Over 200 active service members and veterans have joined forces to oppose the Department of Defense’s (DOD) now-rescinded COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Signing an open letter, published on January 1, 2024, and reported by The Epoch Times, these individuals are demanding accountability from senior military leaders whom they accuse of enabling lawlessness and betraying the Constitution.
The letter specifically targets former and current joint chiefs of staff, service academy commandants, service inspectors general, and service surgeon generals, alleging their violation of the law.
Committing to significant actions, the signatories vow that thousands within their network will run for Congress and seek appointments to executive branch offices. Those currently serving on active duty pledge to prioritize fulfilling their oaths over pursuing rank or position. This commitment extends to holding accountable military leaders who broke the law.
The letter outlines a promise that, for those who attain lawful authority, the signatories will recall retired military leaders who violated the law and convene courts-martial for the crimes committed. Veterans among the signatories additionally pledge to introduce legislation to reduce the alleged perpetrators’ retirement income to zero.
While many of the 231 signatories are still on active duty, they express a readiness to endure personal risks to defend their perceived trampled unalienable rights. The letter, published on January 1, underscores their commitment to rebuilding trust through accountability.
Inspired by the Declaration of Independence, Navy Commander Robert A. Green, Jr., the letter’s author, frames the document using Thomas Jefferson’s language. The signatories aim to address what they describe as a crisis of trust within the country’s military.
Unlike the signers of the Declaration of Independence, these military members are not advocating for separation. Instead, they seek restoration through accountability, dubbing the letter a “Declaration of Military Accountability.”
Former U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and signatory Bradley Miller notes that the allusions to the Declaration of Independence are deliberate, emphasizing their belief in enduring abuses culminating in the unlawful COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
The signatories stress their dedication to restoring justice within the armed forces, demanding acknowledgment of the alleged unlawful nature of the vaccine mandate and full accountability for those responsible for the perceived disaster on service members and their families.
While rejecting violence, the signatories insist on lawfully resisting perceived efforts by current military leadership to dismantle the institution. They are resolute in their commitment to restoring justice within the armed forces and demanding strict adherence to the law.
For Lt. Col. Carolyn Rocco, an Air Force officer with over 20 years of service, the letter serves as a promise to the American people and a message to military leaders that the negative effects of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate will not be ignored. The signatories view the letter as an ongoing effort to fight for truth, justice, and accountability.
It is crucial to note that the views expressed by the signatories do not reflect the official stance of the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or the Department of the Air Force. As of press time, officials at the Pentagon had not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
