Mike Rose (USAFA ’69), Executive Vice President and General Counsel of STARRS joins Jeanne Ives (USMA ’87) and Amy Jacobson on The Real Story to discuss the case of Melissa Cunningham, the highest ranking Air Force officer who left the military after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine following unsuccessful medical and religious exemption requests.
Rose explains how Cunningham’s case ultimately resulted in her reinstatement, including restoration of lost service time, back pay and benefits, her previous rank, and removal of adverse records.
He also discusses the broader impact of the military COVID vaccine mandate, religious exemptions, recruitment and retention, and opportunities for other former service members seeking reinstatement.
Watch:
0:00 Melissa Cunningham’s Air Force Case
2:01 Mike Rose Explains What Happened
3:06 Cunningham’s Military Career
4:00 Medical and Religious Exemptions
4:31 Three Choices From the Air Force
5:15 STARRS Takes Up Her Case
7:08 Religious Freedom and Military Orders
8:35 Air Force Reinstates Cunningham
8:59 Back Pay, Benefits and Rank Restored
10:15 Why Cunningham Is Returning
12:48 Military Vaccine Mandate Fallout
13:08 Impact on Recruitment and Retention
13:58 8,700 Service Members Separated
14:33 Who Can Apply for Reinstatement?
STARRS Helps USAF Brig. General and USAFA Grad Get Reinstated
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