After facing significant challenges related to his opposition to a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, Army Major Michael Gary is experiencing a revival in his military career. With nearly three decades of service, including expertise in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear responses, Maj. Gary initially ran into trouble after he voiced a religious objection to the vaccine mandate implemented by former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. His protest against an order he deemed unlawful led to a series of retaliatory actions against him, culminating in his official reprimand and removal from active duty.
Maj. Gary’s troubles began when he requested a religious accommodation to avoid the vaccine based on its experimental nature and ethical concerns regarding its development. His request was denied, exposing him to what he described as unwarranted retribution. He faced a spurious Army investigation, was inaccurately labeled a “domestic extremist,” and subsequently received a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) that tarnished his record and cut short his military career.
On January 20, 2025, as a new administration was taking shape, Gary sought assistance from Pete Hegseth, who was set to become the Secretary of Defense. Following this outreach, the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) took on Gary’s case. Their findings overturned the previous actions against him, concluding that an injustice had occurred and that the reprimand should be expunged from his records.
The ABCMR’s decision was historic. It addressed multiple aspects of Maj. Gary’s situation, including the removal of the GOMOR and rectification of his military record to eliminate references to his vaccine refusal. This reversal restored Maj. Gary’s honor and set the stage for his reinstatement and promotion. On September 3, he received formal confirmation from the Army National Guard that his record was cleared. “The Army National Guard has removed the GOMOR dated 21 March 2022,” the letter stated, expressing gratitude for the swift corrective measures taken.
In a conversation with The Gateway Pundit, Maj. Gary expressed immense gratitude for the support he received in restoring his service record. “My journey is more than a procedural victory,” he said. “It is a testament to perseverance through injustice, faith in God’s timing, and the importance of lawful redress.” This perspective highlights the personal significance of his legal battle, framing it not just as an administrative fix but as a triumph of truth and justice over wrongful actions.
Secretary Hegseth publicly acknowledged Gary’s victory, indicating ongoing efforts to rectify the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on service members. “Every day we are working to undo the wrongs of the unlawful COVID Vax mandate,” Hegseth noted in a post. His support reflects a broader commitment to address the grievances of those who felt wronged during the mandate’s enforcement.
Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness, Anthony J. Tata, also reiterated this commitment in his messages, depicting the process as incremental yet determined. His acknowledgment that the path to full restoration involves persistent work demonstrates a recognition of the challenges faced by many service members during this tumultuous period.
For Maj. Gary, this moment marks not just a personal victory but a new chapter for the military community as a whole. He likens his journey to the biblical story of Joseph, who was betrayed and punished, yet ultimately rose to a position of honor. This analogy underscores his belief that what he has faced reflects a larger narrative of struggle and eventual restoration.
Maj. Gary attributes his resilience during this ordeal to his family’s unwavering support. For over three years, he and his family dealt with uncertainty and hardship—a time that tested their faith and unity. He described his wife, Jessica, as a “solid spiritual rock” who kept their family steady. The lessons of resilience and support from his children also play a pivotal role in his narrative.
Ultimately, Maj. Gary’s story serves not only as a cautionary tale about the struggles faced by service members but also as an inspiring testament to the power of integrity and the enduring pursuit of justice. “This restoration story is not only about the clearing of a military record—it is about faith rewarded, perseverance vindicated, and the steadfast love of family and friends who carried him through,” he concluded, reflecting on the importance of support systems in times of adversity. The implications of his victory extend beyond personal achievement, resonating with many who felt similarly marginalized during the politically charged mandate period.
"*" indicates required fields
