We are sad to pass along the following: 

Patricia Blassie has passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Col. Patricia Blassie (USAF Retired), sister of the "Vietnam War Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier" Michael Blassie, has passed away. The Blassie family is sad to announce that Patricia Blassie, while surrounded by family and friends, was called home on July 8, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. They find comfort in knowing she is resting in perfect peace. Please see her obituary here - https://kutisfuneralhomes.com/blassie-colonel-patricia-s/.

Some may remember when Major Patricia Blassie attended a National Alliance of Families annual meeting on the invitation of the NAF Director and Ted Sampley to speak about her family's journey. It was Ted Sampley who was able to connect information and positively identify that it was Lt. Michael Blassie's remains which were placed in the Tomb as the "Unknown Soldier" from the Vietnam War.

When Patricia Blassie addressed the NAF group, she began simply with, "I never knew you people and your organization existed. And when Ted called and told our family it was Michael's remains in the Tomb of the Unknown, we thought he was crazy."  But after the formal verification process proved Ted correct, Patricia and Michael's mother became angry as that verification process showed that personal items were placed into the Tomb which clearly identified Michael's identity. 

These items were returned to the Blassie family and Maj. Blassie brought them with her to the NAF meeting to show attendees. She also brought a video of her brother's homecoming and burial in their hometown, 'Another Soldier Has Come Home.' Maj. Blassie explained her family's anger was based on the fact that the U.S. Government took the liberty to claim Michael was an unknown and knowingly lied to their family and the public - while their mother waited for answers, and never stopped worrying about Michael being a POW.

To learn more about Patricia and the Blassie family's story - https://patriciablassie.com/ 

Rest in Peace Col. Patricia Blassie.