President Donald Trump’s promise to return more than 8,000 U.S. military troops and grant their backpay after they were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine must be “very comprehensive,” John Frankman, who had been serving as a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret captain when the mandates were ordered, told Newsmax Friday.

“I know President Trump, Pete Hegseth, they love service members,” Frankman said on Newsmax’s “National Report.” “They want to help us out. I just hope that whatever they do is extremely comprehensive and that it doesn’t just take care of those kicked out, but those who were forced out.”

He also said that he hopes those who stayed in the military who saw their career trajectories hurt are recognized.

Read more at Newsmax© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.