The POW/MIA issue is as complex as an issue can be and to reach the goal of all the activists and advocates of bringing the POW(s) back home involves many people. One of the advocates who have made a mark in the POW/MIA Volunteer community is Rick Will.

Rick is a 'Human Being' that has been a passionate advocate of the live POW issue for years. He has spent thousands of his money on financing trips back to SEA to get intelligence on and try to locate 'Live Americans'.

He is a Vietnam Veteran, having served with the 362nd Sig. Co, 39th Sig. Bn. from July 1964 to July 1965. He went back to Vietnam in 1971 at the request of Adm. Elmo Zumwalt with 9 other Vietnam Veterans on a 2-month humanitarian mission.

He has been active on Veteran and Community Issues, since his honorable discharge from the Army in 1966. Rick was Carroll County Maryland's Co-Coordinator for Maryland's Vietnam Veterans Memorial (1986-1989) and is responsible for the completion of the Carroll County Vietnam Veterans Memorial (1989-1990).

Rick has actively worked on the POW Issue from 1989 to the present!

The Moonduster Chronicles is proud to introduce you to Mr. Rick Will.

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In a email interview Rick has graciously taken his time to answer the following questions for this interview.

Q. Could you tell us how you first became involved in the POW/MIA issue?

A. I first became, aware of the 'Live POW Issue' during Fund Raising and a Public Relations Campaign for our states (Maryland's) Vietnam Veterans Memorial, from 1986 to 1989.
During one of our walks across the state, I began to meet family members of our POW/MIA's. At first, I thought, "Poor souls cannot let go of the past. Still holding out hope for their loved ones." But, as I began to meet more and more family members, I began to think, "Hell they cannot all be crazy. Cannot all be holding on to the past"? So, I contacted Mike Van Atta, of the 'Live POW Lobby'!

Q. You have been a passionate advocate of the live POW issue for many years.
How did you first become convinced that we left live POW(s) in Vietnam?

A. From a trip back to Vietnam in 1993.

Q. We have read about the trips the POW/MIA activists/advocates have made to Vietnam. How did you prepare for and what was involved in getting ready for and making a trip of this importance?

A. First, I had to get in better shape! That meant walking to strengthen my legs and increase my stamina. From 3 miles a day gradually working up to 15 miles a day! Also, gradually decreasing food intake to one to two meals a day and making rice a staple food source.
Second, becoming mentally prepared for what we thought we would encounter. From learning to accept disappoint to expecting the unexpected.
Third, to get to know the rest of the Team Members (Just like family)! We would have a conference call (all Team Members) at least once a week, sometimes more, over the course of three to four months. When we finally met in LA, we were like family. Unlike other teams, we became closer as a unit during the course of our trip. We had become, in a sense, truly family!

Q. The involvement you choose in the POW/MIA issue was to finance trips back to SEA to get intelligence on and try to locate "Live Americans". Can you tell us about the trip that you took in 1993?

A. Yes in 1993, I and three other Vietnam Veterans returned to Vietnam on one of Mr. Van Atta's Search Teams (Search Team #7) as part of 'The Live POW Lobby of America'. We went back to look for information and intelligence regarding America's POW. We had hoped to locate someone, but inside I believe that we wanted to prove that there was no POW's left alive!
However, what we discovered had a profound effect upon us!
We not only brought back information (information we believed to be accurate) that 'Live American's' were still being held...against their will...in South East Asia, but information on three individuals! I might add, that through Mike's debriefing, all information was turned over to DPMO. We later learned that some of the information we had discovered was forwarded to family members, of POW/MIA's with a government twist. Unfortunately, the families were given misinformation!
More over, not only did the government give false information to some families but also years later denied any contact or knowledge with/of me. We learned quickly that our Government could not be trusted regarding this issue!

Q. Has the DPMO investigated the information that was given to them?

A. I believe so; they claimed to have had the analyst's check our information. But, I do know that DPMO never interviewed a single member from Search Team 7. As Team Leader, I even offered to come to their office near DC to be debriefed! Not even a phone call, regarding our trip.

