Former members of Governor Tim Walz's military unit are challenging his account of his 2005 retirement from the National Guard.
According to the Washington Examiner, four veterans insist that Walz was aware of an impending deployment to Iraq before he decided to run for Congress.
This controversy has emerged as Walz, now the Democratic governor of Minnesota joins Vice President Kamala Harris as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election.
The veterans' claims directly contradict Walz's narrative about his transition from military service to politics. They assert that Walz had knowledge of the upcoming deployment well in advance of his retirement and subsequent congressional campaign announcement in March 2005.
Veterans Challenge Walz's Deployment Knowledge
Tom Behrends, one of the veterans from Walz's unit, spoke to journalist Megyn Kelly about the timeline of events. He suggested that the unit's leadership likely knew about the deployment plans as early as the summer or fall of 2004. Behrends emphasized that while there's no concrete evidence, it's typical for senior leadership to be informed of such plans well in advance.
Paul Herr, another veteran, focused on Walz's rank at the time of his retirement. He pointed out that Walz's discharge document shows a "conditional promotion" to sergeant major on May 1, 2005, just two weeks before his retirement on May 16. Herr speculated that Walz might have held this rank for "zero days" if no drill time occurred during that brief period.
These veterans' statements paint a picture of Walz potentially making strategic career decisions based on insider information about the unit's future deployment. Their accounts suggest that Walz's retirement and subsequent political career launch may have been timed to avoid serving in Iraq.
Accusations Of Stolen Valor Surface
Beyond the deployment controversy, Walz faces accusations of stolen valor related to his claims about his military rank. On the 2024 campaign trail, Walz has referred to himself as a retired command sergeant major. However, the veterans argue that he did not fulfill the requirements for this position and was reverted to master sergeant for benefits purposes upon leaving the service.
This discrepancy in rank has led to harsh criticism from his former comrades. Paul Herr described Walz's actions as "one habitual lie after another," suggesting a pattern of misrepresentation regarding his military service. The accusations of stolen valor are particularly serious in military and veteran communities, where honor and accurate representation of service are highly valued.
The controversy has also drawn attention from political opponents. Senator J.D. Vance, a Marine veteran and running mate to former President Donald Trump, has publicly criticized Walz's military retirement. Vance contrasted his own service in Iraq with Walz's decisions, implying a difference in commitment to military duty.
Political Implications Of The Controversy
As the 2024 election approaches, this controversy could potentially impact Walz's standing as a vice-presidential candidate. Recent polling data shows that Walz had a 44% favorable rating among respondents, compared to Vance's 32%. However, these numbers could shift as the debate over Walz's military service continues to unfold.
The upcoming vice presidential debate on October 1 may provide a platform for these issues to be addressed directly. With military service and integrity being significant factors for many voters, how Walz responds to these allegations could influence public perception and potentially affect the Harris-Walz ticket's chances in the election.
The controversy also highlights the broader issue of how political candidates present their military backgrounds. As voters increasingly scrutinize candidates' histories, the accuracy and transparency of claims about military service become crucial factors in establishing trust and credibility.
Conclusion
Veterans from Tim Walz's former National Guard unit have raised serious questions about his 2005 retirement and subsequent political career. They claim Walz knew of an impending Iraq deployment before leaving the military to run for Congress. Additionally, accusations of stolen valor have surfaced regarding Walz's claims about his military rank. These controversies have potential implications for the 2024 presidential race, where Walz is running as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate. The situation underscores the importance of accurate representation of military service in political campaigns.
