Dakota Meyer Returns to the Ranks, Rejoins Marines as Reserve Sergeant

After leaving active service more than ten years ago, Sgt. Dakota Meyer, who has the Medal of Honor, has officially reenlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. 

The most tremendous military honor in the country was given to Meyer, 36, in 2011. He said he returned to the service because he still feels called to serve.

Meyer told reporters Thursday during a talk that he felt like he had more to give. "I joined 20 years ago for the same reason I'm joining again."

The event to reenlist took place in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was in charge. Meyer's return is unusual for a Medal of Honor recipient, but not unheard of. Most Medal of Honor recipients leave the service soon after getting the award.

Meyer risked enemy fire many times on September 8, 2009, while deployed to Kunar Province, Afghanistan, to save other soldiers. He saved 36 American and Afghan soldiers in the end and helped find the bodies of four dead soldiers. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded him the Medal of Honor, stating that his actions were "extraordinary."

Even though Meyer was well-known, he insisted on joining the Corps again under normal circumstances. He went back to his old rank of sergeant and passed both the Physical and Combat Fitness Tests.

Meyer said, "The standards are higher now." "But the men and women who wear the country's uniform today are doing amazing things."

Charles Ruiz, a Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps, said Meyer had been thinking about joining again for two years. Meyer made it clear right away that he didn't want any special treatment. He said, "If my unit is sent out, I want the same chance as any other sergeant."

"Whether it's sweeping or getting in the mud, I'm just showing up every day to be a sergeant," he said.

"It's going to be a big deal," Ruiz said with a smile.

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