OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency held its Vietnam War Annual Government Briefing in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 26 and 27, providing families with the latest information regarding their loved ones’ cases. This was the first time holding the meeting outside of Washington D.C.
More than 250 Gold Star family members representing 141 missing U.S. service members and civilians from the Vietnam War participated in the event, with over 60 attending for the first time.
While welcoming the participants to the event, Kelly McKeague, DPAA director, reflected on the importance of the Omaha location and noted in a recent conversation with the Governor of Nebraska, Jim Pillen, that the governor stated, “Nebraska has a commitment to former POWs and your loved ones that are still missing in action.”
McKeague, emphasized one of the criteria DPAA used to determine the location for its second laboratory was to find a state, a community, and a base that would fully embrace the DPAA mission in heart and mind.
“And Nebraska has done that,” McKeague declared.
Discussing DPAA operations, McKeague stressed the accounting of U.S. missing personnel from the Vietnam War remains the top priority, with the highest percentage of the DPAA budget focused on that mission. “This mission continues to remain priority one for us,” said McKeague.
He also highlighted how DPAA embodies the warrior ethos, a Secretary of Defense priority.
“To the veterans in the room, you know what the warrior ethos is,” noted McKeague, adding “We are the embodiment of the warrior ethos. …Part of the warrior ethos, the last line, whether it’s the Soldier ethos, Airman, Sailor or Marine, is ‘I will never leave a fallen comrade behind.’ What we’re doing here is making good on a commitment that should have been fulfilled 60 years ago, 70 years ago, 80 years ago.”
This year marks several significant milestones, including the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the 40th anniversary of sustained recovery efforts in Vietnam, and the 30th anniversary of normalized relations between the United States and Vietnam. These anniversaries serve not only as a reflection on the past but also as an opportunity to promote healing and reconciliation for families who continue to seek answers about their loved ones who are still missing.
The event served as a platform for DPAA to communicate progress in recovery efforts and discuss ongoing missions to families of unaccounted-for service members and civilians from the Vietnam War. Families were informed about the status of their loved ones, reassuring them that the government is committed to bringing closure and accountability. Families also had the opportunity to engage with DPAA representatives, third-party researchers, and other family members in a conversation-based environment. A remembrance ceremony provided the opportunity to share personal stories and experiences related to their loved ones.
Steve Hall, the son of U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Willis Hall, from Lima Site 85 in Northeastern Laos who was accounted for on Monday, was in attendance for the event and received a full briefing from DPAA on his father’s case shared his feelings of gratitude upon receiving the news that his father was identified.
“I can’t thank DPAA enough for their efforts,” said Hall. “It’s like somebody said earlier, don’t give up because they will find them.”
On March 11, 1968, North Vietnamese soldiers launched a pre-dawn sapper attack against the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Navigation system located on Phou Pha Thi in Houaphan Province, Laos. Using grenades and mortars, the enemy overran the site, resulting in the deaths of eleven U.S. Air Force personnel. While nine Americans were rescued, one succumbed to his injuries before reaching the evacuation base. Eight Airmen, including Tech. Sgt. Hall, were lost during the attack and DPAA remains committed to bringing them all home.
During the event, participants engaged in formal presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and face-to-face meetings with DPAA officials, as well as professionals from outside the agency and fellow family members. Families received both general and loss-specific information about the U.S. Government’s efforts to account for their missing loved ones. The importance of DNA testing in the identification process held significant emphasis. Family members were encouraged to provide DNA samples for comparison to recovered remains, which significantly aids in the identification process. Thanks to advances in forensic science and technology, such as nuclear single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, the efforts to identify the missing continue to improve.
Since the event was hosted in Omaha, family members also had the unique opportunity to tour DPAA’s laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base. This initiative aimed to enhance transparency and strengthen connections between families by allowing them to witness firsthand the efforts made in honor of their loved ones and insights into the operations that support bringing them home.
Family members visited the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Papillion during the event, providing attendees with an opportunity to honor and commemorate the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. The memorial, built in June 2024, honors 400 military personnel killed in action. Featuring a restored UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, popularly known as a Huey, which saw significant service during the Vietnam War, the memorial offers spectators a historical journey through the War.
While commemorating the multiple anniversaries during 2025, to include the end of the Vietnam War, DPAA remains committed to honoring the sacrifice of service members, civilians, and their families. The stories shared, memories honored, and connections made during the Vietnam Annual Government Briefing serve as a reminder of the nation's steadfast commitment to account for its missing personnel. These milestone anniversaries reinforce DPAA’s ongoing mission to bring answers to families and recognize the profound impact of their loved ones' sacrifice.