What the Escape and Evasion Society Does
The Escape and Evasion Society is a membership organization devoted to preserving the history of military evasion and escape, supporting survivors and families, and educating the public. It maintains archives, runs or supports museums, hosts reunions, and promotes oral history. While not a veterans service agency for direct benefits, it often works alongside service organizations to help members navigate records, locate next of kin, and find commemorative resources. This overview explains its purpose, activities, and how it differs from formal military or government services.
Primary Mission and Scope
Founded to collect, preserve, and share stories of those who evaded capture, the society focuses on historical research and living memory. Its scope includes air crew and other service members who evaded enemy forces, with an emphasis on accurate documentation and respectful commemoration. Members collaborate with archives, museums, and academic institutions. The society typically avoids operational commentary on ongoing matters and instead serves as a long-term record keeper and network for survivors and historians.
Core Objectives
- Preserve firsthand accounts and related artifacts from evasion experiences.
- Support reunions, commemorations, and educational outreach.
- Provide a directory of members with shared history or service connections.
- Advocate for proper recognition in historical records and memorials.
Membership and Eligibility
Membership is generally open to individuals who were evaders or prisoners of war during recognized conflicts, their next of kin, and individuals with a documented research interest. Some societies require documented service in specific theaters or units; others welcome allied personnel and historians. Because policies can vary by region and by founding charter, prospective members should contact the society directly for current eligibility criteria and onboarding procedures.
Typical Membership Considerations
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Former evaders, POWs, next of kin, affiliated researchers | Society bylaws / published membership policy |
| Documentation | Service records, DD-214 extracts, or credible witness statements | Application guidance from the society |
| Associate Membership | Historians and educators with approved research proposals | Published membership categories |
| Benefit Highlights | Access to archives, quarterly newsletter, reunion priority | Member handbook or public summary |
| Privacy Note | Personal data handled in accordance with stated privacy policy | Society privacy statement |
Activities and Programs
The society commonly organizes an annual reunion, regional roundtables, and guest lectures featuring historians and former evaders. It may sponsor or contribute to dedicated museums and memorial sites, and support digitization of diaries, maps, and after-action reports. Educational outreach often includes school presentations and partnerships with veteran history programs. While not engaged in claims advocacy, members frequently assist with locating records when members request information for personal closure or family research.
Notable Initiatives
- Oral history projects capturing firsthand evasion accounts.
- Archival preservation of maps, sketches, and wartime correspondence.
- Memorial services and observances aligned with historical dates.
- Collaboration with military archives to improve record access.
Relationship With Official Services
The Escape and Evasion Society is not a benefits office or a replacement for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It does not process compensation claims, provide medical care, or issue official service verification letters. However, it often complements VA services by helping members and families locate unit histories, understand records terminology, and prepare documentation for VA or military record requests. The society typically encourages members to pursue formal claims through proper government channels.
Complementary Resources
| Resource | Primary Role | Contact or Access |
|---|---|---|
| VA Claims Office | Benefits and compensation processing | va.gov |
| National Archives and Records Administration | Official service records and historical documents | archives.gov |
| Air Force Historical Research Agency | Unit history and mission records | afhra.af.mil |
| Escape and Evasion Society | Historical preservation, networking, peer support | Official website and contact form |
Research and Historical Documentation
For historians and genealogists, the society can be a valuable point of contact, but it does not replace archival repositories. Researchers are encouraged to use official archives, unit logs, and after-action reports for verification. The society may hold privately submitted notes, photographs, and family documents that can aid contextual understanding. When citing society materials, it is best practice to corroborate details with independent primary sources and to document provenance clearly.
Guidance for Researchers
- Treat member recollections as oral history, subject to human memory and perspective.
- Cross-reference names, dates, and locations with official records where possible.
- Request access through proper channels and respect privacy restrictions on living individuals.
- Cite materials accurately and note any limitations or gaps in the record.
How to Connect or Learn More
Those interested in joining or learning about the society should visit its official website for current membership forms, meeting schedules, and code of conduct. Many societies provide publicly available summaries of bylaws, mission statements, and contact channels without requiring personal disclosure. Before attending events or submitting sensitive information, confirm the organization’s legitimacy, leadership structure, and privacy practices. Engaging through official channels helps ensure a secure and respectful experience for members and their families.