"Morale is low. I haven't stepped off the ship in 2026." When my older brother said this during a CNN interview while serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, I never anticipated the extreme backlash and ridicule he would endure for having the courage to speak up.

I wanted to show support for my brother, Randall Stone, who is a sailor aboard the USS Lincoln. He has been on deployment for the past 9 months with no set return date. He has faced brutal conditions on the ship. There has been a food shortage, very small portions, and poor-quality food. There have been plumbing issues, with no working toilets at times. The gym closed. They do not have basic hygiene products like toothpaste and deodorant. They have not been able to get mail, and the care packages I have sent have been lost. I can only imagine the toll this takes on one's mental health.

Last week, CNN boarded the USS Lincoln to speak with sailors. My brother took the liberty to speak. He expressed how proud he was to serve and be part of a cause bigger than himself. When he was asked why morale was low, he was brave enough to speak up, sharing the poor conditions his crew was facing day to day.

As the story got out, he started getting attacked by people online. His story was shamed on Fox News, with one reporter personally going after him, calling him "weak." Sec. Hegseth downplayed and outright dismissed his story. Others calling it fake news.

After this story became mainstream, another ship was sent out to relieve the USS Lincoln next month.

As my brother awaits returning home, I want to show him that he is supported and his service is appreciated. All funds will go directly to him and aid his transition to civilian life.

Thank you all!

Sailor Stone