by – L. Richardson
The US military’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy has sparked controversy, with reports of soldiers facing severe health issues after complying with the mandate. [1] One such case is that of Army National Guard Specialist Karoline Stancik, a young soldier whose life took a tragic turn after she developed a debilitating heart condition linked to the mandated Covid jab. [1] 2
Stancik’s resilience in the face of this ordeal and the Army’s alleged failure to support her has brought to light systemic challenges in military healthcare mandates and raised questions about the military’s role in protecting soldiers’ rights. [1] This investigative series delves into the failures of mandatory vaccine policies, the health risks of mRNA vaccines, and the call for accountability from the military regarding vaccine-induced injuries like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) that Stancik suffers from. [1] 2
Karoline Stancik: A Soldier’s Valor Against All Odds
In the face of adversity, where the shadow of overreaching mandates looms large, shines the indomitable spirit of Army National Guard Specialist Karoline Stancik. At just 24, Stancik embodies the core virtues of bravery and integrity that the Army holds dear, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to duty amid a personal health crisis spurred not by battle but by an enforced Moderna COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Despite the debilitating challenges thrust upon her—over $70,000 in medical debt and a heart attack induced by the vaccine—Stancik’s resolve remains unbroken. This isn’t merely a tale of survival; it’s a vivid chronicle of a soldier standing firm against the system meant to protect her. Her ordeal underscores a critical oversight in military healthcare and vaccine policy, questioning the rationale behind mandates that compromise soldier well-being.
Specialist Stancik’s story is a stark reminder of the consequences when policies fail the people they are designed to protect. It’s a battle cry for soldiers’ rights, a call to arms for those who stand ready to defend not just their country but also the health and autonomy of its defenders. Through her suffering and resilience, Stancik embodies the true essence of a soldier: not just fighting on the front lines but also against the unseen enemies of injudicious mandates and overlooked healthcare repercussions.
In the face of overwhelming odds, Stancik remains a beacon of valor, her story resonating as a potent testament to the enduring spirit of our military personnel. Her plight reveals the urgent need to reevaluate vaccine mandates within the military, advocating for policies that prioritize soldier safety and respect individual health decisions. Through it all, Karoline Stancik stands tall, a paragon of the honor and resilience that define the finest among us. Her courage, far from going unnoticed, calls for a rally to safeguard our soldiers from similar fates, ensuring that no other warrior is left to fend alone in the shadows of bureaucracy and forced compliance.
Detail Karoline’s Exemplary Service Record and Commitment to Duty
An Army memo about Stancik’s situation acquired by investigative journalist Catherine Herridge shows she had been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or “POTS [12].” 3 Stancik described having intense adverse reactions to her vaccinations, including high heart rate, neuropathic pain, and difficulty breathing. 3 Yet, she persevered, embodying the resilience and valor expected of a soldier.
Tragically, the effects she experienced were so detrimental to her health that Stancik considered suicide. 3 She now requires a pacemaker and heart surgery, a stark contrast to her aspirations of “doing marathons.” 3 Despite this devastating turn of events, Stancik remained a symbol of the Army’s best, her unwavering dedication to service a testament to the sacrifices made by soldiers.
Present Her as a Symbol of Strength and Integrity
Specialist Stancik’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges soldiers face who prioritize their duty over personal well-being. It underscores the urgent need to protect the rights and welfare of those who serve and ensure they receive the support and care they deserve, especially in the face of unforeseen health crises [13]. The call for accountability in this matter is crucial.
Battleground: Vaccine Mandates vs. Soldier Welfare – A Fight for True Soldier Protection
A significant battle rages in the heart of our nation’s defense system—not on foreign soil but within the policies meant to protect our soldiers’ health. At the center of this conflict is the contentious issue of mandated COVID-19 vaccines, which have not only threatened the health autonomy of our troops but have also sparked severe health crises, as painfully witnessed in the case of Army National Guard Specialist Karoline Stancik.
