Balloon Launch in Wind Lake Remembers the Soldiers Who Haven't Made it Home Yet

Wisconsin’s 16th Anniversary POW-MIA National Balloon Launch will take place once again in Wind Lake, organized by Muskego veteran Jeff "Doc" Dentice.

The event will take place at the VFW Post 8343 Veterans Memorial Park. Before and after the launch, food, beverages and live music will be served as part of the festivities. Launch ceremonies will begin at 2:45 p.m., with Veterans Park open from noon to 6 p.m.

The first ever POW-MIA launch took place at Wood National Veterans Cemetery back in 1998, according to Dentice, and on Memorial Day Monday, May 27, he will be hosting his 16th annual launch. 

"Our American heroes have not returned home from war; their families are still waiting to find out the fate of their loved ones," he explained.

Dentice has been the tour de force behind many efforts to support veterans, including the Christmas with the Vets party held every year at the Veteran's Administration in Milwaukee.

Dentice's launch mirrors those across the country that are being held to bring awareness of the plight of POW-MIAs. Presently, 86,810 U.S. veterans are still missing and unaccounted for from World War I through Enduring Freedom. The POW/MIA balloons launched represent all of America’s POW/MIA’S from all Wars.