TERRA Search Inaugural Newsletter

TERRA Search Promise Continues to March!

2024 looks to be a banner year for TERRA Search Promise.  We recently received our non-profit designation and we are in the early stages of preparing for a Spring mission in Germany. In support of our strategic vision, interest continues to grow with our reach into the veteran community at large continuing to expand. We are calling on our veterans, families, veteran community volunteers and supporters. Are you down for something with very real purpose with generational effect? JOIN US!

Greetings veteran community, friends, and supporters. The purpose of this  newsletter is to reach out and update you as part of the burgeoning TERRA Search Promise coalition and network. Your interest, either directly or through spreading the word, supports America’s first certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business non-profit organization dedicated to MIA research, recovery, repatriation, and pre-deployment recovery mission training. This is a mouthful but what it means is you are supporting our ground-breaking effort to bring the veteran family and supporter community into the long-held government domain of MIA recovery missions. Veteran community participation in earnest is long overdue. Who else has skin in the game?

Since our inception, our outreach has revealed that although the iconic black flag flies in many places around the country, to include the halls of Congress, there are few worthy efforts focused on preventing the issue it represents from becoming a footnote in history.

Even in current veteran generation circles, few have any real emotional ties on the issue. Our modern conflicts have fortunately resulted in our combatants coming home or accounted for, unlike their predecessors of former conflicts. As part of our efforts towards outreach operational vision, TERRA Search Promise aims to counter this cultural trend.

As we all know, veterans bring renewed energy, capability, and a profound sense of  purpose. Our interest is not accolades or social media hits, only upping the numbers of successful recoveries around the world. Time is not on anyone’s side, for the missing veteran or family member longing for information alike. We need to scale up to get results our nation’s families deserve.

As such, we are coming off the back of  2023. Over the past two years we supported recovery operations with partners in Europe, further bolstered our in-house expertise, and continued our global outreach effort toward forming professional partnerships to expand our reach.

We are entering 2024 with our new non-profit status as a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are stronger and more determined than ever to meet our intent to become the leader in recovery operations and successful in every operational venture we embark. Regarding the basics of getting back to the shovels and buckets of dirt, DPAA has tentatively asked us to look towards Germany in the Spring. Keep an eye on our website and social media platforms for updates. Please ensure to register your interest in joining us or lending your support to this mission. Simply click the link below. We hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,

Philip J Dermer
Founder & President
TERRA Search Promise 

2023 Outreach Campaign Highlights

TERRA Search is now a Certified Non-Profit Organization

We will be adjusting our social media and email domains after the new year. We will also begin an earnest effort for funding to foster as many veterans and their supporters as possible to join our efforts. While health and welfare is used quite judiciously in the veteran support community, few can match the inherent benefits of working for a real purpose with real return value received when we contribute to a beloved service member finally coming home. Our efforts and successes benefit the veteran, his/her family and multiple generations, past, present, and future.

Donate to Support TERRA Search

November 2023: Veteran’s Day Activities from Coast to Coast.

Doc and I were graciously invited by DOD’s Office of the Vietnam War Commemoration for a ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway in San Diego. This is the same office that sponsored the Vietnam Conflict’s 50th Anniversary celebrations on the Mall in Washington D.C. in May. Doc and I were invited to introduce TERRA Search Promise to invited guests, veterans, and Gold Star family members (always a highlight). Standing on the flight deck of the Midway was beyond words. I said as much when I got to the lectern to speak. I made sure I gave Doc time to speak. He was more polished than I was. In the audience was also a representative from Congressman Daryl Issa’s office, someone whom I met in 2006 during his visit to Israel’s Northern Border with Lebanon, during yet another of their conflicts. We also met senior representatives from the American Legion and Anthony Cordero, Founder and Director of the Sons and Daughters in Touch organization.

 Veteran’s Day Parade: New York City

Following San Diego, TERRA Search Promise was invited to participate in the iconic New York City Veterans Day Parade. The invite was from Mark Otto, a Marine veteran and President/Executive Director of the United War Veterans Council. Thousands of participants and groups from all over the country paraded through the traditional route of the Thanksgiving day parade and other national historical memorial events. We all had lumps in our throats as we started and as we engaged the crowd along the route.