Specialist Stancik’s ordeal—wherein a mandated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine resulted in a devastating heart condition known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and a catastrophic accumulation of over $70,000 in medical debt—highlights a stark betrayal. This isn’t just about one soldier’s fight against a debilitating medical condition; it’s about every soldier’s right to safe health practices within the Army. Despite the intention to maintain troop readiness and health security, the outcomes speak of a different reality where the well-being of our soldiers is compromised.
The broader narrative reveals many service members facing similar dire situations, challenging the very essence of these mandates. The pushback from various military and political figures underscores a critical divide. Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s proposal, although defeated, along with Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino’s assertive stance in Oklahoma represents a burgeoning resistance against federal overreach, advocating for soldier health rights and informed medical choices.
These leaders are not anti-vaccine but pro-choice, emphasizing education and voluntary decisions rather than coercive policies. Their actions resonate with the core values of military honor and duty—protecting those who serve from mandates that have shown ineffectiveness and outright danger.
As we delve deeper into this critical issue, it becomes clear that the welfare of our soldiers must be paramount [14]. The military’s role is to safeguard our nation, including preserving its members’ health and rights. Specialist Stancik’s case is a clarion call for immediate and thorough reevaluation of vaccine mandates, ensuring that no other soldier suffers under similar draconian policies.
This battleground is not just a policy debate—it’s a fundamental question of our commitment to the troops who defend our liberties. It’s time to stand up for them as fervently as they stand up for us, ensuring their welfare is never second to administrative mandates. Let’s honor our soldiers by ensuring their rights are as fiercely protected as the nation they serve.
The Onset of Battle:
The US military’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy sparked widespread controversy, with reports of soldiers facing severe health issues after complying with the mandate. [1] According to Defense Department data, more than two million service members are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 4 Not only did these mandates damage Americans’ trust in public health and cause people to lose their jobs, but they also negatively affected our military. 5
The Chief of Naval Operations issued a policy that threatened religious objectors with the loss of their careers, potentially crippling debt, and involuntary separation [15]. Still, Democrats on the panel defended the mandates. 5 They argued that these policies allowed the military to safely reunite loved ones, reopen schools and businesses, enhance readiness, and reach the end of the public health emergency despite every effort by QAnon and Republicans to generate fear and undermine confidence in the vaccine. 5
Navigating the Trenches:
Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s proposal to reinstate service members discharged for refusing the vaccine was voted down in the Senate on a 46 to 53 vote. 5 At the direction of Governor Kevin Stitt, Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, the adjutant general for Oklahoma, issued an updated COVID-19 vaccine policy for the Oklahoma National Guard [16]. 6
Mancino clarified, “This policy is not anti-vaccine. The Governor and I are both vaccinated. I encourage all our Oklahoma Guard Members to get vaccinated if they choose to do so. We want to educate and inform our Soldiers and Airmen so that they can make an informed decision regarding the DoD Vaccine Mandate [17].” 6 Under Title 32, the Oklahoma National Guard is a state-controlled and federally-funded entity, taking orders from the Governor and his designated chain of command [18]. 6
Mancino stated, “Failing to follow the Governor’s lawful orders while on Title 32 would be illegal, unethical, and against our sworn oaths. Nothing in this order prevents anyone from taking the vaccine. Also, nothing in his order eliminates the Federal Requirement. The Governor hopes for Federal Relief from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin [19]. He has granted state relief from this requirement in the interim.” 6
Financial and Emotional Casualties
Economic Ambush:
The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a severe economic blow, with many individuals facing job losses, financial insecurity, and mounting medical expenses. [3] 8 For Karoline Stancik, the financial toll has been particularly devastating. After being hospitalized for heart complications following her Moderna COVID-19 vaccination, she reportedly racked up over $70,000 in medical debt. 3 This staggering financial burden has only compounded the challenges she faces in her battle against the debilitating effects of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) [20]. 3
Mental Frontline:
Beyond the economic impact, the pandemic has taken a significant toll on mental health, with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other psychopathological symptoms reported worldwide. [3] 8 Stancik’s ordeal has been no exception. The intense adverse reactions she experienced after her vaccinations, including high heart rate, neuropathic pain, and difficulty breathing, were so severe that she contemplated suicide. 3
Moreover, the enforced social isolation and stay-at-home orders during the pandemic have led to a concerning rise in domestic violence and intimate partner violence, further exacerbating the mental health crisis [21]. [3] 8 Victims of such abuse are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior, adding another layer of complexity to the mental health challenges faced by individuals like Stancik. [3] 8
Racialized victimization has also emerged as a strong predictor of poor mental health during the pandemic, with a 22% increase in people utilizing the Mental Health America anxiety screening tool and a staggering 39% increase among Asian American respondents [22]. [3] This highlights the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on marginalized communities and the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support [23].
