An Evening with Project Recover Featuring Derek Abbey, President & CEO

Project Recover brings its mission to life through the scientists, researchers, and storytellers at the heart of the work. President and CEO Derek Abbey offers audiences an inside look at how cutting-edge technology, historical research, and collaborative fieldwork come together to locate and repatriate American service members still missing from past conflicts. Derek speaks from real expeditions, whether underwater, in jungles, or on remote Pacific islands, sharing the discoveries, challenges, and deeply human moments that define this work. From the science of forensic identification to the emotional weight of a family's homecoming, he connects audiences to something larger than any single mission: the promise that no one who served this country will be forgotten. Derek Abbey will be joining us virtually, so participants are welcome to attend online or watch the live stream at the Kisker Road Branch Library. https://www.projectrecover.org/ About the Presenter: Derek Abbey has been a member of Project Recover for 20 years and serves as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Project Recover searches for Americans missing in action from the nation's previous conflicts, working to provide answers and closure to Gold Star Families and help heal the wounds of war. Abbey spent 23 years in the United States Marine Corps, serving as both an enlisted Marine and an officer, on the ground and in the air. As an F/A-18 aviator, he holds more combat time in the Hornet than in peaceful skies. He also served in the special operations community, and is a plank holder at 1st Raider Battalion and Marine Special Operations Company Delta. Since retiring from the Marine Corps in 2014, Abbey has remained committed to serving the military community in multiple capacities, including student services work at San Diego State University and the University of San Diego, and leadership roles with several military-connected nonprofits. He studied history at Oregon State University while on active duty. He holds an M.A. in Higher Education Leadership and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego, a Non-Profit Executive Leadership credential from Stanford University, and is a 2019 President George W. Bush Scholar. An avid outdoorsman, Abbey believes time in nature is essential to physical and mental health. He trail runs, hikes, camps, snowboards, snowshoes, birds, and spends time on the river, ideally every day. He lives in Bend, Oregon.