David Flippo Misrepresented His Gulf War Military Record

Republican nominee for Congress in Nevada, David Flippo, has been accused of misrepresenting his military service during the Gulf War in Operation Desert Storm. According to a US Air Force spokesperson, Flippo was not on active duty until nine months after the war had ended, contrary to his repeated claims. Flippo, who served as an enlisted airman before becoming an officer, entered active duty on December 10, 1991, which was after the war had concluded on February 28, 1991.

Despite this, Flippo claimed during a 2024 fundraiser that he served in the "desert" in 1991 and had been "in all that time." He also appeared in the 1991 yearbook of Montana State University as a member of the Air Force ROTC program, placing him at the university during the war. However, an article from the February 8, 1991, edition of the university's student newspaper confirms that Flippo was at Montana State during the Desert Storm period.

Flippo has been accused of exaggerating his military record in the past as well. In 2008, his campaign falsely claimed he had received a Bronze Star with valor that he did not earn. His campaign has also raised questions regarding the sources of his campaign funding, as Flippo reported putting over $2.5 million into his campaigns, despite having no clear source of such wealth. Additionally, Flippo has been linked to a dubious Arizona land venture promising 20% returns for 20 years.