Susan with Captain George Marrett, USAF, Ret.
A-1 Skyraider Pilot Association reunion
One of the missions of Missions in Laos is to share the importance of research, investigations and the recovery of MIAs through presentations to veteran organizations and the public. Susan has been invited to speak to veteran organizations, has participated in veteran events and organized a community event.
Contact Susan by e-mail to discuss future speaking engagements.
JANUARY 2025
NSVA (Navy Seabee Veterans of America) Island X-3
Blairsville, GA
A PowerPoint presentation about Missions in Laos- past, present, future goals, investigative research and travel to Southeast Asia She also “pinned” Vietnam Veterans with the Vietnam War Commemorative pin on behalf of Mission: POW-MIA an organization that she belongs to.
OCTOBER 2024
MISSION: POW-MIA ANNUAL MEETING
Virginia Beach, VA
PowerPoint presentation about Missions in Laos- past, present, future goals, investigative research and travel to Southeast Asia.
AUGUST 2024
VFW POST 7620 car show
Andrews, North Carolina
Participated at the Hot Summer Nights car show with a display booth.
VETERANS DAY 2023
A-1 SKYRAIDER PILOT ASSOCIATION REUNION
Ft. Walton Beach, FL
A SPECIAL HONOR WHEN…
Susan was invited to be the guest speaker at the A-1 Skyraider Pilot Association in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Captain George Marrett, USAF, Ret. invited her to the reunion where they gave a presentation to more than 100 pilots and other service members. Captain Marrett described the rescue mission he led on 10 MAR 69 after Colonel Carter Luna was shot down in central Laos. Susan gave a detailed presentation about her research of Colonel Luna, and her trips to Laos. They received a standing ovation which indicated they were well received by this group of courageous and dedicated men. A-1 pilots flew combat missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and also were a main element of search and rescue missions.
Susan: “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me but maybe I’ll be invited to the next reunion in 2025 and have updated information to share.”
This is a link to the video of the presentation on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b01kPp_7Hk
(apx. 1 hr. 20 min. in length)
JULY 2019
Community event- Showing of film “21 Years- A Folded Flag” with a special guest
Spring Creek, North Carolina
In 2019, Susan hosted a showing of a film “21 Years- A Folded Flag“ directed by the son of U.S. Army Green Beret SSG Richard A. Fitts who was MIA for 21 years.
I happened to have known 2 people that had the bracelet with the name SSG Richard A. Fitts on it. They both came to the showing of the film where I introduced them to the son of this heroic soldier. It was very moving moment for everyone at the event.
What are the chances that I knew two veterans who had the same POW/MIA bracelet!
SSG RICHARD A. FITTS
U.S. Army
MIA- Laos 1968 , Recovered- 1988 Remains identified- 1990
Richard Fitts, Jr. with Colonel Ted Minnick, USA/Ret. & Dave Lanier, USMC/Ret.
Richard Fitts, Jr. with his family & Susan