101 Year Old Navy Veteran Grateful for Birthday Surprises and Reception at Spokane VA

Nearly 53 years to the day after a daring rescue mission to extract two downed American military pilots during the Vietnam War, former Navy SEAL, LT Thomas Norris (MoH – Vietnam War), a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, volunteered for a critical mission to honor a Navy legend. LT Norris supported the effort at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center to honor 101yr old Navy Veteran Frank Fogarty, (Capt. Ret.), a remarkable World War II, Korea, and Vietnam War Veteran who was about to receive a birthday celebration neither he, his family, nor 101yrs of experience would see coming… from the dedicated team at Spokane VA. A year ago, illness prevented his 100th birthday party in April.  But this year, the VA medical center campus cleared the deck, starting with an electronic reader board sign welcoming him and his family, who flew in from around the country to see: “Happy BDay Capt. Fog”. Within minutes, Captain Francis “Frank” Fogarty began to realize all of the fuss and excitement building at the VA medical center campus… was about him.  

A Montana native born in Great Falls in 1924, Frank Fogarty went on to help change America and the world!  He is credited for joining the few who helped our nation create and perfect nuclear power on United States Navy warships – and helping develop America’s commercial nuclear power industry.   He didn’t know where his career would take him after Fogarty graduated with an Engineering Degree from the Montana School of Mines, before enlisting in the US Navy in Seattle in 1943.  

World War II was raging in Europe and the Far East, two years after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. At just 19, the Navy knew they had more in store for the young and spirited two-striped Seaman Apprentice.  His smarts and intuition earned him direct orders to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. In addition to his full-time studies and military drills, he would spend time in the summers as a mid-shipman, earning his sea legs onboard the legendary USS Iowa Battleship, among others.  

In addition to graduating and earning a Commission, the Navy then gave Fogarty orders to attend more training and complete more drills at sea, often spending nights trying to understand new concepts of designing, building, and using nuclear power to its full potential - and make it operational onboard US Navy submarines and warships.  This was top-secret stuff.  Working with the likes of former US President and Navy upperclassman Jimmy Carter, among others, Captain “Fog” would ultimately command or serve onboard more than a dozen submarines and warships, including as Commander of the USS Nautilus, the Navy’s first nuclear-powered submarine. 

Even at 101 years old, the wise Captain smirked when asked about scary moments in a submarine during the war, smartly replying with, “I still have my orders not to talk about the classified stuff” – as his smile slowly rose from ear to ear.  Spokane VA was honored to host Captain Fogarty and nearly two-dozen family members, some of whom flew in from Texas to Washington State for their first time. Hospital leadership invited all staff, patients, and guests on-site to the hospital’s main-floor hallway to help create some exciting buzz as they prepared to surprise an iconic American military hero. While that was building, Capt. Fog was maneuvering his VA battery-powered wheelchair and adjusting his VA hearing aids with his smartphone, navigating his way further into the executive suite and towards the acclaim and respect everyone couldn’t wait to shower him with. The event began with a private meeting with a military guest, Captain Fogarty found far more interesting than many of the US and foreign dignitaries he met throughout his brilliant, four-decade-long career serving his beloved country.

Navy SEAL, LT. Thomas Norris (MoH – Vietnam War) quietly entered the room, saluted the Captain, and leaned over and held Captain Fogarty’s hands. And that’s when it happened. The room fell quiet. The two seemed to enter a time portal of their own – grasping each other’s hands, recalling submarine and wartime missions only Combat Veterans can understand – and appreciate. They gazed into each other’s eyes, remembering why the Navy and their sacrifices… were so worth it. The 101-year-old Captain was smiling like a little kid again. LT. Norris honored Captain Fogarty with the Navy’s traditional “coining ceremony.”  But in this case, he was being coined by a fellow Navy Veteran having earned the Nation’s highest military honor for bravery and intrepidity. LT. Norris’ warm greeting and sincere sentiments brought tears to Captain Fogarty and everyone’s eyes.  

It was a beautiful moment for anyone who could understand the significance of each Veteran’s brilliant career.  Both men… in complete admiration for each other’s spirit, duty, and accomplishments, found themselves locked into moments from a half-century ago.  LT. Norris then took it one step further.  He opened a case to reveal the Medal of Honor, allowing Captain Fogarty to see one for the very first time, up close… even getting to hold the Medal of Honor itself.  Captain Fogarty was more than impressed and surprised, yet he had no idea how much more praise and recognition were waiting for him. He steered himself to another room with family and other VA staff present and offering more praise from headquarters.  

