What can I do to help? |
The fact that you want to help
out is a great step. The first step is to adopt your own POW,
MIA, or KIA-BNR. Two websites - POWMIAFF and OJC - offer adoptions. The next step is to build
a remembrance page for your adoptee with the information provided
to you; both organizations have site builder tools and
tips.
Then, learn as much as you can
about your adoptee. Task Force Omega, Inc., generally has more in
depth bios than those sent [from POW
Network] when you adopt your person, but the site does not
contain bios for all POWs, MIAs, and KIA/BNRs. If you type in the
person's name in a search engine (use quotation marks), you will
be able to find other tribute pages and other sites that have
information about your person. Often times, there is more
information than you originally had, and knowledge is power. Make
sure that you get permission and/or give proper credit for the
source from where you obtained your new information.
The next step is to get word
out. Tell your friends and co-workers about your person, so they
to will know and remember. Write your elected officials and
remind them about the sacrifices these warriors made. The final
step ? Never forget. Always remember that a man is not dead until
he is forgotten.
Other good sources for information, generally from people who knew your POW/MIA, or are acquainted with his story, include thevirtualwall.org and virtualwall.org. |
I don't have a website; what can I do to help? |
You are just as valuable and
can help as much as the people with websites. Writing letters is
the biggest way to help. If you don't have your own adoptee,
write to your elected officials regarding one (or more) of the
persons you have read about online. Purchasing POW/MIA logo items
is another way to spread the word. You can get t-shirts, window
decals, bumper stickers, patches, lapel pins, and much more.
Chances are, people will ask you about the POW/MIA logo, and you
can spread word about the plight of those still unaccounted for.
While you're at it, why not buy a POW bracelet ? You can get one
for POW's/MIA's/KIA-BNR from Korea and Vietnam, and Cmdr Speicher
ones are available too. As long as there are people to remember
and to share the stories, these heroes shan't be
forgotten.
Places to purchase items from :
Heart of
Illinois, the Vietnam Veterans of America's Veterans
Collectables store, POWFOIA's gift
shop, and POWMIAFF's store. |
I have a POW Bracelet; how do I learn the person's fate? |
POW Network's website has a list of all persons listed as POW, MIA, or KIA/BNR following the end of the Vietnam War. There are notes to indicate whether or not the person has returned (alive or dead), and will give dates for the person's return (and remains' identification, if applicable). In some instances, you can find more information (such as articles or press releases about a returnee) at Task Force Omega, Inc.. |
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