By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall put an amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act passed on Wednesday that keeps servicemembers from being dishonorably discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
"As you may know, a dishonorable discharge is basically treating our heroes like felons," Marshall said. "It takes away your Second Amendment, your right to vote, it's really hard to get a job afterwards, you lose your VA benefits, including for housing and for loans, education, those types of things. We were able to tuck that in there, trying to protect soldiers."
Marshall is vaccinated, and he believes it is the right choice for some, but mandates aren't the right way to get people to do it.
"I support the vaccine," Marshall said. "I've had the vaccine. My parents have had their boosters. I don't believe in the mandate. I think that's the challenge here. I'm very concerned with this Omicron variant coming. I really encourage our senior citizens, people with underlying healthcare conditions, talk to your doctor about getting the booster."
Marshall sees the vaccine decision as a personal one.
"I believe in the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship," Marshall said. "Everybody has a very unique health history. There's a religious side to this as well, too. I talked to multiple military folks who were declining it because of religious reasons."
The NDAA passed the U.S. Senate 88-11. It now goes to President Biden's desk.