He did tell all the people he talked to about his plans to move to Alaska. But he didn't take his clothes, side by side, 4 wheeler, or the trailer he bought to haul his atv's. There has never really been much of an investigation when it comes to my father's disappearance. I know! There was a young man that got lost up on the same mountain about a year after my father disappeared and they had a helicopter, drones, people on horseback. And 4 wheelers. And they found him after he haf only been lost 6-8 hours. I also was living on white oak mountain when all that happened. I wish I knew how to get more answers. My father was also a Vietnam veteran. I feel like nobody cares about my father. He was a awesome man. Kind, respectful, loving, etc. How they don't suspect foul play I don't know. But I know he didn't leave willing!!! If u have any ideas how can can get more help about findng my father please let me know. Thanks!!
Jaclyn Elkinton
Jaclyn. I’m so sorry your family is still living with this. What you shared about your dad telling people he planned to move to Alaska—combined with everything he left behind—really underscores that this doesn’t look like someone who simply walked away. Your love for him comes through clearly, and you’re right to expect the same urgency others received.
A good first step is to get the basics in writing. Ask the sheriff’s office for the case number, the current lead investigator, and a short status update. Then submit a public-records request for the initial report, the dispatch/CAD logs around the date he disappeared, any 911 calls, the original search plans and grids, and any tips or leads that were logged. Keep copies of everything.
Make sure your dad is fully entered and up to date in all the right systems. Confirm with law enforcement that he’s in NCIC and NamUs, and ask for a NamUs Regional Program Specialist if you don’t have one yet. Provide family DNA reference samples so there’s a matchable profile in CODIS if needed; NamUs and law enforcement can coordinate that at no cost. If he’s not already there, ask to be listed on The Doe Network and the Charley Project to widen visibility.
It can also help to revisit search planning even after time has passed. Ask the agency to review the 2017 search maps with a certified search-and-rescue planner and confirm which hazards were actually cleared—wells, culverts, ponds, ravines, steep draws, and any private parcels that might have been skipped. If there’s water nearby, side-scan sonar can still be useful. Reputable volunteer groups such as CUE Center for Missing Persons or Texas EquuSearch may support a targeted re-search if law enforcement agrees to coordinate, which protects the chain of evidence.
Tightening the timeline can shake loose new angles. Put together a simple narrative of his last 72 hours with who saw or spoke to him, any purchases or deliveries, mail or trash pickup, and utility readings. Write down exactly what was found at the house and what—if anything—appeared to be missing. Small details like footwear can change how far someone could realistically have gone on foot. Ask law enforcement to recheck bank activity, VA or SSA records, phone records, and any archived trail or game-camera footage neighbors might still have in cloud accounts. If he used VA services, the VA police and records office can sometimes help confirm appointments or pharmacy history that reflect plans or routines.
Raising gentle, steady visibility can create pressure for renewed action. A date-anniversary media push with local TV, radio, and newspapers keeps your dad’s face and case number in the public eye. A small vigil or press event on White Oak Mountain with a clear message—review the search coverage, confirm NamUs DNA, and encourage public tips—can bring new attention. Keep one consistent flyer and one tip line so information funnels to the right place.
You can also ask the Arkansas Missing Persons Clearinghouse to help liaise with the sheriff’s office and verify entries. It’s reasonable to request that Arkansas State Police review the file; if there are technical avenues worth exploring, law enforcement can consider asking the FBI for specific assistance. Document every conversation in a notebook with dates, names, and next steps so progress doesn’t disappear when personnel change. And please lean on veterans’ groups in your area—your dad’s service matters, and those communities often rally quickly when asked.