|
Sent, via e-mail, to Virginia Senator John Warner on April 15, 2002 Re: Captain John Wadsworth Consolvo, Jr. - USMC
Senator Warner,
I am not famous; I am not rich. I am but one American, one small
voice in a great sea of voices. I
served my country in the United States Army, and my husband is currently serving in the United
States Marine Corps. I have nothing but the utmost respect for my country and the freedoms that
she stands for. That makes this letter that much harder to write.
I am writing to you today on behalf of Captain John W. Consolvo, Jr., United States Marine Corps.
Unfortunately, you won't find Capt. Consolvo's name on any military rosters; he was abandoned in
South Vietnam on May 7, 1972. I know abandoned is a rather strong word, but I simply don't
know
what else to call it. Please let me take a moment of your time to tell you a little bit about Captain
Consolvo.
John Wadsworth
Consolvo, Jr., was born on January 8, 1944. He attended the United States Naval
Academy, graduating in 1966. Thus began his career in the Marine Corps.
On May 7, 1972, Capt. Consolvo was flying a combat mission out of Da Nang, South Vietnam, when
his aircraft was hit by ground fire.
After making sure his radar intercept officer made it safely out of
the aircraft, Capt. Consolvo crashed in enemy territory. Although it is believed he
had time to safely
eject from his aircraft, and probably did so,he has never been seen or heard from again. It is believed
that he may have been
apprehended by the Pathet Lao. Circumstances surrounding the crash indicate
that the Vietnamese or Lao could account for his fate - alive or dead.
Captain Consolvo proudly served his country for six years, and fought valiantly for the freedoms we
enjoy today. He flew over 150
combat missions during his first tour of duty in Vietnam, and was
serving his second tour when he was lost. He is from our own great state of
Virginia, having resided
in Fort Belvoir.
Senator Warner, having been in the Navy and the Marine Corps, and having served during two
wars
yourself, I'm sure you feel just as strongly about this issue as I do. I would very much like to know
what is being done to determine Captain Consolvo's fate, and to facilitate his return to the United
States. In the unthinkable event that nothing is being done, I would sincerely like to know
why, and
what you will do to correct this gross oversight. On May 7, 2002, Captain Consolvo will have been
abandoned in South Vietnam for 20 years.
Please help me find a way to bring him home.
On behalf of Captain Consolvo, his family and friends and myself, thank you very much for
your
time, and thank you in advance for your response.
Sincerely, Jade E. Ostroha
|