Christopher “Jolly” Gonos is a Marine Corps veteran who served honorably on two Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), including the 13th MEU aboard the USS Boxer in 2014 & 2016. During the 2016 deployment, Jolly and his fellow service members were exposed to toxic chemicals in the ship’s water supply.

This exposure has left Jolly with severe, life-altering health issues, including chronic diverticulitis that resulted in the removal of a large portion of his colon. He now lives with an ileostomy bag—a daily reminder of his sacrifices.

Despite clear evidence linking his condition to his military service, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has denied him the care and benefits he desperately needs and deserves.

Why This Matters

Jolly is one of countless veterans whose health has been jeopardized by toxic exposure during service. The government’s failure to address these issues is not just a betrayal of Jolly but of all service members who put their lives on the line.

Veterans should not have to fight for the support they were promised. This is about accountability, justice, and honoring the sacrifices of those who serve.

 

 

 

What We’re Asking For:

We demand that:

 1. The VA immediately re-evaluate Jolly’s disability claim with full consideration of his exposure to toxic chemicals aboard the USS Boxer.

 2. Congress investigate the handling of toxic exposure cases and improve oversight to ensure veterans like Jolly receive fair treatment.

 3. The Department of Defense and VA collaborate to ensure toxic exposure incidents are documented, studied, and addressed proactively to prevent further harm.

 

 

 

How You Can Help

Sign this petition to demand justice for Jolly and other veterans like him. Let’s show our leaders that we will not stand by as our heroes are forgotten. Together, we can make sure Jolly and his family receive the care, support, and acknowledgment they deserve.

 

 

 

Closing Call to Action

Every signature counts. Every share matters. Join us in fighting for Jolly and for all veterans exposed to toxic conditions while serving our nation. It’s time to honor their sacrifices with action, not indifference.

 

 

 

 

**See below for articles relating to the incident 

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/07/12/lawmakers-demand-answers-accountability-after-uss-boxer-water-contamination-revealed.html/amp

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/06/01/poisoned-water-how-navy-ship-dumped-fuel-and-sickened-its-own-crew.html/amp​

https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-ship-dumped-diesel-fuel-into-own-water-supply-2023-6​

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/petroleum/USSBoxer.asp