Dear , 

This month, a team of 15 Project Recover team members are in Palau conducting a MIA recovery mission. During WWII, The United States conducted nine major air campaigns over the island nation of Palau that resulted in the loss of over 200 aircraft and 1800 service members. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Project Recover has located 37 aircraft sites in Palau associated with 89 MIAs/ POWs and has brought home 13 American heroes from those sites. An estimated 480 American service members remain missing in action on the island. 

Check out this video that highlights Project Recover efforts in Palau

REGISTER NOW FOR MISSION MILES 2023!

Project Recover is launching our first annual month-long miles challenge and fundraiser, Mission Miles. Throughout the month of September, participants will walk, hike, ruck, or run in honor and recognition of our MIA service members and their family members who today, still wait for answers and closure. We see this as an important event that can bring Americans across the nation together in support of millions of MIA family members and in honor of the over 81,000 of our nation’s missing in action service members of WWII and since.

Will you join the 2023 Mission Miles team as a participant or a donor? We know that we can build this event to eventually fund a yearly mission, but it depends on the participation of our supporters, such as yourself. Even if you don’t participate, we need your help to spread the word to your family, friends, and network!

Register now to join our mission support team. Walk, run, hike, and fundraise as much or as little as you want in September with our nationwide team to earn great swag, but just by registering you are joining an important collective effort that honors our fallen service members and their families.

Let’s work together to fund a mission that helps bring more MIAs home!

JOIN US IN D.C. ON 

NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY

Observed annually on the third Friday in September, National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established by an Act of Congress in 1998. It honors those who were prisoners of war (POWs) and those who are missing in action (MIA). At present, more than 81,000 Americans remain missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars/other conflicts. 

This year, on September 15th, we invite you to join Project Recover at The United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Navy’s wreath-laying ceremony, a special screening of To What Remains, a panel discussion, and a reception in the Navy Memorial Visitor Center. 

If you are interested in joining us in Washington, D.C., learning more about sponsorship opportunities related to National POW/MIA Recognition Day, or making a memorial donation, please contact [email protected].

DONOR HIGHLIGHT - RAY ROSE

Ray Rose, owner of Rose Machinery, Inc., and the President of the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association (OVMA), is a passionate advocate for honoring veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice. He lives in Bend with his wife Carolynne. Carolynne’s grandfather, Charles Struck, served in WWII. On July 19th, 1944, his B-25 plane went down in the Pacific. He remains missing in action.

Last year, Ray approached us with the idea of hosting a screening of "To What Remains" to raise funds for Project Recover. With the support of the local VFW and their Auxiliary, who provided the venue and dinner at no cost, we were able to ensure that 100% of the ticket sales would go towards our mission. Through generous contributions from OVMA, Rose Machinery, and The Rumberger Foundation, and several other dedicated community members, the event raised an impressive $10,000 to support our efforts in bringing home our MIAs. Community businesses also provided raffle prizes, and many volunteers dedicated their time to make the event a success.

“Our young Men and Women sign a blank check to our country for an amount 'up to and including their life' when they join our military, to protect and defend our freedom.  A fundamental promise we make is to not leave them behind. I don’t believe any other country in the world still searches for its fallen and unaccounted for. That is one of the many things that makes our country the greatest on the planet. Unfortunately our government cannot do this on their own. That is where Project Recover comes in. They leverage historical records, volunteers, and technology to search in places that are difficult to access. Their success is something to be proud of! The OVMA and I are honored to help.” 

-Ray Rose

Ray's dedication and the unity he fostered within the community demonstrated the remarkable power of coming together for a greater cause. His support serves as an extraordinary example of what we can achieve when we work together. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ray. His commitment has made a significant impact on our mission, and we are incredibly thankful.