2 POW Wives Give Thanks for Support : Military: The spouses of two Marines captured by Iraq offer brief statements, fearing more information could hurt the men.

While the wives of two Camp Pendleton Marines captured by Iraq publicly thanked their supporters Monday, it was clear that military officials were discouraging relatives of war prisoners from making statements.

“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,” Mary L. Hunter, the wife of Chief Warrant Officer Guy Hunter, said in a prepared statement.

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

The two prisoners, looking haggard and believed to be speaking under duress, appeared on Iraqi television Jan. 20. The two had been listed as missing in action by the Pentagon. On Monday, officials announced that they would be considered POWs after pictures of the men were shown.

While the women and some family members initially had commented to the media, the wives indicated Monday in joint statements released by Camp Pendleton that officials are concerned that public remarks could jeopardize the prisoners.

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

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 (the POW’s) 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 cannot force families of prisoners to remain silent. She said that Acree and Hunter decided to release statements and “it was their decision to make.”

Defense Department representatives could not 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 welcomed letters and gave their mailing address as P.O. Box 4044, Carlsbad, Calif. 92018.