Statement on the Repatriation of Charles Dean

Honolulu, HI, November 26, 2003

“I want to thank the United States military for their efforts in helping to locate the remains of my brother, Charlie Dean. At every turn, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and the U.S. military have been accommodating and respectful of our family's needs, and we're grateful for their service to our family and to every other family who has experienced a similar loss.

“This is an extraordinary thing they've done: I've been on the site of five POW/MIA excavations where they believe people are buried. It's very, very difficult. It's very rare to recover the type of remains that were recovered. The men and women in the military that I visited with and stayed with at base camp last year in Laos are extraordinary human beings. This whole operation is a real credit to the government and the U.S. military. My family and I are deeply appreciative.

“This has been a long and emotional journey for my mother, Jim, Bill and me. We greet this news with mixed emotions but are gratified that we have closure for this painful episode in our lives. Charlie was a great brother, and he touched the lives of everyone who knew him. I miss him every single day, and I'll never stop being inspired by his passion and idealism. While we are saddened that he is not still with us, we are comforted by the fact that he is finally coming home.

“I hope that the families of every POW/MIA are as fortunate as we have been in locating their lost loved ones. Based on my time in Southeast Asia last year, I can tell you and all those families that similar efforts are being made for every American still missing from these Southeast Asian wars. These are extraordinary steps our government has taken to bring home every POW/MIA. On behalf of myself and my family-thank you.”

Further questions can be directed to Lt. Colonel Gerald O'Hara, JPAC, 808-448-8903, extension 111.

http://www.deanforamerica.com

--- End ---

.

.

Back to Dean Speeches


Or else I'm just a Luddite