“Captain Daniel W. Thomas, U.S. Air Force, of the 23rd Tactical Aerial Surveillance Squadron, was declared Missing in Action after his OV-10A aircraft went down over Laos on July 6, 1971. For more than four decades, his fate remained unknown until he was finally accounted for in 2017, bringing long-awaited answers to his family, fellow Airmen, and those who never stopped searching.

His sacrifice was never forgotten by the men who served beside him. Fellow pilot Mike Whorton, who was stationed with Captain Thomas at NKP in 1971, shared these heartfelt words:

“”Mike, I served with you in 1971 at NKP. I was a fellow pilot and was there when you were lost. You were a ‘Brother Warrior’ and you are not forgotten. I still remember you, think of you often and say your name.””

Captain Thomas’ story is a powerful reminder that America’s missing are never forgotten, and that every effort is made to bring them home.

God bless our veterans.
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