Sergeant First Class Jay Jinks Fights A Different Battle

We as a nation demand and expect a great deal from all of our servicemen and women serving in the Armed Forces. For those who are recognized on a community level for their sacrifices, gratitude is and can be expressed in any number of ways – from tying yellow ribbons to trees, to certain businesses offering discounts, to volunteers and others who have created and implemented programs for the benefit of our military, or perhaps by just merely taking the time to say thank you when you see someone in uniform.

Southampton’s own Sergeant First Class Jay Jinks is fighting a different battle than what is expected of an Army Special Forces National Guardsman. Jinks, who is currently with the 20th Special Forces Group as a Senior Weapons Sergeant, is battling an enemy within his body in the form of a large cancerous brain tumor. After serving 11 years in the U.S. Army – four years as a paratrooper and seven years on a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha, and two years in Iraq on a PSD team, this enemy is formidable. Jinks has endured several surgeries but now needs help from all of us to aid in his victory with this battle.

Jinks became a Green Beret in 1997 and initially served on active duty with the 10th Special Forces Group. He is now actively in the fight of his life as he is currently receiving radiation and chemotherapy treatment. Both Jinks and his family are standing up to this enemy together, and know they are in for a long fight. It is always important to remember that sometimes the smallest gesture can have the biggest impact on the life of someone else.

As a small business owner, Jinks and his family have been, and will continue to be, financially impacted by the cost of treatment, which we all hope and pray will lead to a full recovery.

As has become popular in recent years, GoFundMe gives individuals, groups and organizations the ability to appeal directly to their fellow citizens and beyond. Joseph Villers established the GoFundMe for Jinks, which has raised more than $9,000 in just three days. The goal is $50,000 with all funds going directly to Jinks.

In today’s charitable climate there seems to be an ever increasing need for sites such as GoFundMe, which have proven to be extreme value to those in need. It is hoped that Jinks and his family will benefit from the financial recognition of a grateful nation for a soldier we can all help.

So if you are so inclined to say thank you to this brave man and show your support to assist both he and his family during this unfortunate time go to www.gofundme.com.