'Most egregious': Veteran advocacy group hammers Republican lawmakers for 'stolen valor'

Vote Vets, a progressive veterans advocacy group, hammered former President Donald Trump's campaign for "stolen valor" in response to a letter signed by dozens of Republicans criticizing the service record of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

After looking at the list of signatories on the letter, Vote Vets determined that "29 of the signatures come from Republicans who falsely claimed they retired from military service."

According to the Department of Defense, servicemembers must accrue 20 years or more of service in the military before they are eligible for retirement.

This is particular notable because Walz, whom the Republican lawmakers are criticizing, retired from the National Guard after having served there for 24 years.

ALSO READ: 'I told the truth': Ex-Trump aide Grisham defends from MAGA attacks after revealing text

The group then singled out individual Republicans for naming and shaming.

"The most egregious example is Ronny Jackson, the former Navy officer reduced in rank from Rear Admiral to Captain after retirement," the group writes. "You were demoted from Rear Admiral to Captain – why are YOU committing stolen valor for claiming you’re a retired flag officer?"

The group also singles out Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), who has come under criticism even from fellow Republicans for wearing a combat pin that he did not earn.

"Troy Nehls -- to see you signing a letter to ANYONE about stolen valor is the height of hypocrisy," the group wrote. "Ask anyone who’s seen you wearing that Combat Infantryman’s Badge that you never earned!"

The group then proceeded to call out dozens more Republicans on the letter who described themselves as "retired" despite having served as little as 29 months in the armed forces.

Former Marine pilot Amy McGrath, who herself served 20 years in the armed forces, reacted with shock to Vote Vets' revelations.

"Holy Cow!" she wrote on Twitter. "29 GOP members of Congress falsely claim they retired from the military in this letter. Unbelievable … all while trying to scold Tim Walz."