Q. What was it like for you personally to go back to Vietnam?

A. To tell you the truth, when the aircraft's door opened on the tarmac and the scent of Vietnam hit me, it was like I had never been gone. Like I was just on vacation and had returned. I hold no hatred toward the Vietnamese people! They can be very likable and the children have always captured my heart. To me, it was a return to a familiar place. Vietnam is a beautiful scenic country. But its real beauty comes from its people!

Q. In 1995 you again went on another trip back to SEA. Can you give us information on this trip?

A. Actually, in 1995 I made two trips to South East Asia one in February and another in August, at the request of Major Mark Smith.
Basically, it was the same team as 1993 with the exception that one prior member was replaced. So, we all knew each other and felt comfortable with Major Smith, and his efforts on behalf of our Countries 'Live POW's'. We went back to assist in the possible recovery of Live American POW's. The first mission/attempt in February was to complete an extraction from Laos. The second, in August, was a mission/attempt to bring some POW's out of Vietnam. Both trips failed to accomplish the goals set forth!

Q. You consider both trips to be failed trips can you explain why?

A. That is a two-part question.
For the first part, both were failed trips, in the sense that no American POW's were brought to freedom. Those failures were caused by many supposed reasons!
The February trip (Dealing with Lao contacts) was a failure because the area, into which our operation was to be, became high profile. It became high profile because a former high profile Congressional Representative (Billie Hendon) was in the area drawing media attention to the fact that Vietnam would not issue him an entry visa! Supposedly, Major Smiths contacts, aborted the mission because the area had become contaminated.
The August trip (Dealing with Vietnamese contacts) was a failure because of: 1. Flooding. 2. The POW's developed Malaria and could not travel. 3. All routes were closed. 4. It was too dangerous!
As for the second part, we did gain credible information regarding why our Government does not wish for their fate to be know. We were told, by sources that claimed to have attempted to turn an American into US Officials in Cambodia, that there was no way the USG would let an American POW come out of South East Asia. We were told that a military official at the American Embassy said, "They (The USG) would blow the plane up first! To take the American back where he came from".
Do I believe the source? Yes, because: 1. They did not ask for money! 2. They did not ask that their relatives come to America! 3. They asked why America does not come for their men! 4. And because they said they wished to help us, because we cared about our people!

Q. With the complete denial of our Government to admit that we left live POW(s) in Vietnam how has this affected your ability to get done what needs to be done?

A. It makes it extremely difficult to get 'Grassroots America' involved especially when one is trying to raise funds for Search Teams. Most people look at you, as if you are crazy. You have to remember that the USG has been putting out misinformation for years and have a much larger PR Team, so to speak.
Look at the Senate Select Committee Hearings. Through the course of the hearings, information and intelligence was brought forth, which I believe show beyond a doubt that we not only left men and women behind, but that they were still there! But their (The Senate Select Committee) final report did not state that. I chastise the Senators that signed off on that, and I mean all the Senators who signed their names to that report!
Combine that with the fact that most VSO's (Veteran Service Organizations) support the USG line, what else can the American People think! In my opinion, the VFW signed off on them years ago, the VVA and their Veterans Initiative are more of a PR Tool for Hanoi then an Advocate for POW's, even the American Legion has toned down their Pro-POW stance!

Q. As a Founder of and Advisor to SEARCH, INC. can you share with us information about what SEARCH, INC. does?

A. First, let me correct one misconception! I am not a Founder in SEARCH, Inc. Though I have known those who first formed SEARCH, Inc. I did not take part in its inception. I am, however, a consultant to them.
SEARCH Inc. does send teams back to research and locate intelligence on America's POW/MIA's. SEARCH Inc. also research's the information that is available by searching countless hours both at the National Archives and sifting through declassified information that is available. They publish a monthly News Letter to bring awareness to the Issue.

