatever capacity, for this Country and the Freedom we enjoy!

There were over 500,000 Americans who served in Vietnam. 58,148 were killed in action
and another 2,266 were unaccounted for. These Americans served their country when
called upon to do so. There have been POW / MIA's from both sides in every war. This
still doesn't forgive the U.S. Government from pulling out all the stops to get them back.
The only way to forgive our Government from it's responsibility in bringing it's soldiers
home is for it to DO SO! Since the war ended in Vietnam, refugees have flooded the
world, bringing with them stories of American soldiers still being held prisoner in their
countries. Hundreds of men wait in caves, cages and prisons in Laos, North Vietnam,
China or were shipped off to the former Soviet Union. The Asians have a long history
of keeping live prisoners for their own gain no matter how long they have to wait. How
much longer will we allow the abandonment of our best men? We owe all our POW / MIA's
all of our best efforts to get a full accounting or bring them home. They've made a great
sacrifice for the Freedom we enjoy.

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Operation Just Cause

The above Veteran Graphics are courtesy of
Ron Fleischer and Chuck Stewart.
Please visit their outstanding pages!