The First to Fight Back

In August 2021, everything changed.

Stephen Simmons was among the first to sound the alarm on the military’s COVID vaccine mandate. Before then, vaccination had been voluntary, with some pressure but no coercion. Then came the shift: 100% compliance was demanded—no exceptions.

Stephen, equipped with deep knowledge of military policy, fought back. He filed religious accommodations, engaged with Congress, and went public with the impact this mandate would have on manpower readiness. He wasn’t just defending himself—he was warning of a crisis that would weaken the force.

Now, with hindsight, his concerns have proven true. The military faced an exodus of trained personnel, morale plummeted, and trust in leadership was shattered. So what comes next? How does the institution repair the damage?

Do you think those who refused the mandate should be reinstated with full benefits? Let us know in the comments.