Flying Tigers, Clean Streets, Burglars Sentenced
For our Christmas issue, we revisit the legacies of World War II heroes the Flying Tigers, marvel at some of our communities’ latest space and sports achievements and are reminded to cherish our loved
Happy holidays and thank you for subscribing to The Rebel Yellow and supporting our work!
For our Christmas issue, we revisit the legacies of World War II heroes the Flying Tigers, marvel at some of our communities’ latest space and sports achievements and are reminded to cherish our loved ones.
This holiday season, we remember and honor the Flying Tigers
The holiday season marks a time of reflection and gratitude. For Asian Americans, it also provides an opportunity to honor unsung heroes whose sacrifices shaped the course of history.
Among them are the Flying Tigers — a valiant group of U.S. and Chinese pilots who stood united against Imperial Japan during World War II. Their legacy is a testament to unity, resilience and sacrifice, imparting lessons that resonate deeply with our community today.
A legacy of courage
Originally the First American Volunteer Group (AVG), the Flying Tigers were formed in 1941 under the leadership of Claire Lee Chennault. Their mission: to defend China against Imperial Japan’s aggression.
The AVG primarily consisted of U.S. Army Air Corps, Navy and Marine Corps pilots who volunteered to assist China before the U.S. officially entered the war. Their successor, the Chinese American Composite Wing (CACW), included both U.S. and Chinese personnel. As the Flying Tigers, they became symbols of hope during the darkest days of the war.
The Flying Tigers’ iconic P-40 fighter planes, adorned with shark-faced noses, struck fear into the enemy and bolstered the morale of the Allied forces. Among these brave fighters were Chen Ping Ching and George Woo, whom NextShark had the honor and privilege to speak with before their deaths.
Chen Ping Ching
NextShark spoke to Chen Ping Ching in 2021. Known affectionately as Jim, Chen was 104 at the time. Born in China, he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1941 and later became part of the 14th Air Force and the 23rd Group. His service was marked by harrowing missions, including one in October 1943 when he was the sole survivor of a devastating battle near Haiphong Harbor. Wounded and captured, he endured imprisonment until the war’s end in 1945.
Despite his hardships, Chen remained profoundly grateful for the opportunities the U.S. provided him. “When Japanese invaders came to threaten my homeland, the U.S. government provided free training and funding for me to become a combat pilot to better serve my country,” he told NextShark. “This opportunity changed my life forever.”
Chen’s son, Sidney, recalls his father’s final days in a new statement to The Rebel Yellow. “In 2022, his mental health declined. Yet he still participated in the Nanking Memorial Day on Dec. 13 of that year as a symbolic war veteran against the Japanese invasion of China,” Sidney shares. “On Dec. 23, 2022, he succumbed to COVID-19 at Kwong Wah Hospital in Kowloon, Hong Kong.”
George Woo
NextShark spoke to George Woo in 2022. Woo, or Ng Kok Yee, served as a B-25 bomber navigator in the CACW of the 14th Air Force. Born in 1923, Woo joined the Chinese Air Force in 1943, driven by a sense of duty to his homeland. He survived two near-death experiences during the war: once when his plane ran out of fuel and another when it was shot down, forcing him to hide from Japanese soldiers overnight.
Woo died peacefully at the age of 99 on March 5, 2023, in Quincy, Massachusetts, his son Edward told The Rebel Yellow. “He, like many patriotic young men of the time, forewent the opportunity to continue their education and instead rose up to answer the call of the motherland in her most urgent time of need,” Edward notes. “Many lost their lives and paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
The contributions of the Flying Tigers extended beyond their combat victories. Edward highlights how they established an air link over the Himalayas, which ensured the delivery of critical war supplies from the U.S. to southern China. Those efforts not only hindered Imperial Japan’s expansion but also solidified the bond between the U.S. and China — a connection forged in shared sacrifice and mutual respect.
A time for reflection
The story of the Flying Tigers is one of courage, unity and the enduring human spirit. For Asian Americans, their sacrifice also serves as a powerful reminder of collective resilience and the bonds that tie the community across cultures and generations. More than ever, it is crucial to keep their memories alive, not just as historical figures but as symbols of what can be achieved when people come together in the face of adversity.
Edward leaves a message for the community: “As we gather with our family and friends to celebrate our blessings and mark the closing of another year, let’s also take a moment to remember, appreciate and honor the sacrifices of these brave men.”
How officially atheist China celebrates Christmas
While China is widely recognized as one of the world’s least religious countries, Christmas has found a special place in its modern culture, albeit for reasons distinct from the holiday’s Christian origins in the West.
