Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Douglass, a nHonoring the Brave: Remembering YN3 Shingo Alexander Douglassative from Oceanside, Calif., during a memorial service at the U.S. Navy Memorial hosted by Honor Flight Maine, Oct. 28, 2023.
Introduction
The sea has always been an unforgiving frontier, demanding respect and vigilance from those who traverse its expanse. The men and women of the United States Navy stand as guardians over these waters, often paying the ultimate price in service to their nation. This truth was solemnly underscored as we gathered to honor the memory of Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass at the U.S. Navy Memorial.
Moment of Silence
Before delving into the heart of our narrative, let us observe a moment of silence. A moment to reflect on the sacrifice of YN3 Douglass and his six fellow sailors who perished on June 17, 2017, in the collision between the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and the MV ACX Crystal.
Why This Matters
It is imperative to recognize these acts of valor and the profound losses that accompany them. In doing so, we not only honor the fallen but also reinforce the backbone of the values upon which our Navy and nation are built: courage, honor, and commitment.
Story
The memorial service held on October 28, 2023, was not just an act of remembrance but also a testament to the enduring bonds of military service. It connected generations, from the World War II veterans to the family of YN3 Douglass—his father and grandfather, who have both known the weight of service and sacrifice.
Stephen Douglass, YN3’s father, eloquently captured the mix of pride and grief felt by those left behind, reminding us of the personal stories etched into the collective memory of our military heritage. His presence, along with that of Carl Douglass, a Purple Heart recipient, reminded us that service is often a shared family journey.
The Honor Flight Network plays a pivotal role in this narrative, enabling veterans to witness how their legacy is honored and remembered in the nation’s capital. The inscription of YN3 Douglass’s name on a seat at the Navy Memorial auditorium serves as a permanent reminder of his sacrifice.
Conclusion
As Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe that every sailor’s story writes a part of our national identity. The memorial for YN3 Shingo Alexander Douglass serves as a bridge between past, present, and future sailors. It is a call to honor, to remember, and to ensure that the sacrifices made in service to our nation are never forgotten.
An official website of the United States government and programs like the Honor Flight are crucial in this mission.
Our sailors are the steel spine of our nation’s defense. In the memory of YN3 Douglass and all those who have served, let us strive to fortify that spine, ensuring a Navy—and a nation—that remains ever strong, vigilant, and worthy of their sacrifice.
Michael White (left) meets Brian Hook, the U.S. special envoy for Iran, in Zurich, Switzerland, after White’s release from detention in Iran.
By Mark Roberts
Hello, fellow Americans. I’m a proud member of the Americans for a Stronger Navy, a group that advocates for a robust and well-equipped naval force to protect our nation’s interests and values. Today, I want to share with you a remarkable story of courage, friendship, and gratitude that involves a Navy veteran and an Iranian political activist who met in an Iranian prison. This story shows the resilience and compassion of our sailors, the plight of political prisoners in Iran, and the need for diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Americans detained abroad.
Michael White: A Navy veteran who was jailed in Iran for several years on spying charges
Michael White is a Navy veteran who served in the Persian Gulf War and later worked as a cook for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In July 2018, he traveled to Iran to visit his girlfriend in Mashhad, a city in northeastern Iran. He was arrested by Iranian authorities on vague charges of espionage and insulting the country’s supreme leader. He was interrogated, beaten, isolated, denied medical care, and threatened with execution. He spent nearly two years in Iran’s notorious Vakilabad prison, where he contracted COVID-19 and suffered from cancer.
Mahdi Vatankhah: An Iranian political activist who befriended White and helped him survive
Mahdi Vatankhah is an Iranian political activist who was also imprisoned in Iran for his involvement in anti-government protests in 2017. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison for “spreading propaganda against the system” and “insulting the supreme leader”. He was tortured, starved, and forced to confess on state television. He met White in Vakilabad prison and became his friend and protector. He helped White communicate with his family and survive the harsh conditions of the prison. He provided White’s mother with crucial, firsthand accounts about her son’s status in prison and passed along letters White had written while he was locked up. He also taught White some Farsi and shared his dreams of freedom and democracy. How White was released in June 2020 as part of a prisoner swap deal between Iran and the US In June 2020, White was released from Iran as part of a prisoner swap deal between Iran and the US. The deal involved the exchange of White for Majid Taheri, an Iranian-American doctor who had been held in the US for violating sanctions on Iran. White was flown to Switzerland, where he was greeted by US officials and reunited with his family. He thanked President Joe Biden and his administration for securing his release and expressed his gratitude to Vatankhah for saving his life.
