We All Matter News 
Search Intensifies for Missing Retired Air Force General in New Mexico
A massive community-led search is underway in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for William “Neil” McCasland, a 68-year-old retired U.S. Air Force general who has been missing for nearly two weeks. Family members, neighbors, and law enforcement agencies are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help bring him home safely.
McCasland was last seen on Feb. 27 at his home on Quail Run Court, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities believe he may have left on foot. Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, with white hair and blue eyes, he is known in the community as an avid outdoorsman who frequently hiked, ran, and cycled in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights and the nearby Sandia foothills.
His wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, has been candid about the emotional toll of the search. In a public message, she described an extraordinary outpouring of support: volunteers combing the terrain on foot and horseback, drones sweeping the skies, helicopters scanning from above, and specialized search dogs tracking any possible clues. Neighbors have canvassed doorbell and wildlife camera footage, determined not to overlook even the smallest detail.
“There has been no indication whatsoever of where he might be,” she wrote, underscoring the heartbreaking uncertainty the family continues to endure.
No Evidence of Confusion or Foul Play
While a Silver Alert has been issued, Wilkerson stressed that her husband does not suffer from dementia or cognitive decline. “Neil is at some risk, but not from dementia,” she clarified, pushing back against speculation that disorientation may have played a role in his disappearance.
Law enforcement officials, including the sheriff’s office and the FBI, have so far reported no clear signs of foul play. Still, authorities believe someone may have critical information that has not yet been shared. They are asking anyone who was in the Sandia Mountains on Feb. 27 or 28 — especially hikers or cyclists who may have been recording with GoPros or other devices — to review their footage and contact investigators.
A Career in Public Service — and Public Curiosity
Before retiring in 2013 after decades of service, McCasland led the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. The base once hosted a government program that monitored unidentified flying objects between 1947 and 1969, a historical footnote that has fueled public curiosity amid his disappearance.
McCasland also served as an unpaid consultant to musician Tom DeLonge of the band Blink-182, advising on military and scientific themes — including UFO-related topics — for media projects. However, his wife has firmly rejected speculation that these connections are relevant to his case.
“He retired from the Air Force almost 13 years ago and has had only commonly held clearances since,” she explained, adding that it is highly unlikely his past work would be connected to his disappearance.
In a moment of visible frustration at the lack of answers, she even joked darkly that perhaps “aliens beamed him up,” though no such evidence exists. The humor barely masks a family’s anguish as days pass with no sign of progress.
Community Solidarity and Call for Public Help
Images shared on social media show McCasland skiing and hiking in mountains across the U.S. and abroad, reflecting a life deeply rooted in the outdoors. That familiarity with rugged terrain has made this search particularly complex — and urgent.
Authorities are emphasizing that community cooperation is essential in cases like this. Even seemingly insignificant details can prove decisive. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office by texting “BCSO” to 847411 or calling the missing persons unit at 505-468-7070.
Officials are also reminding the public about basic hiking safety practices:
- Choose trails appropriate for your skill level.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Dress in layers and carry sufficient water.
- Always bring a cell phone or another means of communication.
As the search continues, McCasland’s disappearance serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a routine day outdoors can become a crisis — and how vital community solidarity is in moments of uncertainty. In a time when headlines too often divide us, neighbors, volunteers, and public servants are working side by side, united by a simple goal: bringing one of their own home.
