Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Director Kelly McKeague presents a plaque to Past National Commander Gene Murphy, a disabled Vietnam veteran.

In a packed room in late June, more than 200 family members listened as the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) offered updates on their missing loved ones’ cases. The families, representing 141 missing service members from the Vietnam War, gathered in Omaha, Nebraska, which holds a significant place in the hearts of those hoping to receive word that their family members’ remains will return home.

It was the first time the DPAA held its annual government briefing outside of Washington, D.C.

Omaha is just north of Offutt Air Force Base and the DPAA Laboratory—the largest skeletal identification lab in the world. Comprising more than 150 anthropologists, forensic scientists and other personnel, the staff associated with this mission does everything conceivable to provide the fullest accounting possible for those still missing.

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the 40th anniversary of joint recovery operations.

“The reason why Vietnam War accounting is our No. 1 operational priority is that we know the most about it,” said retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague, director of the DPAA. “The case files are thick.”

Family members of unaccounted-for American service members from the Vietnam War share stories about their missing loved ones during a remembrance ceremony at the Vietnam War Annual Government Briefing in Omaha, Nebraska, June 26.

The annual briefing serves as a forum for DPAA to meet with families and provide updates on recovery operations. Officials shared crucial information with the meeting’s attendees. They discussed ongoing operations, and the status of missing American service members and reassured families of the U.S. government’s commitment to account for those Vietnam veterans still waiting to come home.

They also shared how scientific advancements improve ongoing recovery operations, including identification and repatriation.

While the Pentagon provided most of the resources, DAV sponsored the host reception.

“I first became aware of the meeting when we were at DAV’s Mid-Winter Conference,” said Marty Pennock, adjutant for the Department of South Dakota and chairman of the DAV POW/MIA Interim Committee. “And I already knew from previous briefings that they were always inviting financial support to help host it.”

A few years ago, Pennock toured the DPAA Laboratory at Offutt, which immediately sparked interest. “We were in awe of what they do to bring our fellow service members home,” he said.

Once he learned that family members would be attending the June meeting, the wheels were set in motion to provide financial support.

The DAV Department of South Dakota and Chapter 1 in Sioux Falls donated $5,000 to help cover the event costs. A South Dakota DAV contingent made the trek, including Past National Commander Gene Murphy, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran.

“I’m a firm believer in never leaving anybody behind,” Murphy said. “I remember there were a couple of battles where we couldn’t find two of our guys, but I encourage anybody to sit in their meetings and to support this agency.”

Like Murphy, Pennock was struck by the weight of the family members’ presence. “It hit an emotion for me to listen to everyone,” he said. “There were a lot of tears in the audience.”