New VA Secretary Doug Collins had sent a framed letter and his personal SECVA coin – as part of VA’s “Centenarian” program strictly for America’s 100-year-old Honorable Veterans.  Included in that presentation was fellow Navy Veteran Taylor Wilkening, a VAMC medical support assistant, and Fogarty’s initial point of contact when checking in for his appointments at Spokane VA.  Their friendship gave Capt. Fogarty and his family have even more confidence in VA.  Wilkening says he was honored to be a part of the experience because he had the privilege of escorting Capt. Fogarty, during the entire event, an entire campus would soon appreciate and rally around. VA Nurse Anesthetist, Dr. John Givens (Navy Capt. Ret.) Ph.D, usually found in scrubs while working at VA, instead wore his Navy Dress Uniform in honor of Capt. Fogarty’s career and a special celebration. In keeping with tradition, Capt. Givens made sure everyone, including the family, understood and appreciated what “coining ceremonies” are for. During wartime, a sailor’s coin may have been the last and only way to identify him or his connection to a particular ship or special mission. Captain Fogarty’s birthday mission, however, still wasn’t over.  He kindly paused for a keepsake photo – ensuring Navy Veteran Wilkening was included.  

Now at VA, Taylor had served the Navy well in his own right by helping launch and receive Navy aircraft on carrier decks before choosing VA to continue serving.  They’re both pictured surrounded by Spokane VA’s Chief Nurse Executive, Patient Experience Officer, and Voluntary Service/CDCE Chief James Deen (USAF Ret.), whose team coordinated VA’s national (SECVA) recognition for Captain Fogarty. Spokane VA has been serving Veterans since 1949.  The sounds of excitement and birthday wishes for Captain Fogarty will forever echo in the hallways and minds of those who witnessed and “felt” the outpouring of love and support for a Veteran who’s given his country so much. Next, the entire group would “set sail” through the hallways of the medical center, with Captain “Fog” receiving a Hero’s welcome from hundreds of staff and patients lining the main-floor hallway and corridor, sharing Birthday wishes, applause, and patriotism - waiving US flags in Honor of a true American Hero. The event was “streamed” live internally for staff who couldn’t attend, and yet others knew something special was about to unfold outside, too.   

With Captain Givens “commanding the cruise” from inside the medical center and across campus - and Captain Fogarty beaming with joy and favorable winds, the large processional came to a sudden full stop for another ceremonial flag and coin display. Richard Canning, a Marine Corps Veteran and active manager of the VA facility’s Urgent Care Clinic, had called his battle buddies of the Combat Vets and American Legion Riders to honor Captain Fog.  With Taylor still by his side, Captain Fogarty stopped the processional to receive a salute and ceremonial offering from Veterans standing guard with service flags and Old Glory gently waving in the wind.  On a picture-perfect day, the UCC manager Canning saluted and presented the Captain with yet another coin to honor him and his service.  Moments later, it was off to the final “port of call” for Captain Fog’s “birthday cruise” at Spokane VA. American Red Cross volunteers presented a Navy-themed cake.  

Chief Nurse Executive Sam McComas, Assoc. Director – Patient Care Services, read out loud, highlights of the amazing career of Captain Fogarty’s impressive 40-plus years serving the Navy – and America. After enlisting, being directed to attend the Naval Academy, graduating from there, and serving his nation through three wars, Captain Fogarty served his country even more. Uncle Sam assigned Captain Fogarty to the Idaho National Laboratory, where he would eventually become plant manager for nearly two decades.  In the early 1970s, Captain Fogarty and his wife, Dorothy, would move to Idaho, raising 10 children on a cattle ranch not far from Idaho Falls, ID.   

INL was a short drive away, where Fogarty would oversee the engineering and science that would guide America’s advancement into nuclear power with Westinghouse and General Electric. One by one, the career accolades rippled from the microphone.  His Great, Great Grandchildren were among a room filled with onlookers listening with admiration, the details and accomplishments of a man with a resume even Hollywood itself couldn’t imagine. Captain Fogarty and his family had just watched an entire medical center campus come alive and join in the celebration to honor a beloved Veteran and VA patient.  When handed a microphone, he humbly smiled and said, “I can’t believe you’re doing all this… for me.” Cake and smiles were followed by personal greetings, selfies, and group photos with the Captain and his family.  Nurse Executive McComas, with 20-plus years of VA experience, reminded everyone why every job at VA is so important – in making a trustworthy connection with our patients. 

 In turn, VA efforts to make Veterans feel better, also give back to staff, by seeing the Veterans and their families so very appreciative of their local VA and care team they’ve come to know. When asked for his 101-year-old advice on life, Captain Fogarty suggested, “Be inquisitive and look deeper to understand things.” The party was held mid-day to ensure the Veteran stayed on his daily routine.  VA community partner, the American Red Cross, generously offered cake, refreshments, and their customary, friendly enthusiasm. Still quick to his wit and beaming with pride from the party, Captain Fogarty was still receiving praise upon leaving with his large family.  His Birthday was magical, just like the sparkle in his eyes when talking about his family and time serving in the Navy. 

Gently steering his electric wheelchair for departure, the humble Captain paused when asked about the VA event honoring him and his family.  He didn’t have to say much when he slowly opened his clenched hand, with his gold class ring from the Naval Academy, and smiled when he revealed his favorite birthday surprise of the day. And there it was.  A small, but precious gift – from Captain Fogarty’s new friend - Navy SEAL, LT Thomas Norris (MoH-Vietnam War) - who also served his country with distinction and honor, the way very few ever have.  At 101 years old, Captain Fogarty received an American Hero’s Birthday - and a gift he’ll always treasure… a coin with so much meaning, it’s priceless.