Defamatory political signs spread misinformation in Fountain Hills
Posted
Councilwoman Brenda Kalivianakis
Submitted photo
By Brenda Kalivianakis | Fountain Hills Town Council member
Many people are puzzled by the defamatory signs on both sides of Shea Boulevard at the Beeline Highway questioning my service in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The signs accuse me of stolen valor for not having a DD214.
Unfortunately, the signs were posted anonymously on a weekend when thousands of people came to Fountain Hills to enjoy a world-class car show and help raise money for Phoenix Children's Hospital while enjoying all the beauty and charm our town has to offer. They were greeted by misleading, offensive and malicious political signs.
A DD214 is a document issued by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) that certifies a service member's release or discharge from active duty in the military. I have proudly served in the USCG Auxiliary since 2019 and logged 25 service hours just last month. But the Auxiliary is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and has no affiliation with the Department of Defense. Therefore, they do not issue DD214s.
The signs are partially accurate in that I do not have (nor will I ever have) a DD214. The signs picture me in my USCG Auxiliary-approved dress blue uniform and attempt to imply that I am impersonating a soldier for some unknown benefit. I have never claimed any military service, military rank or recognition as a past or current member of the military.
If anyone has information about who is responsible for putting up these false and deliberately misleading signs, please contact me at bkalivianakis@fountainhillsaz.gov.
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