Air Force Nurse, Colonel Katheryn Ellis, who was relieved of command of the 14th Medical Group (14th MG) at Columbus AFB, Miss., in October, has claimed she was fired after she refused to order subordinates to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Task & Purpose reported that Col. Ellis said she was told on Oct. 12 - by 14th Flying Training Wing commander, Col. Seth Graham - to issue an order for two of the group’s civilian employees to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. T&P reported the two civilians had been vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine was made mandatory for all members of the military on Aug. 23 after the FDA approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. Ellis said the CO’s order conflicted with her own religious beliefs, and her request for a religious exemption filed Sept. 17. She had been the 14th MG’s commander for only four months. In a text to T&P, she wrote that her religious beliefs do not compel her to prevent, delay or undermine efforts to ensure the vaccines are available and administered to others, they just prevent her from taking it herself or actively promoting or administering it to others herself. Because of that conflict with the order, Ellis consulted with base legal on Oct. 13. On legal's advice, Ellis worked with vice wing commander, Col. Jeremy Bergin, to have him issue the vaccination order on her behalf. He agreed, and issued it Oct. 15, Ellis said. The AF saw it differently. On Oct. 21, the colonel was relieved of command. Ellis’ case is part of a larger conflict unfolding within the AF. The deadline for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members to be vaccinated is Dec. 2, and while 96.2 percent of active-duty and 92.8 percent of the total force had at least one shot as of Oct. 18, that still leaves up to 12,500 ACDU airmen who may face possible dismissal. (Source: Task & Purpose 11/02/21) US Air Force colonel says she was fired for not ordering COVID-19 vaccine (taskandpurpose.com)
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