Dear Neighbors,
I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I recently signed a letter to Minnesota’s congressional delegation and Governor Walz asking them to support legislation that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Defense from issuing dishonorable discharges to members of the military who choose not to comply with COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Just last month, the Department of Defense issued an order that will require all active-duty military personnel to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Recent reports indicate that the Army has said that continued failure to comply with the mandate “could result in administrative or non-judicial punishment—to include relief of duties or discharge.”
It would be terrible to make military veterans and personnel criminals for their personal medical choices. Dishonorably discharging them for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine would amount to a similar process that already exists for those convicted of high crimes like desertion, sexual assault, and murder. Going down this road would be completely unacceptable and despicable.
If the goal is to increase vaccination rates in the military, the focus should be to incentivize, not criminalize and stigmatize.
Congress must act quickly to support our brave men and women serving in the armed forces.
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns as it relates to state government. I can be reached at 651-296-4229 or via email at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Glenn