Wednesday, April 06, 2005

Still Praying for Matt and Scott

MaupinA PFC when he was captured on April 9, 2004, Keith "Matt" Maupin was promoted to Sergeant in absentia on April 1, 2005. A native of Batavia, OH, Maupin is the only man or woman that the U.S. military lists as "captured" since the Iraq war began. No conclusive evidence has surfaced about his fate.

SpeicherNavy LCDR Michael "Scott" Speicher was flying his F/A-18 over Iraq on January 18, 1991 when his plane was shot down by an Iraqi SAM. He was listed as KIA, but is now listed as MIA/Captured. Two sets of "MSS" initials have been found carved into the walls of Iraqi prisons, the most recent in late 2003. Speicher was later promoted to Commander and then Captain (equivalent to an Army Colonel) in absentia in 2002. The U.S. Navy announced on April 4 that a panel has been assigned to review Speicher's status. All indications are that it will be changed to KIA.

These are the only two men suspected of still being held captive in Iraq. Until proven otherwise, I'm going to assume they are still alive. Please join America in praying for the safe return of these two precious lives.

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