The War on Autonomy: Challenging the Mandates
Decoding the Mandate Strategy:
The drawbacks to mandatory military vaccination for COVID-19 primarily relate to the potential response by military personnel, for which the backlash from the AVIP program provides a precedent historical context. Over 96% of service members have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine as of October 20219. Still, precedent suggests it should be no surprise if military members become administratively punished or even court-martialed for refusals over months to years. 9 Early reports show that recruits are already being dismissed for vaccine refusals, and active-duty personnel will be subject to administrative action or court-martial charges at their commander’s discretion. 9 Despite these policies, nearly 12,000 Air Force personnel will not comply with the vaccine mandate deadline. 9
The secretary of defense has the authority to order all military members – including the National Guard – to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. 10 The mandate to get the vaccines is a readiness issue, and the secretary sees the vaccinations as the best way to protect service members from COVID-19 [24]. 10 The National Guard serves under three authorities: Title 10 (federal service), Title 32 (state status, but the federal government pays), and state status. The secretary has the authority to order guardsmen to receive the shots “even if they are in Title 32 status [24].” 10 It is a lawful order for National Guardsmen to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and refusing to do that, absent an approved exemption, puts them in the same potential jeopardy as active duty members who refuse the vaccines [24]. 10
Allies in Arms:
The Biden Administration forced a novel COVID-19 vaccine on millions of Americans without considering the health of the individual or natural immunity. Removing physicians from this medical decision was politically expedient in the short term but has had disastrous long-term consequences. 11 Our analysis strongly suggests that mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policies have had damaging effects on public trust, vaccine confidence, political polarization, human rights, inequities, and social well-being [25]. 11
The Department of Defense boldly promoted that coercive and punitive actions would be taken against those who refused the vaccine. 11 In fact, the Chief of Naval Operations issued a policy that threatened religious objectors with the loss of their careers, potentially crippling debt, and involuntary separation [25]. 11 Simply because Levi exercised his religious liberty rights, he was consistently harassed by leadership, repeatedly counseled on his accommodation request, was issued a report of misconduct, and was ultimately faced with the prospect of involuntary separation. 11
There has been resistance to COVID-19 vaccine requirements in spreading misinformation [25]. 11 It is essential to understand these perspectives and find ways to improve trust in vaccines and public health [25]. We must enhance communications, include more of the why, more of the information, and what stands behind our recommendations and requirements. 11 Medical recommendations and public health policies must evolve with the changing pandemic. 11
Conclusion
The heart-wrenching story of Army Specialist Karoline Stancik serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of overreaching vaccine mandates and the abandonment of our brave soldiers by the very institution they have sworn to serve [26]. Her valiant struggle against the debilitating heart condition, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), linked to the mandated Covid jab, is a clarion call for accountability and a reevaluation of these draconian policies.
