About

Joshua Zermeno is a United States Air Force and Space Force veteran. He began his military career in 2010 as a B-52 crew chief, later commissioning through Officer Training School and graduating 2nd in his class from Undergraduate Pilot Training. In 2021, he became one of the first officers in the newly established Space Force, supporting critical missions with NASA, SpaceX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and other organizations.

Zermeno’s defining moment came when he refused the COVID-19 vaccine on principled grounds. He faced two years of administrative punishments, including Letters of Reprimand, “Do Not Promote” recommendations, an Article 15 under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and being barred from government buildings. He was involuntarily separated from service on August 31, 2023.

On June 26, 2026, Joshua Zermeno became the first officer reinstated to the Department of the Air Force and Space Force under Presidential Executive Order 14184.

His journey reflects a deep commitment to duty, integrity, and service to the nation.

About the Book

In 2025, Joshua Zermeno published his memoir, Disobeying an Unlawful Order: A Space Force Officer’s Fight for Freedom.

The book provides a firsthand account of his distinguished service and rise through the ranks to become one of the earliest officers in the Space Force. It details the intense two-year battle he endured after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, the escalating punishments he faced, and the fallout after being involuntarily separated.

Written to create a permanent, uncensorable record, the memoir documents the human and institutional damage caused by the mandate. It stands as a testament to the importance of conscience, integrity, and the courage to defend foundational American principles—even at great personal cost.