Senate Passes Solobay POW/MIA Resolution

The state Senate today unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by Sen. Tim Solobay calling for continued support for former prisoners of war and for the families of those still listed missing in action.

“We’re more than a generation removed from the time when large numbers of American soldiers were being held captive overseas and hundreds of others were reported missing in action,” Solobay said. “As time passes, I don’t want people to forget that sacrifice just like I don’t want people to forget that we still have an American soldier being held captive in Afghanistan.”

“POW/MIA Recognition Day” was observed this year as Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, of Sun Valley, ID, remains a captive of the Taliban in Afghanistan. 

Bergdahl was captured on June 30, 2009—two months before the remains of Navy pilot Scott Speicher, the first U.S. casualty of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, were returned to the U.S.

“As long as there are young men and women serving overseas, there will be families back home suffering through the anxiety of not knowing,” Solobay said. “Our recognition of their service and our dedication to finding every missing soldier should not pass with time.”

The fate of more than 85,000 Americans missing in action remains unknown and more than 50,000 Americans are former prisoners of war, Solobay said.