SAN DIEGO COUNTY AND THE GULF WAR : Wives of POWs Offer Cautious Thank You

The wives of two Camp Pendleton Marines captured by Iraq thanked their supporters on Monday, but made it clear that military officials are discouraging relatives of war prisoners from making public comments.

“I would like to say more, but there’s a risk that anything I say publicly may be used to hurt my husband and the other prisoners of war,” according to a statement by Mary L. Hunter, the wife of Chief Warrant Officer Guy Hunter.

Hunter, 46, was piloting an OV-10 Bronco, accompanied by Lt. Col. Clifford Acree, 39, on a reconnaissance mission in southern Kuwait when their plane was reportedly shot down by a surface-to-air missile.

The two prisoners, looking haggard and apparently speaking under coercion, appeared on Iraqi television Jan. 20 to the relief of Mary Hunter and Cindy Acree, whose husbands until then had been reported missing in action.

Although the women and some family members at first commented to the media, the wives said Monday in joint statements released by Camp Pendleton that officials are concerned that public remarks could further jeopardize the prisoners.

“To protect our POWs, the Department of Defense has advised all POW wives and families to make no further statements,” Cindy Acree said.

A base spokeswoman, Capt. Rose-Ann Sgrignoli, said defense officials have issued a directive to all branches of the service warning about the danger to prisoners if certain personal information is disclosed by family members.

“Anything that can be thrown in their (POWs’) face, like how your wife looks and the names of your children, can be used against them in interrogation,” said Sgrignoli.

She said that, although the military advises against public statements, it can’t force families of prisoners to remain silent. In fact, she added, Acree and Hunter decided to release statements and “it was their decision to make.”

Department of Defense representatives couldn’t be reached late Monday, but a spokeswoman from Marine Headquarters in Washington, Maj. Nancy LaLuntas, said the Corps “cautions spouses and family members about releasing too much personal information.”

LaLuntas said, “With telecommunications the way they are, it’s always possible personal information can be seen by captors and used to elicit information.”

The statements released by Acree and Hunter seemed to steer carefully away from sensitive topics.

Hunter, who lives on base, wrote, “I believe the war will soon be over, and Guy will come back to me in fine shape. Until then, I wish the International Red Cross could hurry and establish prisoner-of-war status for Guy, so that we can exchange the mail that is so much a part of our lives.”

She noted the support she has received “from around the world” and added that the calls and letters “make me feel great inside. I’m amazed at how good people are.”

In her missive, Acree, an Oceanside resident, praised the Marine Corps “family” for its support. “When times are tough, people are there when you need them. Our Marine Corps family responded immediately by providing meals, household repairs, transportation and moral support.”

She continued, “I have even heard from total strangers who just wanted to convey their support of me and our troops.”

Both wives welcome letters and gave their mailing address as P.O. Box 4044, Carlsbad, Calif., 92018.

Acree wrote that phone calls “vanish quickly but letters endure. If you wish to express your sentiments, writing is the best avenue, and I will be proud to show your messages to Cliff when he returns.”