The COVID-19 shot mandate, now rescinded by the military, had far-reaching consequences for thousands of service members. In 2021, it led to the discharge of over 8,500 service members and prompted tens of thousands to choose to leave voluntarily.
However, a new chapter has begun in the lives of many of these individuals, thanks to the tireless efforts of investigative journalist J.M. Phelps and alternative media outlet The Gateway Pundit. The outlet's influence has been instrumental in supporting the efforts to reinstate some of these service members, and Phelps' reporting has played a pivotal role in shedding light on their stories.
Four cases, presented below, illustrate the significant impact of The Gateway Pundit and J.M. Phelps' work on the careers and lives of service members. These cases demonstrate the importance of advocacy and transparency in upholding justice and protecting the rights of those who serve.
Air Force Major Brennan Schilperoort, a C-130J Pilot with over 18 years of active duty, credits J.M. Phelps and The Gateway Pundit for getting his story out to the masses. On the heels of the COVID-19 shot mandate, Maj. Schilperoort was marked for punishment by his Chain of Command and barred from flying for five years. Despite becoming part of the Doster v. Kendall class-action lawsuit, his saga of maladministration and moral injury continued.
However, after J.M. Phelps' articles were handed to the Secretary of the Air Force, who intervened on Maj. Schilperoort's behalf, his career was restored with full backpay. The Air Force Inspector General, citing Phelps' work, substantiated his complaints, and the Air Force Review Boards Agency verified that he had been discriminated against on the basis of religion.
U.S. Space Force Captain Joshua Zermeno, who dedicated over 13 years of service to the nation, was involuntarily separated from the Space Force in August 2023. However, thanks to The Gateway Pundit's coverage, spearheaded by J.M. Phelps, his situation was amplified, and he was eventually reinstated on June 26, 2026.
Army Captain Mark Bashaw's military career represents a profound transition from systemic institutional penalization to high-level strategic vindication. Despite facing a special court-martial conviction, a blocked promotion, and an involuntary discharge, CPT Bashaw persisted in his pursuit of justice, ultimately receiving a full and unconditional Presidential Pardon from Commander-in-Chief Donald J. Trump and a landmark Army Board for Correction of Military Records ruling that expunged his adverse records.
Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brandon Budge, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, faced intense scrutiny and punishment for questioning the efficacy of the non-FDA-approved, experimental COVID-19 shot. Despite a flawed investigation and a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand, Budge's career was eventually restored, and he retired on January 31, 2026, as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, with his rank and record restored.
The journeys of these service members, from adversity to vindication, serve as a reminder of the resilience of those who serve and the critical role that dedicated journalists and alternative media can play in amplifying their voices when they need to be heard.
J.M. Phelps acknowledges that the battle for service members and veterans is far from over, and he, along with The Gateway Pundit, still has much more to accomplish. The fight for justice and transparency in the military continues, and the work of journalists like Phelps will remain essential in upholding the rights of those who serve.
The cases presented here demonstrate the significant influence journalism can have on the lives of military personnel facing unjust treatment. The narratives highlight the challenges posed by the unlawful mandates and underscore the importance of advocacy and transparency in upholding justice and protecting the rights of those who serve.
The resilience of service members and the critical role of dedicated journalists and alternative media in amplifying their voices serve as a constant reminder of the importance of doing what is right.
