This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas 
http://dolearchives.ku.edu

Handwritten at top of page: MIA

June 11, 1974

(Redacted)
El Toro, California 92630

Dear Miss (Redacted):
Thank you for your thoughtful letter on the change in status issue. I know the strength of your feelings and realize that many MIA families have reached their own private resolution of the great uncertainty in their lives. Certainly, I do not disagree or find fault with anyone's views.

My only hope in looking into the change of status question is perhaps to help provide some procedurel safeguards in the military reclassification practices. The League of Families' resolution of April 27 emphasized the lack of uniformity between the services in this area, and the point seemed well taken.

My staff is currently researching the various issues and alternatives which might be available for consideration. No definite proposals have yet been drafted, but I am hopeful that a course which accommodates the reasonable concerns of everyone can be shaped.

It was good of you to write, and I appreciate having your views before me as this matter is studied.

Please let me know whenever I can be of assistance.
Sincerely yours,
BOB DOLE 
United States Senate

BD/pjt

s-con_285_015_002_A1b.pdf	Page 1 of 2

This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas 
http://dolearchives.ku.edu

handwritten at top of page: John S.; who is working on this?

(Redacted)
El Toro, California 92630

Senator Robert Dole 
United States Senate 
Washington, D.C.

Dear Senator Dole:
I don't know if you remember me, but I worked with your office and with you quite often while I served as (redacted) of the Board of the (redacted). My husband, (redacted), USMC, is still carried as Missing in Action.

I have recently heard that you are planning to introduce legislation which would bring to a halt all status changes for our missing men.

Senator Dole, I worked long and hard for our POWs and MTAS as did hundreds of wives and families of these men. I have wrestled with my emotions, worries and fears for seven years and have tried hard to be a tribute to my husband and my country in all the efforts that I undertook. I believe it is right for me now to go on, try to build a new life for myself and my young son and give of myself again in something that is positive and meaningful. I know in my heart that my husband gave his life for his country. He was willing to do that and it is time to allow him the respect of an honorable death.

Please do not prolong the agony of the hundreds of families that have accepted the death of their loved one for the few that fight today to stop all status changes. I have no desire to inflict my feelings on these people, but I also request the same respect.

I hope you will take my plea into consideration, for I believe I speak for a number of MIA families, when you progress with the legislation dealing with this matter.

My thanks to you for your great help to us in the past. I will be anxious to hear from you concerning this matter.

Most sincerely,
(Redacted)

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