Legislature(1995 - 1996)
03/28/1995 08:10 AM House STA
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HSTA - 03/28/95 HJR 9 - SUIT RE POWS & MIAS AGAINST U.S. & OTHERS Number 660 GARY TYNDALL testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of HJR 9, noting similar resolutions had been passed or introduced in 37 states. Alaska has the highest percentage of veterans of any state. During the Vietnam peace talks in 1973, Alaska presented the North Vietnamese with a list of over 3,700 names of people known or suspected of being alive in enemy hands. We got back 591 of those people. Three weeks later, the remaining 3,100 were declared officially dead, just written off and abandoned, with no explanation to the families. Within the last few years, individuals within our government have admitted they knew some men were left behind alive and have proof of sightings; some were used as bargaining chips. They should not be declared dead just for the convenience of the government and then abandoned. TAPE 95-37, SIDE A Number 000 MR. TYNDALL continued, HJR 9 signals Alaska's willingness to join with other states in petitioning to bring our men home. WILLIAM FREDERICK testified via teleconference in Fairbanks in support of HJR 9, stating he was past commander of American Legion Post 1 in Anchorage, currently commander V.F.W. Post 10029 in North Pole, and a Vietnam veteran. He stated at least families of deceased veterans have the solace of knowing their loved ones are accounted for. The Missing in Action (MIAs) families have had no such comfort for 20 years. He urged the passage of HJR 9. TOM GOGGINS testified via teleconference in Fairbanks in support of HJR 9, saying he had served during World War II and also in Korea. He believes Americans have a duty to do all we can to recover the missing people. It is on his mind each and every day of his life. Number 128 ART GRISWOLD testified via teleconference in Fairbanks in support of HJR 9. As a Korean veteran, he believes we must get behind this resolution because these men have given the ultimate for their country. Number 148 CHAIR JAMES reminded listeners they could also send written testimony to the committee. Number 173 DEE FIELDS testified via teleconference in Fairbanks in support of HJR 9, saying she is a proud member of the Alaska Independence Party and it is time we resolve this issue and get our Prisoners of War (POWs) and MIAs back from Vietnam. LADD MCBRIDE testified via teleconference in Fairbanks in support of HJR 9, stating he is a Korean veteran and just retired from the military in 1992. He is sorry Alaska is not in the forefront on this issue because Alaska has the highest military population ratio in the United States. He is also chair of the Interior Alaska Veterans Committee which unanimously supports HJR 9. Number 203 JACK HETHERTON testified via teleconference from Kenai in favor of HJR 9 on behalf of VFW Post 10046, of which he is Commander, and on behalf of the two Alaskans still listed as missing in action. Soldiers missing in action are too often declared dead for political expediency. This has to be the ultimate shame of our country. As a combat Vietnam veteran, there has not been a day gone by in the past 25 years when he has not thought about his abandoned comrades. He carries a great shame in his heart where there should be pride. HJR 9 asks our country to honor a sacred duty to our veterans. Number 250 NANCY GOURLEY testified via teleconference from Kenai in support of HJR 9, stating she is a family member of a man who has been missing in action from Vietnam since November 18, 1971. In addition, her uncle has been missing from Korea since July 5, 1950. She is keenly involved and interested in this issue. She had an investigation into her brother's crash site, but the information she received was very suspicious and questionable. The family has had no resolution from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Department of Defense (DOD), State Department, National Security Council, National Security Agency, seven congressional investigations, or from Alaska's congressional delegation, and they feel like this resolution is their last hope. Everybody agrees on just one point: There were live men left behind. She asked where are they now, and why aren't they home. Number 296 CHAIR JAMES stated Alaska has two service men missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, Thomas E. Anderson, USMF, from Spenard and Howard M. Koslowski, US Navy, from Anchorage. Number 313 REPRESENTATIVE WILLIS moved and asked unanimous consent that HJR 9 be moved out of committee. There was no objection; the resolution was moved. REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked if this resolution was the "last shot" at recovering the MIAs and POWs. He wondered if there was any way to negotiate, or if filing suit was our last resort. CHAIR JAMES responded yes, this was our last resort. The movement started in Michigan, where a way was found to go directly to the Supreme Court on behalf of the POWs and MIAs. Previously, any court action could only be taken by the person himself; not even relatives were allowed. But Alaska as a state can do it for our residents and go directly to the Supreme Court, and she hopes all the states will join in and do the same thing. REPRESENTATIVE ROBINSON noted it is not just the existing President but the last several, for the last twenty years at least, who have failed to deal with this issue.
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