The Heroism of Captain Lance P. Sijan | Janine Sijan Rozina
In this special episode, we sat down with Janine Sijan Rozina, sister of Medal of Honor recipient Capt Lance P. Sijan. Janine shared the heroic story of Lance. As a pilot in the F-4C Phantom, a bomb malfunction caused the aircraft to explode on a routine mission during the Vietnam War. After violently ejecting and spending over 40 days surviving in the harsh jungle with no food or water, Capt Sijan was captured on Christmas day. Janine explained how Lance never gave up, and fought bravely until his tragic death in the arms of fellow POWs. Lance was a true American Hero, and it was an honor to have Janine on to tell his story.
This week's special holiday episode of The AirPower Hour features Ms. Janine Sijan, sister to Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance P. Sijan.
During a bombing mission malfunction over Laos in November 1967, Sijan violently ejected from his F-4C aircraft and suffered a fractured skull, compound fracture of his left leg, and a mangled right hand. Despite those injuries and being without food and water, Sijan managed to evade enemy forces for 45 days, before finally being captured by the Viet Cong on Christmas Day.
During the interview with The AirPower Hour's host Tech. Sgt Lee Ciokiewicz, Janine shares the powerful and heartbreaking story of her brother's legacy. She describes in detail those agonizing 45 days her brother spent fighting for his life, his time as a prisoner of war in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, and his eventual death in the arms of his fellow POWs.
Janine discussed getting Lance's class ring back from the jungles of Laos years after he passed away, courtesy of President Reagan. The scratched and dented ring, which she wore during the interview, is now a talisman she cherishes.
Janine said it is her life's mission to share Lance's story with the world. She explains how she has been working for years to create a documentary that honors her brother and his heroic story. She also emphasized how important their hometown of Milwaukee has been to help her efforts, Janine had a plaza built to memorialize her brother at the General Mitchell Airport, and the Team Sijan community offers her unwavering support.
Finally, she explains how her brother's Christmas day capture has shaped what the holiday means to her. She movingly implores listeners to reflect on who they are, what their purpose is in this world, and urges them to consider what they have in common with her brother's "modern day parable."
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