Fact Check: "Virts highlights his military background, joining at just 17."
What We Know
Terry Virts, a retired NASA astronaut and colonel in the United States Air Force, has a notable military background. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989. However, he joined the military at the age of 17, as confirmed by a recent article discussing his political aspirations, which states that he "joined the military at 17 and went on to fly combat missions over Iraq" (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that Virts highlights his military background and joined the military at 17 is supported by credible sources. The Wikipedia page on Terry Virts provides a comprehensive overview of his career, but it does not specify the age at which he joined the military (source-2). However, the article from KWTX explicitly mentions his age at enlistment, lending credibility to the assertion (source-4).
The source from KWTX is a news outlet that typically covers local and national news, and it appears to be a reliable source for this information. The context of the claim is further supported by Virts's extensive military career, which includes flying combat missions and serving in various capacities within the Air Force.
While the Wikipedia entry provides a solid background on his military service, the specific detail about his age at enlistment is crucial for verifying the claim. The KWTX article serves as a primary source confirming that he joined the military at 17, which aligns with the general understanding of military enlistment practices in the U.S., where individuals can enlist at 17 with parental consent (source-7).
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that Terry Virts highlights his military background and joined the military at the age of 17 is substantiated by credible sources, including a recent news article that explicitly states this fact. The evidence supports the assertion that Virts has a significant military background, which he emphasizes in his public persona.
Sources
- CSM Welcomes Fall with Job Fair, Makerspace Showcase, ... CSM
- Terry W. Virts - Wikipedia Wikipedia
- Former astronaut Terry Virts launches Democratic bid for ... KWTX
- Can a 17-year-old enlist in the military? CollegeVine
