POSSIBILITY OF LIVE POW/MIAs, AND FACILITATING THE RETURN OF THOSE WHO REMAIN IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Many members of VVA believe that American POWs and MIAs were left behind at the end of the Vietnam War. Testimony and documents gathered over the years, and those documents disclosed during the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs hearings and the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the 104th Congress, add considerable weight to this belief. VVA has been and continues to be actively involved in attempts to arrive at the fullest possible accounting of American POWs and MIAs. Through the resolution process, the VVA POW/MIA Committee is directed to research, analyze, and seek information regarding our POW/MIAs. In addition, the Veterans Initiative project is designed to provide the opportunity for a veteran-to-veteran dialogue regarding information that may eventually help resolve the fate of many Americans. So that it may be presented at appropriate times during discussions, VVA leaders need to know the position of the members regarding the possibility of live Americans who have been unable to return home. There continue to be reports and indications of Americans living by choice or otherwise in Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Whether in prisoner status or not, it is in the interests of family members and Vietnam Veterans of America that VVA provide whatever assistance possible to facilitate the return of these Americans, if they so desire, with no punitive action by U.S. authorities. Resolved, That: Vietnam Veterans of America, recognizes and acknowledges that the preponderance of information substantiates that there exist the possibility that there may be live American POWs and/or other Americans held against their will from the Vietnam War that are unable to return home, and directs that the POW/MIA Committee and the Veterans Initiative Task Force in their efforts must bring to the discussion this position. VVA also urges that all intelligence documents concerning this issue must be declassified, that should a missing American surface in those countries, such an individual would not face punitive action or monetary penalty, and that the U.S. government would take further steps to facilitate repatriation of any such American, and the immediate family members, if any, who choose to return to the United States. VVA stands ready to facilitate the return of any missing American who has been living in Southeast Asia or any other foreign country since the end of the Vietnam War and to provide legal assistance as determined by the National Board of Directors of VVA on a case-by-case basis to such an individual regardless of status. Further, VVA will seek and support legislation that protects such an individual and/or his family from punitive action or monetary penalty. Financial Impact Statement: In accordance with motion 8 passed at VVA January 2002 National Board of Directors meeting which charges this committee with the reviewing of its relevant Resolutions and determining an expenditure estimate required to implement the Resolution, presented for consideration at the 2005 National Convention; this committee submits that implementation of the foregoing Resolution shall be at no cost to National. HONORING ALL RETURNED POW’S, AND GIVINGRECOGNITION OF AMERICAN CIVILIANS HELD AS POW/INTERNED DURING WWII(PM-4-95, PM-10-95
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