A retired U.S. Army colonel who is running as a Democratic against Republican incumbent congresswoman Elise Stefanik is calling GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump’s recent remarks about a Gold Star family “disgraceful and personally offensive.”

Mike Derrick, congressional candidate from Peru for New York’s 21st district, said in a press release Monday that Trump’s statements about an immigrant family’s loss of their son, an Army captain killed in 2004 while he served in Iraq, are an example of Trump’s demonstrated lack of character and competence.

He also called on Stefanik to reconsider her endorsement of Trump.

"Donald Trump’s recent remarks denigrating a Gold Star family are disgraceful and personally offensive,” Derrick said. “Remarks like this should invalidate his candidacy to become President of the United States and Commander in Chief of our armed forces. I know Congresswoman Stefanik has endorsed Mr. Trump, but if ever there was a time to speak out against offensive rhetoric, it is now. I am personally calling on Congresswoman Stefanik to make her voice heard on this issue.”

On Tuesday, having heard nothing from Rep. Stefanik a day after he issued his initial challenge, Derrick said that “If Congresswoman Stefanik chooses to say nothing, we can only assume that she approves of Mr. Trump's decision to disrespect fallen U.S. Soldiers and their families.”

In a speech at the Democratic convention last week, the father of the Pakistani-American soldier said that while his family has made a sacrifice for the United States, Trump had “sacrificed nothing.”

Trump replied that he had made sacrifices in his business career.

Outrage has poured forth over that remark, not the least of which have come from leading Republicans.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Arizona Sen. John McCain, a former prisoner of war, led the charge, saying Trump did not have “unfettered license to defame those who are the best among us.”

In his statement, Derrick spoke about his long military service, and how proud he is of his two sons in the military.

“When we talk about serving our nation, as I did for 28 years in the Army, we’re talking about selflessness, courage, and honor. Both my wife and I chose to put service ahead of any personal agenda. Now we have two sons in the military and we know their choice to serve means that, some day, they could find themselves in harm's way. As parents, we are proud of their willingness to make the safety and security of our country and its people their life's priority.”

“Donald Trump does not understand that and he never will. Once again, he has demonstrated a massive lack of character and competence. He has spoken in ways that are absolutely inconsistent with anyone who deserves to lead this country,” Derrick said.

“I have stood beside grieving families at far too many memorial services and burials over the years. Families bear their grief on behalf of all of us, and to increase their pain is immoral. Now is the time for all of us, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to speak with one voice to condemn the remarks of a man who appears to have no respect for the ultimate sacrifice many Americans have made,” he said.

“My hope is that Congresswoman Stefanik will join us. If she chooses to say nothing, we can only assume that she approves of Mr. Trump's decision to disrespect fallen U.S. Soldiers and their families,” Derrick said.