POW MIA Museum in Jefferson Barracks

Please join us as we remember Mike and pay homage to our Fallen and Missing in a very special virtual event. The event will feature Governor Mike Parson who will join us to officially proclaim May 11 as Lt. Michael Blassie Day, along with stories from Mike’s sister, Col. (Ret) Patricia S. Blassie, USAF and seven of Mike's classmates from the United States Air Force Academy Class of 1970.

Congratulations to Chase Hatch on his May 1st Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony! Congratulations also to mom and dad Marie and Michael Hatch, and to Chase’s Eagle Scout Project mentor, Eagle Scout and Vietnam Veteran Jack Poitras! Chase’s Eagle Scout Project was building the display case for the Museum’s USS Arizona relic, its accompanying sample of oil and water still seeping from the Arizona’s submerged hull, its USS Arizona replica model built by master modeler John Mu...eller, and the display's American flag that was flown over the USS Arizona Memorial. Chase was directly responsible for the Museum obtaining the oil and water sample and the American flag for the display. Chase’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony was the first official viewing of the Museum’s relic in its permanent display case. Many Thanks to Navy Petty Officer First Class Wayne Scott and Navy Petty Officer Third Class Marissa Hunter for serving as Special Honor Guard for the Museum’s USS Arizona relic. They are the first active duty Navy personnel to view the Museum’s USS Arizona display. In the finest Naval tradition, they remained stationed port and starboard of that precious piece of the battleship the entire Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony. Congratulations again, Chase! A very special and proud day for all in attendance.

Many Thanks to the A-37 Association for their most generous donation to the Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum in Honor of and in Memory of Mike Blassie and the twelve other A-37 Dragonfly pilots lost in combat during the Vietnam War. Never Forget

Many Thanks to the Knights of Columbus Holy Spirit Assembly No. 3588, and Mr. Stan Mengwasser for their most generous donations to the Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum in Honor of and in Memory of Marine Lt. Bernie Plassmeyer, Missing in Action on September 11, 1970 when his A-4E Skyhawk was shot down over the A Shau Valley. Lt. Plassmeyer, Stan Mengwasser’s cousin, was lost 16 days prior to the birth of his son. Never Forget

Please join us as we remember Lt. Michael J. Blassie and pay homage to our Fallen and Missing in a very special virtual event. The event will feature Governor Mike Parson who will join us to officially proclaim May 11 as Lt. Michael Blassie Day, along with stories from Mike’s sister, Col. (Ret) Patricia S. Blassie, USAF and seven of Mike's classmates from the United States Air Force Academy Class of 1970.

Remembering 79 years ago, the lives lost and the sacrifices made at Pearl Harbor on this day... December 7th.

We wish to THANK the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter #324 of Washington, MO for their recent most generous donation to the Museum. The Chapter's unwavering support for the Museum project over the years has been so very vital to the Museum’s mission to put names, faces, and stories to that silhouette on the POW-MIA flag. Unfortunately, time and health concerns have caught up to the Chapter and they will be folding their flag and standing down. ... The Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum extends our deepest appreciation to the Members of Korean War Veterans Association Chapter #324 for their steadfast support and generosity. Your valiant service to our Country, to your Community, and to your fellow Veterans will not be forgotten! We Salute You for a job well done! Photo: Korean War Veterans Association Chapter #324 Member Ray Sovar (center) presenting the KWVA Chapter #324 donation to current Museum President Paul Dillon (left) and to Museum Board Member and POW-MIA City(sm) Committee Co-Chair Noel Freesh (right). Ray served in Korea with the 2nd BN, 32nd Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. It was the 7th Infantry Division who engaged two Communist Chinese Divisions, the 141st and the 67th, at the Battle of Pork Chop Hill.

Proudly recognizing Hillsboro R3 School District, our first" POW-MIA Campus(sm), and its efforts and unwavering commitment in this pandemic-challenged year to remembering and making aware to its students the special sacrifices all too often taken for granted, made for the freedoms we all enjoy. Thank You, Hillsboro Hawks!

Congratulations to Sullivan, Illinois! The Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum’s newly designated POW-MIA City(sm)! In a COVID19 delayed ceremony LTC Noel Freesh (USA retired), Co-Chairman of the Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum’s POW-MIA City(sm), County(sm), and Campus(sm) program, presented Sullivan Mayor Richard Glazebrook with their official POW-MIA City(sm) Proclamation and City Sign. On hand were representatives from American Legion Post 68 and VFW Post 6410, including American Legion Post 68 Commander Bob Sims, and VFW Post 6410 Finance Officer Harry Woolen. Thank You Sullivan, and Welcome aboard!!

The Missouri Athletic Club’s 2020 Veterans Day Commemoration Program Special Awardees. Left to Right: Dan Lett, Missouri Athletic Club President; Col. Corinne Bardgett (USA), Lifetime Dedication Awardee; Sgt. Russ Whitener (USA, St. Louis City Police Dept.), Veteran of Achievement Awardee; 1st Lt. John J. Glenn (USMC), Honored Veteran of the Year Awardee; and Brigadier General E. Tracy Beckette (USA), Missouri Athletic Club Program Chairman.