This soldier had the perfect response for haters who say Caitlyn Jenner isn't a hero

On Wednesday, Caitlyn Jenner accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs.

She received a standing ovation from the room both before and after her eloquent, wide-ranging acceptance speech on transgender issues.

ESPN’s decision to honour Jenner was criticised online after it was announced, partly due to a meme that implied Iraq war veteran and amputee Noah Galloway was the “runner-up” for the prize.

Many others cited members of the US military as ‘more suitable candidates' for the award.

23-year-old soldier Joey Vicente, fed up with the naysayers, came up with the perfect response on his Facebook page, which has been shared thousands of times:

Your definition of what or who a hero can or cannot be is irrelevant.

What if I told you that her speech last night saved even one human being from attempting to take their life.

I’d call that a victory on any scale.

Well said, Joey.

More:Why we should all watch Caitlyn Jenner's moving ESPYs acceptance speech