Minnesota Governor and Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz has recently faced intensified scrutiny over allegations of embellishing his military service record. Critics, including Republican figures and some veterans, accuse Walz of “stolen valor,” asserting that he misrepresented his rank and avoided deployment to Iraq by retiring from the National Guard to pursue a political career.
Walz served 24 years in the Minnesota National Guard, achieving the rank of command sergeant major. However, due to not completing the necessary coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, he retired as a master sergeant in 2005. Critics argue that his retirement coincided with his unit’s deployment orders to Iraq, suggesting he left to avoid deployment. Walz maintains that his retirement was planned months in advance to facilitate his congressional run.
The controversy has led to public confrontations. During a recent event, Walz was questioned about the “stolen valor” accusations but did not respond, proceeding instead to his vehicle.
In response to the allegations, the Harris-Walz campaign stated:
“After 24 years of military service, Governor Walz retired in 2005 and ran for Congress, where he chaired Veterans Affairs and was a tireless advocate for our men and women in uniform — and as our Vice President of the United States, he will continue to be a relentless champion for our veterans and military families.”
Supporters of Walz, including Democratic veterans in Congress, have defended his service, dismissing the attacks as politically motivated. Representative Jason Crow, a retired Army Ranger, stated:
“It just shows how morally bankrupt they are. They have no ideas. They have no vision for the future. All they can do is attack and lie and twist and contort.” Fox News
As the election approaches, the debate over Walz’s military record continues to be a focal point, reflecting broader discussions about the politicization of military service in American politics.
