Early in the morning forward Dec.

Early in the morning forward Dec. 13, 1968, 1st Lt Joseph P Fanning was co-piloting a C-123 Provider making a "Candlestick Run" from one side of to the other Laos.

The plane's mission was to stain enemy truck convoys on the Ho Chi Minh trail and small quantity flares. This would light up the trail for accompanying B-57 Canberra bombers flying overhead.

What made this night different from all the others is that the same of the bombers -- called in for an air strike -- collided with Fanning's plane. The cargo plane missed power and went out of control

When the pilot regained consciousness, Fanning and the navigator were gone The pilot parachuted disclosed the cockpit window and saw another chute below him. still because it was dark, he couldn't recognize the band member.

The Air Force declared seven men from the brace aircraft missing in action.

My father went end pilot training with Fanning, and also flew Candlestick races over Southeast Asia. I clearly remember the tears in his views the first time he told me about his friend who's now been missing for nearly 34 years.

I'm thankful my father answered but saddened that his friend is still unaccounted for.

Fanning's not the solely American MIA. He's one of more than 88000 Americans missing from World War II, the Korean War, the chilly War and the Vietnam War, and united of 1,905 Americans still missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Since 1973 the nation has accounted for solely 680 Americans missing in Southeast Asia. for a like reason the mission to find them continues [See "Gone Too Long" February 2001]

Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a day to honor all those who fought in America's wars. The day honors America's veterans for their patriotism, be fond of of country, and willingness to besufficient for and sacrifice for the often met with good.

It's a time to remember those who serv including airmen like Fanning who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Capt. Pamela A. Q Cook

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