How White helped Vatankhah flee Iran and come to the US
White did not forget Vatankhah’s kindness and friendship. He pushed successfully this year for Vatankhah’s admission to the US, allowing the men to be reunited last spring, something neither could have envisioned when they first met in prison years earlier. White contacted Jonathan Franks, a consultant in the US for families of American hostages and detainees, who helped him lobby the State Department and other agencies to grant Vatankhah a humanitarian parole visa. Vatankhah managed to escape from Iran with the help of smugglers and made his way to Turkey, where he waited for several months until he received his visa. He arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on June 1, 2023, where he was warmly welcomed by White and Franks.
Why this story matters
This story matters because it demonstrates the values of honor, courage, and commitment that are instilled in every sailor who serves our country with dignity and bravery. White showed honor by staying loyal to his friend and helping him escape from tyranny. He showed courage by enduring unimaginable hardships and never giving up hope. He showed commitment by fulfilling his promise to Vatankhah and bringing him to safety.
This story also matters because it illustrates the human rights violations and repression that are rampant in Iran, where thousands of political prisoners are languishing in jails without due process or fair trials. Vatankhah’s story is one of many that expose the brutality of the Iranian regime and its disregard for basic freedoms and dignity.
Finally, this story matters because it underscores the importance of diplomacy and negotiation to secure the freedom of Americans who are unjustly detained in foreign countries. The prisoner swap deal that led to White’s release was a result of months of behind-the-scenes talks between US and Iranian officials, facilitated by Switzerland as a neutral mediator. The humanitarian parole visa that allowed Vatankhah to come to the US was a result of persistent advocacy by White, Franks, and other supporters, who appealed to the humanitarian and moral values of the US government.
Conclusion
I hope this story has inspired you and moved you as much as it has me. I admire and thank White and Vatankhah for their courage, friendship, and gratitude. I also thank and salute all the American sailors who serve our country with honor, courage, and commitment. They are the reason why we need a stronger Navy to defend our nation and our allies.
I urge you to support the Americans for a Stronger Navy group, which works to educate the public and policymakers about the vital role of the Navy in ensuring our security and prosperity. I also urge you to advocate for human rights and democracy in Iran, where millions of people are suffering under a repressive regime. And I urge you to demand the release of other Americans who are still held hostage by Iran or other hostile regimes, such as Siamak Namazi, Baquer Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, Emad Shargi, and Kylie Moore-Gilbert. Thank you for your attention and support.
Please feel free to comment or share your thoughts on this blog post. God bless America and God bless our Navy.
Hello, members and subscribers of the Americans for a Stronger Navy.
Today, we want to share with you a remarkable story of courage, resilience, and wisdom. It is the story of Captain Charles Plumb, US Navy fighter pilot, prisoner of war during the Vietnam War and inspirational leader. His story is a testament to the spirit and values of our Navy and our nation. Here is his story:
Captain Plumb was a young man who dreamed of flying. He grew up on a farm in Kansas, where he watched the planes soar in the sky and imagined himself in the cockpit. He worked hard to achieve his goal, and graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis. He became a fighter pilot, flying the F-4 Phantom jet, one of the most advanced aircraft of its time. He joined the elite program that would later be known as “TOP GUN”, where he honed his skills and earned the respect of his peers.
He was sent to Vietnam, where he flew 74 successful combat missions over enemy territory. He was proud to serve his country and defend freedom. He was confident in his abilities and his plane. He was looking forward to returning home to his wife and family, who were waiting for him with love and gratitude.
But fate had other plans for him. On his 75th mission, just five days before he was due to go home, his plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile. He ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured, tortured, and imprisoned in a small cell. He spent the next 2,103 days as a prisoner of war in communist Vietnam.
