Sheriff candidate apologizes for 'misleading' statement about military service

BAIRD, Texas — Callahan County Chief Deputy Rick Jowers, who is running for Sheriff, apologized Monday for a "misleading" voters about his military service.

During a forum last month in Cross Plains, Jowers said " (Leroy Foley) is miliary like me. We were both Airborne Rangers."

Monday afternoon, Jowers released a statement on Facebook.

"I am deeply and wholeheartedly apologize for misleading you about my military service," said Jowers. "I am not a Navy SEAL, a Green Beret or an Airborne Ranger. I sincerely and completely apologize for saying that at the forums."

His opponent -- Leroy Foley -- resigned Monday from the Clyde Police Department.

Foley is being investigated by the department after allegations surfaced Friday that Foley have falsely claimed to have been awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star.

Jower's Full Statement

I have something that I would like to say to the citizens of Callahan County, I deeply and wholeheartedly apologize for misleading you about my military service. I do have discrepancies on my DD 214 from 30 years ago and I’m currently working on correcting those. The problem was this, I had a couple of tragic accidents that happened in my family that caused me to be released from the military a year early. I received an "Other Than Honorable Conditions". I feel that that is no one‘s business but mine and my family's. I’m not a Navy SEAL, a Green Beret, or an Airborne Ranger.

I sincerely and completely apologize for saying that at the forums. I was upset and angry at a certain person, and let my emotions get the best of me. If I have offended any military or citizen I do apologize. I love my country, I love my military, and I love Callahan County.

I am not and have not attempted to use my military service to sway citizens to vote for me. My military service is NOT a part of my platform as I have said many time.

I feel that this is an extremely ugly race and I know that people are tired of seeing ugly things on Facebook. I pray that this will soon be over and we can all get back to our normal lives. I am not perfect and I have made many mistakes and I’ve learned from all of them. Thank you and God bless.