Photo By Staff Sgt. Keion Jackson | Personnel from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the Ministry of National Defense...... read more read more
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SOUTH KOREA- From May and June 2025, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification of the Republic of Korea undertook a joint recovery mission rooted in a solemn, shared commitment: to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War.
More than seven decades after the conflict, the operation sought to locate, recover, and identify the remains of U.S. service members still unaccounted for.
This collaboration was the result of months of careful planning and coordination. DPAA brought extensive forensic capabilities and global recovery experience, while MAKRI contributed deep knowledge of the Korean terrain, battle history and local customs.
The effort stands as a testament to the enduring alliance between the United States and South Korea, an alliance grounded not just in military cooperation, but in a collective responsibility to account for every fallen warrior.
Chris Jo, a Korea Liaison Officer and linguist with DPAA, played a key role in facilitating the operation. “My role is to communicate any observations, opinions, or concerns to MAKRI in a timely and clear manner,” he explained. “MAKRI then assesses the information and determines the appropriate course of action, whether adjusting operational plans, initiating further investigation, or coordinating with other agencies.”
Having previously served as an interpreting officer for three years in the Republic of Korea Army at MAKRI, Jo brought a rare dual perspective to the mission. “Bridging the missions of both countries is something I believe I am uniquely positioned to do. These are the only two organizations in the world dedicated to this kind of work, and I’m the only person to have served in both,” he said. “This gives me a deep understanding of each agency’s processes and cultures, enabling me to facilitate collaboration with insight and effectiveness.”
Before the fieldwork began, MAKRI played a critical role in setting the stage for success. They engaged with local landowners to secure access to historically significant recovery sites—an effort conducted with transparency, respect, and community support. MAKRI also managed all lodging, transportation, meals, and logistical support, ensuring the combined team could focus entirely on the mission.
This support proved especially vital when a separate investigation team was activated partway through the mission. With two simultaneous operations underway, coordination and communication became even more crucial.
“We established concise manning rosters based on mission guidance from the scientific recovery expert and investigation element on a daily and weekly basis,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tad Desvoignes Jr., who led the mission—his first with the agency. “Due to the separation of sites between Team Leader and Team Sergeant, communication was constant throughout the day to ensure seamless updates and alignment.”
Leading a dual-operation recovery mission as a first-time team leader is no small task, but Desvoignes embraced the challenge. “My two biggest concerns were leading a team of technical specialists without having their specific expertise, and managing evolving mission requirements in real time,” he said. “The experience taught me the importance of understanding each role, embracing leadership expectations, and fostering trust across the team.”
In the field, U.S. and Korean personnel worked side by side, excavating promising areas using historical records, witness accounts, and modern technology. Long and physically demanding days were made lighter by a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie. Team members exchanged technical knowledge, cultural insights, and support, overcoming challenges together in the spirit of unity.
The bond extended beyond the worksite. Shared dinners, cultural exchanges, and celebrations of team birthdays helped build deeper personal connections. These moments reminded everyone involved that recovery missions are not just about honoring sacrifice, they’re about honoring life.
“Leadership worked to boost morale through a variety of activities, events, and small souvenirs, planned in collaboration with our Korean counterparts,” said Desvoignes. “These efforts helped foster a healthy work-life balance and built a strong internal support structure.”
As the mission wrapped up in late June, it left behind more than excavated earth, it reaffirmed the powerful alliance between the United States and South Korea. Through MAKRI’s facilitation and the tireless efforts of both teams, the mission underscored a shared humanitarian imperative: never leave a fallen service member behind.
“This assignment has been one of the most meaningful of my military career,” said Desvoignes. “It broadened my understanding of the mission beyond technical recovery—highlighting the importance of diplomacy, community engagement, and cultural awareness. MAKRI’s commitment to honoring local customs, and helping DPAA understand and respect them, has been key to improving success through stronger community relations and communication.”
| Date Taken: | 07.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.01.2025 21:15 |
| Story ID: | 543869 |
| Location: | KR |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, One Mission, Two Flags: Honoring the Past, Together, by SSG Keion Jackson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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