Sunday, February 27, 2011

Support for a Shipmate






By MCSN Jared M. King

USS Enterprise Public Affairs

Enterprise Sailors stand together against cancer

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea – While life carries on throughout deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), 25 Sailors from Combat Systems Department shaved their heads Feb. 22 in a show of support for their shipmate who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Electronics Technician 3rd Class Brian J. Dougan never had the opportunity to join his shipmates on Big E’s 21st deployment due to the diagnosis of Stage III C testicular cancer.While being diagnosed with cancer would be an emotional experience for anyone, Dougan said part of the reason the news was so bad was because he knew he would no longer be able to join his fellow Sailors on the ship’s deployment. Not only did the cancer affect his health, it also affected his chance to see the world, make rank, and get dual warfare qualified –all of which were Dougan’s deployment goals. “I always tell him that he needs to focus on his current mission,” said Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Michael J. Stanislow, Dougan’s leading petty officer. “Once he gets healthy he can worry about doing his job.” Dougan will be submitting a limited duty medical board report recommending that he be transferred to a shore command for chemotherapy treatment. He is seeking care at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Va., where highly trained doctors and medical staffcontinuously monitor his status through blood work and ultrasounds. Since a side effect of chemotherapy is temporary hair loss, Sailors in Dougan’s department decided that shaving their heads symbolized that they were there for him during one of his most difficult moments. “I thought it was a great idea and fully supported the decision to shave our heads to show support for our shipmate,” said Master Chief Fire Controlman (SW) John M. Mann, leading chief petty officer for Combat Systems Department’s administrative division. “I feel bad that it happens to anyone, but it hits a lot closer to home when it happens to an EnterpriseSailor.” Dougan said that once he is fit for full duty, he would love to be able to come back to Enterprise and reunite with the friends he made after spending time aboard the ship. “Thank you for your thoughts and prayers,” said Dougan. “I will beat this and I will return to the fleet. It means a great deal knowing people are willing to reach out on my behalf.” “The Sailors thatshaved their heads to show support are the kind of shipmates I’m proud to serve with,” said Stanislow. “Dougan is a great guy and I can’t wait to see him when we get back from deployment.”

5 comments:

  1. Hey Dougan,
    I don't know if you remember me from the ship my name is ET3 Anastasia Croft. I was there for the first few months you were onboard. I did the sponsorship coordination. Anyways, I just wanted to say that I am sure you will make it through. You're young and strong and I know you may not feel it all the time but you have to remember "The joy of the Lord is my strength speaks of how we need to delight in God above all else. The way we glorify God is by delighting in Him, and this delighting gives us strength to make it through each day. God has called us to be joyful, happy, delighted in Him for His glory." If you or your wife need anything feel free to contact me at momma_croft8109@yahoo.com or ET1 Stanislow's wife at mstanislow@yahoo.com, we will definitely help y'all with any and everything because both of us have had experiences with life changing things. We will make y'all meals and bring grocercies if you just can't make if we can only imagine how hard it is on her too. So if you ever need anything, anything at all, feel free to email us. If you cannot then your wife can. We would love to help you in any way we can. Just remember that the Lord is always there for you.
    In Christ Eternal Love,
    Anastasia

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  2. Hi Brian,
    You don't know me, but I know your LPO. I go to church with Mike and Meagan. I will be praying for you. I love your dedication to our country! Take care of yourself and get better because you ARE needed. You WILL be back soon becasue, God has a special plan for you and He is revealing it to you day by day. Jeremiah 29:11-13.............. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
    With much love,
    In Christ,
    Jennifer Kloeppel
    an ETC SWCC/EXW wife

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  3. Brian- I need to stop being a slacker. I need to come visit you. CS9 has a gift for you and I need to deliver it.
    -T Underwood (Jesse's wife).

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  4. Thank you all for your prayers, I am finding strength in them. And T, I am around this week and then back to Portsmouth Naval next week.

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  5. HI Brian,
    Just wanted you to know we are still praying for you.......
    The Kloeppel's

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