Mark Rice, a candidate for the 8th Congressional District, has voiced his concerns regarding the potential impact of vaccine mandates on military recruitment and retention efforts. He calls for an inquiry into the dismissal of vaccine-refusing military personnel and advocates for apologies. 

“It’s evident the unconstitutional vaccine mandate hurt military recruiting and retention efforts, which was part of the rationale for forcing the Defense Department to cancel the vaccine requirement,” Rice said on Facebook. “The military mandated the vaccine for 15 months from August 2021 through January 2023, when it was rescinded by law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. It is apparently the first time in US military history that a vaccine requirement was reversed.”

Rice is calling for a thorough investigation into the firing of military personnel who refused the experimental vaccine, holding those responsible accountable. The US Army is recalling some soldiers due to a shortfall in numbers, and Rice emphasizes the need for apologies and back pay for those discharged. 

“The Data is being examined: this Medical officer reveals Covid Vaccine related HEART ISSUES skyrocketing in active duty Naval officers..Myocarditis rises 151%. Pulmonary heart disease up 62%. Ischemic heart disease up 69%. Heart Failure increased a whopping 973%,” Rice added.

Rice linked to a video of a Navy medical officer discussing the increase in heart issues the military has witnessed post-vaccine.

“Under Secretary Cisneros acknowledged the DNA data database working properly and also acknowledged things such as market errors rising 151%,” the naval medical officer said in a Facebook Live while looking at the military’s data. “So I went in today I’m doing the same thing, five-year average. However, I’m comparing it to 2022. And I only I’m using fixed-wing pilots and helicopter pilots, active duty. So hypertensive disease, 36%, ischemic heart disease, 69%. Pulmonary heart disease 62%. Heart failure, 973%. Other forms of heart disease. 63%. Cardiomyopathy in 152%.”

In October 2022, Florida’s Surgeon General Dr. Joe Ladapo advised against administering COVID-19 vaccines to men under the age of 39 due to potential cardiac complications. According to data from Florida, there was an 84 percent increase in deaths from cardiac causes among men aged between 18 and 39 within a month after receiving an mRNA vaccine.

Ladapo stated that “Studying the safety and efficacy of any medications, including vaccines, is an important component of public health,” adding that “Far less attention has been paid to safety and the concerns of many individuals have been dismissed – these are important findings that should be communicated to Floridians.”

Earlier this year, it was reported that Florida would not launch a campaign to vaccinate children due to uncertainties and alleged risks.

Rice, a Texas native who has resided in Illinois for 35 years, emphasizes his commitment to representing the best interests of district residents, positioning him as a unifying force among constituents, according to his website. 

The 8th Congressional District is currently held by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill). The map representing the district, which covers northern Cook County, northern DuPage County and northeast Kane County, is available at Krishnamoorthi’s website.