Coast Guard Members Discharged Over Refusing Vaccine Allege They Have Been Wrongfully Denied Separation Pay

Former Petty Officer Second Class Chris Collins was separated from the Coast Guard on Nov. 7, 2022, over his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Courtesy of Collins

Coast Guard personnel separated for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine say they have been denied the separation pay they have rightfully earned through years of honorable service.

Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) Chris Collins originally asked for a medical exemption, but his request was “outright denied” in October 2021, he told The Epoch Times. Collins had just recovered from COVID-19 and feared the vaccine would complicate matters. In the same month, his request for religious accommodation was also denied.