He faced unimaginable hardships and horrors. He endured hunger, pain, isolation, humiliation, and despair. He witnessed the death and suffering of his fellow prisoners. He was tempted to give up hope and surrender to his captors.
But he did not. He fought back with courage and resilience. He used his ingenuity and creativity to communicate with other POWs through a secret code. He used his faith and optimism to inspire and comfort others. He used his humor and wit to cope with the absurdity and cruelty of his situation. He used his memory and imagination to escape from his cell and fly again in his mind.
He survived the ordeal and returned home as a hero. He received many honors and awards for his service and sacrifice. He wrote books and gave speeches about his experience and the lessons he learned from it. He shared his wisdom and insights with thousands of people from all walks of life. He helped others overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams.
He lived what he believed to be the American Dream. He was a farm kid from Kansas who became a fighter pilot, a prisoner of war, a motivational speaker, and a legend.
This is the true story of Charles Plumb , a man who faced adversity with bravery, dignity, and grace. A man who never gave up on himself or his country. A man who exemplifies the spirit of a stronger Navy.
As he said in one of his speeches: “The challenge is not to survive, but to come out of the experience with your honor, dignity, and self-respect intact.”
We hope you enjoyed this story as much as we did. We think it is an inspiring example of how our navy can overcome any obstacle and achieve any goal. We also think it is a reminder of why we need to support our Navy and its mission of protecting our security and prosperity in all domains.
We thank you for your attention and support. he Americans for a Stronger Navy team
Summary In Tallahassee, Florida, a U.S. Navy veteran named Josh Kish was facing severe challenges with his deteriorating home roof. Through the commendable efforts of Tadlock Roofing, in partnership with Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project and Purple Heart Homes, Kish’s home received a much-needed roof replacement. This act of kindness didn’t just protect a house; it safeguarded a veteran’s abode and proved that communities can make waves of change.
Key Takeaways A Collective Anchor Community Engagement: Tadlock Roofing took an incredible initiative to give back to those who served by providing free labor, while Owens Corning and Purple Heart Homes provided the necessary materials and connection to the Kish family.
Veterans’ Reluctance for Help: Josh Kish highlighted that veterans often do not like to ask for help, even when in need. It underscores the importance of proactive community support.
Reinvigorating Faith in Kindness: Through this noble act, Tadlock Roofing demonstrated that acts of kindness, often perceived as a lost art, are very much alive and can have a substantial impact on the lives of veterans.
Conclusion The ripples of community support can sail a ship through the storm, especially for those who have served in our Navy. As Josh Kish’s story illustrates, when communities anchor together, they can not only repair a home but can rebuild faith in humanity for our veterans. It is a clarion call for all Americans to contribute to initiatives that support and honor our naval forces. By engaging in acts of kindness and support, you can be the wind that helps a veteran sail smoothly through life’s tumultuous waters. Americans for a Stronger Navy urges you to join hands in bolstering our mission, making sure that our heroes are never left adrift.
Call to Action Support the cause and honor the service of our naval veterans. Subscribe to Americans for a Stronger Navy and be the anchor they can rely on. Together, we can make waves of change.
Fort Liberty, North Carolina – In a significant move to support military and veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors, President Biden signed a new executive order today at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. The executive order, one of the “most consequential” actions taken by the Biden administration, aims to strengthen economic opportunities for these individuals and ensure their inclusion in the workforce.
Accompanied by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, President Biden emphasized the far-reaching impact of military service on families and commended the resilience and dedication of military spouses. The executive order’s provisions extend beyond military spouses of active service members to include veterans’ spouses, caregivers, and survivors, recognizing their unique challenges and contributions.
“We’re asking agencies to make it easier for spouses employed by the federal government to take administrative leave, telework, and move offices,” stated Dr. Jill Biden. “We’re creating resources to support entrepreneurs. And the executive order helps agencies and companies retain military spouses through telework or when they move abroad.”
