On Straight to the Point, Brianne Dressen joins Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter Catherine Herridge to discuss the challenges injured service members face when seeking recognition through the military system. Brianne shares Karoline Stancik’s story and explains why many veterans struggle to connect serious health conditions to the COVID-19 vaccine. Watch more as Brianne Dressen and Catherine Herridge explore the ongoing fight for recognition, treatment, and answers for injured service members. youtube.com/watch?v=N2FcuwED…

Are you a current or former service member who experienced a COVID-19 vaccine injury? React19 is calling on the DoD and VA to: -Investigate injury reports and communicate findings to affected service members -Improve recognition and treatment of COVID-19 vaccine injuries within the VA -Ensure fair access to disability evaluations, benefits, and support services To help strengthen these efforts, we're asking injured service members to: -File a VAERS report -Notify React19 after filing -Share this information with others who may be affected Every report helps document the scope of these injuries and strengthens the case for recognition, care, and support. How to file a VAERS report: react19.org/for-patients/pat…

Kassidi Kurill was a healthy 39-year-old mother and surgical technician. Just days after her second COVID-19 vaccine dose, she became critically ill and passed away. In this clip, her father shares the shock of losing his daughter and the questions that still remain. Watch more: kutv.com/news/local/utah-wom…

39 cardiac arrests. That's how many times Sean Ryan's heart has stopped since receiving his second COVID-19 vaccine nearly five years ago. The first 20 happened within just 18 hours. Today, Sean lives with an implanted defibrillator, ongoing heart failure, and a constant risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Despite years of searching for answers, he says he still has not received the specialized care needed to address the condition that continues to threaten his life. Sean's story is one of 50 first-hand accounts included in React19 and ICAN's recent submission to federal health agencies, calling for investigation into safety signals, meaningful compensation reform, and proper medical guidance for those affected. One person experiencing 39 cardiac arrests over five years is not a statistic. It's a life forever changed. Read more here: react19.org/news/react19-and…

BREAKING: Former CDC Director Robert Redfield Slams Biden-Era Military COVID Vaccine Mandate as Having “No Scientific Justification” This week on Straight to the Point, I sat down with former CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield and Brianne Dressen — a vaccine injury advocate who was a clinical trial volunteer that developed lifelong neuropathy within one hour of taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Redfield exclusively reveals that he believes the Biden-era military mandates had “no scientific justification...and was an emotional decision," while noting institutional reluctance to acknowledge harms to young service members with strong immune systems. Dressen discusses the disproportionate toll the vaccine took on young service members, including @StancikKaroline who we previously interviewed. This wide ranging interview digs deep on the vaccine fallout for our nation's service members. @thelatmg @latimesstudios_ 01:04 Brianne Dressen: Her Advocacy for Covid Vaccine Injured is Personal @React19org 01:57 An “Inordinate Number” of Young Vaccine Injured Service Members 02:30 Former CDC Director Robert Redfield: Military COVID Vaccine Mandate “No Scientific Justification Whatsoever” 03:10 Most Severe Response In Young, With Robust Immune Systems 04:02 Soldier Karoline Stancik’s Heart Condition “Service Connected” To Covid Vaccine 05:01 Rare for Covid Vaccine Injuries to be Designated “In Line of Duty” 06:52 Drew’s Story: COVID Vaccine Injury And Whole Body Paralysis (Guillain-Barré Syndrome) 08:30 Service Members Spend Down Savings, Retirement, And Mortgage Homes For Treatments 09:30 Dressen: Vaccine Injury Compensation Has a “98.5 %” Rejection Rate 12:50 Dressen: Service Members Report VA Experience “Abysmal Failure,” Reluctance to Acknowledge COVID Vaccine Injury 15:22 Is Trump Administration Taking Different Approach to COVID Vaccine Injury: More Dialogue 16:55 Bressen: I Was A “True Blue” Democrat, After COVID Shot “My Life Changed Forever” 18:20 Karoline Stancik Update 19:04 Update @drewoutstanding In response to our questions, a VA spokesperson said “Between December 2020 and December 2025, 53 cases of myocarditis were identified among over 5.6 million VHA-enrolled Veterans who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Veterans are eligible for service connection if myocarditis develops during active duty…” A Department of War official said DoW “is making reinstatement available to all members of the military (active and reserve components) who were discharged solely for refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and who request to be reinstated. The Department has reached out to the 8,700 Service members who were unjustly separated to apologize, offer information on reinstatement, and encourage them to rejoin the military.” “As of May 2026, more than 200 former Service members who were discharged under the now-rescinded COVID-19 vaccination mandate have been reinstated or re-accessed. The Services are actively tracking more than 800 additional former Service members who have expressed interest in rejoining the military.” Asked about the high rejection rate, the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program did not respond.

Senator Ron Johnson highlights the urgent need for recognition, research, and support for those living with serious health challenges following COVID-19 vaccination. Every patient deserves to be heard. Every family deserves answers. Thank you, Senator Johnson, for continuing to give a voice to those who have too often been overlooked. @SenRonJohnson

Before her health changed, Linda Ayers was an athlete, an award-winning Coast Guard service member, and a top candidate for diver school. Within weeks, she says she began experiencing symptoms that would eventually force her to leave behind the military career she had worked years to build. Today, Linda continues searching for answers while encouraging others not to lose hope. Read her story: react19.org/testimonials/inj…

There’s a reason more people in power aren’t engaging with this issue. According to Ron Johnson, it comes down to something deeply human: No one wants to admit they were wrong. Because acknowledging what’s happening would mean facing the possibility that policies they supported may have harmed people… or even cost lives. And that brings: – Legal liability – Reputation risk – Institutional accountability So instead, many choose not to look too closely. But avoiding the truth doesn’t change reality for those living with life-altering injuries. This is why these conversations matter. Watch the full episode of The React19 Podcast to hear more: react19.org/education/educat… @SenRonJohnson

A daughter. A mother. A sister. Kassidi Kurill's family never expected a routine week to end in tragedy. Watch this clip as her father shares their story. Watch more: kutv.com/news/local/utah-wom…

Before his health changed, Drew was a fit and healthy retired service member who continued serving in the Minnesota National Guard. After developing Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Drew faced years of challenges that completely changed the course of his life. But he refused to give up. Today, Drew is helping lead efforts to support other injured members of the military, turning his experience into a source of hope and advocacy for others.

Thanks to our donors, React19 never had to place the CARE Fund on hold in 2025, ensuring injured individuals and families have continued access to support when they need it most. We are also approaching a major milestone: about $150,000 away from reaching $2 million in direct financial assistance distributed through the CARE Fund. However, demand continues to grow. Based on current funding levels and application volume, we may be forced to place the CARE Fund on hold as early as September if additional donations are not received. Every contribution helps provide financial assistance, resources, advocacy, and hope to those navigating life after injury. Please consider donating or sharing our mission to help keep the CARE Fund available for those who need it most. Visit react19.org/donate

Kristen went from a healthy, active fitness professional to facing blood clots, pericarditis, daily seizures, and 17 different diagnoses. After years of searching for answers, she is now pursuing treatment in Florida, where therapies like plasma exchange and EBOO have finally begun helping her regain parts of her life. Listen to Kristen's story on The React19 Podcast. react19.org/education/educat…