The candidate for governor the Washington State Republican Party endorsed was reprimanded by the Department of Defense, with a commanding officer saying he perpetuated "fraud" against the United States government in an effort to advance his career over more deserving candidates. The investigation followed accusations from the U.S. Army Special Forces, the Green Berets, that Republican gubernatorial hopeful Semi Bird engaged in stolen valor by misrepresenting his actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and claiming unearned experience.

Bird defended his record during a 67-minute phone interview May 24. This is the full interview, with the redacted names of other people who were not directly part of this story.