Watch Gex's video, "A Debt of Gratitude"

Statement from U.S. Army Col. (Ret) Arthur L. Kelly

Former Professor at Morehead State University and the University of Kentucky;

Former Commander, Morehead State University R.O.T.C. Program

I am a combat veteran of 3 foreign wars, with service during the wars in the Pacific, Korea, and Vietnam.

I am also an enthusiastic supporter of my good friend Gex Williams for State Senate. Gex is a man of great intellect and honorable character and will be a great legislator for Kentucky.

He has been attacked by his opponent who has accused him of false claims about graduating from the Naval Academy. That attack is false and spurious.

When Gex was first serving in the Senate, he correctly reported on a form that he attended the U.S. Naval Academy for 2 years and then went on to graduate from the University of Florida.

Unfortunately, the staff person that published the Legislator’s education background mistakenly reported that he graduated from the Naval Academy.

As soon as it was published, Gex corrected the report and it was no longer listed when the report was next published. It was not a big deal because Gex never used that publication for any political purpose. Now his opponent IS attempting to use this for political purposes, accusing Gex of dishonorably reporting his military education.

The only thing that is dishonorable is his opponent’s use of this staff error to falsely accuse Gex of having “stolen valor” from Veterans, who she then asked to report this information in a false light in her campaign ads.

She should apologize to those veterans and to voters for this dishonest characterization, and you should send Gex Williams to the Senate where he will use his outstanding courage, intellect, and experience to do what needs to be done for us in the General Assembly.

Statement from Byron Marlowe

U.S. Army Veteran and 2015 Kentucky Veteran of the Year

I served with the Kentucky National Guard in Iraq. Veterans like me are supporting Gex Williams for State Senate because we know he understands our sacrifice and cares about issues that are important to us. After all, he has three children who served. I know that Gex loves Kentucky and is passionate about serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

There is a lot of dishonest information in politics, and that’s what Gex’s opponent is doing right now – spreading lies about Gex, because she’s losing.

Gex tells the truth and he has never mischaracterized his military record. Gex is honest and he will fight for veterans in the State Senate. I hope you will support him.

Statement from Jeemes Akers

U.S. Air Force Veteran and Former Professor at Alice Lloyd College

I’m an Air Force veteran who served in the Vietnam War and recently retired from the intelligence community. I’m supporting Gex Williams for state senate, and let me tell you why you should support him too. Gex was a highly effective state senator, and he will be again.

Gex loves our military and our men and women in uniform. He will do what’s right for veterans, you can count on that. These lies that are being told about him, they’re disgraceful. Gex has never lied about his military record. Never. Teresa Barton is truly desperate, and she will say anything to win. Shame on her.

I know Gex, he’s smart, honest, and wants to help Kentucky, especially veterans. His father and his grandfather served in the military, and so have three of his boys. Gex will be a champion for veterans in the state senate.

Statement from Aaron Reed

U.S. Navy SEAL and Iraq and Afghanistan combat veteran

I served multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Navy SEAL. As a combat veteran, I’m disgusted by the lies that Democrat Teresa Barton is telling about Gex Williams. I’ve gotten to know Gex, I've looked him in the eye, I've shaken his hand. He’s a good and honest man, and a Christian at that. His grandfather and his father served in the World Wars. Three of Gex’s sons served in the military and one is still active duty after 21 years. So don’t listen to the lies about Gex. He cares about veterans and he'll be a great state senator for veterans. I’m supporting him, and I hope you will too.

Statement from Dan Monahan

U.S. Army Veteran

I am a combat Vet. I served in the Vietnam War as a sergeant with the 101st Airborne Infantry. I have known Gex Williams for over 25 years. Bottom line: he is a man of proven, sterling character. He is the upright, moral leader we desperately need in Kentucky.

“Stealing glory,” that’s what his opponent is slurring his name with. This from the person who was caught tearing down Gex’s sign!

My grandfather served with the Army in WWI. I glow in his reflected glory. My father was a Marine in WWII. I glow in his reflected glory. Gex’s sons David, Mark, and Dan are all Veterans, I know all of them personally. All are, like Gex, men of character. (David is still serving.) It is right and proper for him to glory in their service. Gex himself served for two years at the Naval Academy. That is something to glory in. He was led elsewhere. Yet, he still served his country by attending.

I'm voting for Gex and encouraging everybody I can to vote for Gex!

Statement from Derek Thomas

U.S. Navy Veteran

I've known Gex Williams for about 40 years now, and his Democrat opponent Teresa Barton is slinging lies about Gex. He has always been truthful about his military record, and I support Gex because he will make a great senator for this district. He cares about our country and he cares about our wonderful state of Kentucky.