The Boxer 22 Foundation

Fully endorsed! I’m partial to these WWII Heroes getting the recognition they deserve while we can still honor them as the living legends that they are….

World War II Navy Veteran Receives Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal Eighty-one years after serving as an Aviation Radioman-gunner in World War II, a 99-year-old Navy Veteran received a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal, July 25, 2024 at the California State Capitol Building in Sacramento, Calif.

Id like to use social media to draw
People’s attention to our nation’s MIAs and especially their family members.

I just was fortunate this last week to attend the Defense POW / MIA Accounting Agency annual conference to help some friends with their cases and learn what is happening in the POW/MIA repatriation world.

It is no rare thing to meet brothers and sisters that you never knew you had. By that I mean, fellow family members of MIA servicemen.

For you, and for them, I’d like you to hear their story. We are bonded by an experience. An experience that was a consequence of earlier political idiocy that resulted in our country bequeathing us a burden greater than anyone should be asked to bear. Bryan Bender has helped to annotate this story

It has been a burden that has created a mettle only so long as we have been strong enough to pick up the yoke and carry it. Some could not carry it, for that mettle was crafted out of deep emotional scars and trauma that started at a very early age.

I have been a lucky one. I felt that guilt for having a now closed case. My miracle was brought to our family 17 years ago. I cannot say it brought closure but it did allow a respite from the cauldron of uncertainty. The yoke became significantly lighter for me, and It also ushered in a beauty that can only be welcomed through a survival of the darkest of times. Yes it was truly life changing. It brought me a respect for my country and a tremendous joy and overwhelming thanks for the beautiful people that emerge into your lives at those darkest of times. I was also humbled to realize the immense trail of people who I, previously unaware of their efforts and sacrifices, realized were always there….caring and supportive…throwing love and patience our way.

If you’re still reading, I’d like to describe the plight of MIA families, as I was reintroduced to many this week. Their journey started with a traumatic knock on the door by someone in a dress uniform. That knock provided few details that Later we would come to realize only ushered in a theme of a continued process of a significant lack of information. The quest to attain any information became a road fraught with unrequited endings. It hasn’t stopped.

I watched and listened to testimonies of the missing this week. I was unprepared for the emotion and vulnerable, and nearly overwhelmed to hear from and see the people who are still very much left in the fight. I saw the tears, the tiredness, the frustration, the survivor’s guilt, the confusion, the anger, and most of all the weariness. The weariness that can be absolutely debilitating.

I saw hope…..

if you’re STILL reading 🙂 you should know of the apparatus of governmental organizations, funded and dedicated to an effort that places a FULL ACCOUNTING of our missing. I feared them as bureaucrats and was wearily suspicious of all of them since always. I took a long time to educate myself on who they all are and what they all do. The governmental MIA bureaucracy was started by some fine women who stood up for themselves and their men when they were specifically told not to. They started it all with a with mistrust and dislike of the government when 100 percent of mistrust and dislike was absolutely warranted.
National League of POW/MIA FamiliesMission POW MIA Sons and Daughters In Touch
Proud to say there is now a monument to these brave women at League of Wives Memorial Project!!

And I will now say with confidence that everyone who is involved in this process of investigation, identification, and repatriation had NOTHING TO DO with how our loved ones came to be “reference numbers”. To work in MIA cases is certainly a labor of love. Their work is certainly far from perfect. they are not immune to scrutiny. But I see no reason to doubt any of their commitment or passion. And name me a country that does as much as ours to complete their side of the contract…..

I was lucky to be trusted to assist two family members with their fathers/brothers case. For those of you who followed me to Laos in 2020, you’ll be glad to know that the case for Joseph Pirrucello has been given a new priority thanks to what we discovered on our trip. An investigation pending! And let’s pray that our information will lead to success.

In the case for Kelly Patterson, I’m also proud to say that a return to a site is now planned. And there is a degree of confidence that is the hope that we would all want for a discovery of this missing man. Kellys brother “Luck” is not on social media, but I told him that everyone in the world deserves to have a brother as caring and dedicated as him. He’s truly a great man and I’ve been proud to help him.