Many in officially atheist China view Christmas as a secular celebration, much like the U.S. increasingly. With only about 2% of China’s citizens identifying as Christian, Santa Claus is better known to most Chinese than Jesus. Christmas in China most resembles Valentine’s Day, in which couples express their love and affection for each other.
During Christmas, cities across China adorn shopping malls and public spaces with colorful lights, Christmas trees and decorations that draw influence from Western customs. Some areas also hold Christmas-themed entertainment featuring parades, street performances and stage plays.
A unique aspect of Christmas in China is the relatively new tradition of gifting apples, which are often wrapped in decorative packaging. This custom stems from a linguistic play on words: the word for apple in Mandarin, “pingguo” (苹果), sounds similar to the word for peace, “ping’an” (平安). As a result, apples — especially on Christmas Eve, known as ping’an ye (平安夜) or “silent night” — are exchanged as symbols of good luck and harmony. Typically priced between 10 to 20 yuan ($1.30 to $2.70), these “peace apples” have gained popularity, especially among younger generations.
Another distinctive Chinese Christmas custom is the depiction of Santa Claus with a saxophone, While it is unclear how the image of Santa Claus with a saxophone came to be, some have speculated that it might be tied to China’s perception of the saxophone as “cool,” or that it suits Santa’s image since both the sax and the idea of him originated from the West. Others simply argue (rightfully) that giving him a saxophone is more realistic than having him ride a sleigh pulled by magical reindeer and that it doesn’t matter why.
Santa’s popularity is also highlighted by Chengdu's launch of a Christmas-themed amusement park called “SantaPark” in 2016, which was modeled after the Finnish attraction of the same name. Touted as the “official home of Santa Claus,” the park stands out in a city known for its sweltering summers and mild winters.
In addition to its unique Christmas customs, China has become a global hub for commerce related to the holiday. Hundreds of factories in the city of Yiwu, dubbed “China’s Christmas village,” in the eastern province of Zhejiang are responsible for producing approximately 60% of the world’s Christmas decorations. The thriving industry highlights the country’s embrace of Christmas not just as a feel-good holiday but also as a commercial opportunity, even in the absence of widespread religious observance.
Many Chinese also indulge in significant spending during the Christmas season, leading some to associate the holiday with Mammon, the Chinese god of wealth. But this connection between Christmas spending habits and the divine personification of wealth carries real economic weight: A 2023 survey by Rakuten Insight found that 94% of Chinese respondents, drawn from 126,100 participants across 12 key Asia-Pacific markets, had either completed or planned their shopping for the holiday period that year, with 40% willing to or having already spent over 10,000 yuan ($1,400) on their purchases. In the way of shopping and spending on Christmas too then, China and the U.S. have a lot in common.
Chinese astronauts break 2-decade-old NASA spacewalk record
China is celebrating a significant milestone in its space program after two astronauts completed a nine-hour spacewalk, surpassing the previous record set by NASA.
Astronauts Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong carried out the Shenzhou-19 crew’s first extravehicular activities (EVAs) outside the Tiangong space station on Dec. 17. One of their tasks included the installation of space-debris protection devices, with assistance from Tiangong’s robotic arm and support teams on Earth. This was Cai’s second spacewalk, with his first taking place during the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022. Song, on the other hand, is the first Chinese astronaut born after 1990 to perform EVAs.
NASA astronauts James Voss and Susan Helms set the previous record with an eight-hour, 56-minute spacewalk on March 11, 2001. In May 2024, Shenzhou-18 astronauts Ye Guangfu and Li Guangsu nearly broke the record, completing their tasks in eight hours and 30 minutes. China’s first-ever spacewalk, conducted by astronaut Zhai Zhigang in September 2008, lasted under 20 minutes.
Cai and Song’s record spacewalk adds to China’s growing list of cosmic achievements in recent years, which include the landing of its first Mars rover, Zhurong, on the red planet in May 2021. China also became the first country to both detect water on the moon’s surface in January 2022 and collect rock samples from the lunar far side in June 2024.
South Koreans clean up after themselves after tens of thousands hit the streets for impeachment rallies
In a shining example of communal responsibility, South Koreans protesting against President Yoon Suk-yeol following his martial law declaration earlier this month remained on the streets to tidy them up. For days, thousands showed up in major cities across the country to call for Yoon’s impeachment, which came to fruition on Dec. 14.
In the southern city of Suncheon in South Jeolla province, some 85,000 protesters gathered at around 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. Meanwhile, police estimated 38,000 rallygoers in Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, though organizers say there were a million in attendance. Another 200,000 congregated in the capital’s Yeouido district.
