Election 2024: State Rep. Munroe Defends Honorable Discharge

WARMINSTER, PA —State Rep. Brian Munroe is defending his discharge from the military after it was questioned by his challenger running against him in the Nov. 5 general election.

In a 30-second digital advertisement, Republican Dan McPhillips asks whether Munroe was dishonorably discharged because of criminal charges incurred when he served in the U.S. Navy in Virginia Beach, according to reports.

Munroe told Patch this week that one of those charges was when he was found to have been publicly intoxicated. Munroe admitted to Patch that he was 21 at the time and paid a fine after receiving a ticket.

But Munroe objects that the drinking contributed to his leaving the Navy and scheduled a press conference on Saturday.

Munroe, a Democrat,is being challenged by McPhillips to represent the 144th Legislative District for state representative.

The district includes Warminster, Warrington, Ivyland, and part of New Britain Township.

Munroe held a Veterans Unity press conference on Saturday at the Ben Wilson Senior Center to discuss the issue.

The guests and speakers included:

• Former Army Under Secretary and Former Congressman Patrick Murphy
• Rep. Joe Webster, Chairman of Military and Veterans Facilities Subcommittee, PA House
• Harry DeLorenzo, VFW Post 6493 Commander
• John Gruber, VFW Post 6493 Parade Coordinator

They affirmed Munroe’s decorated military service against McPhillips in a political ad funded and approved by his campaign "which strongly implies that Rep. Munroe was dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in the 1990s."

“Dan McPhillips has never served in a military uniform himself, so he is attacking my service instead,” Munroe said. “Politics can be nasty, but this level of personal attack against my military service is disgusting and unacceptable. It is far beyond politics as usual and is an affront to all who have served.”

On Friday, Munroe sent Patch a document showing his honorable discharge from the Department of Defense.

Patch reached out to McPhillips seeking comment on Friday.

Munroe said the press conference is a fact check and reminder of the importance of having U.S. military service members and veterans serving in public office. This is a bipartisan event focused on uplifting veterans and current members of our armed services against baseless political attacks.