Covenant of Courage Launches National Campaign to Defend Injured Veterans' Right to Serve

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Kirk Carlson  Founder, Covenant of Courage  Phone: 323-471-7279  Email: kirkbcarlson@covenantofcourage.com  Website: www.covenantofcourage.com

Covenant of Courage Launches National Campaign to Defend Injured Veterans' Right to Serve

Corona, CA – May 02, 2025 – Covenant of Courage, a nonprofit organization founded by USMC veteran Kirk Carlson, has launched a national campaign titled “Reasonable Ranks: The Right to Serve with Honor.” This initiative seeks to expose and reform systemic discrimination against injured service members who are forced out of the military despite being capable of fulfilling non-combat roles.

Carlson, who was injured while serving as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter in the Marine Corps, was reassigned to dispatcher duties during light duty and excelled in the role. However, instead of being permanently reassigned or offered a transition pathway to a civilian job, he was medically discharged, losing the opportunity to retire and secure long-term VA benefits.

“I was willing and able to continue serving—just not in combat gear,” said Carlson. “The military had an option. They chose to discard me instead.”

Through formal letters and legal complaints, Covenant of Courage is petitioning the Department of Defense Inspector General, VA OIG, Congressional Armed Services Committees, the Department of Defense Equal Opportunity Office, and the Military Whistleblower Hotline. The organization is advocating for legislative and policy changes that include:- Establishing a Career Continuation Waiver Program for injured service members- Conducting a retroactive review of medical discharges from 2001–2025- Aligning DoD and VA policies to support transition and prevent lost benefits

The campaign also includes a forthcoming public petition and documentary, calling for the nation to honor the full potential and dignity of injured veterans.

Covenant of Courage is committed to amplifying the voices of veterans who were prematurely separated from service. “This is not about charity—it’s about justice and accountability,” Carlson said.

For interviews, documentation, or media inquiries, contact Kirk Carlson at kirkbcarlson@covenantofcourage.com or 323-471-7279.