DPAA’s family updates remain the heart of a mission that still spans the globe in search of answers
Podcast:The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Published On: Thu Mar 12 2026 Description: DPAA’s mission is to account for missing service members from World War II through Vietnam, work that depends as much on scientific progress as on the trust they build with families. Their Family Member Updates have become one of the few places where relatives can hear, face‑to‑face, what’s happening in long‑standing cases. Joining us to explain why those touchpoints remain essential are Col. Derek Rankin and Mr. Tim McMahon. Col. Rankin is Chief of Staff at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Mr. McMahon is Armed Forces Medical Examiner System DNA Operations director.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.