Susan with Captain George Marrett, USAF, Ret.
A-1 Skyraider Pilot Association reunion
One of the objectives of Missions in Laos is to share the importance of research, investigations and the recovery of MIAs through presentations to veteran organizations and the public, and attending public events.
Contact Susan by e-mail to schedule a speaking engagement.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday 19 SEP 26
NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY
2nd ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO HEROES
by: Wings of Freedom Foundation & MIssions in Laos
MAJOR LEON DAVENPORT VETERANS BUILDING (Blairsville Veterans Center)
75 Blue Ridge Highway, Blairsville, Georgia
12pm – 4pm
Displays ~ artifacts ~ military vehicles ~ Missing Man table
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PAST EVENTS
22 AUG 26
“HOT SUMMER NIGHTS” CAR SHOW
Hosted by: VFW POST 7620
Andrews, North Carolina
Participated in the car show with a display booth including the “MIssing Man” table
& live Vietnam War helicopter extractions transmissions
18 APRIL 2026
WELCOME HOME VETERANS
WESTERN CAROLINA REGIONAL AIRPORT
Andrews, North Carolina
I had a display set-up and spoke with many veterans and members of the area communities. I always have a “Missing Man” table set-up, and several people asked about it and photographed it.
28 OCTOBER 2025
Speaking engagement
VFW Post 7394
Blairsville, Georgia
19 SEPTEMBER 2025
NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY
VA Clinic- Blairsville, Georgia
I had a booth set-up alongside the Wings of Freedom Foundation.
On display was a restored 1967 Pontiac GTO previously owned by
an air force officer from Georgia who is still MIA in Cambodia.
23 AUGUST 2025
“HOT SUMMER NIGHTS” CAR SHOW
Hosted by: VFW POST 7620
Andrews, North Carolina
Participated at the Hot Summer Nights car show with a display booth.
APRIL 2025
Speaking engagement
American Legion Post 532
Hayesville, North Carolina
A PowerPoint presentation about Missions in Laos- past/present/future goals, investigative research and travel to Southeast Asia.
JANUARY 2025
Speaking engagement
NSVA (Navy Seabee Veterans of America) Island X-3
Blairsville, Georgia
A PowerPoint presentation about Missions in Laos- past/ present/ future goals, investigative research and travel to Southeast Asia She also “pinned” Vietnam Veterans with the Vietnam War Commemorative pin on behalf of
Mission: POW-MIA an organization that she belongs to and serves as an advisor to Laos.
OCTOBER 2024
Presentation
MISSION: POW-MIA ANNUAL MEETING
Virginia Beach, Virginia
PowerPoint presentation about Missions in Laos- past/ present/future goals, investigative research and travel to Southeast Asia.
AUGUST 2024
IGHTS” CAR SHOW
Hosted by: VFW POST 7620
Andrews, North Carolina
Participated at the Hot Summer Nights car show with a display booth.
VETERANS DAY 2023
Speaking engagement
A-1 SKYRAIDER PILOT ASSOCIATION REUNION
Ft. Walton Beach, Florida
A SPECIAL HONOR WHEN…
Susan was invited to be the guest speaker at the A-1 Skyraider Pilot Association in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Captain George Marrett, USAF, Ret. invited her to the reunion where they gave a presentation to more than 100 pilots and other service members. Captain Marrett described the rescue mission he led on 10 MAR 69 after Colonel Carter Luna was shot down in central Laos. Susan gave a detailed presentation about her research of Colonel Luna, and her trips to Laos. They received a standing ovation which indicated they were well received by this group of courageous and dedicated men. A-1 pilots flew combat missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and also were a main element of search and rescue missions.
Susan: “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me but maybe I’ll be invited to the next reunion in 2025 and have updated information to share.”
This is a link to the video of the presentation on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b01kPp_7Hk
(apx. 1 hr. 20 min. in length)
JULY 2019
Community event- Showing of documentary film “21 Years- A Folded Flag” with a special guest
Spring Creek, North Carolina
In 2019, Susan hosted a showing of a film “21 Years- A Folded Flag“ directed by Richard Fitts, Jr. the son of U.S. Army Green Beret SSG Richard A. Fitts who was MIA for 21 years.
I happened to have known 2 people that had the bracelet with the name SSG Richard A. Fitts on it. They both came to the showing of the film where I introduced them to the son of this heroic soldier. It was very moving moment for everyone at the event.
What are the chances that I knew two veterans who had the same POW/MIA bracelet!
SSG RICHARD A. FITTS
U.S. Army
MIA- Laos 1968 Recovered- 1988 Remains identified- 1990
Richard Fitts, Jr. with Colonel Ted Minnick, USA/Ret. & Dave Lanier, USMC/Ret.
Richard Fitts, Jr. with his family & Susan