It took a few days for Republican strategists to aim a targeted blow at the newly-arrived-on-the-scene Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Walz.
The Governor of Minnesota was formerly unknown to many Americans. In the earliest days of his nomination, he entered the electoral consciousness as an affable high school coach and veteran. Now, some of the most severe allegations are flying against him for alleged “stolen valor.”
Walz’s Military Service and the Allegations
Walz served 24 years in the National Guard. His Republican counterpart, J.D. Vance, served in the Marines.
Vance’s Accusations
Vance attacked Walz’s military record Wednesday, accusing him of “stolen valor,” which refers to the practice of falsely claiming to have deployed to serve in a war. Vance suggested that Walz claims to have served in a war despite leaving military service before deploying to Iraq.
Public Challenge
On Wednesday, Vance questioned Walz’s history at a Campaign rally in Michigan, saying, “I wonder, Tim Walz, when were you ever in war?”
Specific Allegations
Vance claimed that Walz “has not spent a day in a combat zone…I’d be ashamed if I were him and lied about my military service like he did.”
Campaign Video Controversy
Walz appeared in a Harris campaign video where he referenced guns, saying, “We can make sure those weapons of war that I carried in war are only carried in war.” According to TheHill.com, Walz has not served in combat.
Defenders’ Arguments
Walz’s defenders stated that his hearing was damaged in his artillery unit and that he retired honorably from the National Guard to run for congressional office.
Official Statement from Minnesota National Guard
Minnesota National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Kristen Auge said, “Walz held multiple positions within field artillery, such as firing battery chief and operations sergeant, and culminated his career serving as the command sergeant major for the battalion.”
“He retired as a master sergeant in 2005 for benefit purposes because he did not complete additional coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.”
Counter-Arguments from Walz’s Supporters
Walz supporters point out that Vance served in a communications and public relations position in the Marines and, therefore, did not see real combat, although he was stationed and traveled with the Marines in the Middle East.
Vance’s Military Record
Vance has not claimed to have engaged in combat in a war zone, as Walz did in the Harris-Walz campaign advertisement.
Reactions from Veteran Groups
While Veterans of Foreign Wars and other veterans groups are likely incensed at the prospect of “Stolen Valor” claims against Walz, progressive veteran group Common Defense claimed that Vance’s attack on Walz is “weird and desperate” and that it is unseemly for veterans to attack each others’ military records.
Historical Context of Veteran Candidates
Walz and Vance are the first veterans to run for the highest office since 2008 when the late Senator John McCain ran for president against Obama. Former President Trump received criticism in 2016 for allegedly avoiding being drafted for combat in Vietnam due to having “bone spurs.”
Implications of the Allegations
There are few allegations more serious against a veteran than misrepresenting one’s service and trying to “steal” the “valor” of those who were deployed in combat, served in foreign wars, or paid the ultimate price.
Veteran Community’s Response
The veteran community will likely not respond gently to the allegations; however, the general veteran population statistically supports the Trump-Vance ticket even without the new claims.
