The Silent Crisis: Missing Military Veterans in the United States
In recent years, the United States has witnessed a troubling increase in the number of military veterans reported missing, leaving families in a state of perpetual uncertainty. The Missing Persons Center, led by Founder Law Olmstead, has raised an alarm about the growing number of cold cases involving missing veterans. According to Olmstead, these cases often go unnoticed, and the families are left with little hope due to the lack of attention from authorities.
The Challenge of Classifying Missing Veterans
Unlike the clear classification of Missing in Action (MIA) or prisoners of war, there is no dedicated database for veterans reported missing. The only existing categorization is the generic “Voluntary Missing,” which implies that the individual walked away from their life without notifying anyone. Olmstead emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach, recognizing that missing veterans often have unique circumstances that set them apart from other missing persons.
Olmstead asserts, “Missing veterans are a unique set of missing people who go missing for many reasons and are not usually victims of a crime.” This highlights the complexity of the issue and the necessity for a specialized database to track and address the cases of missing veterans effectively.
The Call for Change
Law Olmstead and the Missing Persons Center are launching a campaign in 2024 to bring attention to this pressing issue. The goal is to change the current state of affairs, shed light on the alarming number of cold cases involving missing veterans, and provide answers to families who have been left in the dark for too long.
Creating a Database for Missing Veterans
To address the lack of a dedicated database, efforts are underway to compile information on missing veterans. The Missing Persons Center website (https://missingpersonscenter.org) aims to serve as a growing database of missing veterans that need to be located. This platform seeks to be a resource for families, the public, and authorities to collaborate in finding missing veterans and bringing closure to their loved ones.
Supporting Veterans in Transition
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a challenging process for many veterans. Social media has provided a means for veterans to stay connected, but face-to-face interactions remain crucial. Veteran membership groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion offer a sense of camaraderie and understanding for combat veterans.
For those in need of more structured support, the Veterans Administration’s Vet Centers, with over 300 locations nationwide, provide vet-to-vet connections and counseling services. The National Veterans Foundation, committed to one-on-one connections, offers a helpline (888.777.4443) for veterans seeking someone to talk to.
Conclusion
The issue of missing military veterans in the United States is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. The lack of a dedicated database and the classification of missing veterans as “Voluntary Missing” contribute to the oversight of these cases. The efforts of the Missing Persons Center, coupled with the support of various veteran organizations, aim to address this crisis and bring closure to families who have been waiting for answers for far too long. The 2024 campaign serves as a call to action for authorities, the public, and the veteran community to join forces in finding missing veterans and providing the support they need.
