Tennessee Senate Republican Leader Jack Johnson issued a strong statement in support of Tennessee National Guard members who are due to be fired on June 30 because of their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and encouraging Governor Lee to help these guardsmen.
In a statement issued exclusively to The Tennessee Star, Leader Johnson excoriated the Biden administration’s COVID-19 mandates and said, “It is a travesty that the Biden Administration is prepared to fire brave men and women who faithfully serve our state and nation in the TN National Guard because of their COVID-19 vaccine status.”
Leader Johnson said he encouraged Governor Lee to take action to help the National Guard members.
“I have spoken with the Governor’s office and encouraged them to do everything they can to protect these Guard members. We should celebrate those who are willing to serve their fellow citizens in uniform, not penalize them because of a personal medical decision,” he said.
“I call on President Biden to immediately intervene and allow our brave National Guard members to do their job without fear of reprisal due to their vaccine status,” he added.
Tennessee National Guard members who have refused COVID-19 vaccination and are exercising their basic human right to medical freedom will be discharged no later than June 30, which is now less than one week away.
Those who have requested exemptions for religious reasons, such as objections to their believed use of fetal cells in the development and testing of the vaccines, will follow shortly thereafter.
As of press time, Johnson is the highest ranking official in Tennessee to issue a public statement in support of the Tennessee National Guard members who are about to lose their jobs.
Governor Bill Lee continues to refuse to comment as Tennessee National Guard members plead for their jobs.
Attorney General Herb Slatery III also refused to comment when reached by The Tennessee Star.
The Star asked Slatery’s office, “Is the Attorney General planning on intervening in the TN National Guard firings due to COVID-19 vaccine refusal by filing a suit?” The press contact for Slatery’s office replied, “We do not have a comment.”
A group of supporters of Tennessee National Guard members have informed The Star of their intention to host a Wednesday, June 29 event outside the Capitol at Legislative Plaza in downtown Nashville.
“Guard Freedom” will start at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29. Legislative Plaza is located directly across from the Tennessee Capitol, 301 6th Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37243.
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Aaron Gulbransen is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]. Follow Aaron on GETTR, Twitter, Truth Social, and Parler.
Someone please wake up Mr. Lee. Asking Slatery to do something is wasting one’s time and breath. The guy is a zero.