Major Michael Gary, a highly trained and respected Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) officer, has endured a relentless campaign aimed at stripping him of his security clearance, career, and reputation in the Maine Army
National Guard (MEARNG). The persecution began after Major Gary submitted the very first religious exemption packet on December 1, 2020, opposing the Department of Defense’s controversial COVID-19 vaccine mandate. His objections were not merely personal; as a biological weapons expert, Major Gary raised informed concerns about the toxic nature of the vaccine’s spike protein and violations of informed consent laws. His expertise and principled stand made him a beacon for other hesitant soldiers—a reality that leadership at MEARNG allegedly viewed as a threat to their agenda of absolute vaccine compliance.
THE FRAUDULENT INVESTIGATION
The MEARNG leadership launched a calculated AR 15-6 investigation against Major Gary, beginning with dubious claims tied to a small “Three Percenter” sticker on a personal coffee mug, which the investigating officer later admitted did not constitute participation in extremist activities under AR 600-20 or DoDI 1325.06. Nevertheless, this internal inquiry ballooned into accusations of spreading conspiracy theories and dissent, despite being proven legally unfounded and prejudicial. These findings were then used as the basis to attempt revocation of Major Gary’s security clearance.
A STUNNING DEFENSE
Through his own dogged pursuit of truth via FOIA requests, Major Gary confirmed the actual status of his security clearance: the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) had granted him eligibility for access to national security information or assignment to a security sensitive position at the Top-Secret–Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS-SCI) level on February 22, 2024. Remarkably, Major Gary defended and retained his clearance without the benefit of legal counsel—a feat described by many as akin to winning the lottery. He built his defense using protected whistleblower information, nearly 600 pages of evidence, including witness statements and character references, thereby demonstrating not only his innocence but the abusive conduct of certain members of the MEARNG chain of command, who were found to be liars and abusers of authority who failed to uphold the 7 Army Values.
ONGOING TARGETING AND FEDERAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The same allegations from the flawed 15-6 investigation that removed Major Gary from his full-time position “solely” for Covid-19 vaccine refusal were weaponized to try to oust Major Gary from the service entirely. Even the investigating officer acknowledged that labeling Major Gary as a “Domestic Extremist” was unsubstantiated. However, his refusal to comply with the unlawful mandate and his respected status among soldiers made him a prime target. It is clear that a handful of senior leaders in the MEARNG were determined to take out the senior unvaccinated officer. The Secretary of Defense has since declared in official guidance that the mandate was “unlawful as implemented”. This makes the actions of the senior leaders targeting Major Gary unlawful!
A CALL FOR JUSTICE
This persecution persists despite federal corrective measures. On April 23, 2025, the Secretary of Defense issued a formal directive to correct adverse actions, restore records, and offer reinstatement to those wrongfully impacted by the vaccine mandate. Major Gary remains in limbo despite President Trump’s Executive Order 14184 directing reinstatement of such service members. After submitting a formal reinstatement request and reaching out to Senator Susan Collins, Major Gary is still waiting. His ordeal highlights the dangers faced by whistleblowers and the gross misconduct by certain leaders in the MEARNG who placed personal agendas above integrity and justice. Major Gary’s story stands as a courageous example of truth and perseverance in the face of institutional abuse.
Army Values
Loyalty
Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other Soldiers. Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone. A loyal Soldier is one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow Soldiers. By wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army you are expressing your loyalty. And by doing your share, you show your loyalty to your unit.
Duty
Fulfill your obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks. Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team. The work of the U.S. Army is a complex combination of missions, tasks and responsibilities — all in constant motion. Our work entails building one assignment onto another. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take “shortcuts” that might undermine the integrity of the final product.
Respect
Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier’s Code, we pledge to “treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.” Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute.
Selfless Service
Put the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort.
Honor
Live up to Army values. The nation’s highest military award is The Medal of Honor. This award goes to Soldiers who make honor a matter of daily living — Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make. Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do.
Integrity
Do what’s right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself.
Personal Courage
Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). Personal courage has long been associated with our Army. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable.
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