The Army’s alleged failure to support Stancik in her time of need, leaving her to grapple with the vaccine-induced POTS and a staggering $70,000 in medical debt, is a betrayal of the trust and sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes. This unacceptable abandonment of a dedicated soldier like Karoline Stancik, who embodied the valor and integrity of the Army’s finest, must be condemned in the strongest terms. The military must prioritize the well-being and rights of its servicemembers over blind adherence to questionable mandates that have proven detrimental to the health and morale of our troops.
References
[2] – https://stevematuro.com/show.aspx?url=https://etosinica.ru/25463781eeaucom4fe43y
[5] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–5pON_gJf8
[6] – https://ok.ng.mil/News/Article/2842627/statement-on-covid-vaccination-policy/
[7] – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8414813/
[8] – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9511016/
[9] – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9376337/
[12] – Holly Spencer – LiveOn.org. https://liveon.org/ambassador/holly-spencer/
[13] – EmpowerHER: Navigating Black Maternal Health | MelaMama. https://www.melamamamaternalwellness.org/events-1/empowerher-navigating-black-maternal-health
[14] – Education: A Need A Power A Wealth. https://www.lovelyfoundation.com/education-a-need-a-power-a-wealth
[15] – Congressional investigation begins into federal agencies crafting ‘Coercive policies’ to carry out executive Orders on vaccine mandates and freedom. https://www.forafreeamerica.com/2023/08/02/congressional-investigation-begins-into-federal-agencies-involved-in-crafting-coercive-policies-to-carry-out-executive-order-on-vaccine-mandates/
[16] – Statement on COVID vaccination policy > Oklahoma National Guard > News. https://ok.ng.mil/News/Article/2842627/statement-on-covid-vaccination-policy/
[17] – Marines Face Vaccination Deadline (VIDEO). https://scrippsnews.com/stories/military-faces-vaccination-deadline/
[18] – Statement on COVID vaccination policy > Oklahoma National Guard > News. https://ok.ng.mil/News/Article/2842627/statement-on-covid-vaccination-policy/
[19] – The Oklahoma National Guard Refused the Vax Mandate. The Pentagon Is displeased.. https://www.floridatenther.com/post/the-oklahoma-national-guard-refused-the-vax-mandate-the-pentagon-is-not-pleased
[20] – Brandee Garvoille Obituary 2020 – Peel Funeral Home. https://www.peelfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brandee-garvoille
[21] – WBASNY Acknowledges Governor Kathy Hochul for Her Leadership in Providing Funding for the Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA). https://rcwba.org/wbasny-acknowledges-governor-kathy-hochul-for-her-leadership-in-providing-funding-for-the-victims-of-crimes-act-voca/
[22] – Psychologists worried over long-term mental health issues | The Saturday Paper. https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/life/health/2021/09/18/psychologists-worried-over-long-term-mental-health-issues/163188720012473
[23] – McGinnity, F., Quinn, E., Maitre, B., Privalko, I., Darmody, M., & Polakowski, M. (2020). Monitoring report on integration 2020. ESRI Report December 2020. https://core.ac.uk/download/478904803.pdf
[24] – Secretary of Defense has authority to order mandatory COVID-19 shots > Joint Base San Antonio > News. https://www.jbsa.mil/News/News/Article/2844383/secretary-of-defense-has-authority-to-order-mandatory-covid-19-shots/
[25] – Congressional investigation begins into federal agencies crafting ‘Coercive policies’ to carry out executive Orders on vaccine mandates and freedom. https://www.forafreeamerica.com/2023/08/02/congressional-investigation-begins-into-federal-agencies-involved-in-crafting-coercive-policies-to-carry-out-executive-order-on-vaccine-mandates/
[26] – How faulty software led to a national scandal and destroyed lives – Purple Moon Designs. https://www.purplemoondesigns.co.uk/news/how-faulty-software-led-to-a-national-scandal-and-destroyed-lives/
[28] – https://www.infowars.com/author/9/
[29] – https://x.com/C__Herridge/status/1805241369033650255
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