DOW • Vax

Pentagon highlights more examples of C19 vax reinstatements

24 April 2026

Pentagon social media accounts continue to highlight military people reinstated back to service after having left because of the Covid vax mandate. (See Pentagon Highlighting Reinstatements)

FULL TEXT: Today, our @DoW_USW_PR team is spotlighting Lucas Warzyniak, another warrior who was involuntarily separated in September 2022 after refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Following the release of EO 14184, First Lieutenant Warzyniak worked with the @USArmy COVID-19 Reinstatement Team to pursue reinstatement and return to service. With support from the reinstatement team, and under the leadership of @SecWar & @SecArmy, he was reinstated and promoted to the rank of Captain with an effective date of rank of May 2023. CPT Warzyniak received full relief to include backpay/promotion, entitlements, benefits, constructive service credit, and new MOS as a Space Operations Officer.

CPT Warzyniak shared, “Military reinstatement is more than a return to service; it is a divine calling to fulfill a greater purpose.”

Welcome back CPT Warzyniak. Hooah!

Click to enlarge and read stone marker behind him:

Kevin works on the Army reinstatement taskforce:

FULL TEXT: A Calling Renewed – Welcome Back, CAPTAIN Warzyniak!!!

The crisp uniform, once a second skin, had been stored away for nearly four years. For former 1st Lieutenant Lucas Warzyniak, every day since his separation from the Infantry on September 1, 2022, was a test of faith. He had stood by his convictions, a choice that cost him the career he cherished. The silence of civilian life was a stark contrast to the camaraderie and purpose he had known. He held onto hope, a belief that his service to the nation was not truly over.

Then came the news on January 27, 2025: Executive Order 14184. A path had been cleared. The order from President @realDonaldTrump was more than just a policy change; it was a promise of restoration for thousands of service members who had been discharged under the military’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. For Warzyniak, it was a beacon. He immediately began the process, his hope solidifying into determined action.

The wait was fraught with anticipation, but on February 18, 2026, the call finally came. He was not just reinstated; he was being made whole. His record was corrected with a retroactive promotion to Captain, effective from May 2023. His new assignment was not a return to the familiar, but a leap into the future: FA40 Space Operations Officer. From the ground to the stars, his career was given a new and vital trajectory.

As he prepared to serve once more, Captain Warzyniak reflected on the journey. “Military reinstatement is more than a return to service; it is a divine calling to fulfill a greater purpose,” he stated. “I thank God and the American people for their support as I lead once more.” His uniform was no longer a memory but a mantle of duty, renewed and ready for the mission ahead. Lead well, Soldier! James 1:2-4

Thank you, @POTUS, @SecWar @PeteHegseth, and @USW_PR_HONTata for your continued commitment to righting the wrongs of the past! Our @DeptofWar and @USArmy are stronger today with this leader and Warrior of Conscience back in our ranks!

FULL TEXT: Today, we are sharing the story of another resilient warrior who was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, Tiffany Murillo.

STG3 Murillo, a Sonar Technician (Surface), was involuntarily separated in March 2022 after refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Following the release of EO 14184, she worked with her local recruiting station & the @USNavy
COVID-19 Reinstatement Cell to pursue reinstatement & return to service. With support from these teams, and under the leadership of @SecWar & @SecNav, she was reinstated as a STG2 in February 2026 with nearly 4 years of service credit & backpay, and was assigned to her duty station of preference.

STG2 Murillo shared, “I want to thank everyone for this opportunity to be part of the greatest Navy in the world…I am proud that I am able to serve my country once again.”

Welcome back to the Fleet, STG2 Murillo!

FULL TEXT: Today, our @DoW_USW_PR team is spotlighting Technical Sergeant Jeremy Naples, an Aircraft Armament Systems Mechanic who separated from the @USAirForce in May 2022 because of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Following the release of EO 14184, TSgt Naples decided to pursue reinstatement and return to service. Under the leadership of @SecWar & @SecAFOfficial, and with support from the Air Force COVID-19 Reinstatement Team, he was reinstated in November 2025 with full restoration of entitlements & benefits. TSgt Naples has since reported to his base of preference and continues to serve with distinction.

Said TSgt Naples, “When I separated, I felt a deep sense that something in my life was unfinished. I truly believe this opportunity was a blessing in disguise.”

Glad to have you back, TSgt Naples!

FULL TEXT: Marcus Branch, a Culinary Specialist Chief, was involuntarily separated from the @USNavy on February 10, 2022, for his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine. After @POTUS signed EO 14184, CSC Branch contacted the Navy to pursue reinstatement. With the support of the Navy COVID Reinstatement Team – and under the leadership of @SecWar & @SecNav – he was reinstated on November 10, 2025, and returned to active duty with nearly four years of service credit & backpay. Now, CSC Branch is looking forward to taking on even greater leadership roles and “helping future sailors navigate their journeys within the Navy.”

Said CSC Branch, “I have always believed serving in the military is not merely a profession, but a profound commitment to uphold the values and ideals of our nation.”

Bravo Zulu, CSC Branch, and welcome back!

Pentagon Highlighting Reinstatements

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