Shawn Ryan Show Episode #174: Joshua Mast - U.S. Marine's Message to President Donald Trump

Release Date: February 21, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #174 of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan interviews Major Joshua Mast, a United States Marine Judge Advocate General (JAG), and his wife, Stephanie Mast. The episode delves into their harrowing experience of rescuing a traumatized child from Afghanistan amidst the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces and the ensuing legal battles to secure her safety in the United States.

Background

Joshua Mast is a decorated Marine Corps officer with a law degree from Liberty University. Serving as the Assistant Operations Officer for the Marine Raider Support Group under MARSOC, Joshua has extensive experience as a civil law attorney, trial counsel, and prosecutor. His deployment to Afghanistan in 2019 placed him in a critical role at the Resolute Support Headquarters Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, overseeing operations related to targeting, collateral damage estimation, and civilian casualty response.

Stephanie Mast, Joshua's wife, holds Master's degrees in Communications and Mass Media and Photography from Liberty University and the Academy of Art University, respectively. As a dedicated stay-at-home mother of five children, Stephanie has been the backbone of their family during Joshua's deployment and the ensuing legal struggles.

The Mission: Operation Starfish

At [39:54], Joshua recounts a pivotal moment during a U.S. Ranger raid on an Al Qaeda compound in Afghanistan, code-named Operation Starfish. The mission resulted in over 100 enemy combatants killed. Amidst the intense firefight, Rangers discovered a critically injured infant—a baby girl suffering from a fractured skull, femur, and severe burns.

Joshua Mast explains:

"When they breached the last room, a homemade explosive went off, sending shrapnel and chemicals into the area. Among the chaos, a female fighter attempted to use the child as a human shield, resulting in the baby's tragic injuries." [97:03]

Despite the horrific circumstances, the Rangers acted with compassion, striving to protect the vulnerable child amidst the ongoing gunfire and explosions.

Rescuing Sparrow: A Father's Duty

The child, affectionately named Sparrow by the medical staff, became the focal point of Joshua and Stephanie's mission. Faced with the imminent threat of the Taliban regaining control of Afghanistan, the couple took extraordinary measures to ensure Sparrow's safety.

Notable Quote:

"As Americans, we believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Sparrow deserves a future free from the horrors she experienced." — Joshua Mast [277:14]

To advocate for Sparrow's transfer to the United States, Joshua leveraged his legal expertise and military connections. Collaborating with Kim Motley, a former CIA targeter and human rights attorney, they navigated the complex bureaucratic landscape to secure Sparrow's placement as Joshua's dependent.

Legal Battles and Government Misconduct

The journey to bring Sparrow home was fraught with legal obstacles and governmental pushback. The Department of Defense (DoD) and the State Department, influenced by mega law firms and conflicting policies, obstructed their efforts to obtain necessary documentation and custody rights.

Joshua Mast emphasizes:

"The DOJ filed statements and affidavits claiming there was family for Sparrow, but all evidence from our intelligence showed otherwise. These were fabrications to manipulate the legal process." [298:14]

Despite formidable resistance, including attempts to discredit Joshua and Stephanie's credibility, the couple persisted in their fight for Sparrow's safe passage to the U.S. Their whistleblower complaints exposed overclassification and systemic issues within government agencies aimed at suppressing the truth.

Reunion and Homecoming

After enduring an 18-month separation, marked by despair and relentless advocacy, Joshua and Stephanie successfully reunited with Sparrow at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The emotional reunion underscored the couple's unwavering commitment to their daughter's well-being.

Stephanie Mast reflects:

"When Sparrow walked into our lives, despite her injuries, it was a profound relief. Watching her begin to heal and thrive is a testament to the resilience and love that carried us through." [258:38]

Sparrow's recovery involved extensive medical treatment and therapy, addressing both her physical and emotional trauma. Today, at five and a half years old, Sparrow is thriving, embodying the hope and perseverance of her parents' mission.

Insights and Conclusions

The Masts' story highlights the profound challenges faced by military families navigating the complexities of international conflict, legal systems, and governmental policies. Their experience sheds light on:

• The Moral Imperative: Upholding American values of protecting innocent life, even amidst war.

  "We are morally obligated to protect Sparrow because she is an innocent child caught in the crossfire of terrorism." — Joshua Mast [174:33]

• Government Accountability: Exposing the misuse of bureaucratic power and the influence of powerful law firms in obstructing justice.

• Resilience and Hope: Demonstrating the power of perseverance and advocacy in overcoming systemic barriers to secure a better future for their child.

Joshua Mast concludes:

"Our journey with Sparrow is a call to action for all who believe in justice and human dignity. We must hold our institutions accountable and ensure that no family's love and sacrifice go unnoticed." [313:09]

Conclusion

Episode #174 of the Shawn Ryan Show presents a powerful narrative of duty, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve. Major Joshua Mast and his wife, Stephanie, embody the spirit of American valor and compassion, navigating a labyrinth of legal and governmental challenges to protect their daughter from the ravages of war. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of integrity, advocacy, and the enduring power of family.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you see a child in danger, you have to do something. That's our duty." — Joshua Mast [07:28]

• "We are the public face of a mission that hundreds of unsung heroes have fought for." — Joshua Mast [10:25]

• "Sparrow's survival is a testament to the heroic actions of our Rangers and the strength of our family's determination." — Joshua Mast [93:17]

For more detailed insights and ongoing updates, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the Shawn Ryan Show and follow their official channels.