From Rescue to Rejection: A Marine’s Story of Medical Discharge Without Options
- Kirk Carlson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
By Kirk Carlson | USMC Veteran | Founder, Covenant of Courage
I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps in Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting. My job was intense, dangerous, and deeply meaningful. It was during a rescue that I was injured—an event that would change the entire course of my life.
At the time, I was on track to become a Staff Sergeant. But after my injury, everything came to a halt. Suddenly, I wasn’t being prepared for leadership—I was preparing to stand in the unemployment line.
Still, I wasn’t ready to give up on serving my country. Despite the injury, I chose to reenlist. I was determined to continue doing my part.
But my reenlistment was denied.
Not because I lacked commitment. Not because I’d done anything wrong. But because I could no longer complete the physical fitness test. Even though I was already on light duty—working effectively as a dispatcher—I was told that wasn’t good enough.
I asked, “Why can’t I continue in this role and finish my career?” The answer was clear and cold: because I couldn’t run, I couldn’t stay.
There was no attempt to reassign me, no effort to accommodate my condition. No pathway forward. Just the door.
That experience is why I founded the #ReasonableRanks campaign. Because injured veterans should not be discarded. We deserve fair treatment, career reassignment opportunities, and the dignity of continuing to serve in any way we can.
We took the oath. We showed up. We got hurt doing our jobs.
And we were forgotten.
But not anymore.
📢 If you believe in fair treatment for injured veterans, please sign and share the #ReasonableRanks petition:
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