Quintette Sailor Wishes Family A Very Merry Christmas

December 25, 2021

A United States Navy sailor from the North Escambia community of Quintette is celebrating Christmas is Paris.

“Holidays mean the world to me because I get to spend precious time with my family, and friends while enjoying great food,” said Seaman Joi McCants. “My most special memory thus far is getting engaged on Thanksgiving, and it would not have happened without the Navy.”

McCants wants to wish family back home a happy holiday season.

“I would like to wish all of my family and friends a happy holiday,” said McCants. “Eat and be merry! I love you all bunches. I miss you all dearly. Without you, this journey would not be possible.”

McCants also wants to remind friends and family of the best way to get in touch.

“If you would like to get in touch with me then reach out to my mother and father,” said McCants. “They will get you the information you need. Christmas gifts and cards are more than welcome! I really appreciate you all. Be blessed.”

McCants serves as a retail service specialist aboard USS Harry S. Truman. As a member of the U.S. Navy, McCants, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance.

“Serving in the Navy means that I not only get to travel the world, but I also get to serve the country that I love the most,” added McCants.

Comments

16 Responses to “Quintette Sailor Wishes Family A Very Merry Christmas”

  1. Kiara on December 25th, 2022 2:15 pm

    Merry Christmas Joi….Love you

  2. Charles Allen on January 12th, 2022 11:41 am

    Thank you for your service. Way to set the example by being a part of the forces that guard our country and our way of life. You are and always will be a hero.

  3. Theresa Walker Steadham on December 27th, 2021 1:48 pm

    Congratulations Joi!!!!! I’m so happy for you and I know my Momma would be too! You had a special place in her heart!!! Always know that! Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice for our country! You and your entire family are special people you don’t come by very often! Hugs to you in Paris!!!!

  4. NavyDave on December 27th, 2021 11:22 am

    I never spent Christmas in Paris, but I imagine it was beautiful. Sure beats the sand box in Jebel Ali! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our deployed servicemembers. CTR1(SW) ret. sends.

  5. Judi Knight on December 26th, 2021 5:57 pm

    Merry Christmas my cousin. You and your siblings are going on to do great things. I am very proud of you guys. Congratulations on your engagement. May God continue to bless you. I love you. I know our granny is looking down smiling. God bless

  6. HAPPY ANGEL on December 26th, 2021 4:18 pm

    TEN DITTOS TO ALL THAT RESPONDED TO THIS ARTICLE!

  7. retired HT1 on December 25th, 2021 11:13 pm

    So applicable during this time shipmate
    As I said before HOOYAA Shipmate!

    A Sailor’s Christmas

    Twas the night before Christmas, they lived in a crowd,
    In a 40 man berthing, with shipmates so loud.

    I had come down the exhaust stack with presents to give,
    And to see just who in this rack did live.

    I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
    No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
    No stockings were hung, just boots close at hand,
    On the bulkhead hung pictures of far distance land.

    They had medals and badges and awards of all kind,
    And a sober thought came into my mind.
    For this place was different, it was so dark and dreary,
    I had found the home of a Sailor, once I could see clearly.

    A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone,
    Curled up in their rack, dreaming of home.
    Their face was so gentle, the berthing in such good order,
    Not how I pictured a United States Sailor.

    Was this the hero whom I saw on TV?
    Defending their country so we all could be free?
    I realized the families that I’ve seen this night,
    Owed their lives to these Sailors who were willing to fight.

    Soon round the world, the children would play,
    And grown ups would celebrate a new Christmas Day.

    They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year,
    Because of the Sailors, like the one lying here.
    I couldn’t help but wonder how many lay alone,
    On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.

    The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
    I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

    The Sailor awakened and I heard a rough voice,
    “Santa, don’t cry, for this life is my choice.”
    “To defend the seas this day, so others may rejoice.”

    The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep,
    I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

    I kept watch for hours so silent, so still,
    And we both shivered from the night’s cold chill.
    I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night,
    This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

    Then the Sailor rolled over and with a voice soft and pure,
    Whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, All is Secure.”

    Merry Christmas to one and all, especially to those who are deployed.

  8. Retired GMC on December 25th, 2021 6:55 pm

    Merry Christmas shipmate, thank you for your service.

  9. Verdell Black on December 25th, 2021 6:54 pm

    Merry Christmas Joi!! I know your mom & dad are so proud of you. Congrats on the engagement & Thank you for your service. Love you ❤

  10. Retired LDO LT on December 25th, 2021 12:16 pm

    Merry Christmas, Seaman McCants.

  11. New Hope Primitive Baptist Church on December 25th, 2021 11:20 am

    Merry Christmas to you too, Joy. Also, thank you for your service.

  12. Retired HT1 on December 25th, 2021 9:39 am

    Hooyaa shipmate!
    A most blessed and Merry Christmas to you and all your shipmates! While it’s hard being away from family during the holidays you are creating memories with shipmates that will last a lifetime! Thank you for stepping up and serving our great country!
    Please be safe and have a great New Year!
    God speed
    HT1/USN/RET sends

  13. Debbie on December 25th, 2021 8:47 am

    Thank you to the McCants for raising such a fine respectful human being . I know you are very proud as you should be . From Quintette to Paris !! Congratulations on the engagement . Thank you for serving this amazing country . Merry Christmas !

  14. Fay on December 25th, 2021 8:42 am

    Merry Christmas

  15. Proud Daddy on December 25th, 2021 8:02 am

    Merry Christmas Joi. We Love and miss you. We so proud of you, and can’t wait until you come back home.

    Love Dad and Mom

  16. Anne on December 25th, 2021 7:22 am

    Joi McCants, May God Bless, Protect, Hold you and your shipmates in his Heart of Hearts.
    Merry Christmas to you and to ALL of our Military Servicemembers who cannot be home because you are Protecting OUR Freedoms and the American Way of Life.
    God Bless this United States of America….