TERRA Search brought together a small cross-generational group from our Vietnam Veteran and legal advisor Charlie Siner to my niece and a student archaeologist (and a hopeful recovery participant this spring.) We were even joined by board member (and veteran), Mike Gresalfi. Mike who took it upon himself to get our marching banner in short order. Great American. James Fenn of TERRA Search Operations, a central figure in how TERRA Search continues to drive on, joined on short notice from overseas. It was a great day. We were also invited by the parade organizers to the after party which gave us a chance to introduce ourselves to multiple veteran organizations. Next year will be even better.

September 2023: POW MIA Day 

This past year, we didn’t just look at the POW/MIA Day as another mandatory Veteran shout out venue. We looked at it for what the day should be: reinforcing and continuing the legacy of keeping a sacred national promise to never forget. But flying the iconic black and white flag only provides for visuals. It does not bring to fore what should be going on behind the scenes for most Americans apart from those veteran families directly touched by its representation.

Our outreach over the last two years highlights that contrary to what may be briefed by U.S. government officials, distance is growing between America’s promise with each successive veteran generation. We have engaged generations of veterans, from WWII to today’s Reserve Officers Training Corp (ROTC). Most know of the flag, but that’s as far as it goes. Others have heard of people looking for missing service members, but had no idea that there is a government enterprise, let alone an effort to expand the pie with private organizations.

It does not have to be this way. Our solution, as noted in our vision statement and supporting organizational documentation, is to up the ante by engaging the veteran community at large. By this we mean veterans AND families. By this we mean getting current and future generations fully cognizant and involved with this emotional issue. Why? Who else has a stake in the game?

The nation is long overdue in its promise to find our missing or realistically determine their fate to the best of the historical evidence and modern technical capabilities. It is almost 80 years later for WWII veterans; almost 75 years later for Korean vets; and almost 50 for Southeast Asia veterans. Other successful veteran led efforts lend credence to our vision.

Where would thousands of our Vietnamese and Afghan allies and supporters be without the veteran community rolling in BEFORE the U.S. government began to get itself together for the respective withdrawals? During the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the U.S. government at first tried to draw clear boundaries regarding private efforts. The organizations continued in earnest regardless. At present, there is a formally signed private-U.S. government partnership, signaling true meaning to the word partner. Ideas flow freely.  It should be the same for MIA recovery efforts.

Consider Team Rubicon, a phenomenal story by any measure. Two young retired Marine combat vets head out to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010. Noting the chaos of not just the damage but the way humanitarian aid organizations were working (or not), Jake Wood and William McNulty returned and created a humanitarian assistance focused organization with order and discipline to its purpose. No one told them to. Veterans were at its core as well as first responders. Today there are over 150,000 volunteers and professionals, veterans and first responders, standing by and willing to head downrange at the click of an SMS. There are always more volunteers than what the missions call for.

Consider Team Red, White and Blue. Started by a veteran in 2010, Mike Irwin wanted to connect veterans through social and physical enterprises. Today the organization has nationwide reach.

In TERRA Search Promise, our vision is big. It must be. We are not looking for summer camps or social media pats on the back. We are looking to build an enterprise that instills professionalism, dedication, and purpose into the enormous task at hand. This cannot be done part-time. The numbers of missing are overwhelming and time is not on anyone’s side, veteran or family member alike. By building a coalition of the willing and interested, we can take America’s promise to the “next” level, thereby re-establishing trust with the American people and forge the visual of the iconic black and white flag in our forethought rather than a footnote.

I walked the halls of Congress in early September spreading the word of TERRA Search and its vision.  I focused on veteran offices, consisting of almost 80 House and Senate representatives.  Access to the office buildings is again open to the public.  I visited the area in January 2021 initiative met by a massive temporary fence.  Access to our nation’s representatives is something very important in our political system and  in the interest of a veteran who has defended his country time and time again. Access to our nation’s representatives is not a benefit, it’s fundamental to the health of our country.

The halls were mostly empty and the staff were all in casual dress. Representatives were apparently on leave this week. This calm before the storm period also allowed me to strike up conversations in several offices rather than just dropping off the introductory letter and business card. Everyone was very polite and once I started our pitch, others in the office gathered around. Nice business card haul as well. Lots of follow-up ensued and will continue into 2024. I noted that not all offices posted the black and white MIA flag outside their door.  For those that did, many of the flags had gathered dust.

