Greetings TERRA Search Promise supporters, friends and families.
2026 will be a busy and dynamic year for TERRA Search Promise. We are overdue in giving you a shout out.
We begin with a short video that outlines the priorities for 2026, clearly in line with our strategic vision. The capstone focus for this year can best be described as “expanding the recovery pie” for family members. See the video below.
With the vision outlined in the video at the forefront, we have several key outreach activities in support planned to date, with more to be developed as the year progresses.
We are invited to participate in this year’s American Veteran Center sponsored Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C.: https://americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/parade/ Last year we were observers. This year’s parade will dovetail with America’s 250th Anniversary celebrations making participation an extra special opportunity. Organizational participation is being limited because of larger than normal interest the 250thcelebration brings. So far, we have made the cut, but we need to have a good showing to present the significance of keeping our nation’s promise in the forefront of the American psyche. TERRA Search Promise will be the flag bearer of the MIA issue. We cordially invite you to join us in the parade by contacting us as soon as possible.
In April, we will join veteran led Asymmetric MIA Accounting Group (AMAG) in a robust initial investigation with key local Philippine partners in Mindanao, Philippines. https://thewarhorse.org/world-war-ii-soldiers-search-philippines/. The former WWII Japanese prison camp recovery mission will be an initial test in support of the concept outlined in the video of expanding the recovery pie to private/family supported partner missions. The investigation is projected to lead to larger more robust efforts with AMAG in the future in the Philippines and elsewhere. Given the relatively short planning window for the mission, and the private nature of it, we will need a quick fundraising campaign. AMAG has assembled an excellent local team, backed by a WWII veteran camp survivor and family member of one of the missing.
Like last year, TERRA Search Promise will once again join the multitude of other veteran organizations in the NYC veteran’s day parade in November. This parade will also take on added importance considering America 250thcelebrations. We of course welcome supporters to join here as well! We learned some key lessons last year while waiting in the march queue and will take advantage this year to enhance our visibility and outreach.
In our vision of keeping the promise alive for generations of veterans to come, we will continue applying energy to Congressional office visits. We invested a lot of time in meeting and greeting the last couple of years. We are starting to see payoff. Folks are listening and glad to engage with a veteran organization focused on the cause.
Regarding key TERRA Search Promise engagements, we have noted in the past the unfortunate fact the National Museum of the Army does not pay heed to the nation’s MIAs – from any conflict. The classic black and white flag flying near the entrance does not cut it. How and why this most important national veteran issue was overlooked is unknown. We, at TERRA Search Promise, however, queried to whomever we could and made clear that missing is an active verb. Our efforts are paying off here as well. Partnering with a great American and Vietnam veteran from the infamous Red Scarves of Fox Force (Recon), 1st of the 4th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, the National Museum of the Army will embark upon two noteworthy efforts in 2027. First, it will expand its tribute to the Vietnam Conflict. Heretofore the exhibition was developed under the rubric of the American Cold War period limiting space allotted. In addition, and no small part due to TERRA Search, a POW-MIA showcase will be part of the new exhibition. This is very good news. Go FOX FORCE!
Now, not to look a gift horse in the mouth but TERRA Search will note that the POW-MIA active issue remains worthy to the Army as a whole, and not just the Vietnam era. Join us in making the case.
So, to reiterate. What can YOU do this year to support our efforts to our veteran brothers and their families to keep our Nation’s Promise? Participate!
Join with us AND make your voice heard. Contact your Federal and state representatives. It’s easy online. I have done hundreds of cold outreach emails. Reach out to your veteran service organization. Small local fundraisers take little effort. Reach out to veteran families. Advise them all there is always another option when veterans are involved.
American history is filled with the efforts of individuals. You do matter!
2026 will be a dynamic year for TERRA Search Promise. I hope you will be part of it.
Philip J Dermer
Founder & President
TERRA Search Promise