This letter explains it well:

 

Alan F. E. Thiese

20 March 2023

 

The President of the United States of America

The Senate Majority Leader

The House of Representatives Speaker

The Senior Senator for Georgia

The Junior Senator for Georgia

The Eighth District Representative for Georgia

 

Greetings Most Honorable Duly Elected Leaders,

 

This is Number Twenty.  I am sure many of you remember that I served in our U. S. Navy.  Last evening I watched the CBS 60 Minutes show which highlighted the Challenges our U. S. Navy Faces today and in the future regarding the “China” situation.  Like the Navy faces these challenges so does our Great United States of America.  I am concerned,  just as most of you are.  If we do not take appropriate action now, today, our offspring face a dismal future as citizens of the USA.

 

Acknowledging the ill-fated “Zumwalt Class” of destroyers of which 30 were ordered but only 3 were constructed and the  littoral combat ship (LCS) program with several ships in service it was stated on the program that Sailors serving on these LCS have developed a new name “Little Crappy Ships” as most appropriate action by our U. S. Navy Leaders and Sailors.  We simply do not need these types of vessels in our arsenal to defend the Sea-Ways of the World.

I would suggest that you take the time to read a book by Jack H. Lucas, a Medal of Honor Recipient titled “Indestructible!”  Our Navy is building a new Guided Missile Destroyer bearing his Name – the USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG-125)!

I quote His citation to simply point out that our Nation needs this type of Hero to keep us safe:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. While creeping through a treacherous, twisting ravine which ran in close proximity to a fluid and uncertain front line on D-day plus one, Pfc. Lucas and three other men were suddenly ambushed by a hostile patrol which savagely attacked with rifle fire and grenades. Quick to act when the lives of the small group were endangered by two grenades which landed directly in front of them, Pfc. Lucas unhesitatingly hurled himself over his comrades upon one grenade and pulled the other under him, absorbing the whole blasting forces of the explosions in his own body in order to shield his companions from the concussion and murderous flying fragments. By his inspiring action and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice, he not only protected his comrades from certain injury or possible death but also enabled them to rout the Japanese patrol and continue the advance. His exceptionally courageous initiative and loyalty reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Lucas and the U.S. Naval Service.”

Because I am a proud citizen of Georgia I will also share a quote of another Medal of Honor Recipient, Rodney Maxwell Davis, who prior to his Service in Vietnam was a Shipmate of mine during our Overseas duty in London, England. 

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

SERGEANT RODNEY M. DAVIS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the right guide of the Second Platoon, Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy forces in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, on September 6, 1967. Elements of the Second Platoon were pinned down by a numerically superior force of attacking North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Remnants of the platoon were located in a trench line where Sergeant Davis was directing the fire of his men in an attempt to repel the enemy attack. Disregarding the enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire, Sergeant Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. When an enemy grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sergeant Davis, realizing the gravity of the situation, and in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice, instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his own body the full and terrific force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, Sergeant Davis saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life, enabled his platoon to hold its vital position, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”

You can ascertain by reading these citations and the many other Medal of Honor Citations that our Nation has been well blessed by the action of these Heroes.

My concern and the purpose of this letter is to encourage each of you to retain the values of the past as you work to secure a great future for our USA.  You and I know what needs to be done.  We need more ships, just as the other branches of our Military need more hardware/equipment.

 

However the most critical aspect is our “Trained Defenders” who are volunteers. You and I know that our Military has not achieved the recruitment goals necessary to maintain our defense posture.  Yet we have fellow citizens in leadership roles who are focused on gender problems and green energy to keep our Military Strong.  From my point of view this is nothing but folly. 

As the CBS 60 Minutes program pointed out, China has plans to surpass our Military Might in the very near future.  Of course we can correct these problems/concerns by taking appropriate action/s today. 

As I recall the “Pearl Harbor Bombing” on 7 December 1941 caused the “Sleeping Giant” to wake up.  Our USA in a matter of a few short years saw the construction of many ships, airplanes and tanks.  We did it then and we can do it again.  What we do not need is a Military focused on pronouns on what we should call a Soldier/Marine/Sailor/Airman/Coast Guard Man. 

Therefore I am urging you and your fellow duly elected leaders to focus on what is critical and most important to keep the USA strong and not the target of China/North Korea/Iran or Russia. 

We have a proud History of Leadership in the events of our World.  Let is continue. 

In conclusion we today have a Superior Military Force!  Your critical task is to keep our Military the Superior Military Force.  

Please know that all the other concerns you may have are dependent on keeping the United States of America Safe!!!

I wish you well as you hopefully maintain your focus on what is necessary and also needed for our future.  Please do not be misled by those who may have an agenda that is not focused on the one thing necessary!  No one, including I should have to remind you that “We the People” elected You to keep us Safe.

Sincerely and with Prayer to God Almighty I remain,

 

 

Alan F. E. Thiese