U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Cowell, a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) team sergeant, digs a test pit during a joint field activity (JFA) in Savannakhet Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic, May 18, 2022. A DPAA investigation team searched for and surveyed several locations across the country, gathering key data in the process. Information from the JFA will be used to determine and prioritize future recovery missions. This was the agency's first investigation mission in the country in lieu of new COVID-19 guidelines. The last investigation took place in 2019. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.