Celebrating Honorable Military Service: A Complete List and Backgrounds

Restore the Standard recognizes military leaders who served with distinction, often under public scrutiny or reassignment, yet remained committed to constitutionally grounded, professional service. This is not about creating division — it’s about celebrating integrity, duty, and honorable leadership, especially on June 14, the Army's 250th Birthday.

General Mark A. Milley (Retired)
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Vigorous advocate for civilian control, upholding democratic norms, and depoliticizing military leadership.

General James N. Mattis (Retired)
Ex-Secretary of Defense and Marine Corps general. Resigned over national security disagreements rooted in values and alliance stewardship.

General Charles Q. Brown Jr. (Retired)
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Guided the Air Force and Joint Staff through modernization and diversity-forward leadership.

Admiral Lisa Franchetti (Retired)
Ex-Chief of Naval Operations. Rose through confirmation delays to become a stable, respected figure at the Navy’s helm.

Admiral Linda L. Fagan (Retired)
First female Commandant of the Coast Guard and military service branch head. Championed operational excellence and inclusion.

Lieutenant General Telita Crosland (Retired)
Former Director, Defense Health Agency. Led military healthcare improvements and broke barriers as one of the most senior Black women in Army medical service.

Lieutenant General Jennifer Short
Former senior military assistant to the secretary of defense, her recent reassignment raised transparency concerns. Also former Deputy Commander, U.S. Indo‑Pacific Command. Distinguished for strategic expertise and joint-force collaboration.

Lieutenant General Joseph B. Berger III (Retired)
42nd Judge Advocate General of the Army. Oversaw major military justice reforms and championed legal ethics and service-member rights.

Lieutenant General Charles Plummer (Retired)
Ex‑Commander of the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. A trusted voice in ethical reforms to the UCMJ and principled leadership.

Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield
Former U.S. military representative to NATO’s Military Committee and President, Naval War College. A respected leader in strategy and education, ousted before her term ended despite a sterling record.

Colonel Susan Meyers
Former Base Commander, Pituffik Space Base, Greenland. Removed after sending a base-wide message urging unity and respect following a political visit, in order to protect mission cohesion among U.S. and allied personnel.

Colonel Bree Fram
One of the highest-ranking openly transgender officers in U.S. service. A leader in policy advocacy and a respected example of courage and inclusion.

These leaders reflect the values that sustain our national defense: competence, character, and commitment to the Constitution. Restore the Standard honors them with dignity and purpose—so their service is seen, and not forgotten.

Disclaimer: This list honors the service of military leaders removed, reassigned, or dismissed under unclear, disputed, or potentially political circumstances. Their views may not align with this initiative, nor is this project representative of them - it is an independent and nonpartisan visibility project. The goal is to celebrate their honorable service to this country.