I’d call that a success, but in our business, stop short of praise until the REAL job in complete. So let’s hope for victory.

Another life changing chapter…..

I’ll close by introducing you to an amazing soul. With faith, beauty can emerge from the most tragic of circumstances. I was blown away by the brief from the Texas Tech Institute for Peace and Conflict, Vietnam Archives that revealed a Vietnamese woman, Dr. “Carie” Nguyen, who achieved her doctorate only after surviving years of hardship and loss of her father in a post war re-education camp. She now dedicates her life to any people from either side of the lines to research and find information that can lead to any form of resolution and healing. Her speech of “bones, chopsticks, love, gratitude, and commitment” were truly inspiring for us all.

Our nation continues its quest to honor that contract with our missing. And our missing deserve our best understanding and support.

The mission continues. And everyone is better for it. 🤞🤞

An incredibly huge loss today. The nation will mourn the loss of one of our greatest aviators and one who introduced us to a perspective on earth that shall never be forgotten.
Major General Bill Anders. Amazing man who paid back to his craft with the Heritage Flight Museum and his two sons Alan Anders and Greg Anders flying the P-51 and venerable A-1 Skyraider. It was an honor to have met him.

And I was even able to serve as his special “co-pilot” one time (who are we kidding. He was a fricking ASTRONAUT). This loss is a tough one. God bless your legacy, General. Thank you for everything you have done for this nation. And in a small way, thanks for your contributions to The Boxer 22 Foundation. RIP, Sir
The photo is of him and I flying, and one of his airplanes. then him with his sons. And “Earthrise”. A perspective never seen…..

A post for Memorial Day Weekend.

I have heard a lot of feedback about the recent "Hometown" Episode that Pam Paulsen Danielson, Tom Paulsen and Jennifer Paulsen Thornton were in. People had some questions about the Military honors ceremony, and I thought that Memorial Day is as good as any to send out some of the back story and also educate about military funeral honors.

I thought it was amazing that Ben Napier and Erin Napier took the time and program space to honor Tom. They used their venue to show an important part of honoring our veterans.

This gives me an opportunity to let people know that when a family produces documentation of honorable service of their loved one, the member’s service will deploy two members to attend the funeral and render honors. The honors will consist of the playing of taps, presentation of colors, ceremonial folding of the flag, and then official presentation to the primary next of kin with a special thanks. This is exactly the service shown on Hometown’s “Unfinished Business” episode.

Since currently less that 1% of Americans currently serve in our US military, there are less family members of prior serving members who are aware that this funeral honors program exists. As such, many passing former servicemembers are not getting their service honored by their respective branch of the military. Funeral homes have less exposure to the program and do not always offer this program to the deceased member’s family. I witnessed this in my final command where we were responsible for Navy funeral honors. Simply put, most next of kin members were at all aware that they could have this service for their loved one. Jeffrey Grand and Michael Sheehan were absolute rock stars.

Additionally, many local veterans organizations offer Color Guards that can augment and join in the process of military honors. Kenyon Veterans Color Guard KVCG Wanamingo VFW Quamme Post 186 Wanamingo Veterans Honor Guard Kenyon VFW Conrad Osthum #141
Kenyon and Wanamingo have VERY GOOD ONES. They can also assist the family with the process, but only if they are aware of the veteran’s service. Very often, it is the member’s desire to have honors for their funeral, but the remaining family does not know or is not aware of avenues to attain those honors or the process to make the request. Many times the military honors team will join with a local hometown Color Guard for a joint service that is equally stunning and meaningful.

ANY veteran who honorably served can be given his due honors by members of his/her own service. Many say that it is their family’s option, but I say that our country and member’s branch OWES it to those veterans. The critical theme is not WHAT they did to serve, it is THAT they served. They offered of themselves to their country’s calling and for that, our country must do its part and offer its thanks in honor. Tom very much downplayed his service, but he was also one of the most proud Americans I have ever known.

