Dear , 

On Tuesday, October 29th, over 20 Project Recover team members traveled from around the world to bear witness to the homecoming and burial of LT Jay Manown, Jr, who is the eighteenth former MIA that we have helped bring home. We were honored to share in this incredible event in Kingwood, WV with the family of LT Jay Manown and a strong showing of the local veteran community who in a moving tribute, filed down the aisle, each taking a moment to stand at attention in front of his casket, followed by a salute.

Also in attendance were the families of Anthony Di Petta and Wilbur Mitts, LT Manown’s crewmates on that fateful day, September 10th, 1944. Both Di Petta and Mitts came home to their families last year. The nieces of each aviator, Suzanne Nakamura, Diana Ward, and Becky Sheets met for the first time after supporting each other through a life event that few of us could imagine. As Becky Sheets stated, "This bond is a sisterhood".

Suzanne Nakamura, niece of Anthony Di Petta, Becky Sheets, niece of Jay Manown, Jr., and Diana Ward, niece of Wilbur Mitts, hold a photo of their uncles in front of an Avenger. Becky's brother, John Shaw, stands next to them.

"Take Me Home, Country Roads" will have a different meaning for us all now (and some of us might not be able to hold back the tears). I look forward to sharing more photos and video soon, but for now, know that this 20+ year case has been brought to a close – while these families are experiencing a new beginning.

To our donors, partners, and volunteers, thank you for the support that has directly helped us close this case. To our supporters cheering us on from the sidelines, thank you for the moral support, staying engaged, and spreading the word about Project Recover and our mission.

Now take a look below for an opportunity to support our 2025 missions!
 

It’s Project Recover’s First Online Auction!

Tribute Donations - October 2024 🎖️

Join us in keeping the memory alive of those we've lost, and honoring those who inspire us in the present.

~In loving memory of William Donald Dean, son of Ens Donald W Dean who was shot down over Truk 2/17/1944, from Lisa Millwood.

~In memory of 1st Lt Grant Martel Rea and the crew of "Sky Tramp"; MIA August 24th 1944. Until they all come home. From Chip Jacoby

~In loving memory of Margaret Olcott, from Janet Olcott.

~In memory of Kevin Coe, from Charles Hesse.

~In memory of Cpl David Wishon, from Tim Champ.

~In memory of George J. Swim, from Kathy Lindauer.

~In memory of Dennis McKeen, MIA, Bastogne, Belgium, January 3rd, 1945. From Bill Lockhart.

~In memory of Gary Bossio, from Alison Bartko.

~In memory of William Linck, from David Friedlander.

~In memory of Felton Lancaster. Thank you for your service to our country. I never knew you in life but I will meet you in the resurrection. From Gregory Sheppard.

~In honor of Cpt. Alfred M Fite Jr. WWII B-17 pilot and Cpt. David M Fite, National Guard KC-135 pilot lost in service, from Rachel Beard.

If you would like to make a tribute donation, click here to donate in honor or memory of someone. Be sure to check the box under "Gift Designation" and add a tribute message and honoree name.

With Gratitude,

Michelle Abbey

Director of Community & Donor Relations

Project Recover