Showing they care
Many of the protesters stayed behind to clean the streets, placing trash into plastic bags to make it easier for garbage collectors, as shown in pictures shared on Instagram. In a video posted on Dec. 7, two women are seen picking up some trash, with one saying, “It’s unpleasant to see dirty streets while protesting.”
Some also prepaid meals, snacks and drinks from nearby restaurants so protesters had something to eat for free. Some cafes reported that hundreds of drinks had been prepaid, while others also bought kimbap and kimchi stew. Volunteers also handed out free drinks, bread and other necessities on the streets.
This is not the first time South Korean protesters stayed behind to clean up after a large protest. During the 2016 protests to impeach former President Park Geun-hye, rallygoers also picked up trash from the streets.
Of course, cleaning up after themselves is not an uncommon practice in Asia. Japanese football fans, for one, went viral in 2022 for tidying up the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, after the opening game between Qatar and Ecuador at the FIFA World Cup. They also showcased the same mindfulness at the 2018 World Cup on multiple occasions, inspiring others in attendance.
A legend, a leader and a rising star: Asian sports stories you need to know
This week’s athletic newsmakers include a Japanese baseball legend poised for Hall of Fame induction, a groundbreaking Indian American football coach taking the helm at a Division I program and a Korean Canadian basketball player outshining top NBA prospects.
Baseball icon Ichiro Suzuki is on the cusp of historic HOF award
Ichiro Suzuki, a strong contender for the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame, was officially included on the Baseball Writers' Association of America Hall of Fame ballot on Nov. 18. This marks a significant milestone as he seeks to become the first Japanese-born position player enshrined in Cooperstown, New York. Suzuki's induction is highly anticipated and there is speculation about a unanimous election when the results are announced on Jan. 21, 2025. "It's a very exciting time for people in baseball because we've never had anybody who had such a global impact on our ballot before," said Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch.
About Suzuki: Suzuki is a global baseball icon whose career spans 19 MLB seasons and nine seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Known for his exceptional consistency and precision, Ichiro is a 10-time MLB All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner and the 2001 AL MVP and Rookie of the Year. He holds the MLB’s single-season hit record with 262 hits in 2004 and led the league in hits seven times. His combined career hit total of 4,367 surpasses those of MLB legends Pete Rose (4,256) and Ty Cobb (4,189), making him the most prolific hitter in professional baseball history. Suzuki played his final game on March 21, 2019, at age 45, when the Mariners faced the Oakland Athletics in MLB’s season-opening series in Japan. Reflecting on his career, he shared, “I have achieved so many of my dreams in baseball, both in my career in Japan and, since 2001, in Major League Baseball."
Xaivian Lee outshines top NBA prospects in Princeton win
The “Never Forget Tribute Classic” at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday saw Princeton's Xaivian Lee steal the show in a thrilling 83-82 victory over Rutgers. While the game was highly anticipated as a showcase for projected top-five NBA draft picks Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, Lee's performance overshadowed the young stars. The 20-year-old Korean Canadian guard recorded 21 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, controlling the pace and dissecting Rutgers' defense with his speed and skill. He is currently projected as a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, ranking 7th among point guard prospects. Observers expressed hope that Lee's clutch play and leadership in this high-profile matchup significantly boosted his NBA draft stock. "Any game like that, I’m up for,” Lee said. “Obviously against two really tough guys, highly touted guys, it just makes it easier to get up for a game like this. I love playing against the best, with the best.”
About Lee: Lee has steadily risen through the ranks of college basketball. After a breakout sophomore season where he averaged 17.1 points per game, Lee declared for the 2024 NBA draft but ultimately returned to Princeton for his junior year. He recently made history by recording the first triple-double in Princeton history and continues to impress with his scoring ability, court vision and leadership. Lee, who wasn't even invited to the Canadian high school all-star game a few years ago, has become a star player for Princeton and a potential NBA draft pick. "He’s stronger both physically and mentally and he’s engaging in the development of others, which really helps,” said Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson. “He’s allowing me to coach him and that’s a gift. That’s a real gift.”
Saj Thakkar named Davidson College's head football coach
Saj Thakkar was officially introduced as the 29th head football coach of Davidson College on Dec. 20, making history as the first Indian American to lead the Wildcats. The 33-year-old tactician, who previously served as the head coach at Division II Bentley University, steps into a program coming off its best seven-year stretch in history. “We will win here, but we’ll do it the right way, our way, the Davidson way,” Thakkar vowed during the announcement.