While the military honors program serves only one flag to a designated primary next of kin, they can also (upon request) present additional flags in cases of multiple siblings, grandchildren, or any special friend or family. In the case of the Paulsen children , each sibling was presented with their own flag.

SO HERE is some behind the scenes information from the taping of the show......

It should be noted that Mr. Tom Paulsen was a very patriotic individual. He served for 6 years in the Army Reserve during the Cold War. He was also an ultralight qualified aviation enthusiast who was immensely proud of his adopted state of Mississippi and adopted town of Laurel. He loved that Mississippi housed two bases that trained pilots in the Air Force as well as Navy. It just so happened that when I was training in Pensacola, I flew over Laurel a few times. We enjoyed chatting about that. And as icing of his cake, near the end of his life Tom was able to witness his grandson check in to attend US Air Force pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base. Will even used his home in Lake Eddins as a navigation check point.

I was able to take Tom's ceremonial flags and arrange for them to be flown in both Navy and Air Force training jets over the same skies that Mr. Paulsen had flown over years before. The flag that was given to Pam was a flag that I had flown during combat missions over Iraq and was on display in Tom’s house. It has been a long and special aviation tradition to ceremoniously fly flags over combat zones in honor of special occasions for special people.

The significance of the flags, and the symbolic handling of them brought a special significance to the military honors that appeared on the show. The bearers of the flags were Navy Captain Luke “LD”Davis who is Commanding Officer of NAS Meridian training base. A friend of the family, and great American and Minnesotan, he was the pilot who flew the flags in the Navy jet. Also bearing the flag was 2LT William Danielson. Yep, his grandson. He is now one of the Air Force’s newly winged pilots. Another fun coincidence was that the USAF Pilot who flew the flags from USAF training aircraft was Capt Steven Cleary who is a nephew of my good friend and AOCS and VAQ, Leigh Cleary “JC” Cleary. The circles of aviation are not as big as we tend to think and it was awesome for me to be able to produce something that I know Tom would have loved very much. He was intensely proud of his family.

It was told to me at my own father's service and always stuck with me. It is the concept that when we die, we die two deaths; the first is when we pass, and then a second time when someone mentions our name for the last time. Its a bit of a morbid thought, but in the case of my father in law, I am thankful for the "Hometown" show for helping to keep that memory of Tom going for a while longer, and was glad that we were able to honor him in a special way

Another piece posted today. Good commentary on Ken’s WWII resume.

A hero's surprise: WWII POW who survived D-Day, Battle of the Bulge celebrates 100 years At Golden Living Center in Rochester, Ken Axelson’s 100th birthday earlier this month was for much more than marking a century.

Regrettably I hate to inform that our good friend Ken Axelson has completed his final mission in the presence of his loving family. He persevered in a manner befitting the strongest of Swedes.

His objective to have an epic 100th birthday and liberation anniversary was an unequivocal success and was certainly augmented by support of his family, community, and special friends. He was happy to be reunited with a long overdue pair of "10 1/2EE” replacement boots. He said last Tuesday that they would be with him for the rest of his life and he was true to his word.

Ken lived an amazing life and how wonderful to know that the significant historical events that marked his service were only a small part of a larger legacy of raising a wonderful family and giving back to his community.

I was very lucky to know him and enjoyed all of our conversations. was an honor to share his story with others and I am happy for those who got to find out how special he was.

I think the perfect comment would be one from Ken himself. As he witnessed so much carnage and destruction in war and in a German Stalag, he said "What came to mind was the question: 'What is truly important in life? At the top of the list is to love and be loved."

A very good reminder for us all. And if you knew him at all, you can see his infectious smile to accompany that quote.

RIP, Albert "Ken" Axelson. Your legacy lives on and thank you for your honorable and faithful service.

I have always been a fan of John Wooden's famous quote "You cant have a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." We came pretty close to a perfect day last week, and it wasnt individual acts; it was community, special groups, and multiple special individuals coming together to make a great day for a living piece of history and wonderful man, Ken Axelson.

