CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency hosted a Family Member Update on Feb. 21, where the agency provided updates to the Gold Star families on their loved one’s cases.
The event saw more than 400 family members, representing nearly 230 missing U.S. personnel, with approximately 285 attending for the first time.
Welcoming the families, U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Rankin, DPAA chief of staff, thanked them for their attendance.
“We are honored that you decided to spend your day with us and hear about what the Department of War is doing to execute the fullest possible accounting for our personnel who have gone missing from our nation’s past conflicts. The population that we serve are you, the families,” said Rankin.
During his remarks, Rankin highlighted the agency’s warrior ethos and its role in supporting the nation's sacred duty to provide the fullest possible accounting for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.
“Our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, often talks about the warrior ethos,” Rankin said. “I’ll tell you, at DPAA, we embody and live that warrior ethos every single day!”
DPAA's mission is to account for the nearly 81,000 Americans still missing from past conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. Family Member Updates serve as a vital bridge connecting families to this ongoing effort.
During the event, the 2026 National POW/MIA Recognition Day poster was publicly unveiled. President Jimmy Carter established National POW/MIA Recognition Day in 1979, and the day is observed annually on the 3rd Friday of September.
“The day was established to honor veterans who were held as POW’s and those who remain unaccounted for today,” said Jennifer Nasarenko, DPAA Outreach and Communications director. “Each year the President issues a Presidential Proclamation to commemorate the day and also every year we create a poster to recognize the debt owed to those who sacrificed that those how have paid for our freedom.”
This year’s poster was designed by U.S. Army Sgt. Ashleigh Maxwell, DPAA Outreach and Communications, Public Affairs.
“The Gold Star embodies the core of our mission and the commitment we make to the families. Being front and center, it symbolizes the sacrifice of the families who have lost a loved one in service to the nation. It fuels the agency's dedication to providing them with answers,” said Nasarenko, describing the elements of the poster. “The POW/MIA Flag's placement over the Gold Star is a representation of how each family carries the memory and upholds the legacy of the Nation's missing service members. The Warrior Ethos is the driving force behind DPAA’s work. It is a constant reminder of our promise to the Nation and guides the actions and mindset of DPAA.”
The Family Member Update allowed families in the southeast region to connect, share stories, and receive updates on loved ones who remain unaccounted for after their great sacrifice in defense of the nation's freedom.
The event facilitated direct communication between attendees and DPAA officials. Families participated in formal presentations and Q&A sessions, while private one-on-one meetings offered a dedicated space to receive personalized updates on their loved one's case.
By leveraging advanced forensic science and improved technology, the DPAA has provided long-awaited answers to many families. A key focus of the event was highlighting the critical role of DNA in this process, and family members were encouraged to contribute samples to help identify remains recovered from across the globe.
Gary Shive, Nephew of U.S. Navy Radioman 3rd Class Malcom Shive, who was in attendance stressed why he provided his DNA as a Family Reference Sample.
“I am here for Uncle Malcolm. I lost Uncle Malcom and Uncle Gordon [Shive], Dec. 7, 1941, they were killed on the [USS Arizona (BB-39)] battleship in Pearl Harbor. … Gordan was blown off that ship and was floating in that harbor and they recovered his body and he is buried in the ‘Punchbowl’ … but Malcolm was never recovered, and Malcom as far as we know is still on that ship,” said Shive. “We are a fortunate family; we know where Malcolm is. He is still aboard that ship.”
He stressed that his family gave their “DNA so that one day, when they recover those bodies, because they are going to disinter those bodies [buried at the Punchbowl], and they are going to have our DNA on file so that they can eliminate our beloved Malcolm.”
With their DNA on file, any remains disinterred from the Punchbowl can be ruled out as belonging to Malcom if they lack a family reference sample on file. This highlights the need for families to provide DNA, not just in the case of the USS Arizona, but for all unaccounted-for U.S. personnel.
A remembrance ceremony during the gathering allowed family members to share personal stories of their loved ones.
Rose Foster Cook honored her brother, U.S. Army Air Forces Pvt. Wade Clay Foster, during the ceremony.
Cook, who was just 15 months old when her brother died during the Japanese bombing of an airfield on Bataan, noted that the only memories she has of him are what her parents told her.
She said that her brother had always wanted to be as soldier since he was three years old and was killed on Jan. 6, 1942.
She noted that military had found her and informed her that she was the only living person in his family. “I was stunned, I had no idea that the military still hunting remains,” said Cook. “I was overwhelmed.”
Cook offered her thanks for the efforts that DPAA has in locating and bringing missing U.S. personnel remains home and providing answer for that families though events like the Family Member updates.
“What you have done for me, is to help me to know my brother that I didn’t know. I am asking the good Lord to let me live long enough for his remains to come back,” said Cook. “I thank you all, I praise the people that are still doing this work and thank you for the those of us who did not know anything about the recovery efforts, that you have included us. Thank you and God bless.”
DPAA’s mission is supported by numerous partners, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Battle Monuments Commission, and several non-governmental organizations like the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Special Operations Association and the American Legion. Their collective work ensures that the memories of the missing are never forgotten, and that their families receive the recognition and answers they deserve.