During periods of war, a deployed service member would be categorized as missing in action (MIA) if the whereabouts of the member is not known. The family can experience a roller coaster of feelings from optimism and hope to fear and despair. It may take weeks to years to finally determine the service member’s status. Hope for the member being found alive fades as the days pass. If service members are captured by the enemy, they are categorized as prisoners of war (POWs). The lack of closure for families in either circumstance adds additional stress and uncertainty to their lives. Families are encouraged to seek counsel from their priesthood leaders as they face these difficult challenges.

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