Posted on 11/12/2021 6:28:31 PM PST by Enlightened1
“No Oklahoma Guardsman will be required to take the COVID-19 Vaccine,” Army Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino wrote in a Thursday memo.
The newly installed head of the Oklahoma National Guard has ordered that troops under his command will not be forced to comply with the Pentagon's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the armed forces.
“No Oklahoma Guardsman will be required to take the COVID-19 Vaccine,” Army Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino wrote in a Thursday memo. The memo was at odds with a Defense Department directive that the "total force" - including the National Guard - must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Mancino noted in the memo that Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is the organization's “lawful Commander in Chief” when not under federal orders, implying that Stitt - not Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin - has the final call on any vaccine mandate.
Mancino wrote in the memo that "no negative administrative or legal action will be taken" against guard members who do not get the vaccine.
Mancino was appointed on Wednesday as adjutant general of the Oklahoma National Guard, replacing former Adjutant General Michael Thompson.
Governor Kevin Stitt earlier this month asked Austin to suspend the vaccine mandate for members of the Oklahoma National Guard.
“It is irresponsible for the federal government to place mandatory vaccine obligations on Oklahoma national guardsmen which could potentially limit the number of individuals that I can call upon to assist the state during an emergency,” Stitt wrote in a Nov. 1 letter to Austin.
"This mandate violates the personal freedoms of many Oklahomans, as it asks them to potentially sacrifice their personal beliefs in order to not lose their jobs," Stitt wrote. "All of our national guardsmen take this calling very seriously. These are patriotic citizens who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect others in our communities during times of greatest need."
Austin has not directly responded to Mancino, according to an official with the Oklahoma National Guard.
The Pentagon is aware of the memo and the letter from Stitt, and “will respond to the governor appropriately,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told Military Times.
“Oklahoma National Guard Defies Pentagon, Won’t Impose COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate”
Cool. The Oklahoma guard is joining constitutional sheriffs all over the country, telling Brandon to stick it.
The sheriff in LA County recently told the California governor and LA county board that he won’t enforce the illegal Nazi vax dictates. The BLM racists (fat, ugly, white females) on the LA County board are about to fall.
You wouldn’t happen to have a hill of water I could use....oh, wait...
Refilling my pop corn bowl and pulling up a chair as this is bound to get interesting.
Oklahoma has been and more than likely still is one of the states where the National Guard is very state politically connected. I served in the OK National Guard back in the 70’s.
This sounds like a governor who would help make this happen.
Bless this beautiful revolution.
Are you against all of the mandates?
Do you view the poisons labeled COVID vaccines as Fauci does, as safe and effective, and something that everyone should get?
“ Are you against all of the mandates?”
**************************************
Yes, all COVID-19 vaccine mandates. People should be able to get them on a VOLUNTARY basis if they so choose. If folks want to mask up, let them. Just don’t try to force others to wear them.
Thank you.
Thanks for the ping. Will follow this with a close eye.
For the first time in awhile this General has made me so proud to be back home in Oklahoma. The state could do a whole lot better in a whole lot of areas but this is one ATTABOY I can be proud to offer.
Great job Generala and Governor. That took guts and conviction.
This does great credit to the 45th Division so many served with honor and distinction.
You think so so you?
Predict the next move for the yard ape sec def. Nationalize the ONG? In peace time? For what?
What state guard units will follow? Any?
Memo to pentagon, your move.
Wonder if the replacement of the incumbent by Governor Stitt was coincidental?
/s
they don’t call Okie’s sooners for nothing..
Men are beginning to stand up on their hind legs and resist tyranny. Let freedom ring!
Unfortunately, while the feds can’t order the state Guard people (until federalized), they can cut funding and pay to that state’s Guard.
Expect the money flow to stop under a Biden/Austin order.
And ultimately, they could remove federal recognition of that state Guard, but that would pose a Constitutional battle under the Militia clause.
Check out the big ba!!s on General Mancino!!!
They do too. Don’t underestimate them. Ever.
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