Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson lost some followers after posting a photo on Instagram to show his gratitude for having a tank named after him a few days ago.
The 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss printed Johnson’s name on the barrel of a tank, took a photo, and shared it on Twitter.
“If you smell what America’s Tank Division is cooking!”
“Shoutout to the #IronSoldiers assigned to the @Blackhawk_SQDN for naming one of their tanks in homage to the @TheRock. ”
“Hopefully the ‘People’s Champ’ will see it and give you guys a shoutout and a retweet!”
“If you smell what America’s Tank Division is cooking!”
Shoutout to the #IronSoldiers assigned to the @Blackhawk_SQDN for naming one of their tanks in homage to the @TheRock.
Hopefully the “People’s Champ” will see it and give you guys a shoutout and a retweet!#TuesdayThoughts pic.twitter.com/xMm2aKBArS— 1st Armored Division (@1stArmoredDiv) March 12, 2019
Johnson responded by showing his gratitude and saying that it was an “honor” to have the tank named after him.
“I’m sending a salute of respect & gratitude to the Blackhawk Squadron ???????? 1st Armored Division
for the honor of naming their tank (the most advanced in the world) Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Heavy duty, bad ass, sexy AF and built to take care of business ???? — but most importantly, thank you all for your service. Grateful to the bone.” #IronSoldiers #BlackhawkSquadron#1stArmouredDivision #FortBliss #TheDRJ
#BloodSweatRespect
Johnson then received a lot of criticism for showing support for the military.
One person said that he was “disgusted” that he “had to post something like this.”
“Shame on you.”
“Ok so now they can kill after your name,” said another user.
A whole stream of comments of disapproval continued to condemn Johnson.
“Your name in a killing machine. Horrible.”
“So you want your name associated with blood and murder.”
“This is a weapon meant to kill. How is this celebrated?”
“How are you OK with people getting killed with your name?”
Others showed their support for him, an army veteran, in particular, was very proud to have a celebrity supporting the military.
“As a 100% disabled Army vet and father of 2 active duty soldier,” said a user. “I’m proud to be a fan of yours. I know the hollyweird crowd hates us, so it takes brass balls to publicly support our military folks.”
“Love that you respect the men and women who protect and serve us every day—it’s often a thankless job and one people who enjoy the benefits and protection frequently criticize as they reap the benefits. Thank you for honoring them!”
Some people showed Johnson their support just because they heard about the backlash.
“Came here just because you posted this. And to make fun of all the ❄️❄️ that are crying about it. Keep up the good work!”
“Heard the Rock lost followers over this post. So here I am. A new follower to replace the haters. I’m not for war or violence but guess what? Bad guys rarely listen to reason.”
Young Girl With Down Syndrome Gets a Surprise
The father of a girl with Down syndrome recently shared the joy of having a daughter with the syndrome, prompting a slew of positive responses—including one from Johnson himself.
Jason Kneen of the United Kingdom posted a picture on Twitter of his smiling daughter, who has Down syndrome.
Noting that a number of prospective parents wonder what it would be like to have a child who has the syndrome, Kneen wrote that it would be like “this. 100 percent this.”
The picture sparked an overwhelming reaction, prompting Kneen to add more.
“My child has Down’s Syndrome, what should I expect?”
This. 100% this. pic.twitter.com/vo0Bu0Eoxp
— Jason Kneen (@jasonkneen) February 21, 2019
Also expect this!#wouldntchangeathing pic.twitter.com/t7yBQKRNlV
— Jason Kneen (@jasonkneen) February 22, 2019
“Also expect this! (wouldn’t change a thing),” he wrote, sharing four more pictures of his girl.
After the new pictures sparked a fresh series of reactions, Kneen wrote: “I was totally NOT ready for a child like Rosie. It was a shock when she was born and I’m ashamed to say I didn’t take it well initially.”
“Part of that was the matter-of-fact process that happens where you’re bombarded with documentation and booklets and basically ‘manuals’ on ‘what’s wrong and going to go wrong with your child,'” he added. “It’s devastating to hear how your child’s life has already been predicted and mapped out. All children are different—how can ANYONE predict their future?”
It’s devastating to hear how your child’s life has already been predicted and mapped out. All children are different — how can ANYONE predict their future?
4/12 pic.twitter.com/obEDphXtFS
— Jason Kneen (@jasonkneen) February 22, 2019
“Quickly I realized that ANY child can be slow to talk; slow to walk; have learning difficulties, and ANY child can be brilliant and wonderful and amazing,” he said.
Rosie had health problems and had to go to the hospital when she was a toddler. Because his wife had to take care of their newborn baby, Kneen stayed with Rosie.
“Rosie I and became thick as thieves over that time and watched Moana together many times and EVERY SINGLE DAY—thanks @TheRock for teaching me all the songs :)—Rosie was so brave and so strong,” he wrote.
Rosie I and became thick as thieves over that time and watched Moana together many times and EVERY SINGLE DAY — thanks @TheRock for teaching me all the songs 🙂 — Rosie was so brave, and so strong.
This is her, with assisted oxygen, watching Moana.
9/12 pic.twitter.com/H9e5tNuDF8
— Jason Kneen (@jasonkneen) February 22, 2019
Look at this lovely cookie. Stay strong Rosie! Uncle Maui loves ya????
What can I saaaaayy except you’re welcome ???? https://t.co/C9kuzPfCKQ— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 23, 2019
Kneen shared four more pictures showing Rosie in the present day and said the health problems are gone. “A year later and we had our Christmas at home and together and she continues to enjoy life, every day and reminds us and ME how fun it all is,” he said.
In response, Johnson shared Kneen’s post about watching “Moana,” which he was a voice actor for, and said: “Look at this lovely cookie. Stay strong Rosie! Uncle Maui loves ya.”
“What can I say except you’re welcome,” he added.
NTD News reporter Zachary Steiber contributed to this article.
