Showing true patriotism when America needs it most, Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer has rejoined the Marine Corps after a 15-year hiatus.
The decorated veteran, who saved 36 lives during a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan, took his oath at the Pentagon.
Meyer, who received the nation’s highest military honor from former President Barack Obama in 2011, returns to service as a sergeant in the Marine Reserves.
His heroic actions during the 2009 Battle of Ganjgal in Afghanistan showcased extraordinary courage under fire.
He saved dozens of American and Afghan lives while killing at least eight Taliban insurgents.
Despite his distinguished civilian life, which included marrying Bristol Palin, daughter of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, Meyer felt compelled to return to uniform.
“I had more to give,” Meyer explained simply about his decision to reenlist after 15 years as a civilian.
Meyer’s commitment speaks volumes about his character and dedication to American ideals.
In a time when military recruitment has faced challenges, his return sends a powerful message to young Americans about the value of service.
The ceremony at the Pentagon highlighted the significance of Meyer’s return. As one of the few Medal of Honor recipients to rejoin the military, Meyer will serve as an infantryman in the reserves.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth administered the oath, emphasizing the importance of Meyer’s decision to continue serving his country.
“There’s never been a better time to serve our country than right now,” Meyer said during an interview.
Meyer returns at a challenging time for the nation. His commitment to defending America offers a beacon of hope for patriots concerned about the state of the nation.
“It hasn’t been a single day since I got out 15 years ago that I didn’t wake up and truly want to serve again,” Meyer stated.
Meyer has been vocal about political issues in the past, particularly criticizing the Biden administration’s disastrous 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal and supporting Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, who was jailed for speaking out.
The Medal of Honor recipient now plans to follow military protocols while in uniform.
“The great part about being in the reserves is I’m still a citizen when I’m not on orders. When I’m on orders I’ll comply obviously with whatever the standard is,” Meyer explained.
Secretary Hegseth recognized the powerful example Meyer sets for other Americans.
“I want the American people. I want your fellow Marines. I want other service members to look at the example and say…you are never too experienced, you’ve never done too much that you can’t continue to contribute,” Hegseth said.
Meyer believes the recent surge in military recruitment reflects Americans’ search for meaning and purpose in an increasingly chaotic world.
His return to the Corps embodies the timeless values of duty, honor, and country.