About Thakkar: Thakkar brings a stellar resume, including a 14-6 overall record and 11-4 Northeast-10 Conference record during his two years as Bentley’s head coach (2023-2024), with both seasons ending in second-place finishes. Under his leadership, Bentley produced two NE10 MVPs, 24 all-league players and led the league in both offensive and defensive statistical categories. Thakkar also served as a running backs coach at Harvard (2018-2022), where he contributed to the team’s Ivy League success and gained NFL experience through the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans. Thakkar is a former three-time academic all-conference selection at Fitchburg State, where he played quarterback and wide receiver.
2 sentenced for burglaries targeting Asian Americans
In the past week, developments were made in burglary cases targeting Asian American homes across the country. A New York man was sentenced to state prison in Massachusetts, while a Mexican national living in Stamford, Connecticut, received two years in federal prison for her involvement in a multi-state conspiracy.
New York man gets 4-5 years: Juan Castano, 32, pleaded guilty to 21 indictments covering 10 burglaries that targeted the homes of Asian families in Newton, Wellesley, Andover and Quincy between June and July of 2021. The crimes resulted in the theft of approximately $200,000 worth of property, including cash, jewelry, designer watches and a handgun.
Castano used a clipboard to pose as a surveyor and scouted homes before breaking windows or glass doors to gain entry. One harrowing incident in Quincy involved an attempted break-in while a family, including a child, was inside. Investigators used geolocation and cell tower data to link Castano to the crime scenes, ultimately revealing that he had traveled from New York with an accomplice, Wendy Reyes, to execute the crimes.
Castano was sentenced to four to five years in Massachusetts state prison, to be served consecutively with his 5.5 to 11-year sentence in New York for similar offenses. These prison terms will be followed by a three-year probation for an additional 20 counts of larceny and other charges. Reyes, on the other hand, is scheduled to stand trial in April 2025.
Connecticut woman gets 2 years: In a separate case, Basneyareth Rebollar-Martinez, 28, was sentenced to two years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to burglarize at least 10 Asian-owned homes in eight states, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. She pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property in September 2023, admitting to working with others to steal cash, jewelry and heirlooms between July 2022 and January 2023.
The conspiracy involved advanced surveillance techniques, including drones and GPS trackers placed on victims’ vehicles to monitor their movements. The perpetrators surveilled victims at workplaces such as Chinese restaurants and nail salons, ensuring they were not home before breaking in and executing a highly coordinated effort. The stolen valuables were ultimately transported and sold for profit.
Rebollar-Martinez, a Mexican national, faces deportation upon completing her sentence and must pay $722,420 in restitution to her victims.
Transit workers hold vigil, honor slain bus driver
King County Metro leaders and workers gathered Saturday night for a vigil in Seattle’s University District to honor Shawn Yim, 59, a King County Metro bus driver fatally stabbed while on duty on Dec. 18. Some 200 people attended the gathering, prompting Seattle police to close a street lane around 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 41st Street, near the site where Yim died, to accommodate the crowd.
What they are saying
The vigil began with a prayer and a poem. Attendees later shared their memories of Yim, a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587, and an alumnus of Foster High School in Tukwila. Carla Barrick, a regular passenger, said she knew Yim through the years on different routes. “He was such a kind man, thoughtful and he was always so concerned about our safety. I'm just so sad,” she told KING 5. “As a passenger, I wish I could've been there for him. Or that the whole system could have been there for him."
Lawrence Norfleet Sr., a Metro operator, also remembered Yim at the vigil. “I lost a brother and because it could’ve been me could’ve been any one of these drivers here. He was a nice guy [and] everybody liked him. He worked hard. He was just a caring guy,” Norfleet told KIRO 7.
Other Metro drivers expressed fears at the gathering. Metro operator Gregory Callier stressed how driving in the middle of the night is unsafe, telling KUOW: “We shouldn't have to go through this, and we need help. And it's a shame our brother had to die. Man, it's a shame… it's not right."
Meanwhile, union workers have urged authorities to enhance safety measures for drivers, including increased police presence.
What happened
Yim was repeatedly stabbed in the chest after a physical altercation with the suspect — later identified as 53-year-old Richard Sitzlack — at around 3 a.m. on Dec. 18. Despite efforts from first responders, Yim died at the scene. Sitzlack was arrested on a Metro bus near 2nd Avenue South and South Main Street in Seattle and taken into custody before 5 a.m. on Saturday.
Sitzlack was arrested in November 2023 for allegedly murdering his roommate in the University District. He claimed to have done it in self-defense, saying his roommate swung a machete at him multiple times. Although investigators found inconsistencies in his account, prosecutors lacked the evidence to disprove his claim. Sitzlack was released from custody 72 hours after his arrest.