Cool stuff....(not in particular order)

-KW Schools provided a band serenade of patriotic tunes. You can ALWAYS count on Claire Lorence Larson to provide support. And Supt Giese allowed the kids to come, while also bearing hand written cards and posters. The conduct of those kids were a reflection of your professionalism and care. THANK YOU.

-Community Color Guards and Posts came to bring flags to highlight the patriotic theme of a man who has seen some of the most profound moments in history (Omaha Beach, 101st Airborne, Battle of the Bulge, WWII Stalag to name a few) Kenyon VFW Conrad Osthum #141 Wanamingo VFW Quamme Post 186 Kenyon Veterans Color Guard KVCG Minnesota POW / MIA Riders Association. The veterans paid for all of the kids' meals. Thanks, LarandSher Van De Walker,

(FYI, when the Rochester VFW came to the 2:00 event, they told Ken that they were just now celebrating their 100th year in existence. Rochester VFW Post 1215 is the same age as Ken!)

-A family took time and effort to help us all out by getting the special present and allowing their son, member of a new generation, to meet a living connection to something he has only been reading in history books. Significant! Thanks so much Luke Watson and Georganne Watson. What a nice young man and Declan was such a great addition to Ken's day.

-The Army came up big, acquiring the 10 1/2EE (!!!!) boots made to WWII Specifications. U.S. Army TACOM Bill Schwartz and Jim Schultz made it happen in Philly, and Mr Galimore also made sure a wonderful shadow box was created. Would have been amazing to see Brigadier General Lalor in person, but his personal video was excellent. (the 10 1/2 EE was WAY MORE IMPORTANT than an actual fit, it turns out. Attention to detail!)

-The 101st Airborne came up big to ensure press coverage, and to send some personal videos. One from a Kenyon Veteran currently in the 101st Sergeant First Class Chris Heilemann. Thanks and nice job!!

Some noteworthy comments from Ken's legacy:
-Ken's dad was coming into town to make funeral arrangements when he stopped by the post office. Just happened to be the day that Ken's note from the Red Cross made it to the US. The post office worker had to read it for an emotional SWEDE. (NOT Norwegian, it turns out)
-Ken said that the thing that allowed him to withstand the treatment as a POW was that he knew his mom was back home praying for him. A mother's love, and power of prayer. I included Ken's statement on the significance of April 2. FIRST PHOTO: READ

I just think that everyone wins when people join together to do special things and I cant thank everyone enough. I know the family was very happy, and if Ken's smile wasnt evidence enough, the mission was absolutely a full success. Beth Weisbecker Jennifer Sanneman

I will certainly apologize right now to anyone that I have omitted.

The story that first made a public acknowledgement of Boxer 22. At that time, I was still really unaware of the magnitude as well as the reality.
Woodrow Bergeron
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vvxQWYBiuWY&feature=youtu.be

Instant Recall - The Rescue of Boxer 22 Bravo The video you are about to view today is a well-known mission of the secret War in South East Asia. Instant Recall hosted by John Palmer, produced a daily pr...

This is a great day to remember that one of the greatest signs of our country’s greatness lies with the fact that we invest so heavily into honoring our contract with our men and women in combat zones. We respect the value of a human life to the degree and we invest time and money to recover all of our missing men with the ethos “Until they are ALL home.” God bless to all the families who wait

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Official U.S. Government website for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). Our mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting for our missing personnel to their families and the nation.

Welcome home sir

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Brown, J.) The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Reserve Cpl. Jack S. Brown, 22, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, killed during World War II, was accounted for May 11,

For those who follow Kenyon Veterans activities, I call my friend Byron my “second favorite Kenyon, MN Spad pilot. “Hook” spent some time in the summers on and around the Hope farms near Kenyon. And favorite Kenyon Spad pilot has to go to our friend Mark Hegseth. All of those platitudes don’t matter as much in that they shall not interfere with what I view as some of the greatest groups of pilots in the entire Vietnam War. Spad pilots were a cut above and the bravery and tactical acumen unmatched. Proud to know Byron and to help share his story.

My Fighter Career: "I Wasn't Born To Fly" "My flying career" is a series of articles by Byron Hukee. He's a bad ass, retired USAF pilot who flew everything from the F-100 to the F-16.

