On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) disputed accusations that he is misleading voters in next week's Republican U.S. Senate runoff election by referring to himself as a "military veteran" in campaign advertisements and at political events.

"You may have heard rumors whipped up by my opponent about my military service, but let me set the record straight. I served for over six years in the Alabama National Guard and the Army Reserve. I was honorably discharged as an E6," explained Moore in a video message posted to X.

He added, "I was never in combat, and I never claimed to be. I'm proud of my service. People can attack me. I'm used to it. They've been doing it ever since I started taking on the establishment."

RELATED: Barry Moore campaign pushes back against 'truly offensive' claims questioning his military service

According to the lawmaker, the demeaning of his personal veteran status is an affront to both the Alabama National Guard and the Army Reserves.

"What I will not accept is attacking the 30,000 men and women of the Alabama National Guard and Reserves as not veterans. That's a garbage swamp tactic," said Moore. "The men and women of the Alabama National Guard serve with honor, and they deserve our respect. They wear our country's uniform. They're veterans, and I'm grateful for their service. The honor, the integrity, and the respect of those who serve should matter."

"I will always stand with the men and women put on the uniform and answer the call to serve," he concluded.

Moore is facing off against former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson in Alabama's Republican Senate runoff election next Tuesday, with the GOP's November ballot spot up for grabs.

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