Never Leave a Fallen Comrade

Host Rob Couture records this special overseas episode of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast from Southeast Asia, joined by VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Cory Geisler. Together, they take listeners inside the VFW's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) fact-finding mission — a powerful, on-the-ground look at the ongoing effort to bring America's missing service members home.

Geisler reflects on his first experience in the region, sharing insights from visits across Hawaii, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. From the cutting-edge forensic work at the Daniel K. Inouye Center for Excellence to remote recovery sites in Vietnam, the episode highlights the complexity, danger and urgency of DPAA's mission. The conversation explores the science behind identification, the challenges of degraded remains and difficult terrain, and the critical role of international partnerships in advancing recovery efforts.

The discussion also underscores the impact of funding shortfalls, government shutdowns and logistical barriers that threaten future missions — raising important questions about America's commitment to its promise to never leave a fallen comrade behind. Through meetings with foreign governments, veteran organizations and recovery teams, Couture and Geisler emphasize the power of veteran-to-veteran diplomacy in overcoming political barriers and strengthening cooperation.

From emotional visits to historic sites like the Hanoi Hilton, to honoring those lost in a 2001 recovery mission helicopter crash, this episode captures both the human cost of war and the enduring dedication to accountability. With heartfelt reflections on service, sacrifice and remembrance, Episode 62 reinforces the VFW's unwavering mission to bring every service member home.

Featured Guest:
Cory Geisler – Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, VFW

Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro and mission overview from Southeast Asia
2:00 DPAA fact-finding mission explained
6:12 Inside the DPAA lab – science of identification
13:19 Scope of missing service members and recovery challenges
18:50 Funding cuts and impact on recovery missions
24:39 Government shutdowns and mission delays
27:12 Veteran-to-veteran diplomacy in Laos
30:46 Meetings with Vietnamese counterparts
35:24 Artifact recovery challenges and cultural barriers
40:19 National archives and research efforts
47:23 Visiting the Hanoi Hilton and reflecting on POW experiences
55:06 Strengthening U.S.–Vietnam relations
59:07 Honoring the 2001 helicopter crash victims
1:03:21 Inside a live recovery site in Vietnam
1:08:14 The warrior ethos and moral obligation to bring service members home
1:12:20 Final reflections and message to Vietnam veterans