Project Recover will be the subject of the next 2nd Friday program (Photo courtesy of Project Recover)
The 2nd Friday presentation for November, held at the First Presbyterian Church in Milford, is entitled “Vets You Are Not Forgotten.” The program is planned for Veteran’s Day, November 11 at 7 P M.
“Project Recover is a collaborative effort using 21st century science and technology to find and repatriate Americans missing in action since World War II,” John Huntzinger, program coordinator, said. “This is to help recognition and closure for families and the nation. Our speaker is Dr. Collin Colbourn, their Lead Historian.”
According to Huntzinger, the remains of soldiers who are missing in action, or MIA, are being worn away by time and elements. The program provides insight into the mission of Project Recover to “leave no one behind” and to encourage donations that will help the organization bring home missing soldiers.
The program began with Dr. Pat Scannon’s vision to bring home soldiers from Palau in 1993. Initially known as the Bent Prop Project, Project Recover has grown from a small, grassroots organization to a team of professionals and volunteers using new technology to bring home those who have gone missing. Over the past 30 years, Project Recover has brought home more than 60 World War II aircraft associated with more than 185 MIA soldiers around the world.
Dr. Colin Colbourn has been working with Project Recover since 2016, managing historical operations which include archival research, data management, case analysis and field investigations. Through his efforts, Project Recover has developed a massive internal archive with thousands of maps, historical reports and images. Colbourn is a post-doctoral researcher with the University of Delaware and works closely with co-founder, Mark Moline, Ph.D.
“I do this work because I am not only passionate about the historical challenge, but also because with our team and our technology, I can transform mundane days at archives and museums into real answers for families who have mourned the loss of their loved ones with no answers for so many years,” Colbourn said.
Colbourn received his MA in War and Society as well as a Ph.D. in History at the University of Southern Mississippi. After graduation, his first job was with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
The program is free, and refreshments are provided. A Zoom option will be available if there is enough interest. It is a family-friendly program held in the church library at 101 South Walnut Street. Attendees are asked to park behind the church and enter through the back door from Pearl Alley and enter the library through the kitchen. If anyone is interested in a Zoom option, they can contact the church at 302-422-5701.
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