Forgive me for picking a nit or two regarding the media’s coverage of the release of a Texan from a Russian prison.
Trevor Reed is now home with his family. I wish him all the very best. I thank President Biden and his team for negotiating Reed’s release. But … I have a question that just keeps nibbling at me.
Why are the media continuing to refer to Reed as a “former Marine”? It seems that every news article I read about Reed has a lede that goes, “Former Marine Trevor Reed is home today.” Or, “Former Marine Trevor Reed was declared fit to see his family.” Or, “Former Marine Trevor Reed hugged his parents.”
What does his status as an ex-Marine have to do with … well, anything?
I am grateful for his service to the nation. But I need someone to explain what his Marine Corps veteran status has to do with his being arrested and imprisoned by the Russians.