For quite some time I shared general awareness of the POW / MIA issue through letter writing, teaching and POW /MIA group memberships. Then I read an article that suggested adopting an individual POW / MIA. The author claimed that adoption brought this issue even closer to heart. It also gave an individual to represent and a specific and effective answer to give when someone questions you about "who is missing?". I adopted one young man through The League of Families and then another soldier through Operation Just Cause.The author was right. Learning about these men has been a profound and enriching experience for me. They have added ardor to my sharing and teaching. They have added in a very special way to my life. I would like to introduce them. Lt. James Ketterer USAF (Promoted to Major while MIA) Jim grew up in Milwaukee attending 35th St. school, Peckham Jr. High and Custer High School. During his youth he already had an interest in flying. He worked at the Hobby Horse in Capitol Court and built model airplanes. Through his efforts he achieved the title of Wisconsin Air Youth Champion. After high school, Jim attended University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, graduating with a degree in business. At this time he made the decision to enter the United States Airforce. Jim showed himself a very good pilot. He was given the choice of being an instructor or piloting a plane in Vietnam. He volunteered to go to Vietnam. On the night of January 20, 1968, while dropping flares for a bombing mission, Jim's plane disappeared. Others in his group saw only an orange streak among the clouds and darkness. It is presumed that his plane was shot down. At the time of his disappearance Jim was 25 years old. Jim left a family which included his mom, two sisters, nieces and nephews. Jim's Dad had died when he was nine. Jim also left a fiancee. Jim's family worked feverishly through the Wisconsin League of Families to pursue every possible clue to Jim's fate. For all their efforts they found more questions than answers. Jim's status has been changed from MIA to KIA. A memorial service was held in July of 1976. Jim's mom says that they talk about the happy times they shared with Jim when the family gets together. They miss him very much and are very disturbed about his unexplained loss. Many questions remain and even now new questions arise. Sgt. James Neil Tycz USMC (Navy Cross Recipient) James Neil was born April 10, 1945. He grew up in a large family of brothers and sisters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His family and friends call him Neil. While attending South Division High School, Neil was very active in sports including Cross-Country and tennis. He also participated in other student activities such as proof reader for the Cardinal Weekly. Neil attended St. Francis Seminary before joining the Marine Corps. At the time Neil went MIA he was assigned to A Co., 3rd Recon BN, 3rd Marine Division, Khe Sanh, South Vietnam. On May 9, 1967 Neil's patrol had the mission of gathering intelligence information on suspected enemy infiltration routes near their base. The patrol came under heavy small arms fire. Several of the team were wounded. In spite of the danger to his own life Neil went to the assistance of a wounded patrol member, picking up grenades that were landing near him and throwing them back. One of the gernades exploded when just out of Neil's hand, mortally wounding him. Numerous attempts were made to rescue the patrol. A helicopter was finally able to land. Due to the continuing hostile action it was not possible to get Neil and the three others who had died. Song: Hope Has a Place Info
For quite some time I shared general awareness of the POW / MIA issue through letter writing, teaching and POW /MIA group memberships. Then I read an article that suggested adopting an individual POW / MIA. The author claimed that adoption brought this issue even closer to heart. It also gave an individual to represent and a specific and effective answer to give when someone questions you about "who is missing?".
I would like to introduce them.
Jim showed himself a very good pilot. He was given the choice of being an instructor or piloting a plane in Vietnam. He volunteered to go to Vietnam. On the night of January 20, 1968, while dropping flares for a bombing mission, Jim's plane disappeared. Others in his group saw only an orange streak among the clouds and darkness. It is presumed that his plane was shot down. At the time of his disappearance Jim was 25 years old. Jim left a family which included his mom, two sisters, nieces and nephews. Jim's Dad had died when he was nine. Jim also left a fiancee.
Jim's family worked feverishly through the Wisconsin League of Families to pursue every possible clue to Jim's fate. For all their efforts they found more questions than answers. Jim's status has been changed from MIA to KIA. A memorial service was held in July of 1976. Jim's mom says that they talk about the happy times they shared with Jim when the family gets together. They miss him very much and are very disturbed about his unexplained loss. Many questions remain and even now new questions arise.
At the time Neil went MIA he was assigned to A Co., 3rd Recon BN, 3rd Marine Division, Khe Sanh, South Vietnam. On May 9, 1967 Neil's patrol had the mission of gathering intelligence information on suspected enemy infiltration routes near their base.
The patrol came under heavy small arms fire. Several of the team were wounded. In spite of the danger to his own life Neil went to the assistance of a wounded patrol member, picking up grenades that were landing near him and throwing them back. One of the gernades exploded when just out of Neil's hand, mortally wounding him. Numerous attempts were made to rescue the patrol. A helicopter was finally able to land. Due to the continuing hostile action it was not possible to get Neil and the three others who had died.