Call to Immediately Rescind COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement at All Military Academies

US Air Force Cadet Avery Koonce has died suddenly in her dorm room. The 19-year old was a record-breaking runner and competed with the Academy Track and Field team. Avery was found unconscious and EMTs were unable to revive her.

Lt. Col. Theresa Long, MD, MPH, a Brigade Surgeon for the 1st Aviation Brigade, Ft. Rucker, Alabama, U.S. Army, has called for Avery’s parents to demand her vaxx history from the military and conduct a “reverse quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR)” for mRNA, as well “tissue straining” to check for spike protein and blood antibodies.

In light of the recent and tragic death of a 19-year-old cadet, we call for the immediate rescission of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement at all military academies. While the full circumstances surrounding this cadet's death are still being investigated, it underscores the importance of prioritizing individual health and safety above broad mandates.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges, but as new data on vaccine efficacy and risks emerges, we must reassess policies, especially those involving young, healthy individuals who have limited risk from the virus itself. Moreover, concerns over potential adverse effects from the vaccine must be taken seriously, particularly when applied to our future military leaders.

Immediate suspension of this mandate will ensure that cadets' health decisions are based on individual assessments rather than blanket requirements.