April 4, 2013
Dr. Thomas D. Holland
Scientific Director, Deputy to the Commander for Central Identification Laboratory Operations
Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command
310 Worchester Avenue, Bldg. 45
Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii 96853-5530
Dear Dr. Holland:
It is my fervent hope that the report this letter conveys will serve as a shining example for JPAC as it
strives to demonstrate its commitment to the worthy, though daunting, 2010 Congressional imperatives
to increase efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting of missing Americans, particularly from
WWII.
I believe the work addressed by Dr. Jarrod Burks’ report ideally reflects the sort of responsible,
meaningful collaboration that was declared essential at the May 19, 2012, Family Update meeting in
Indianapolis. Creatively mobilizing and leveraging viable partners and resources seems paramount,
particularly given DoD funding obstacles. The contributors to the initiative of this report are both proud
and humbled by the opportunity to support your noble cause, albeit focused on but one of your tens of
thousands of deserving cases.
At first glance, the recovery of my uncle, 1st Lt. Ewart T. Sconiers, appears to be quite straightforward
and relatively unencumbered. He’s buried in what is now a highly accessible, well-maintained
municipal park in the city of Lubin, Poland. Yet, because of the circumstances well-documented in
Sconiers’ case file and in this report, recovery has been more akin to searching for a hero in a haystack
of undelineated, unmarked graves. Until now--JPAC’s initial recovery attempt in October 2011, understandably, was quite limited in scope. And,
though remains of three people were found, none was those of Sconiers. After several days, the small
team had to leave, likely with more questions than answers.
Your team’s interest in the northeast corner of Allies Park served to prioritize Dr. Burks’ survey and his
report offers the scientific data needed to definitively answer those questions, to synthesize the objective
data already at JPAC’s disposal (i.e. burial photographs, 1944 aerial photographs of the former
cemetery, and the years of research by Chief John Gray), and to isolate the most promising graves for a
second recovery attempt.
Equally relevant to JPAC’s next steps but not stated in this report is the verbal assurance by the city
officials of Lubin, Poland that they will grant significantly broader access to Allies Park for an
expanded second recovery mission, one that most likely should focus on identified key areas of the park,
particularly, Dr. Burks’ proposed Test Area #1 and Test Area #2. Having a marvelous, highly
supportive contact within the high-ranking city officials, I stand ready to facilitate communications in
this regard.
Finally, what is rather remarkable is the breadth and depth of attention and dedication that has emerged
for Sconiers’ recovery. A true international coalition of promise-keepers has been forged—from state
and national elected officials, to the military, to nonprofit organizations, to corporations, to former
fellow POWs and their descendants, to friends and family, to strangers, many of whom have already
offered thousands of dollars and in-kind contributions. For example:
In-kind contribution of Ohio Valley Archaeology, Inc. and Dr. Jarrod Burks for geophysical
survey, data analysis, report preparation---$11,200; value of geophysical equipment--- $67,000
(already in company inventory); software---$4000 (already in inventory); miscellaneous
equipment---$1000 (already in inventory); insurance purchased for trip--- $1000 (Note: the
estimated cost to rent the 3 pieces of geophysical surveying equipment for 5 days is $12,00015,000)
In-kind contribution of DHL Global---$2000; plus 3-day signatory guarantee of $19,000 for
tariffs and fees (should equipment not return to U.S. as planned)
Cash contribution for Dr. Burks’ travel---$3,500
In-kind contribution of on-ground support (3 days), guide, translator, facilitator for civic support
(American) Stephen Marks---$900
In-kind contribution of -ground support (2 days), translator, researcher (Polish citizen) Szymon
Serwatka---$600; in-kind contribution of travel for Serwatka---$150
Cash contribution for travel for John Gray, former DPMO lead researcher for Sconiers’ case, to
interface with Dr. Burks---$407; in-kind contribution of Gray for consultation (1 day)---$300
You will find additional strong evidence of this claim in the pages that accompany this letter. Further,
when your team is able to return to Lubin, you will find ample on-the-ground support, to include
translation services, at no expense to the DoD.
This case promises to illuminate the positive outcomes of JPAC’s work, demonstrate innovative
approaches to partnership that maximize resources, further global community building, and embody
America’s promise to her service men and women and their families.
We look forward to continuing this partnership and bringing Lt. Sconiers home at long last.
With sincere respect and profound gratitude,
Pamela Sconiers Whitelock
Sconiers’ niece and primary next-of-kin
http://www.BringSconiersHome.com
1136 Sleeping Meadow Dr.
New Albany, OH 43054
614-245-8477
cell: 850-814-1982
email: pamwhitelock@att.net
cc: Maj. Gen. Kelly K. McKeague, Commander, JPAC
Johnie E. Webb, Deputy to the Commander for External Relations and Legislative Affairs