The executive order, which has been in the works for over a year, encompasses various initiatives to enhance the hiring and retention of military and veterans’ spouses in federal government roles. Additionally, it promotes employment opportunities for these individuals outside the federal government, improves access to childcare for military families, and facilitates remote work options for military spouses stationed overseas.
Cara Abercrombie, deputy assistant to the president and the National Security Council’s coordinator for defense policy and arms control, outlined key components of the executive order. One of the primary actions is the development of a governmentwide strategic plan focused on the hiring and retention of military and veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors. The plan will leverage the talents, experiences, and diversity of these individuals, emphasizing performance benchmarks and accountability.
Furthermore, federal agencies will include military spouse non-competitive appointment authority in their job postings. This streamlines the hiring process and enables expedited employment of qualified military spouses.
To address the challenges faced by military spouses, especially when their service members are deployed overseas, the executive order emphasizes the importance of telework options. It mandates agencies to establish governmentwide standards that facilitate remote work accessibility for military spouses residing with their service members stationed abroad.
Recognizing the significance of childcare for military families, the executive order calls for the implementation of dependent care flexible saving accounts for service members and the expansion of pathways for military spouses to provide home-based childcare on military installations.
Education for hiring managers is another crucial aspect of the executive order. It ensures that those responsible for hiring understand the unique circumstances and obstacles encountered by military and veterans’ spouses, caregivers, and survivors.
The executive order’s content was heavily influenced by the Joining Forces initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Jill Biden and former First Lady Michelle Obama in 2011. Joining Forces has engaged with military spouses nationwide over the past two years, actively seeking their input on the support needed to secure and maintain employment while caring for their families. The insights gained from these conversations have directly informed the provisions of the executive order.
“Filled with solutions inspired directly by the conversations Joining Forces had with the military-connected spouses and children because these families know what they need,” said Dr. Jill Biden.
The executive order marks a significant step toward providing better economic opportunities for military and veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors. It highlights the administration’s commitment to supporting military families and seeks to engage employers across the country in recruiting and retaining this skilled and passionate community. Through flexible and portable opportunities, the executive order aims to empower these individuals and ensure their contributions are valued and recognized in the workforce.⁹
Navy Seaman Christian Pons plays basketball with Sullivans Elementary School students during a community relations event at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan,
Greetings to all our members and subscribers, and welcome to another blog post by Americans for a Stronger Navy.
Our mission is to promote Peace Through Strength, and today we want to celebrate the military children who also play an important role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
In this post, we will highlight the recent event hosted by sailors assigned to the USS Ronald Reagan at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, during the Month of the Military Child.
Month of the Military Child
The Month of the Military Child is an annual observance that honors military children and recognizes the sacrifices they make as their parents serve in the armed forces. This year, the Department of Defense partnered with local communities to host various events that show appreciation for the military children.
USS Ronald Reagan Sailors Celebrate Military Children
Sailors assigned to the USS Ronald Reagan visited Sullivans Elementary School during the Month of the Military Child and engaged the students in fun activities such as races, tug-of-war, basketball games, and more. The sailors’ visit brought smiles to the children’s faces and reminded them of their strength and resilience.
Recognizing Military Children’s Strength
The sailors’ visit was a way to show their appreciation for the military children who also face unique challenges and sacrifices that come with their parents’ jobs. By engaging the children in community events, the sailors highlighted the strength and resilience of military children and recognized their important role in supporting their families.
Key Takeaways
The Month of the Military Child is an annual observance that honors military children and recognizes the sacrifices they make as their parents serve in the armed forces.
Sailors assigned to the USS Ronald Reagan visited Sullivans Elementary School during the Month of the Military Child and engaged the students in fun activities to show their appreciation.
By engaging the children in community events, the sailors highlighted the strength and resilience of military children and recognized their important role in supporting their families.
Conclusion
Be an Active Supporter of a Stronger Navy.
As we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, we want to encourage all our readers to support the US Navy and its mission to promote Peace Through Strength. We hope this post has inspired you to appreciate the sacrifices made by military children and their families, and to recognize the important role they play in ensuring our safety and security.
Please consider subscribing to our organization and supporting our mission. Thank you for your time.
