Advocacy

Operation 85 Foundation Strongly Supports:

TRANSPARENCY, DIRECT COMMUNICATION, AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY:
Operation 85 Foundation firmly supports greater transparency and open communication between the DPAA and the families of missing service members, with information tailored specifically to the conflict in which their loved one was lost. However, we believe the massive amount of tax dollars spent on marketing the DPAA to the public, along with the current system of Family Member Updates (FMUs) is an inefficient use of time and resources that could be better spent on actual identifications.

The DPAA currently diverts significant manpower and funding toward their traveling “marketing shows”—holding FMUs four times a year across the country and twice in Arlington, VA. These events require extensive preparation, travel, and agency-wide participation, yet yield little tangible progress in identifying missing Americans. Instead of dedicating time to proving they are doing the mission, the DPAA should be actively engaged in accomplishing it.

We advocate for a shift toward more effective and efficient communication methods, such as online updates, personalized mailers, and direct outreach that provide families with meaningful updates specific to their case. DPAA must prioritize results over publicity, focusing on identifications rather than resource-draining presentations that do not bring missing service members home.

TREATING EVERY MISSING CASE AS ACTIVE:
The DPAA and all relevant government agencies responsible for locating missing Americans should actively work on every case involving a missing U.S. Service Member. For example, the unknown casualties from the U.S.S. Arizona are currently classified by the DPAA as a “Non-Working Priority.” We believe that all missing Americans should be treated as a priority, and government policies should reflect this commitment. When there are opportunities for identification, no family should ever be told by the DPAA that their loved one’s case is not a priority, impractical or is less important than any another missing American.

PUBLIC & PRIVATE COLLABORATION FOR MISSING SERVICE MEMBERS:
The Operation 85 Foundation advocates for the DPAA and other relevant government agencies to collaborate with private researchers and historians. Many of these individuals and organizations have dedicated decades to studying specific cases, conflicts, and wars, compiling extensive research and historical records that could be invaluable in identifying missing American service members.

Currently, DPAA policy restricts direct communication with families and the public, requiring all inquiries to go through assigned casualty offices or other buercratic channels. We believe this policy should change. Open communication channels should exist, allowing the public to contribute their research, expertise, and years of dedicated effort to help resolve cases of missing or unidentified American service members.

ENCOURAGING COLLABORATION AMONG PRIVATE RESEARCHERS AND ORGANIZATIONS:
In addition to advocating for government cooperation, we strongly encourage private researchers, historians, and organizations to collaborate with one another. Too often, individuals and groups work in isolation, leading to redundant efforts and missed opportunities for progress. It doesn’t have to be this way. By consolidating research, sharing discoveries, and working together toward a common goal, we can more effectively honor the sacrifices of our veterans and ensure that every missing service member is given their rightful final homecoming. United efforts will lead to greater success in identifying the fallen and bringing closure to their families.

MODERN DNA TECHNOLOGY FOR FASTER AND MORE ACCURATE IDENTIFICATIONS:
Operation 85 Foundation strongly advocates for the use of cutting-edge DNA Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) technology and forensic methods available in the private sector—capabilities that AFDIL (Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory) still lacks. By relying solely on government resources with outdated or limited technology, we risk delaying or even missing critical opportunities to identify missing American service members while their surviving family members are still alive. There are highly advanced private laboratories in the U.S. that can provide more accurate, efficient, and timely identifications. We support the US Government contracting these specialized labs to ensure that no family is left waiting unnecessarily and that every possible identification is made with the best tools available.