Minnesota Governor Tim Walz defended his military service on Tuesday after facing sharp criticism from Republicans. During the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees 2024 conference in Los Angeles, Walz, the Democratic contender for vice president, took pleasure in his twenty-four-year service in the Army National Guard.
In reaction to accusations made by Senator JD Vance, a Republican, Walz made his comments. Former President Donald Trump’s running partner, Vance, had charged Walz with “stolen valor” and said that Walz had falsified his service record. In remarks released last week, Vance accused Walz of misrepresenting his military history and said that Walz escaped combat duty by quitting the army before of a possible deployment to Iraq.
Vance, a four-year Marine Corps veteran, said Walz had “not spent a day in a combat zone” and charged him with making up his war history. In reply, Walz expressed appreciation to everyone who has served and highlighted his pride in his service. He emphasized his twenty-four-year service in the Army National Guard and reiterated his dedication to serve his nation in Congress as well as the armed forces.
The first public response to the latest Republican charges comes from Walz’s defenders. Following his appointment as Kamala Harris’s vice presidential running partner, the issue surrounding his military service grew more intense. The main reason for these assaults, which have questioned Walz’s timing of his military retirement, has been Vance’s charges.
Walz’s rank has been mentioned in relation to the charges. Walz’s profile was most recently revised by the Harris campaign to refer to him as a “command sergeant major” as opposed to a “retired command sergeant major.” There has been disagreement over the alteration.
In February 2005, barely one month before the Minnesota National Guard was notified of a potential deployment, Walz had submitted his congressional candidacy papers. Walz claimed that his father’s Korean War duty served as motivation for him to enlist in the Army National Guard at the age of 17. His 24 years of service were motivated by a feeling of responsibility to his nation.
On social media, Vance reacted to Walz’s argument by accusing him of being dishonest and that he would be open to continuing the conversation in a debate. Vice President Kamala Harris has already consented to a vice presidential debate on CBS in August, but Vance and Walz’s debate date has not yet been confirmed.
Walz has previously been the target of similar charges, most notably in his 2018 bid for governor. Walz’s portrayal of his military rank has already drawn criticism from two former command sergeant majors.
Walz reiterated his pleasure in his service and his dedication to his nation as he wrapped off his speech.
