POW/MIA: Chair

From the Chair

Comrades,

Let me introduce myself: I am Denton “Denny” Luke, from Dewitt B. Tilden Post 316, Atlantic Beach, FL. First, I want to thank Commander Jessica Moore for the honor of serving as your 2025–2026 Department of Florida POW/MIA Chairman. I will strive to keep you updated on:

  • The status of any POW/MIA recoveries,
  • The progress of the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum being built in Jacksonville, and
  • Upcoming POW/MIA events across our great state.

I also want to introduce your two Committee Members: Lance Maiden and Doug Mobley, both from the Central Area. Together, we are committed to being a strong Florida team.

I encourage everyone to visit the Department of Florida POW/MIA webpage:
https://www.floridalegion.org/programs-services/powmia-remembrance/about/

There you will find links to important resources, including:

  • The Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) (https://www.dpaa.mil/)
  • The Library of Congress Vietnam Era POW-MIA Database
  • The National League of POW-MIA Families
  • The National Alliance of Families
  • The POW-MIA Chairman’s Manual
  • The National American Legion POW/MIA page (https://www.legion.org/honor/powmia)

I also encourage you to follow the progress of the National POW-MIA Memorial and Museum at:
https://powmiamemorial.org/

This is the only National POW-MIA Memorial in the country, right here in Florida. Please consider signing the petition on their website in support of H.R. 3057, which will designate the site as an official “National Memorial.”

At all official meetings, we pay homage to the plight of POW-MIAs as specified in Resolution 288 adopted at the 67th National Convention. But I ask each of you: What have you done personally to further the cause? If your Post or Chapter is planning an event surrounding POW/MIA remembrance, please share the details with us. We can help promote your efforts through the Legion Link, the Department website, and our Department POW/MIA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/falpowmia

Highlights from the Past Year:

  • Updated the Department POW/MIA Chairman’s Manual
  • Organized the 4th Annual Seven Bridges POW/MIA Remembrance Ride
  • Represented the Department of Florida at the repatriation ceremonies for 2nd Lt. Alford Hamway and Master Sgt. George C. Manring
  • Launched the Department POW/MIA Facebook page
  • Strengthened our partnership with the POW/MIA Memorial & Museum Board
  • Authored a Resolution of Endorsement for the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum

For the latest updates, please check the Legion Link and read our newsletter. regularly.

Denny Luke
POW/MIA Chair
powmia@legionmail.org