JD Vance Criticizes Tim Walz’s Military Service in Heated Vice Presidential Race
Ohio Senator JD Vance has launched a series of attacks on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, focusing on his military service record. Walz, recently chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, is facing renewed scrutiny over his decision to retire from the Army National Guard shortly before his unit was deployed to Iraq.
Tim Walz served in the Army National Guard for 24 years, enlisting at the age of 17. Throughout his military career, he rose to the rank of command master sergeant, although he officially retired as a master sergeant. His service included deployments to the Arctic Circle, Europe, and various states within the U.S., primarily in response to natural disasters and in support of U.S. operations in Afghanistan. He retired in May 2005 to run for Congress, just before his unit received orders to prepare for deployment to Iraq.
JD Vance, a former Marine who served as a combat correspondent in Iraq, has accused Walz of abandoning his unit. At a campaign stop in Michigan, Vance said, “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.” Vance further criticized Walz for allegedly claiming to have served in combat, calling it “stolen valor garbage.”
The Harris campaign has staunchly defended Walz, highlighting his 24 years of honorable service. A spokesperson stated, “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.” The campaign emphasized Walz’s experience with military weapons and his role in training others, countering Vance’s claims about Walz’s statements on gun control.
The allegations against Walz are not new. In 2018, two retired Minnesota National Guard Command Sergeant Majors, Thomas Behrends and Paul Herr, accused Walz of quitting the National Guard to avoid deployment. However, many of Walz’s former colleagues have defended him, asserting that his retirement was a well-considered decision made to pursue a congressional career.
Al Bonnifield, who served under Walz, described him as “a very caring person” and “a very good leader.” Joseph Eustice, another retired Guardsman, suggested that the accusations might stem from personal grievances rather than factual evidence.
The attacks on Walz’s military record are part of a broader strategy by the Republican campaign to paint the Democratic ticket as out of touch. The GOP aims to undermine Walz’s appeal to Midwestern voters, crucial in swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan. Meanwhile, the Harris campaign hopes Walz’s military background will bolster his credibility and attract voters who prioritize military service and national security.