Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., plans on reintroducing the Select Committee on Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Affairs.  

“My point of reference in this is, as a minister for nearly two decades, dealing with loss and grief many times, families were able to move on with their lives once they found peace and closure,” Walker told HOH. “Families are still hurting, we haven’t done all we can do.”  

He introduced his bill to establish the committee on Jan. 25 and it has been referred to the House Rules Committee. His select committee would provide public services for families, such as sending a letter thanking someone for their father’s or grandfather’s service, the congressman said.  

Walker recently found a Purple Heart medal for the son of a man who was a World War II veteran. “It brought some peace there,” he said. “That’s what we want to do and just make sure these families know that we appreciate their family member’s service.”  

The select committee will be announced on Feb. 8 at Caldwell Academy in Greensboro, N.C., ahead of full approval by the House. All veterans and active duty military have an open invitation.  

Roughly four years ago, Walker said, he sat down with World War II veterans, one memorable one was captured because he struggled with his parachute upon landing. “It intrigued me, this story and how he survived that,” Walker said.  

The congressman believes that once the select committee can launch, a lot of members will be interested in joining. He added that supporters are not planning to create additional funding for it.

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