Lots of DDay Posts today and rightly so. Whenever I come home to Ameri Legion Kenyon ColorguardVfw Conrad Osthum
I try to take time to go visit my friend, Ken Axelson. Last year I introduced him to the high school football players.
I got to remind the teens that a man from their hometown had a journey that started in Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. He made it all the way to France and was unfortunately captured during the Battle of the Bulge when the lines changed so very quickly. I told the kids that when they are finally drinking age and enjoying that first beer, they need to think of Ken. He was liberated from a N**i prison camp on his 21st birthday. He was a pillar of the community and lived on his own in his own house until last fall. I still have the honor of calling him a friend and visit him every chance I get. We are all lucky for those who were brave enough to go before us. They created many great things of which we have been able to benefit from. Thank you, Ken! Especially on this anniversary of your service. What a special honor we gave to have such a celebrity in Wanamingo. You’d never know it from talking to him. You’d just think he was a “heckuva nice guy”.

There was a “Soldier Su***de Awareness Challenge” in May. I joined for motivation but didn’t expect that I’d receive so much! This is great timing for an important cause and it had a profound effect on me. Now I have an onus to share.
Long story short;
-su***de affects us all. no one is immune
-fight to be positive. be there for others
-listen!
-Memorial Day is for the headstones. Some headstones are for the less visible but still deadly and hidden casualties
-all deaths impact family
-it is not only Soldiers
-pay attention to others and provide an atmosphere of trust.
-we may be the ones who need help

short story long;
At the end of a 10 month deployment I was sent to a “warrior transition program.” It was designed to help us decompress. I critiqued that “the only time I ever considered su***de is when you made me stay in Kuwait for su***de prevention. I just want to go home.”
I got an ass chewing. It was irrefutably and rightfully deserved. I was unaware of the power of resiliency programs.

In subsequent commands I was forced to confront su***de in myself, my Sailors and too many others. Being in the aftermath of su***de is brutal. As a leader, there is never a more helpless feeling.

military members are "do-ers." We are selected for traits that lean towards action. When we achieve success in combat, we are rewarded with self worth. When we have a combat loss, the nose dive is devastating. the feeling of being alive is present at all times. You feel the essence of life distinctly. It becomes the “normal” that helps you cope and survive.

What have I learned?
When you return home the “normal” is now abnormal. the only thing that has changed is you. You struggle to find a place. Your life and death valued decisions have passed. Life is mundane and petty. The previous life seems very far away and you can’t forget the “being alive.” the present doesn’t seem like living.

Many have succumbed to this feeling of hopelessness. Some fell prey to varied forms of medication. The loss of vitality combined with clouded judgment clashes directly with our desires to be "do” Productive things. Some choose to “do” a permanent solution that leaves our loved ones devastated. It can happen when people are alone and at their weakest.

I noticed that some of the ones who are successful at su***de are not the ones who mention their plans. The can be difficult to spot. I was “relieved” when a Sailor spoke of suicidal ideations. They could be helped! And I saw it work to get them help!Its IMPORTANT to have an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
Ironically, I learned many defenses during my time in Kuwait in which I bi***ed. I took stock in my life, resilience and decision making. I’ve taken steps that were born out of keeping myself in check and ensuring to not be another casualty.

I worked hard not to be a combat casualty. I defined combat readiness for myself as survivability in Iraq, but had missed my defense against the demons that can prey on a weakened mind in a peacetime environment.

I consider myself lucky to have been able to learn. As a leader I tried to ensure a climate where trust was assumed and help was accessible. I found resources and placed them in locations. When I noticed that they were being utilized I prayed that it made a difference.

I will always be proud of my country and military. we are often successful in recognizing a problem and taking action to help. Programs, people, and education to help lower our su***de rate have not been perfect, but they have saved lives. The rest is up to us! What ever role is needed! There is a direct translation to the private sector. No one is immune.

