The participant's mother was sworn to secrecy concerning the nature of her husband's death and occupation. It was not until later in life when a researcher made contact, that the participant learned the full truth regarding his father's passing. The participant remembers meeting the president in Washington, D.C., to receive his father's medal and the publicity and humor of sharing a personal moment with President Obama. The family originally believed he was killed in a helicopter crash but he was actually killed during a CIA operation, serving under Lockheed at the Lima Site 85 in Northeast Laos. The photograph is a symbol of familial celebration and resilience.
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