Entertainment

US Soldier Slams People Who Think Caitlyn Jenner Isn't A True Hero

by Eitan Levine

Caitlyn Jenner haters, sit down.

The same day Vanity Fair released its “Call me Caitlyn” cover, ESPN announced it would be giving this year's Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Caitlyn Jenner at the ESPYs.

Anti-Jenner cynics flocked to the Web to express their disgust in the award being given to Caitlyn instead of other recipients they deemed more worthy.

.@ESPN Espy Awards giving Caitlyn Jenner "Courage Award"While Ignoring True Hero Chris Kyle http://t.co/DbgN77NcBL … pic.twitter.com/9thV4m0QlD — Daniel John Sobieski (@gerfingerpoken) July 7, 2015
SPC Pedro Millet should get the @ESPYS Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Not @Caitlyn_Jenner He's a TRUE #HERO @USArmy #Army pic.twitter.com/pdNPhMvNRr — BigJavi (@bigjavi973) July 7, 2015
The fact that Bruce Jenner getting the award over Lauren Hill shows how truly lost the world is.. #ESPYS pic.twitter.com/yyXwb8uxKk — #Knicks:( (@KrisDaFit) July 14, 2015

One Arthur Ashe “snub” who gained some traction was Noah Galloway, an Army veteran who sustained severe injuries while serving in Iraq.

Please explain how " caitlyn jenner" is more brave than @Noah_Galloway? He's a true american hero.He fought for us. pic.twitter.com/i3LJOuQNJV — HaleyMorgan⚡️ (@hayymorgshac) June 2, 2015
Caitlyn Jenner doesn't deserve this award. Smh. @Noah_Galloway got his arm and leg blown off serving for our country. pic.twitter.com/Y704dscejn — CJ Madison (@CJMadison319) July 16, 2015

A 23-year-old US soldier named Joey Vicente got tired of seeing the hate online, so he decided to speak up against people who claimed Jenner wasn't brave or deserving enough to be honored with the award.

He wrote this on Facebook:

In the post, Vicente pointed out that even if Caitlyn's speech only saved one life, that's enough for it to be deemed heroic.

Vicente told BuzzFeed News he posted his thoughts because he felt people needed to be more respectful online, especially when it is "about a person they know nothing about.”

Citations: Solider Had Best Response For People Who Think Caitlyn Jenner (Complex)