WASHINGTON, D.C.—On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Senator Ashley Moody is introducing a Senate Resolution to honor all service members missing in action or captured and held prisoner by enemy forces. At a ceremony in Sarasota at VFW Post 3233 today, Senator Moody presented the resolution to former prisoner of war, Seaman Richard J. “Rick” Rogala—highlighting Seaman Rogala’s story as an example of what POWs face when captured while serving our country.
“Our service members who were taken prisoner or who remain missing in action made a tremendous sacrifice for our nation. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we renew our solemn promise to remember every American who was captured or went missing in action. As a member of a military family and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, this responsibility is deeply personal to me. I will always stand with our veterans, and I’m honored to recognize former POW Rick Rogala for his service to our country on this special day,” said Senator Ashley Moody.
Seaman Rogala served aboard the USS Pueblo in the United States Navy. In January 1968, North Korean forces attacked and took control of the ship. One sailor, Fireman Duane Hodges, was killed in the attack. Seaman Rogala and the rest of the crew were held in North Korea for 11 months and subjected to brutal treatment. Today, Senator Moody honored Seaman Rogala with a congressional resolution.
BACKGROUND:
Senator Moody continues to serve Florida’s more than 1.3 million veterans. Recent actions of support include the following:
- Leading efforts to designate a Florida museum as the only National POW/MIA Museum and Memorial in the Country;
- Cosponsoring the Veterans Bill of Rights Act. The Veterans Bill of Rights Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA-administered health care, benefits, and services;
- Cosponsoring the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to fix unjust disability policies for retired combat veterans;
- Supporting the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, which would expand educational benefits for veterans;
- Supporting the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, which would help ensure that only the most dedicated individuals can serve veterans;
- Holding a town hall with VA Secretary Collins in Tampa to discuss issues facing veterans;
- Recognizing 200 years of U.S. Navy presence in Pensacola and discussing the critical importance of the Navy and Coast Guard’s presence in the Florida Panhandle; and more.
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