Some Acadiana veterans are upset with Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s candidate Mark Garber.

His campaign flyers picture him in military gear and he refers to himself as a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Some veterans say Garber is not one of them, and even want him to get out of the race.

After receiving several calls from concerned veterans regarding sheriff candidate, Mark Garber’s affiliation with the military, members of the Veterans Action Coalition of Southwest Louisiana now want answers.

Topping their list of questions: “What was Garber’s involvement with the U. S Armed Forces?”

“I was a Civilian Employee. I was hired as a GS 11, criminal investigator and was trained and accepted as a special agent in the Air Force office of special investigations” says Mark Garber.

Garber is also accused of portraying himself as a veteran at a Friend’s of the National Rifle Association banquet. “They called for those who serve their country, I did serve my country. I am a veteran of operation Iraqi freedom and I went forward to be recognized along with everyone else.”

Still, some say Garber is not a veteran due to the fact he did not enlist in any branch of the military.

Glenn Fleming, retired Special Operations Air Force Gunner says, “If you go over to a war zone and you get damn near blown up by an IED, you’re a veteran.”

Other vets say they feel disrespected by the way Garber presents his affiliation with the military, while others credit him for his service.

“His service, had he been killed, would be no less important or less a sacrifice than anyone else’s” says Ross Craft, retired U.S. Marine Corps.

As per questions regarding the legitimacy of Garber receiving the Bronze Star Medal, Executive Order 11056 states, “…to any person who, while in any capacity in or with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard…distinguishes or has distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service…”

“I have never misrepresented myself as a military veteran. But I am a veteran of operation Iraqi Freedom and nothing changes that. The fact that I was a civilian and earned this bronze star medal does not change the merits of my service,” says Garber.

As the race for sheriff heats up in Lafayette Parish, the VA Coalition plans to invite each candidate to earn their support by speaking at their meetings.