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U.S. Army Col. William Zielinski, a military intelligence officer, reinstates and promotes Austin Waring from specialist to staff sergeant during a ceremony at Sabre Airfield, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Aug. 7, 2026. Zielinski and Waring connected through the Department of War COVID-19 Reinstatement and Reconciliation Task Force after both left the Army following their refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Waring’s grandfather, Vietnam veteran Gary Steffey, attended the ceremony and reflected on his grandson’s return to service. Steffey served as an infantry platoon leader in Vietnam before later serving as an assistant brigade intelligence officer.
"He didn’t want to come out. He always wanted to serve," Steffey said. "It was his dream. He’s getting what he has due, and I couldn’t be prouder."
Waring is a fourth-generation Soldier, continuing a family tradition of military service that includes his great-grandfather, grandfather and father.
(U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)
| Date Taken: | 08.07.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.07.2026 18:55 |
| Category: | Interviews |
| Video ID: | 1018026 |
| VIRIN: | 260807-A-XY121-8502 |
| Filename: | DOD_111891243 |
| Length: | 00:01:12 |
| Location: | FORT CAMPBELL, KENTUCKY, US |
| Downloads: | 1 |
| High-Res. Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Interview: Vietnam Veteran Gary Steffey Reflects on Grandson’s COVID-19 Reinstatement, by CPT Jennifer French, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
