Joey Jones of Fox News deserves our utmost respect. Or is the right word “admiration”? I vaguely recall he once intimated that rather than thank our warrior heroes, the best way to honor them is by leading a life of meaning.
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Perhaps such meaning includes daring to occasionally disagree with those who have sacrificed so much for our country. What follows is my respectful disagreement with Mr. Joey Jones (pardon me if I’m missing the appropriate military appellations — it has been 20 years since I got out).
In between other activities on Saturday, August 15, I briefly tuned into the Fox News Big Weekend Show while they were discussing reports about conditions aboard the USS Lincoln. Some poor sailor in the mess hall of the carrier was questioned about chow by a CNN reporter. If you’ve ever had a mic thrust into your face and asked an impromptu question, it can provoke nervous responses in the uninitiated. Anyway, the clearly bedraggled sailor complained about the chow, particularly the ample servings of noodles and tuna fish.
As the segment continued back in the Fox News studio, Jones ripped him a new one. Essentially, his tack was that what the lad was enduring didn’t compare to what Jones suffered during his service. That he should get a grip, and be thankful he is well protected — and fed — on an impenetrable ship out in the water.
At first, I was sympathetic — undoubtedly, that’s true. Then again, where is the “we’re all in this together” spirit of camaraderie? All patriots admire Joey Jones, but, if I may, it seems a bit churlish to make such unnecessary comparisons between service members whose duties are inherently tied to missions within their branch of service. Not to put words in his mouth, but my takeaway is that Jones was marginalizing the poor sailor.
Jones likely lived on tenterhooks during his overseas deployments, consumed food less appetizing than tuna fish, and engaged in horrific firefights. He is a hero.
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The sailor interviewed by CNN mentioned his monotonous rations. Under the circumstances, anyone would. He is essentially trapped with 5000 other sailors who may not be getting their usual supplies due to attacks on supply depots on allied bases in the region. If there really is faulty plumbing, and perhaps some supervisory hazing as pressures mount during intense daily operations, it can lead to mental health issues.
Indeed, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper now concedes this. The admiral added this during his visit to the USS Lincoln, “This doesn’t mean that all is perfect. Find any of the nearly four million Navy veterans in America today and they will likely tell you that service at sea for long periods isn’t for everyone.”
Unless other disturbing details (e.g. UCMJ violations) emerge about the sailor who had the temerity to criticize unappetizing chow when a mic was thrust into his orbit, Jones should respect him. As the admiral euphemistically said, such service “isn’t for everyone.”
I’ve been privileged to participate in joint service color guards and various honor guards and funeral details, and other ceremonies. After a few jokes, such as “where is the transportation?” when referring to the amazing Coast Guard (they used to be under the aegis of the Department of Transportation), ultimately, there is mutual respect. We are all in this together.
In light of his combat injuries and the way he overcame them, Joey Jones deserves our utmost respect. So does the sailor who doesn’t enjoy noodles and tuna all the time.
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Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service