Vance Attacks Governor Tim Walz’s Military Record

Vance Attacks Governor Tim Walz's Military Record

In the run-up to the 2024 presidential election, a heated debate has erupted between two prominent post-9/11 veterans, J.D. Vance and Tim Walz. Vance, a former U.S. Marine and Trump’s running mate, has launched a scathing attack on Walz’s military record, particularly his departure from the National Guard in 2005 before his unit’s deployment to Iraq. This controversy has gained traction as Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, has been selected as Kamala Harris’s running mate for the upcoming election.

Walz’s Military Service Under Scrutiny

Tim Walz served in the National Guard for 24 years, reaching the rank of command sergeant major. However, his departure from the Guard in 2005 has become a contentious issue. Some veterans, including Thomas Behrends, have accused Walz of abandoning his unit and embellishing his military record.

“On May 16th, 2005, [Walz] quit, betraying his country, leaving the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion and its Soldiers hanging; without its senior Non-Commissioned Officer, as the battalion prepared for war,” Behrends stated

Vance’s Criticism and Walz’s Defense

J.D. Vance has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Walz’s military service. He argues that Walz’s decision to leave the National Guard before deployment was a betrayal of his responsibilities as a senior enlisted officer.

“I mean, your job as a senior enlisted guy in a unit is to keep your people safe. That’s not a job you can switch out of on a moment’s notice,” Vance asserted

In response to these accusations, Walz has defended his service record, stating, “We all do what we can. I’m proud I did 24 years. I have an honorable record.”

The Political Implications

The controversy surrounding Walz’s military service has significant political implications. As Harris’s running mate, Walz’s record is under intense scrutiny, with Republicans using it as a point of attack. However, Walz’s selection also aims to solidify Democratic support in Minnesota for the 2024 election.

Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, commented on the broader significance of this debate: “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: The Post-9/11 generation of veterans is ascendant in America today.”

As the election approaches, the debate over Walz’s military service is likely to intensify, highlighting the complex interplay between military service and political ambition in contemporary American politics.

Sources:

  1. Tim Walz left National Guard battalion ‘hanging,’ ‘slithered out the door’ before Iraq deployment: vets
  2. J.D. Vance slams ‘shameful’ Tim Walz for ‘abandoning’ his Minnesota National Guard unit before they deployed to Iraq
  3. GOP opponent who never served criticizes Gov. Tim Walz’s exit from National Guard
  4. Walz, Vance could bring military muscle to the ballot
  5. Tim Walz named as Kamala Harris’ VP pick: Minnesota Governor, 60, the surprise choice over Josh Shapiro
  6. How Tim Walz could help Harris connect with veterans
  7. Tim Walz’s military record: What to know about potential VP’s National Guard service

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