Implementing obligatory vaccination programs is a key contributor to the military’s retention and recruitment issues.
According to a recent report by FIRST ON FOX, members of the U.S. Coast Guard who are close to reaching the 20-year service mark but have not complied with the COVID-19 vaccination obligation due to religious objections are now being discharged just before they become eligible for full access to guaranteed military pension and retirement benefits.
On December 1, Chris Harkins was discharged with distinction from the United States Coast Guard. For exactly 19 years, he had served his country. In late June 2023, he began using up his vacation time in preparation for his retirement on January 1, 2024. Since he refused to get vaccinated on religious grounds, he was let go seven months before he reached the 20-year mark and qualified for a lifelong monthly pension.
For reasons stated in a letter to Harkins dated October 20 and obtained by Fox News Digital, he was discharged “based on your decision not to take the essential covid vaccination as prescribed.”
Your retirement orders have been annulled since C.G. members are not protected by Title 10, Section 1176. (a). The language of the email said, “An active duty Coast Guardsman with 18 or more years of TIS must abide by the same rules as the general population.”
Out of Juneau, Alaska, Harkins handled top-secret facilities and communications for a two-star admiral. He claims to have seen others in the military get harsher punishments, such as charges of child sexual assault, yet stay in the military for 20 years and reap the advantages of their service.
In contrast, Harkins is no longer eligible despite his impeccable track record and the lack of any unfavorable input in the previous two decades.
He warns that if they disobey the order, they will be “put over here in the corner.” The higher-ups are “passively hostile” and “targeting” them.
It’s stunning that veterans who have served for almost two decades and want a religious exemption from vaccines are rejected, says one ex-serviceman reported on Fox News Digital. According to him, a service member can still retire with full benefits after just 20 years of duty if they have committed any infringement of military rules (including insubordination or sexual harassment) other than rape or driving under the influence.
The military’s poor performance in recruiting and maintaining new recruits might be attributable to restrictions like the vaccination requirement.
One active-duty guardsman has gotten an intent to discharge notice after more than 19 years of service and is purportedly waiting for his formal separation from the USCG, which could occur at any time.
They can say what they want, but “this is not about readiness; it’s about compliance,” the guardsman stated. Even if they say, “Is it necessary or not? ” I will be able to answer objectively and truthfully. They only need a simple “yeah, boys.” And if you aren’t a “yes man,” you will be treated the same as an alcoholic, someone with a DUI, or someone who has failed a drug test.
Although he was anxiously awaiting word from the United States Coast Guard on his separation date, he was able to stay positive thanks to his faith and his loved ones.
A 20-year Coast Guard veteran has announced that his kid will be leaving the military in June 2023. A “legacy guardsman,” the son is serving in his father’s honor.
The work I conduct here is crucial. My exemption from vaccination for the next eight months has been confirmed by C.G. H.Q., Someone in the military who chose not to be vaccinated; I’ve done my bit and will continue to do so for the next four years. I joined the military 15 years ago when doing so was a serious endeavor. His source for the information was Fox News Online, he stated.
Paula Runyon was discharged from the military in November after serving 15.50 years. She was “devastated” to quit her storekeeping and Coast Guard positions, she said to Fox News Digital. Because of the awful treatment I experienced, I have decided never to return.
A former U.S. Coast Guardsman named Christopher Collins said, “The weight that this incident has put on my wife, daughter, and newborn infant, is something we will deal with for years to come.” Collins served in the USCG for 11.5 years before being discharged in November.
The United States Coast Guard has been contacted many times for comment but has yet to respond.
Fox News Digital cites a statement from the Coast Guard that “no Coast Guard members have been punished for requesting religious accommodations from the COVID-19 vaccination mandate.” The site has also warned that it would end the subscriptions of any users who have not yet submitted valid exemption requests.
For Harkins, the recent decision by the U.S. Coast Guard is akin to a “purge” of good Christians seeking a religious exemption.
Over the previous decade, the Coast Guard, according to Harkins, “pushed diversity, inclusivity, and equality down our throats.” Where are the campaigns for inclusion, acceptance, and unity when we need them? Why? Why? Because we are Christians and they are not. To any reasonable Christian, this situation seems suspiciously like a witch hunt.
As Harkins put it, “keeping the pressure on the litigation” is one of the most important things that can be done going forward.
The first hearing in the massive class action lawsuit against Harkins will occur on December 15 in Galveston, Texas.