Sgt. Dakota Meyer, who received a Medal of Honor for heroism during the war in Afghanistan, has re-enlisted with the Marine Corps Reserve following a 15-year break.
Meyer, who has been a vocal critic of Biden’s disastrous withdrawal in Afghanistan, reenlisted at a Pentagon ceremony on Thursday.
After taking the oath to reenlist, he stated: “I love America and the people with all my moral fiber.”
“I haven’t woken up a day since I left the military 15 years ago, and not wanted to serve and wear this uniform again.”
Meyer returned to the Marines to help recruit, but not as a primary motive. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed this.
Hegseth stated, “He is not signing up just to be on a recruitment poster and sign up. He’s signing up for the real deal. This is just another example of who he is.”
Meyer stated that he doesn’t want to be shielded from dangerous assignments.
“Once I decided to return… I didn’t expect any special treatment. I asked to be given the same opportunities that any other sergeant would have, and we agreed,” he said.
Meyer, who said “the mission never went away,” credited his daughters for teaching him “more leadership than any battlefield ever did… They have taught me how to be a more effective Marine than any battlefield ever could.”
Meyer, 36, told reporters before the ceremony that he will not engage in politics while serving.
Military.com reported that he said, “The best part of being in the reserve is that I am still a citizen even when I’m off orders.” “When I am on orders, I will comply with whatever standard is.”
Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor by then-President Barack Obama in 2009 for his bravery during a battle in Kunar Province in Afghanistan. He charged five times into heavy gunfire in a Humvee to rescue comrades who were being attacked by Taliban insurgents.
His actions saved 36 lives, both Americans as well as Afghans. Military.com reported that he killed at least 8 Taliban insurgents.
William Swenson, Medal of Honor Recipient, Capt. William Swenson was recalled to active duty in 2014.
Swenson was awarded the Medal of Honor by the White House for his actions in 2009 during a deadly battle in Afghanistan. According to reports, the captain left the Army in 2011 but requested to return to active service.