U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Valverde, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency mountaineer, performs a gear check during a recovery mission in Laos, Jan. 21, 2026. Some missions require mountaineers to serve as team members to ensure the safety of everyone involved while operating in mountainous terrain. There are more than 280 personnel missing in Laos from the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dallin Wrye)