A former Space Force officer had his military career restored after a five‑year struggle over the COVID‑19 vaccine mandate.
On June 26, 2026, he was reinstated into the Department of the Air Force and the United States Space Force, taking the oath to support and defend the Constitution once again.
He described the return as profoundly meaningful, a defining moment in his career and a lesson he hopes to pass on to his children.
The officer will report for duty on July 26 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and expressed gratitude for the chance to wear the uniform again.
He began his service in 2010 as a mechanic on B‑52 strategic bombers before earning a mechanical engineering degree and attending Officer Training School.
After commissioning as a second lieutenant, he completed pilot training, graduated second in his class, and was assigned to RC‑135 reconnaissance operations.
In 2018 he transferred to the 1st Air and Space Test Squadron at Vandenberg, working with rockets and collaborating with NASA, SpaceX, and other space‑exploration partners.
In 2021 he became one of the first officers in the newly formed Space Force but also voiced objections to the COVID‑19 vaccine mandate issued that year.
His objections triggered disciplinary actions, including reprimands, an Article 15, and recommendations that stalled his promotion to major.
He attempted to separate voluntarily in October 2021, but was told that separation was not in the best interest of the services, leading to restrictions and Uniform Code of Military Justice actions.
Although the vaccine mandate was lifted in January 2023, he was still denied promotion and was involuntarily separated on August 31, 2023.
A later executive order aimed at reinstating those discharged for refusing the mandate prompted an 18‑month reinstatement process with
