Close Menu
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Celebrity Kids
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest Vimeo
GistFestGistFest
  • Entertainment

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025

    Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Facing Turbulent Times in Their Relationship

    June 17, 2025

    Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre Make Romance Official with a Kiss During His 31st Birthday Celebration

    June 16, 2025
  • Lifestyle

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025

    Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Facing Turbulent Times in Their Relationship

    June 17, 2025

    Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre Make Romance Official with a Kiss During His 31st Birthday Celebration

    June 16, 2025
  • Relationships

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025

    Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Facing Turbulent Times in Their Relationship

    June 17, 2025

    Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre Make Romance Official with a Kiss During His 31st Birthday Celebration

    June 16, 2025
  • Tips & Tricks

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025

    Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Facing Turbulent Times in Their Relationship

    June 17, 2025

    Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre Make Romance Official with a Kiss During His 31st Birthday Celebration

    June 16, 2025
  • Celebrity Kids

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025

    DDG Files Restraining Order Against Halle Bailey

    June 10, 2025

    Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Divorce Timeline

    June 2, 2025

    Meryl Streep’s Daughter Louisa Jacobson Shares Her and Partner, Anna Blundell’s Plans for Valentine’s Day

    February 14, 2025

    Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin’s Son’s Name Revealed

    January 12, 2025
Subscribe
GistFestGistFest
Home » Military Vets Call Out Michigan Democrat Over “Stolen Valor,” Demand Apology
General

Military Vets Call Out Michigan Democrat Over “Stolen Valor,” Demand Apology

OlamideBy OlamideJanuary 2, 20244 Mins Read
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit Telegram Email
A picture of Former State Sen. Curtis Hertel.
Source: Pinterest
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
A picture of Former State Sen. Curtis Hertel.
Source: Pinterest

A group of Michigan veterans are calling out a Democrat running for Congress. They want him to apologize for wearing a U.S. Army-issued uniform during a Veterans Day event despite having never served in the military.

According to a letter signed by 28 veterans and addressed to Former Michigan State Sen. Curtis Hertel, the vets accused him of giving the impression that he served in the military. Also, they accused him of committing an act of “stolen valor” by wearing the jacket.

The letter focused on Hertel’s attendance at a November 11, 2023, wreath-laying ceremony at the Michigan Veterans Memorial in Lansing. Hertel allegedly wore a now-retired U.S. Army-issued physical fitness jacket while speaking at the event.

“We, the undersigned veterans of U.S. military service, write to you today to express our deep concern over your conscious decision to wear an official U.S. Army-issued uniform while speaking at a Veterans Day event last month in Lansing,” the letter read. “Despite not having served in the Army or any other branch of the U.S. military.”

ALSO READ: This Veteran Journalist May Get Jail Time for Refusing to Divulge Her Sources

“We respectfully request that you publicly apologize to all American veterans, in Michigan and elsewhere, and pledge not to repeat the offense,” it read. The letter added that Hertel wearing official military-issue attire “leaves the clear and unmistakable impression” that he served in uniform. 

In addition, the veterans wrote that they frown upon Hertel’s “brand of stolen valor.” In addition, it reiterated that the jacket is from the military era when Hertel could have served. Consequently, wearing it reinforced the false impression that Hertel is a veteran.

Hence, the Michigan vets implored Hertel to refrain from wearing military uniform he did not “earn.” “We ask that you refrain from wearing a military uniform you did not earn through sweat and blood,” they said. “We hope you understand, agree with our reasoning, and follow through with the requested apology.”

POLL — Should Donald J. Trump Be Allowed to Run for Office?

Following the letter and backlash from Military vets online, Hertel responded to the open letter. He said the fuss was a misunderstanding over what he intended as a gesture of respect.

When reached for comment, Hertel revealed the jacket was a gift from his brother-in-law. According to the Former Michigan State Senator, his brother-in-law is a U.S. Army officer. “My brother-in-law, an army major about to retire, gave me that jacket as a Christmas present,” he said. 

“I wore it on Veterans Day to honor him and the other members of my family who served,” Hertel added. Vietnam veteran Jack Devine, an organizer on veterans’ issues in Lansing and across Michigan, defended Hertel in a statement.

ALSO READ: Democratic Governor Shifts Stance, Deploys National Guard to Border Amid Border Crisis

“Curtis has always been a relentless advocate for veterans,” Devine said. “It is ridiculous they are attacking him for supporting his family and members of the military on Veterans Day.”

Similarly, Hertel’s campaign pointed to the now-retired jacket being available for purchase by the public. They touted his record on veterans’ issues and sponsored a bill to create a new cemetery. In addition, they supported legislation to make it easier for Michigan’s service members serving overseas to vote. 

Furthermore, they pointed to his supporting a bill that helped disabled veterans’ spouses receive a property tax exemption. As the race for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District starts, Hertel hopes to flip the chamber. 

You Might Also Like:

Authorities Shut Down Texas Border Bridges Amid Immigration Surge

Mayor of Boston Apologizes to Two Black Men Decades After a Botched Investigation

California Study Suggests Giving People Experiencing Homelessness Money Can Change Their Lives

U.S. Army to Remove Confederate Memorial at Arlington Despite GOP Opposition

New Rules Say Humans Cannot Cut Down Trees That Are Thousands of Years Old

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleCritics Blast NYC Mayor Eric Adams Over Migrant Crisis
Next Article Residents Fume as Town Proposes Ban on Pride, Black, and Women’s History Celebrations

Related Posts

General

Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

June 19, 2025
Entertainment

Justin Bieber Tweaks Instagram Post After Revealing Argument Amid Hailey’s Vogue Moment

May 26, 2025
Entertainment

Singer Chris Brown Arrested in the UK for an Alleged Assault Incident From 2023

May 20, 2025
Latest Posts

Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

June 20, 2025

Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

June 19, 2025

King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

June 18, 2025

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Facing Turbulent Times in Their Relationship

June 17, 2025

Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre Make Romance Official with a Kiss During His 31st Birthday Celebration

June 16, 2025

Miley Cyrus Opens Up About Healing ‘Messy’ Family Bonds After Years of Turmoil

June 13, 2025

DDG Files Restraining Order Against Halle Bailey

June 10, 2025

Cause of Death Revealed for Kylie Jenner’s Hairstylist Jesús Guerrero

June 5, 2025
About
About

We’re a news, entertainment and lifestyle hub that is dedicated to giving you quality insight on the latest lifestyle news, movie and TV news, celebrity news and lots more.

Contact us: info@gistfest.com

MOST POPULAR

Alina Nikitina: Everything We Know About the Russian Model

October 4, 2023

Jennifer Rauchet: Inside the Life of Pete Hegseth’s Wife

August 30, 2023

Jacob’s Ladder Piercing: All You Need To Know

July 21, 2023

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox!

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
© 2025 GistFest. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.