UPDATE: Great coverage of Paul Clever's story in the Sept/Oct 2015 issue of The VVA Veteran. Visit the magazine's site for the full article.
Paul Clever's father, Louis, is finally laid to rest - May 2015.
After three long and emotional years of hard work as part of MRSEA: Maximum Recovery in Southeast Asia, Paul and Nita Clever helped bring home a crew whose plane went down decades ago (CAP 72). In their search and recovery mission to Thailand, they brought home remains of Vietnam veterans leading to the identification of 7 of the 10 crew members.
One of the veterans who was brought home is Paul Clever's father, TSgt Louis Clever. Learn more about the final tribute to Louis Clever below. Read a news release that covers the full history of this incredible effort via this PDF.
Video about final tribute for TSgt Louis Clever
An honor ride and funeral was held for TSgt Louis Clever on 22 May 2015 at the Jefferson Barrack National Cemetery south of St. Louis MO. Watch a short video from Scott Air Force Base called "We Will Never Forget," featuring this final special tribute.
Paul and Nita Clever - Honored for Recovery Efforts
Nita & Paul Clever - Honored for Recovery Efforts
On 1 May 2015, Nita and Paul Clever received the Air Force Commander's Public Service Award Medal at Goodfellow Air Force Base for their successful efforts in bringing American Remains left behind in Laos since 1969 (Vietnam War).
Later this year the Clevers will be returning to Laos with Applied Anthropologist/Archeologist Brian Kenny on their fourth mission. This mission will be to search for the burial site of A1C Alan Piittmann. The Clevers believe they are within 20 meters of the burial site and will be taking better equipment to facilitate the search.
AN UNUSUAL REQUEST: MRSEA is hoping for donations of used Barbie dolls (clothing and accessories optional). Not only does Ambassador Barbie bring smiles to young Laotian girls but she is able to open doors within local villages which otherwise may remain closed. Please consider sharing your used Barbie(s). Address: 10860 Ridgefield Drive, Olive Branch, MS 38654.
Exhibits Featuring the EC-47
When visiting the National Cryptologic Museum, remember to explore the airborne reconnaissance display, featuring, among other items, information about EC-47 crew losses in Vietnam. There is also an ARDF exhibit at Goodfellow AFB that was dedicated in 2014. When you are there, make sure to purchase one of the commemorative EC-47 coins sold by the AF Freedom Through Vigilance Heritage Association.
