In rare movements for US militaryMedal of Honor Recipient Sergeant. Dakota Meyer re-enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve 15 years later in uniform. Meyer says the decision stems from a deep sense of unfinished duty and a desire to encourage others to serve.
“There was never a better time to serve our country than we are now,” Meyer told the “American Newsroom” Friday.
“We don’t need good men and women who are willing to stand up, and to stand up, and to defend the American people, the Constitutional beliefs, and protect everything against the enemy who tries to step up it, as we need them now.”
Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in the fatal 2009 battle in Kunar province, Afghanistan. Amidst the fierce shooting, he repeatedly drove into the Humvee’s combat zone, rescued fellow Marines and Afghans, saving dozens of lives. He was awarded the nation’s highest military honor in 2011 by President Barack Obama.
Thursday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses He made his oath to enlist at a ceremony at the Pentagon. Now 36, Meyer re-enters the service at the same rank he actively served, serving as a reserve infantry.
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Honorary recipient, Dakota Meyer, at his re-entry ceremony in Washington, DC on Thursday. (Fox News Channel)
“It’s not a day since I left 15 years ago. I haven’t woken up and really want to serve again,” Meyer said. “I didn’t want to do it for ranks. I didn’t want to do it for recognition. The mission didn’t leave me, so I did it.”
Hegseth pointed out that Meyer did not request an open ceremony, but that his return to service deserves recognition.
“I want Americans. I want fellow Marines. I want other service members to take a look at examples.
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“He’s not only signing up to join Recruit’s posters, but he’s signing up to get real again.
Meyer is one of the very few honorees in American history to return to military service.
He also hopes that his decision will resonate with younger Americans considering his military career.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses is a member of the PT in the 10th Special Forces Group (Skyborne), the 1st Battalion, a US Army Special Forces battalion based in Stuttgart, Germany. (defsec hegseth of x)
“Being a Marine has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life,” he said. “It’s an honor to serve people next to me. I’m honored to serve my purpose, and it’s an honor to be part of an organization.”
Meyer’s re-entry comes as military recruitment has been a concern for Pentagon leaders in recent years. Secretary Hegses says the US Army has crushed previous recruitment records. December 2024 was the most productive December in over a decade.
Defense authorities note that hiring has begun even before the current administration took office. Former Army Secretary Christine Warms, who served until January, told Fox News that the increase began early in 2024 before the election.
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Meyer believes surges are a sign that Americans are looking for meaning.
“The people there are now looking for a place. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves,” he said. “They are [want to] Be part of the greater profit. And I think our army is where they can find it. ”
