Bombshell reporting from the Reno Gazette Journal reveals that Republican David Flippo was fired from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska over his “ability to command,” per multiple sources.
REMINDER: Flippo has been under scrutiny in recent weeks for falsely claiming at least 15 times in campaign materials to have earned a Bronze Star “for valor” – an ultra-rare military distinction that recognizes “an act or acts of heroism by an individual above what is normally expected while engaged in direct combat.” Flippo has also been seen sporting a hat with “V-shaped emblems that signify a valor award next to a Bronze Star,” which military veterans point to as evidence that he intentionally claimed stolen valor.
Flippo was also fired from his last job at a financial institution after his company accused him of violating “numerous” company policies and regulatory regulations.
There are also questions swirling around Flippo’s ability to self fund his campaign. Despite loaning his campaign over seven figures, Flippo has failed to file required personal financial disclosures that would clarify the sources of his wealth.
READ THE LATEST REPORTING FOR YOURSELF…
Reno Gazette Journal: Flippo Fired As Squadron Commander in ‘08,” Colonel Says
- U.S. House candidate David Flippo was fired from his role as aircraft maintenance squad commander in 2008 at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
- Retired Col. Steven Lawlor, maintenance group commander at the time, told the Reno Gazette Journal he’d been brought in to replace the previous maintenance group commander. Flippo was a squadron commander reporting to him.
- “I relieved him shortly thereafter for loss of confidence in his ability to command,” Lawlor said Tuesday, Oct. 6, referring to Flippo.
- The Reno Gazette Journal confirmed Lawlor’s account with the major who was hired to fill Flippo’s position at the base.
- Lawlor added that he supported Donald Trump in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 presidential elections.
- [Flippo’s] military service has come under scrutiny after some of his campaign materials and videos, including fundraising solicitations, were found to falsely claim he had a bronze star with valor.
- News outlet Mother Jones reported that a baseball cap Flippo frequently wears has two “V’s” on it with the implication that Flippo himself, not his campaign staff, was claiming valor. Sometimes, Flippo pinned the bronze star ribbon next to the two “V’s.”
- Another issue dogging the Flippo campaign is a legally required financial disclosure to the U.S. House explaining where his money comes from.
- Flippo also never filed one for his 2024 race seeking a U.S. House seat representing Southern Nevada.
- The filings are required because they reveal income sources, investments, debts and business ties that can indicate real or perceived conflicts of interest if elected.
- A draft version created on paper was shared with media outlets but, as of Oct. 6, the House shows no record of Flippo filing his personal financial disclosure.
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