Captured Soldier Promoted, but Status Unchanged - Sgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin (we MUST NOT forget him)

US Army News Release Army Public Affairs ^ | April 15, 2005 | US Army

[Former Military Chick]

I ask that you send this out to your local news media (print and otherwise). Then perhaps if time permit's send this to friends and family and ask them to do the same. Currently we have one man hostage, all though that has slipped the news, and this fine soldier that we no longer hear about. While there is never an excuse for lack of news worthiness, HE IS THE ONLY ONE currently/on going who is MISSING!

We must not forget him, we must let his family know that his fellow American's keep him in our prayers and wish him a speedy return back into the arms of his family and his fellow soldiers. Yep, a little mushy, his fellow soldiers are like family.

I cannot think of anything more difficult than having to endure yet another Mother's Day without knowing of her son's plight.

Thanks for letting me rant.

[G.Mason]

Sgt. Maupin bump.

[Former Military Chick]

Thanks G. Mason.

PING to the rest of my esteemed fellow Freepers!

[Fiddlstix]

Click the Pic

[donozark]

May sound corny, but perhaps a bumper/window sticker campaign is in order? Something like "Remember Sgt. Maupin," or "Matt Maupin-POW."

[armymarinemom]

Sounds like a good idea. People interested in helping to remind the hill and the US of POW/MIA issue may want to visit Rolling Thunder.There are petitions online to remind congress to reinstate the POW status. The annual Ride for Freedom is coming up.

Having a family member MIA effects the entire family for years and years. Our family was lucky we had a member returned after thirty years. At least we can now know where he was and where he is buried when we run across his photo in the family album. This family only has the haunting face of a frightened loved one and no answers to where he is now. We can't let America forget that.

[StarCMC]

Bump for Sgt. Maupin. My POW bracelet (which I am wearing) is now incorrect. He is listed as PFC. I will not forget him.

[Former Military Chick]

Last year, I tried my hardest to find a way to have bracelets made on behalf of Maupin. I called DOD, folks that make it and everyone's excuse we DO NOT REALLY KNOW HIS STATUS.

I was so outraged, that I tried even harder to find any company that would make the bracelet, like the ones worn by American's during the Vietnam War. I did run across one, but, again, he said the problem is the status. It goes back to the first Gulf War. The ones who were POW, still have not been put on paper for folks to make bracelets with the DOD blessings.

So, if anyone have any thoughts, please let me know.

I had posted on the thread a wonderful article from the DOD (United States Department of Defense, American Forces Information Service, News Article) the article discussed the generosity of a company honoring our fallen. The thread was yanked saying it was solicitation. It talked about where you could pick them up but really about doing something to honor our fallen. Here is the link http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Apr2005/20050419_664.html, you can decide for yourself.

They donate monies to assist the families of those who have died in service to our country. What better use of FR then to honor our hero's? Anyway, it is something to consider. Hope the link is OK?

But, if the company does this, than perhaps they can do a Maupin bracelet?

[Former Military Chick]

Wow, great news, you have found a company who makes the bracelets, would you mind sharing with the thread how we might do the same? Thank you in advance.

[AZamericonnie]

Thank you for posting this...Sgt. Maupin & his family are in my thoughts & prayers.

[duck duck goose]

Hi Ya!!

Hey how far do you want to go with this?? Just MAUPIN bracelets or for fallen heroes?? POW's?? Just curious. bestpromotionals.com can help you.

[armymarinemom]

But, if the company does this, than perhaps they can do a Maupin bracelet?

I do wonder if they could. I also wonder if Rolling Thunder of the POW/MIA families could help with a bumper sticker campaign along with a bracelet campaign. Heck FR could do T-shirts and bumper stickers.

I have pushed in the past to have fliers put in the Airports for outgoing troops with age enhanced photos of Capt. Speicher as well as a photo layout of Pfc. Maupin. Photos need to have a face out of uniform as well as in uniform. The local troop greeting group hasn't been receptive.

[G.Mason]

The link works just fine.

I have a bracelet honoring Marine Lance Cpl. Michael J. Halal from Glendale, Arizona, KIA on September 13, 2004, from that very company.

[StarCMC]

Ok - give me a minute and let me see if I can find it - smaagee gave us the link one night and I went and ordered it. I have been wearing it ever since.

[cvq3842]

This is very important!

Thanks for posting!

[StarCMC]

Here's a website to do it: http://www.pownetwork.org/hoi.htm

[Soaring Feather]

Dittos!

I have one for Matt also.

[Former Military Chick]

Not sure how far, but, I would hope we honor all our vets, POW, MIA and died in the service to our great company.

Thanks for the comment.

[Former Military Chick]

I am tickled pink, will give a ring. I am very proud to have a friend. such as you, honoring our Fallen Hero's, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[Syncro]

Thanks for mentioning Rolling Thunder

From Rolling Thunder's Website:

This year we have an extra fight. Since the Department of Defense recently changed the POW/MIA status to Missing/Captured (MIA/C), we are working on a petition that we will give to President Bush to demand he change it back.
Why aren’t Matt Maupin and Scott Speicher POW’s?

This move appears to be the beginning of the end for government acknowledgment that there are any POW’s. We hope to get hundreds of thousands of signatures to back this demand.

The petition:

Here in pdf

Rolling Thunder was represented at the March For Justice II in Washington DC April 7^th, 2005.