Updated Nov 2: 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.

Launched in 2025 amid sweeping changes to the U.S. military’s senior ranks, Restore the Standard seeks to document and honor leaders who upheld professional ethics and constitutional duty even as political pressures reshaped command structures. I have updated the list to include recent changes, announced retirements, or leadership shake-ups. Updates will continue to be posted.

🔹 Recently Added (Fall 2025 Updates)🔹

Lieutenant General Joseph “Joe” McGee, USA
Former Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy on the Joint Staff, Lt. Gen McGee left his position in Oct. 2025. According to multiple defense correspondents, he had reportedly ‘pushed back’ against Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine on issues ranging from Russia and Ukraine to military operations in the Caribbean.

Admiral Alvin Holsey, USN
Former Head of U.S. Southern Command resigned and is retiring, reportedly because of concerns about the administration’s deadly military strikes in international waters. He announced his retirement would be Dec. 2025.

Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse, USAF
Former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Lt. Gen. Kruse was fired in July after the DIA released its preliminary assessment of the military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Gen. David Allvin (Retired), USAF
Former Air Force Chief of Staff, he retired after half the statutory tour length. He designated the service’s initial Collaborative Combat Aircraft, the YFQ-42 and YFQ-44, the first uncrewed aircraft designated with an “F.” In the 1990s, his testing of the safety of the C-17 proved it was statistically as safe as the C-141. The Air Force’s C-17s are in constant demand today.

Gen. James Slife, USAF
Former Air Force Vice Chief of Staff. Gen. Slife was the target of a misinformation account published by Real Raw News. No reason was given for his firing. He was criticized for past concerns he raised as the head of Air Force Special Operations Command.


Rear Admiral Milton Sands III, USN
Former Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. Sands is a Naval Academy graduate and a Navy SEAL. He had been in charge since Aug. 2024.

Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore, USN
Former Chief of the Navy Reserve, she took charge of the Navy Reserve in Aug. 2024. No additional information was provided for her removal from command.

Rear Admiral Kurt Rothenhaus, USN
Former Chief of Naval Research at the Office of Naval Research (ONR). He was replaced with a 33-year old former DOGE employee who has no military service.

🔹 Original List (June 2025)🔹

General Mark A. Milley (Retired), USA
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), USMC
Former Secretary of Defense. Resigned over national security disagreements rooted in values and alliance stewardship.

General Charles Q. Brown Jr. (Retired), USAF
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), USN
Former Chief of Naval Operations. Rose through confirmation delays to become a stable, respected figure at the Navy’s helm.

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

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

Lieutenant General Jennifer Short (Retired), USAF
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), USA
Former Judge Advocate General of the Army. Oversaw major military justice reforms and championed legal ethics and service-member rights. A National Guard Major General was nominated and named the 43rd Judge Advocate General of the Army in July 2025.

Lieutenant General Charles Plummer (Retired), USAF
Former Commander of the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. A trusted voice in ethical reforms to the UCMJ and principled leadership. No replacement has been made.

Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield (Retired), USN
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, USSF (U.S. Space Force)
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, USSF
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. Placed on administrative leave, pending separation, as of Jun. 2025.

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: Restore the Standard is an independent civic documentation effort, not affiliated with any political or military organization. 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.