Q. You are so totally involved with the Live POW search how has this affected you personally?

A. It has affected me personally, in many ways! Some in positive ways and negatively in other ways!
Positively it's made me a much stronger person, one who asks hard questions and expects honest answers. It has shown me inner strengths I did not know that I had. It has made me think of others, rather then myself!
Negatively, it has cost me: 1. Thousands of dollars (dollars that should have gone to my family and our future) was spent to go on the trips. 2. The issue has cost me my job and my pension (was terminated after 29 years 3 months service). 3. And, almost cost me my marriage! A marriage to the woman I love and have pledged all to!
Heavy costs, don't you think?

Q. What are your plans for the future?

A. To do all that I can to bring home those that are still alive and to expose our Government for the lies, deceptions, and pain that it has caused the families and most importantly those that remain and those that died in captivity! I will continue to travel with the 'Tiger Cage' to draw awareness to the plight of 'Live POW's' and to help raise funds for SEARCH, Inc.

Q. Do you have a schedule of where the 'Tiger Cage' will be so we can take part in your awareness of the plight of 'Live POW's"?

A. Well, I will be set up in Washington, DC across from the Lincoln Memorial next to the steps to The Reflecting Pool, Memorial Day Weekend. From Friday the 25th of May to and including the 27th of May. On the 28th of May, I will be at the Carroll County Vietnam Veterans memorial in Westminster, MD. In July I will travel to a Vietnam Era Veterans Reunion to be held July 20,21,22,23 in Freehold NY. And, of course, I will travel to any place, function regarding POW's, or Organization that makes a request!

Q. What can we do to help the work that you do?

A. 1. If you can spare the money, contribute to organizations such as SEARCH, Inc. The answers (true answers) will only come through private non-governmental efforts. 2. Hold seminars and have qualified speakers present the case for America's Forgotten Warriors. 3. Prayer! I say prayer, because the 'Truth' will come out and they will come home when God believes that we are ready to hear the truth and are ready to welcome them home as Hero's.

Q. Two statements struck me when reading about your involvement with the Live POW issue. "I cannot let go of the issue" and "I cannot walk away, knowing that someone still waits". To the people involved in the POW/MIA issue we have to reach a point that we cannot turn away, you reached that point. Can you explain this dedication to those who have not reached the no turn back point in their involvement with the POW/MIA issue and to the many that asks us why we do what we do?

A. The statements "I cannot let go of the issue" and "I cannot walk away, knowing that someone still waits" are really simple statements: they are based on my personal experience of talking with sources, looking at the facts, and seeing the intelligence that they were left behind. Knowing that they still exist! They are 'Human Beings' like you and I!
A few years ago, on Memorial Day Weekend, as a plane took off from Washington National I looked at its flight from the confines of the 'Tiger Cage'. Tears welled up in my eyes as I sat there watching the plane climb out of sight and I felt as one of our 'Live POW's' must have felt as they watched the 'Last Freedom Flight' leave South East Asia.................. As THEY wondered......... What about me?
If it were I in his or her shoes, I would want someone to come for me. If they were you loved ones, you would want someone to care enough to come for them and bring them home! Wouldn't you!

Rick's Comments:
I do not know all the answers for all of the questions regarding to this issue! I wish I did!

I do know that there have been those that have harmed the Issue, through selfishness. They want to be the one's that bring out a 'Breather' and will conceal what they know and sabotage efforts by others. Their Ego's have made their 'Quest' the 'I brought them out first syndrome' rather then the 'Quest' of gaining Freedom for our POW's. Still others have used the Issue to scam families and advocates.

I thought I had found those that cared and were doing all they could to assist our POW/MIA's. But, I now feel deceived by them!

Maybe, I have put too high of an expectation on them. Maybe, I am not looking at the 'Whole Picture'. Maybe, I am not being realistic. Not!!!!!!!!

I know, in my heart and mind that what some have done, have claimed to have done, and have claimed they will do in the future has only harmed the Issue and kept us divided! Let me give you some examples of my skepticism!

