Special Operations Association, Inc. -...

Special Operations Association, Inc.Non-Profit 501 (c) (19) EIN 74-2619854

Rick Estes - President www.specialoperations.org

P.O. Box 1571, Wildomar, CA 92595 Tel: 951-314-3328 Facsimile: 951-245-3410 “You have never lived until you have almost died, for those who have fought for it, life has a special flavor the protected will never know.”

February 23, 2015 Honorable Ashton Carter Secretary of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-1000 Dear Mr. Secretary, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.

The ongoing reorganization and unification of the Department of Defense’s personnel accounting community appear to be based on sound principles of unity of command and are, no doubt, needed and well intentioned. We realize the effort is a work in progress and the final product should not be judged until it is in place. Much good work has been and is being accomplished by hard-working and dedicated professionals in this arena. We sincerely hope their on-going efforts and contributions are recognized and they are not only protected, but also nurtured, in this reorganization. We intend to monitor this reorganization closely and will not hesitate to share our views as it unfolds. The Vietnam War is arguably the least-supported by our citizenry, and most contentious, conflict to which our government committed our military. There are still approximately 1,650 recoverable airmen, sailors, soldiers and Marines still unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. Time is running out as Southeast Asia's acidic soil conditions are destroying the remaining remains. Additionally urban, industrial and agricultural development are destroying loss sites and host nation requirements complicate our ability to gain access even to known locations of our missing brothers. As concerned members of these Special Operations fraternal organizations we respectfully request your increased support to ensure the POW/MIA accounting mission in Southeast Asia remains a priority of the Department of Defense and is adequately staffed and resourced to ensure the fullest possible accounting for our missing brothers from the Vietnam War. Sincerely,

Rick Estes Printed Name

President (951)314-3328 (Mobile) [email protected] John P. "Jack" Tobin Printed Name

President Special Forces (Green Berets) Association

Alan F "Al" l Sniadecki Printed Name

President USMC Force Recon/Raider

Chuck Williams Printed Name

President UDT- SEAL Association

Brad Wright Printed Name President Forward Air Controller Association




February 23, 2015 Honorable Christine E. Wormuth Under Secretary of Defense for Policy 2000 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-2000 Dear Ms. Secretary, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Admiral Mike Franken Defense POW/MIA Accountin Agency 241 18th Street, South, Ste 800 Arlington, VA 22202 Dear Admiral Franken, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.

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February 23, 2015 Major General Kelly McKeague Deputy Director Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency 310 Worchester Avenue JPPHH, HI 96853 Dear Major General McKeague, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Honorable Mac Thornberry Chairman, House Armed Services Committee United States House of Representatives 2208 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-4313 Dear Honorable Thornberry, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Honorable Adam Smith Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee United States House of Representatives 2264 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-4709 Dear Honorable Smith, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Senator John McCain Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee 241 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator McCain, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Senator Jack Reed Ranking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee 728 Hart Senate office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Reed, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Honorable Harold Rogers Chairman, House Appropriations Committee United States House of Representatives 2406 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-1705 Dear Honorable Rogers, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Honorable Nita M. Lowey Ranking Member, House Appropriations Committee United States House of Representatives 2365 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-3217 Dear Honorable Lowey, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Honorable Rodney Frelinghuysen Chairman, Defense Subcommittee, House Appropriations Committee United States House of Representatives 2306 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-3011 Dear Honorable Frelinghuysen, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Honorable Pete Visclosky Ranking Member, Defense Subcommittee, House Appropriations Committee United States House of Representatives 2328 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-1401 Dear Honorable Visclosky, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Senator Thad Cochran Chairman, Senate Appropriations Committee 728 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Cochran, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Senator Barbara A. Mikulski Vice Chairman, Senate Appropriations Committee 503 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Mikulski, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Senator Richard Durbin Vice Chairman, Defense Subcommittee Senate Appropriations Committee 711 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Durbin, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Honorable Jeff Miller Chairman, House Veterans' Affairs Committee United States House of Representatives 336 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-0901 Dear Honorable Miller, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Honorable Corrine Brown Ranking Member, House Veterans' Affairs Committee United States House of Representatives 2111 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 201515-0905 Dear Honorable Brown, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Senator Johnny Isakson Chairman, Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee 131 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Isakson, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













February 23, 2015 Senator Richard Blumenthal Ranking Member, Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee 724 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Blumenthal, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 Vice President Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. Vice President, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 Honorable John M. McHugh Secretary of the Army 101 Army Pentagon Washington, DC 20310-0101 Dear Mr. Secretary, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 Honorable Ray Mabus Secretary of the Navy 1000 Navy Pentagon Washington, DC 20350-1000 Dear Mr. Secretary, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 Honorable Deborah L. James Secretary of the Air Force 1670 Air Force Pentagon Washington, DC 20330-1670 Dear Ms. Secretary, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 General Martin E. Dempsey Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 9999 Joint Staff Pentagon Washington, DC 20318-9999 Dear General Dempsey, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 9999 Joint Staff Pentagon Washington, DC 20318-9999 Dear Admiral Winnefeld, Jr., The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 General Raymond T. Odierno Army Chief of Staff 200 Army Pentagon Washington, DC 20310-0200 Dear General Odierno, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 Admiral Jonathan Greenert Chief of Naval Operations 2000 Navy Pentagon Washington, DC 20350-2000 Dear Admiral Greenert, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 General Frank J. Grass Chief, National Guard Bureau 1636 Defense Pentagon Ste 1E169 Washington, DC 20301-0001 Dear General Grass, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 General Mark A. Welsh III Air Force Chief of Staff 1670 Air Force Pentagon Washington, DC 20330-1670 Dear General Welsh, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.













March 4, 2015 General Joseph Dunford Commandant of the Marine Corps Headquarters, US Marine Corps 3000 Marine Corps, Pentagon Washington, DC 20350-3000 Dear General Dunford, The purpose of this letter is to voice the unified concerns of the undersigned Special Operations fraternal organizations, speaking with one voice, expressing our interest in and support of the United States Government's efforts to locate, recover, identify and account for our fallen brothers still missing from the conflict in Southeast Asia, more popularly known as the Vietnam War. We are all familiar with and applaud the efforts of the National League of POW/MIA Families to seek the fullest possible accounting for our missing from that conflict. The members of the League are bound to their missing relatives by blood and DNA. We feel no less connected to our missing brothers-in-arms through our shared experiences in the combat missions of that war. As surviving members of the Vietnam War and brethren in the fraternal organizations of Special Operations units that operated in Southeast Asia, we believe we have earned the right to have our voices added to discussions of this very important issue. We were particularly dismayed that the 2013 budgetary sequestration had such a devastating effect on the personnel accounting mission in Southeast Asia. These operations require lengthy coordination with our Southeast Asian host nation partners. These missions must be conducted in narrow weather windows or else be delayed for lengthy periods. The last minute cancellation of missions due to the sequestration were devastating to the mission and a national embarrassment. Further, they called into question America’s commitment to the mission on the part of our host nation partners and the American public. We recall that operations of the Veterans Administration were exempt from sequestration. So, too, we believe, should be the accounting mission. Our missing personnel are veterans who were unable to return home. They deserve equal respect and support to that provided their more fortunate comrades. We respectfully request exemption for the accounting mission from future sequestration, should it occur.










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