Former Air Force Major Kacy Dixon, who left the military after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine under President Biden's 2021 mandate, praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Trump administration for their efforts to reverse the effects of the mandate. Dixon, concerned about the vaccine's safety during her pregnancy, decided against vaccination despite CDC recommendations, as her doctor noted the lack of clinical trials on pregnant women. The mandate, which ended in January 2023, saw about 8,700 service members leave the military, impacting morale and force readiness. In response, President Trump signed an executive order to reinstate affected service members, with Hegseth leading efforts to acknowledge the mandate's unlawfulness and support those affected. Challenges remain in reinstating service members, as many face setbacks in rank and possible issues with misconduct charges related to their refusal to comply with the mandate.

Kacy Dixon, a former Air Force Major, left the military after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine due to concerns during her pregnancy, despite having previously received other vaccines without hesitation.

The Biden administration's vaccine mandate, lasting until January 2023, resulted in the departure of approximately 8,700 service members, causing significant loss in troop morale and readiness.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, along with the Trump administration, is working to reverse the mandate's effects, viewing it as an unlawful order and moving to reinstate affected military personnel.

President Trump signed an executive order shortly after taking office to begin the process of reinstating service members forced out by the mandate, pledging 'full payback' for those affected.

Challenges remain in reinstating service members, as they face rank setbacks and potential issues with misconduct charges related to their refusal to comply with the mandate, complicating the Department of Defense's efforts.