JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii –
At the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, some of the sharpest minds in the U.S. dedicate their skills to the recovery of missing U.S. personnel, and to provide the fullest possible accounting to their families and the Nation.
Scientists and anthropologists who undertake this mission are valued beyond measure for not only their work, but their dedication to this mission. Dr. Kyle McCormick, DPAA forensic anthropologist and scientific recovery expert, is one such scientist, who was one of the first GS-civilian hires for DPAA during its transition from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command.
“When I decided that I wanted to go into physical anthropology,” said McCormick. “I found out about JPAC’s mission. It seemed like a noble career, and it still is. My own grandpa, a U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant forward operator, served in the western European theater in World War II. Many of his buddies never come home. Finding out that the U.S. was doing everything they could to bring solace to their families and friends, I knew it was a perfect fit.”
McCormick originally studied at Washtenaw Community College, pursuing his degree in computer science when he discovered his love for anthropology. He started over, pulling a complete 180 into physical anthropology with Michigan State University.
While looking into the practical application of his new career path, he approached JPAC and was brought into the newly formed DPAA as a SRE and forensic anthropologist.
“There’s a lot to keep up with as an SRE,” said McCormick. “The time we have on site is, in my view, DPAA’s most precious resource. It’s the culmination of years of background research and [investigative] work to get us to the point where we know where we need to be. With six weeks on site, every minute is invaluable. It’s my job to ensure that we make the best use of every minute. With that, it comes with multitasking and delegation to make sure you’re hitting all the different spots on site.”
McCormick has performed missions all over southeast Asia, bringing his attention to detail and passion for the mission to every single dig.
“I love going out on mission,” said McCormick. “If I could be out there all the time I would. Not only the physical labor, but also the progress you make towards bringing answers to the families of our fallen. Not to mention the camaraderie you’ve built with your team and local workers. I love this job.”
Alongside both military and civilian personnel, McCormick works with the labs at the Daniel K. Inouye Center of Excellence at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii to fulfill the military’s obligation to leave no one behind.