Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer appointed special assistant to Defense Secretary Hegseth

Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient who rejoined the Marine Reserve in 2025 after more than a decade as a civilian, has been appointed as a special assistant to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Meyer, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing dozens of troops during a 2009 ambush in Afghanistan, is classified as a special government employee while remaining in the Marine Reserve. His specific duties in the new role were not immediately disclosed. Meyer reenlisted in the Marine Reserve last year, stating he had 'more to give,' and completed the Basic Reconnaissance Course in April 2025. He described Hegseth as a friend and expressed commitment to serving service members, their families, and the American people.