There were/are those that have offered large rewards (a million dollars) for the return of American POW's or information leading to the return of American POW's. Is that the answer? No. Why? For a number of reasons... When an individual sees such an offer they go to their Government or to the USG or one of our Embassy's, and say that they have information or an American, they are told, " We do not pay for information regarding our POW's."

Secondly, it sends a message to the Vietnamese, Lao's, Cambodian's, North Korean's, etc., that each POW is worth a Million Dollars!

Still others claim to have networks of agents and intelligence contacts. Armies of 'Freedom Fighters'! That they will bring them out at a certain dates!

Well.......................................
1. If you have these agents/intelligence personnel then why would one have to hear through a fax from America that certain individuals are in country? Why would you not know the exact location of POW's? Why would over 5 years go by, and no results?

2. Freedom Fighters????????? Why haven't these 'Freedom Fighters' taken action? Why have they not brought out an American POW?

3. Why have dates for their liberation come and gone, with no results?

Who do I believe in then?

Well, I know what I am capable of and I know my limitations! I have reached the point that I believe only in myself! And I have come to realize that success will come by working with individuals that are above reproach, truly caring, with nothing to gain, and are willing to sacrifice for others! I make no promises other then to do the best that I can, using all that God has given me, until our goals are met!

So you see, it is as simple as love, the reason we activists do what we do!

For all of us who are dedicated to this issue, it is about the love we feel for our 'Live POW's' and the love we feel for their families! God spared me, either by His choice of MOS or by His being with me, in order for me to survive Vietnam. For all of us who are dedicated to this issue, it is about the love we feel for our 'Live POW's' and the love we feel for their families! God spared me, either by His choice of MOS or by His being with me, in order for me to survive Vietnam. The experience of Vietnam and the losses we suffered taught me to cherish everyday! That experience also inspired me, to work (in the name of those who did not return) with God's Grace and in His Name to make this world a better place!

As long as there is a chance and intelligence to show that 'LIVE POW'S' still exist, I will never give up working for their return. Not as long as there is still a breath in my body!

From Perry Myers - Few can ever imagine how extremely difficult it would be for a Vietnam Veteran to venture back into S.E. Asia. Both financially and emotionally. Espcially knowing that fellow soldiers were left behind.
But, Rick Will Sr. has been back there three times. In Cambodia, and Vietnam in search of only one thing: The Truth.
Many of us actively involved in the issue of POW/MIA have known Rick for many years. He is a hard-working active and sincere person involved in this issue with no self-serving motives, no personal ambitions. No selfish intent. Highly respected throughout the veterans community, American Vietnamese and Lao communities, as well as the POW/MIA networks and people who are also involved.
If I were President,,, I'd make him head of DPMO. But, after he cleaned out the prophylactics he'd be the only employee and would have to start the office out fresh.
He would hire very simply those who love this country and cares about their fellow Americans as much as he does and who seek the truth and are not 'handled' by what is left of our current government. (And, he still wouldn't get a haircut!)
He is my friend. And, I'm proud to be his.

Perry Myers
President, SEARCH Inc.

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From Steve Golding- Rick is my brother and friend. We have grown to know and trust one another in the years that we have been associated with one another. This is not an issue of trust, more likely it is one of smoke and mirrors. I do not trust in this issue easily and yes there have been some that got in under my radar. With Rick, the trust was mutually earned. He is truly caring, honest and is committed to gleaning all the information possible. I have faith in Rick and thereby the folks that he represents. If Rick Will tells me that something is on the up and up, well that's about as good as it gets. There are only a handful of people in this issue that I feel comfortable putting my faith in. Rick Will is one of those people. He is a man who I trust with my wallet and wife. Not necessarily in that order! I bounce ideas off of Rick and he is always there, forever encouraging many of us in this issue to seek the truth no matter what that truth uncovers. What you see in Rick is what you get. How many people can you really say that about? I love you brother from the bottom of my heart. EF...U...2

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