January 1998. I was a junior at the University of North Texas, and six months away from my 21st birthday. Surfing the internet one day, I happened upon a web page that paid tribute to a man who was still Missing in Action from the Vietnam War. Feeling heartbroken because this person was only 19 when he was lost, and wanting to learn more, I decided to follow a link and adopt my own MIA. Little did I know what a pivotal point that would be in my life.
I am Stacey, a native Texan and proud American. I am an adopted member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 278, a life member of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, the proud granddaughter of two World War II veterans, and an honorary member of the United States Coast Guard. I am a friend to veterans, a voice for those who have yet to return. I live to honor those who made it back, and remember those who did not. It has been my honor to attend the funerals for five fine Americans who gave their all, yet had to wait over thirty years for their homecoming: USCG Lt. Jack Columbus Rittichier (Vietnam); USAF Chief MSgt. Luther Lee Rose (Vietnam); USAF Major Arthur Dale Baker (Vietnam); USAF Colonel James Wimberley Lewis (Vietnam); and 2LT. Raymond Arthur Cooley (World War II).
I began this site to honor my seven adopted warriors, seven people I never met, but whose stories have inspired me and have caused me to become more involved in the POW/MIA issue than I ever imagined I would be. This site goes beyond remembering my seven heroes. I recognize all Texans still unaccounted for from both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well ex-POWs of the Vietnam War. What I can do - I will - pays tribute to veterans in general and is my way of saying "Thank You" to those who have served.
I hope that you enjoy your visit to my site, and that it will make you think and take action. Remember, as of March 2009, there are still 1,742 persons still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War ... and there are still thousands more [total] unaccounted for from WWII, Korea, the Cold War, Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Remember them.