It’s nearly impossible to plan hurtful actions when you are on a treadmill every day. FYI, I will take a call anytime. I’m available. And I am available because there are SO MANY who are/have been available for me. Let’s help each other. And let’s remember the power of positive atmospheres. And the crisis line is on the photo! Talk it out…..
God bless!

Here is a well done piece to give you a little individual slice of aircrew heroism when it was surely required. We owe a lm immense debt of gratitude to those SAR pilots who were freely prepared to give their lives “So that others may live.” As the motto says.
God bless, Sir, and thank you for your service.

Service & Sacrifice: Vietnam pilot and plane reunited after 50 years A combat veteran matches the tail number on a plane in an East Tennessee museum to the one he flew in Vietnam.More stories, here: https://www.wbir.com/ Subsc...

Boxer 22 was literally this spot. Perhaps the most contested airborne battle space in the war

The Deadliest Airspace in the History of Modern Air War - Mu Gia Pass Jim George and James “Jink” Bender talk about the A-1 Skyraider and its role in the Secret War in South East Asia, and the slow, vulnerable Korean War vintag...

May you have the best possible welcome home. God bless

After 70 Years In Limbo, Seymour Soldier Accounted For ANSONIA-SEYMOUR – It was an agonizing question that went unanswered for 70 years: Where’s Benny? He went missing in action in 1950, during the Korean War, and was officially declared deceased in 1954.

God bless. Welcome home. Can’t wait for the family to welcome them home

The magic behind the hard hard work on behalf of our families

Never Give Up: Behind the scenes at the military lab working to identify the unknowns The Oklahoma project is complete. But, they Never Give Up on finding and identifying others who died in service to our country.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Accounted For From World War II (Alexander, H.) The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Navy Lt. Cmdr. Hugh R. Alexander, 43, of Potters Mills, Pennsylvania, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Feb. 17,

355 personnel from all infamous day 80 years ago. Good rest your weary souls, men.

This was an amazing success story. Proud of this organization for the efforts they expend on behalf of our missing

Welcome home, indeed

Soldier Accounted For From World War II (Mendonca, A.) The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Pfc. Anthony F. Mendonca, 28, of Waipahu, Hawaii, killed during World War II, was accounted for April 9, 2020.In June 1944,

My friend Vicki Davison Townsend’s brother. A true hero who is now reunited with his sister. God bless to both and please rest in peace. TYFYS. Listed below is Davy’s Silver Star citation. Conni Townsend O'Neill

𝗕𝗼𝘅𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟮 𝗦𝗔𝗥 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁

A1C David D. Davison was killed in action while flying on the Boxer 22 SAR in Laos. Let us all remember and honor Dave today and may he rest in peace.

Boxer 22 was an F-4 crew who became the SAR objectives for one of the most contested SARs of the Vietnam War. The recovery area was on the Ho Chi Minh Trail near the small village of Ban Phanop. For three days, hundreds of airplanes fought to protect and rescue the two downed pilots. Hundreds of North Vietnamese Army troops were equally determined to prevent the rescue. The resulting heroics, against seemingly impossible odds, by the air rescue men are legends that are still told at USAF fighter squadrons all around the world.

__

𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

David Michael Davison
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: San Jose California
Status: KIA

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Airman First Class David Michael Davison, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-53 Pararescue/Recovery Specialist in Southeast Asia on 5 December 1969. On that date, Airman Davison participated in the attempted air rescue of two downed airmen deep within hostile territory. As the helicopter descended into the pickup area, Airman Davison repeatedly exposed himself to intense ground fire, with complete disregard for his own safety, while firing suppressive bursts from his gun position on the rear ramp of the helicopter. Although under heavy fire, he continued this valiant effort at the sacrifice of his life. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Davison has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Action Date: December 5, 1969

Service: Air Force

Rank: Airman First Class

Unit: 40th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron

NAF: 7th Air Force

≋✟≋ "An God said who shall we send?
I answered - I am here, send me."
Isaiah 6:8
𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑎 𝑁𝑜𝑛 𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑏𝑎 ~ 𝐿𝑎𝑢𝑠 𝐷𝑒𝑜

𝗖𝗰: Brian Danielson