With Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced as Kamala Harris’ running mate for the upcoming November election, Republicans have been scrambling to find any faults in his record to discredit him.
While some criticisms have focused on policy issues—like his initiative to ensure tampons are available in all bathrooms, which critics have misinterpreted as a mandate for tampons in boys’ bathrooms—others have taken a more personal approach. A notable attack came from Donald Trump’s VP pick, Senator JD Vance. In a recent speech in Michigan, Vance criticized Walz, saying:
“He has not spent a day in a combat zone. What bothers me about Tim Walz is the stolen valor garbage. Do not pretend to be something that you’re not…I’d be ashamed if I was him and I lied about my military service like he did.”
Vance’s comment is a jab at Walz’s military record. Walz retired from the military in 2005 to run for Congress just before his unit was deployed to Iraq, where Vance served that year. However, POLITICO pointed out that Walz had filed his paperwork to run for Congress before it was known that his unit would be deployed. Moreover, despite serving in Iraq, Vance’s role was as a military journalist, which is not more combat-intensive than Walz’s service.
Walz served in the military for nearly 25 years. Here’s a quick rundown of his career:
- Early Service: Walz enlisted in the military just after his 17th birthday in 1981. His service took him to various locations, including Arkansas, Texas, Italy, and the Arctic Circle.
- Operation Enduring Freedom: While stationed in Italy, Walz supported the U.S. efforts in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2004.
- Disaster Response: Throughout his career, he responded to natural disasters like floods and tornadoes.
- Specialty: Walz specialized in heavy artillery and was part of the Minnesota Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery. His work with howitzer cannons damaged his hearing, leading to surgery in 2005.
- Rank and Awards: He achieved the rank of Command Sergeant Major before retiring and was later briefly reduced in rank due to not completing a required training course. During his service, Walz received the Army Commendation Medal and two Army Achievement Medals. As a politician, he became known as the highest-elected former enlisted soldier in Congress and has been a strong advocate for veterans’ benefits.
The Harris-Walz campaign responded to Vance’s attacks, stating:
“In his 24 years of service, the Governor carried, fired, and trained others to use weapons of war innumerable times. Governor Walz would never insult or undermine any American’s service to this country – in fact, he thanks Senator Vance for putting his life on the line for our country. It’s the American way.”
Such attacks often reveal more about the attacker than the target.
