By Irene L. Mandra

The Joint Commission has had a minimal crew in Moscow since three of the U.S. personnel were required to leave Russia by July 1, under the terms of reciprocal expulsion orders. I sincerely hope that we can minimize the impact of this loss. Luckily, the U.S. commission has a number of seasoned Moscow researchers in JCSD. New talent with strong language skills has also joined the U.S. effort. Given these factors, I do not expect that the commission will be facing any major disruptions to their work. They continue to move ahead on the archival research effort at Podolsk and on the interview program targeted at Korean War Veterans in the former USSR.

The U.S. side is working with civic organizations in Russia to expand their collaborative network with researchers having the knowledge base and contacts to examine documents and interview individuals that may be helpful to their work. Fledgling programs, along these lines, are being pursued in the Komi Republic and the Perm Region of Russia.

I believe that we cannot reasonably expect any fundamental improvement in the working environment or, more importantly, in the prospects for resolving open issues, unless and until the family organizations, most likely to benefit from the commission efforts, make their concerns known. I detect a strong sense of disarray and, at times, passivity, that has settled over the issues by many family members and veterans groups. I am not presumptuous enough to recommend a remedial course of action, but I assume you can anticipate what consequences will come from allowing the fox to continue feasting on pheasants as he attempts to assure his critics that he’s actually a vegetarian.

Let’s start by putting someone respected in charge of DPMO – not just another political appointment. Someone with compassion for families and who will do the job to the best of his ability. Let’s not go back to the 50s, with the cover-ups and lies. We have waited too long for truthful answers. Call your local veterans’ organizations and get them involved with demanding a full accounting for the missing from the Korean and Cold Wars. Place calls to your congressmen and senators, and make them aware that you are still out there, waiting for answers and closure.