September 2023: Visit to the Halls of Congress

August 2023:  Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) National Convention in Florida

I was fortunate enough to attend the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) National Convention in Orlando. I was part of the team from VVA Chapter 227, Northern Virginia. Grant Coates, long time national lead for the POW-MIA committee offered time for TERRA Search to introduce ourselves. We were also mentioned during the POW/MIA ceremony the next morning. Many business cards were handed out. This is a start. We aim very much to play a key part in carrying forward the Vietnam Veterans of America legacy and fulfil the VVA hallmark of one generation never forgetting another. We will continue to build our outreach into the Vietnam era community by following up at the State, Regional and National levels.

We are now connected officially to the Vietnam Veteran community,  as it should be.  I was very fortunate and honored to attend the Vietnam Veterans of America 21^stNational Convention in Orlando, Florida, TERRA Search was formally introduced during the POW-MIA Committee meeting and again during the POW-MIA memorial ceremony.  We hope to build our outreach into the Vietnam era community by following up at the State level.

In July, Operations (James Fenn) and I embarked to Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands to visit TERRA. Search friends and European based partnering organizations long experienced in searching for and recovering remains. We did this to build an extensive network of professional organizations and local supporters alike. Both enhance the capability for mission success.

Along the way we happily took on a pop-up opportunity to get dirty, helping out the pros from University of Wisconsin during a field mission. Charles Konsitzke, the lead for UW recovery programs, is an ardent supporter of TERRA Search’s vision and has provided key guidance as we have plowed ahead.

July 2023: European Outreach and Partnership Road Trip

The TERRA Search Team catching up with our good friend Chuck Konsitzke on site in Belgium

In Belgium to catch up with our friends and local partners from the 99th POW Recovery Project

May 2023 Highlight:  50th Anniversary, Vietnam War Commemoration, Washington D.C.   

In May, I attended events encompassing the National Vietnam War Commemoration, 50th Anniversary held in Washington D.C.  I entered the military in the Vietnam era and graduated from combat operations in Iraq. In-between was filled with travel and adventure on multiple continents, up front, close and personal.  The Vietnam era holds a special place in my heart given my early service.

I put in a lot of steps going from event to event, booth to booth, introducing TERRA Search and advocating for our vision.  There remains a lot of follow-up work to be done.  Of note, I was asked by one vendor what the word “recovery” meant on my business card.  This only motivates me more that TERRA Search is on the right path.

The Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association, North Carolina branch member

During the event II had the opportunity to meet multiple folks and veteran focused entities. I also had the opportunity to sit down with Grant Coates, representative for the Vietnam Veterans of America for POW-MIA affairs. We had a good chat and started the conversation about cooperation that led to TERRA Search being introduced at the convention in August. I noted our interest includes being forward on the ground in South East Asia, and carrying the legacy torch. Vietnam era vets are facing the realities of time. Like their brothers and sisters before them, it is up to follow-on veteran generations to step forward and continue their legacy. This is especially important for the sake of the MIAs. I made it clear that TERRA Search Promise is passionate about the mission and stands ready to play its part.

With Grant Coates, VVA POW MIA Committee Chair

I also met volunteer representatives from the National Museum of the Vietnam War located in Weatherford, Texas. After initial conversations, I reached out to the Director, Ean Tillett, for a follow-up conversation. TERRA Search seeks cooperation with multiple entities and disciplines associated within its active and historical mission scope. I offered that TERRA Search is a living and active example to any legacy foundation, education organization, or service focused museum. Where else can one link the value of history and contemporary activity together? Moreover, we clearly have an educational value by both the nature of our mission and the necessary academic, historical, empirical and technical studies necessary to the mission. I look forward to more conversations with Ean and will visit the museum at a future date.

Also in May, I had the honor to carry and place a wreath for Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 227 (of which I am a member) remembrance ceremonies at the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Tradition holds that two bearers, the newest and longest serving members, carry and place the wreath in position. To be called “newest” was a hoot. Once posted, members present gave a short vignette regarding their time in service or in Vietnam. Our small group arrived early and gathered a small crowd around us as we took turns speaking. At breakfast afterwards an unknown supporter, learning of the nature of our group, graciously and anonymously paid the breakfast bill for the entire group.

