The family of Travis Saunders, a Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldier who went missing in February 2009, is still hoping for the best, despite some three months passing without any word from him.

Saunders, who was stationed in Moneague, St Ann, came to Kingston in February after being recruited as a member of the JDF party that would participate in the reception ceremony for the king and queen and Spain. However, he left his Kitson Town, St Catherine home en route the JDF's Up Park Camp base to rehearse but never arrived nor returned home.

Speaking with THE STAR recently, the soldier's mother, wishing only to be referred to as Mrs Saunders, said she has called his cellphone everyday since then, but only receives his voicemail.

"I know something is wrong with my son. This is not like him. His birthday passed, his son's birthday went and Mother's Day went and we still haven't heard from him," the mother said. "I am still hoping for the best though, I am still hoping he is alive."

The distraught lady said the mind-boggling thing is that six days after her son went missing she received a text message from his number stating: "Don't worry. I'm OK". However, when she called the number no one picked up.

Mrs Saunders said she is appealing to the public and anyone who may have any information regarding the whereabouts of her son to contact the JDF or the Spanish Town police.

In the meantime, the JDF said it has already convened a board of inquiry to look into the matter. A spokesperson at the base said the only detail that could be given at this time was that "investigations are ongoing".