Hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee - Shaheen Questions Military Nominee on Potential to Recover Korean War Soldiers Missing in Action

Hearing

Senator Shaheen: Finally, as you know, more than 7,800 troops remain lost and unrecovered from the Korean War. We, last year, had an Army first-class private, Elmer Richard from Exeter, NH, who has returned to his family. He had been lost in December of 1950; was listed as Missing in Action. And, I know this is a sensitive issue, but do you foresee any potential to restart talks with North Korea on how to recover those who are Missing in Action from the Korean War?

General Brooks: Senator, I think it's one of the most important obligations we can fulfill, and if the conditions change in our relationship where we can have a reasonable dialogue with North Korea, that should be one of the first things considered, and if confirmed, I would commit myself to that. It's a solemn obligation that we never, never leave those behind. If we can recover them, we will.

Senator Shaheen: Thank you, I very much appreciate that, and I agree that that should be a priority for us. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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