Standing Up for Faith and Constitution: Major Stephen Simmons' Story In this compelling episode of the State of Freedom podcast, hosts Chris and Danielle interview Major Stephen Simmons, an Iraq War veteran, who vocally opposed the COVID vaccine mandates and left the military as a result. Explore Stephen’s journey, convictions rooted in faith, and the critical issues surrounding the COVID mandates within the military. Discover how these policies impacted military readiness, caused a significant loss of personnel, and undermined constitutional rights. The discussion also delves into President Trump's executive order rescinding the vaccine mandates, practical implications for reinstatement, and pertinent cultural issues within the military. Learn about the necessity of moral integrity and leadership in restoring America’s military strength. SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10 TPT ACTION & INFO FROM TODAY'S EPISODE: Keep pressure on our elected officials by staying on top of all of LACAG's calls to action! https://www.lacag.org/action-center SUPPORT US & GET CONNECTED: Want to support The State of Freedom? Remember to Subscribe, Like, and keep Sharing the State of Freedom podcast – it helps! Follow us on Rumble and X.Support the show with a financial gift if you are able: https://www.freedomstate.us/support-the-show.Planning to purchase a Starlink device? Help out TSOF by ordering your Starlink satellite through our referral link & we'll both get one month of service for free! https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-2291754-20667-66Order General Flynn's movie - Flynn - Deliver the Truth. Whatever the Cost. Click here: https://www.flynnmovie.com/tsofpodcast or visit www.freedomstate.us.If you'd like to advertise with the show, send an email to info@freedomstate.us and make the subject line TSOF Advertising. Want to help LACAG's efforts? Sign up for the action center and stay updated: https://www.lacag.org/action-centerJoin LACAG and help bring Louisiana out of the swamp: https://www.lacag.org/give Get in touch with our sponsors: For more information on investing in precious metals at the best prices on the market, email danielle@freedomstate.us. Put Metal Stacks in the subject line.To get involved with Moms for Liberty, send them an email: moms4libertybatonrouge@gmail.com. Let them know you heard about their work on The State of Freedom. KEY POINTS: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Conviction 01:21 Podcast Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:23 Scripture Reading and Reflection 04:58 Guest's Background and Military Experience 06:42 Technical Difficulties and Resuming Discussion 07:21 COVID Mandate and Military Response 14:05 Impact of Vaccine Mandate on Military Readiness 23:55 Religious and Ethical Exemptions 27:43 Leadership and Chaplain's Role 31:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 41:56 Assessing Military Readiness and Concerns 43:17 Implications of Trump's Executive Order 44:49 Challenges in Reinstating Service Members 47:28 Financial and Personal Impact on Service Members 48:36 Restoring Trust and Addressing Accountability 01:02:59 Cultural Changes in the Military 01:20:50 Final Thoughts and Call to Action CREDITS: Music by MarkJuly from Pixabay Sound effects by Pixabay Ad music by Top-Flow, AudioCoffee & penguinmusic on Pixabay Produced by: We Live Legend