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DAK MAN, Laos - In the dense, rain-soaked jungles of Southeast Asia, the mission endures. Beneath the canopy of Dak Man, Laos, a dedicated team of U.S. service members and civilians press forward through thick mud and relentless monsoons—not for victory, but for remembrance.
They are part of a recovery operation led by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, working to recover and identify missing U.S. personnel who never returned from the war in Vietnam.
DPAA’s mission is solemn and steadfast: to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing U.S. personnel to their families and the nation. With more than 81,000 still unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts, the agency’s work is far from over.
“It’s incredibly humbling and personal for me.” Said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Cesar Andres Rivero Velasco, a combat engineer and the mission team leader for recovery team 1. “I actually have a family member who is missing in action, so I understand the pain and the unanswered question families live with every day. I often put myself in their shoes, and I always work with the hope that one day, the agency will identify my own family member.”
The team includes personnel from across the U.S. military and DPAA’s civilian specialists: forensic anthropologists, life support investigators, medics, and explosive ordnance disposal experts. Their work is painstaking, often involving hours of hand-digging and sorting through debris for the smallest signs of human remains or personal effects.
This operation in Laos is a testament to perseverance. The recovery site is remote and rugged, and the weather is unforgiving. Near daily monsoon rains soak clothes, equipment and turn the ground to slick clay. So slick in fact, many vehicles had to be pushed out of long, slippery hills after getting stuck in the unforgiving and cold rain. Yet, the members of recovery team 1 dig, sift, sort, and document; driven by something stronger than discomfort.
Beyond the physical challenges, the emotional toll is real. For a few on the mission, this is their first extended deployment in such isolated and austere conditions. For most, this isn't their first rodeo being away from home and loved ones for so long. But even so, one thing remains common; homesickness is as persistent as the rain.
“There’s no denying that I miss my family, but I remind myself that there’s another family that’s been waiting over 40 years for answers.” Said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Letoaepulealonaloto Tautalatasi Tuto’atasi, an infantryman and the mission team sergeant for recovery team 1. “Our promise is to leave no one behind. That commitment doesn’t fade with time. If our work brings even a little peace to his family, then every sacrifice is worth it.”
Despite the hardships, morale remains high, rooted in purpose and camaraderie. Each find—whether a bone fragment, aircraft wreckage, or a piece of gear—brings renewed energy to the team and hope to the family still waiting back home.
DPAA conducts more than 60 missions each year across the globe. In Southeast Asia, close coordination with host nations like Laos is crucial. The government of Laos continues to support these missions, recognizing the importance of honoring those who never returned.
| Date Taken: | 05.28.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2025 21:25 |
| Story ID: | 499796 |
| Location: | LA |
| Web Views: | 46 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, So We May Remember: DPAA's Recovery Mission in Laos, by LCpl Moses Lopez Franco, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
