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Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., reestablished the Florida State Guard on Wednesday in an effort to expand Florida’s capacity to respond to emergencies while protecting freedom for residents of the Sunshine State.
In the governor’s press release, DeSantis explained, “The U.S. military has been kicking out great service members over the Biden administration’s unacceptable COVID vaccine mandate, and they are even targeting members of the National Guard.”
DeSantis added that the Washington officials in charge of the National Guard “refused to increase the number of guardsmen despite our increasing population.” By reestablishing Florida’s State Guard and adding 400 volunteer members, DeSantis told Floridians, “We have a great opportunity to expand our capability to help people in times of need or disaster.”
In addition to announcing the reestablishment of Florida’s State Guard, DeSantis announced retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graham as the first director of the volunteer organization.
“With the U.S. military kicking great service members out due to COVID vax mandates, and with FL having such a low guardsman to citizen ratio, FL has a great opportunity to expand our capability to help people in times of need or disaster through the Florida State Guard,” DeSantis tweeted.
The Florida State Guard will allow volunteers to exercise their freedom of medical choice, contrasting sharply with the Biden administration’s strict Covid-19 vaccine mandates for the military. According to the Washington Examiner, DeSantis explained, “There are opportunities where people still want to serve, but they want to serve based on their conscience.”
When DeSantis first proposed the reestablishment of the FSG at the end of 2021, his opponents criticized him. However, his office defended the proposal based on Florida state law.
DeSantis continues to champion the cause of freedom in Florida while providing citizens with protection and aid in the face of strong opposition from Democrats. His efforts in the Republican Party have gained him a strong America First following and have even caught the attention of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who indicated Wednesday that he is considering voting for DeSantis in 2024.
The reestablishment of Florida’s State Guard appears to be already popular with the people of Florida.
DeSantis tweeted, “The Florida State Guard has already had more than 1,200 Floridians apply to serve our state and help in times of need.” He also expressed his confidence in the organization, saying, “I am confident that our new director, retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graham, will lead with honor and respect for our great state.”