Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, recently chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate, now faces scrutiny over his military service record. Various veteran groups and individuals have questioned the integrity of his service.

Walz, who retired from the National Guard in 2005, faces accusations of retiring just before his unit's deployment to Iraq, raising concerns about his commitment and the timing of his departure. Some veterans claim he misrepresented his rank and deployment experiences, a significant point of contention in the controversy.

The focus on Walz's record intensified after the Harris campaign corrected his service details in his biography, stating he retired as a master sergeant, not as a command sergeant major as previously listed.

Veterans Voice Strong Opinions on Walz's Service

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Behrends expressed dismay, stating, "When your country calls, you are supposed to run into battle – not the other way." His sentiment reflects a broader sense of betrayal among some military peers.

Kathy Miller, whose son served in Iraq, compared her young son's service to Walz's actions: "My son wasn’t even 21 years old. He couldn’t even buy alcohol. Yet he took the step to serve our country while Walz found the best way to run away," she stated, highlighting a perceived lack of courage.

Adding to the chorus of criticism, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Herr accused Walz of undermining the military hierarchy: "He subverted the chain of command, and he went around the chain of command. The brigade [sergeant] major had no clue. These are all important facts, and he did it to continually feather his own bed… That was the shameful part of it," Herr elaborated.

Accusations of 'Stolen Valor' Surround Walz

Critics have accused Walz of "stolen valor," alleging that he claimed military honors and experiences he did not earn. These allegations include his claims of serving in a combat zone and handling weapons of war, which his campaign later clarified as misstatements.

Republican Virginia Senate candidate Hung Cao directly criticized Walz: "For 20 years, they let this guy go by with a lie that he deployed to Iraq, which he didn’t, and that he retired as a Command Sergeant Major which he did not. I mean, that’s just blatant lies," Cao remarked.

Senator JD Vance also condemned Walz's decision to retire instead of deploying: "When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, you know what he did? He dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him," he stated, highlighting the disappointment shared by many.

Supporters Defend Walz's Record and Contributions

Despite the severe criticism, some defend Walz's military service and subsequent political career. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger emphasized Walz's extended service: "The fact that Walz did 25 years, 5 OVER retirement eligibility, and 4 years after 9/11, is honorable. Many people at 25 years today would get out even if there was a deployment possibility because they DID THEIR DUTY," Kinzinger argued.

Veteran Paul Rieckhoff praised Walz for his legislative contributions, particularly to veterans' causes: "He was there every single time we needed him for over a decade... When the rubber meets the road for veterans especially, Tim Walz has been there," he commended.

Joe Eustice, a 32-year veteran of the National Guard, also supported Walz, describing him as "as good a soldier as you’ll find," further disputing the more negative portrayals.

Conclusion: A Divided Perspective on Walz's Military Legacy

As the 2024 election approaches, Governor Tim Walz's military record has sparked contention. Critics accuse him of embellishing his service and avoiding deployment, while supporters praise his long service and dedication to veterans' issues. This debate highlights the complex views on what defines honor and duty in public service.