POW/MIA Bracelet Is Moscow-Bound

Inspired by Boris Yeltsin’s promise to return any missing American servicemen, Rep. Randy (Duke) Cunningham (R-San Diego) on Wednesday swiftly intercepted the Russian Federation president after his speech to Congress and offered him the POW/MIA bracelet he’s worn for 22 years.

“He’s taking it back to Moscow,” Cunningham said happily after the encounter on the House floor.

“When I heard him say he would personally guarantee any POW/MIAs would be returned to their families, I thought it was a great opportunity,” said Cunningham, a decorated Vietnam fighter pilot.

“As he was leaving, I showed him my POW/MIA bracelet and made a gesture for him to take it. I explained its significance, President Yeltsin listened to his interpreter, nodded, and took it,” Cunningham said. “I think it’s as a symbol that he means what he says. I believe him.”

The bracelet commemorates Charles Scharf, an Air Force pilot listed as missing in action since he was shot down over North Vietnam Oct. 1, 1965.

Although the two pilots didn’t know each other, Cunningham came to know Scharf’s sister, Barbara Lowerson of San Diego, who lives in the congressman’s district.

Lowerson, active in the POW/MIA cause, was “thrilled” when the congressman’s office called about the bracelet’s impending journey to Russia.

“I hope this forces President Bush to take some action,” Lowerson said.

Yeltsin said during his U.S. visit that some missing Americans might have been taken to the former Soviet Union during the Vietnam War and could still be alive. He also said many Americans were held in the Soviet Union after World War II and during the Korean War, and might still be living.