On the recordOctober 4, 2011
I rise today to honor a fallen hero-- Navy Master-At-Arms Petty Officer First Class John Douangdara of South Sioux City, Nebraska. Petty Officer Douangdara was part of the East Coast Based SEAL team on the Chinook helicopter that was downed by enemy fire in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. He was a dog handler for the SEAL team. He and his combat assault dog led their unit on patrols in order to expose dangerous explosives and hidden enemy combatants. He and 29 fellow servicemembers, and his combat assault dog Bart paid the ultimate price in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a dog handler, the East Coast Based SEAL team entrusted their lives to him and to his dog. His first dog Toby was killed in action in Iraq. His second dog Bart would die with him on the helicopter. The name ``Douangdara'' can be difficult to pronounce, so his Navy comrades soon gave him the call sign ``Jet.'' Members of his unit remember him for being trustworthy and always positive. The decorations and badges earned during his distinguished service speak to his dedication and his skill.…
