Staff Sgt., Colonel Reinstated Into Army After Leaving Over COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal
Staff Sgt. Austin Waring stood on Sabre Airfield on Aug. 7 surrounded by family, fellow Soldiers and a fellow participant in the Department of War’s COVID-19 reinstatement effort as he marked the return of a career he once thought was over. Col. William Zielinski, a military intelligence officer who connected with Waring through the Department of War COVID-19 Reinstatement and Reconciliation Task Force, reinstated Waring and promoted him to staff sergeant during the ceremony. For Waring, a UH-60 helicopter repairer, the ceremony represented more than a promotion. It marked his return to the profession he said has given him a sense of purpose throughout his adult life.
Staff Sgt. Austin Waring stood on Sabre Airfield on Aug. 7 surrounded by family, fellow Soldiers and a fellow participant in the Department of War’s COVID-19 reinstatement effort as he marked the return of a career he once thought was over.
Col. William Zielinski, a military intelligence officer who connected with Waring through the Department of War COVID-19 Reinstatement and Reconciliation Task Force, reinstated Waring and promoted him to staff sergeant during the ceremony. For Waring, a UH-60 helicopter repairer, the ceremony represented more than a promotion. It marked his return to the profession he said has given him a sense of purpose throughout his adult life.