As part of the celebrations was an opportunity to screen several films created and produced by family members of Vietnam War MIA’s. One of the personal stories I found of interest was Rebecca Rush’s “Blood Road”. Her father was a Phantom pilot and MIA for many years. I learned of the documentary several years ago while working as an adjunct guide with Military Historical Tours in Annandale, Virginia. The owner’s son is an avid biker and he informed me about the film which documents Rebecca’s mountain bike journey along the Ho Chi Minh trail network to her father’s crash site. The drone footage alone is worth the viewing. I introduced myself to Rebecca and highlighted that she (along with other family members and supporters) is welcome to join us anytime. I received a note several days after the event that she would be happy to join us in the future. I’ll be sure to include a couple mountain bikes at the site.

Watch “Blood Road”

“Blood Road” Documentary

One of the sons and daughters’s personal stories I found of interest was Rebecca Rush’s “Blood Road”.
I learned of the documentary several years ago while working as an adjunct guide with Military Historical Tours in Annandale, Virginia. The owner’s son is an avid biker and he informed us about the film. The drone footage alone and the backstory is just as amazing as the ride. I introduced myself to Rebecca at her recent showing and highlighted that she (along with other family members and supporters) is welcome anytime. I received a note several days after the event that she would be happy to join us in the future. I’ll be sure to include a couple mountain bikes at our site.

April 2023

Mike Linnington, former WWP CEO

Wounded Warrior Program Soldier Ride

In the Spring of 2023, I had the opportunity to participate in a Wounded Warrior Program sponsored “Soldier Ride” event. Normally, these rides are out West in the hills on mountain/trail bikes. This ride, however, was located in the Washington D.C./Northern Virginia area. It was a good thing because one of the routes ultimately took us in and around the White House Rose Garden and South Lawn. Wounded Warrior personnel were more than gracious to allow me to sport my TERRA Search brim and introduce our effort to White House personnel.

Our pre-bike ride was sponsored in the Rose Garden. The president’s office can be seen behind me in the picture.

The highlight of the day was meeting the Vice President and Second Husband. Prior to meeting us, VP Harris gave a short speech and gave an indirect shout out to TERRA Search by noting: “There was a rider who has started an organization to recover our nation’s MIA”. I corralled both when they were taking the time to greet us.

I have to take a moment here to give a shout out to Mike Linnington, WWP CEO for the invitation and support. He happens to also be the former director of DPAA and in our corner. He rode with us several times and introduced me to valuable contacts all along our journey.

40th Anniversary of the Night Stalkers

In April I also attended the 40th anniversary of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment ”Night Stalkers”. This alma matter is the nation’s first Special Operations Aviation unit. I had the honor of being assigned to it during my career. The old ammunition bunker depicted in the was the original headquarters of the unit and my initial office. Today it is used for training and assessment purposes of incoming personnel. I was more than pleasantly surprised to see the iconic flag now flying next to the bunker. NSDQ stands for Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.

“I feel alive when I am working in the field on MIA Recovery Missions”

– Nadine Bryant, Forensic Archaeologist & TERRA Search Social Media Manager

We are veterans and we get it. 

Daniel ‘Doc’ Jacobs, TERRA Search Field Medic and Outreach Coordinator

As veterans, we often deal with medical issues from our service.  In our recent conflicts, both Afghanistan and Iraq caused a heavy toll on our servicemembers and their families.  I noted previously that several TERRA Searchers’ have been dealing with medical issues from their service. Doc, pictured above, is emblematic of the toll and carrying on for self and family.  Only a great American warrior can jest at something as serious as his T-shirt denotes. We’ll only publish one pic, the rest of the story is up to him.  Needless to say he hopes to join us in the field in the Spring. Moreover, in 2023 Doc became an Ambassador-at-large for the Gary Sinise foundation. We hope to collaborate with the Sinise foundation in the future as well.
Huge congratulations to Doc on behalf for his recovery and his wedding in September 2023. We love you brother.

Interested in Joining? Click here to contact us now.

Sincerely,

Philip J Dermer
Founder & President
TERRA Search Promise 

Support us by joining our team, donating to our mission or follow us.