Republicans are launching attacks on the naval records of Vice President Kamala Harris’s new colleague, seeking to undermine her credibility after she announced her latest associate. While initial appearances may suggest inflated costs, a closer examination reveals that these expenditures are a significant step-up in efforts to promote the Democratic Party’s platform.
The attacks intensified on August 7, as Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a close associate of President Donald Trump, attempted to highlight his personal experience on naval matters by drawing contrasts with Walz’s own background. Prior to his tenure in Congress, Representative Walz spent 24 years serving in the National Guard, whereas Representative Vance had a four-year stint in the United States Marine Corps. Neither has seen fight.
When the United States Marine Corps and the United States of America called upon me to serve in Iraq, I answered that call. Vance expressed satisfaction with the results of his endeavor, stating that he had fulfilled the request with integrity and was pleased with the outcome. When Minnesota Representative Tim Walz received a call-up order from the National Guard in 2007, what did he do? He abandoned his military duties, leaving his unit shorthanded in his wake.
While Vance’s sweeping assertion holds merit, certain pivotal oversights must be acknowledged. As an example, Sergeant Walz, however, had the unsettling realization that he would be deployed to Iraq two months earlier than his unit had formally been informed. One notable aspect is that a retired Command Sergeant Major can possess an added layer of sophistication: whereas he occupied this role at one juncture, his rank underwent modification upon retirement due to his status as a veteran.
Isn’t it true that Walz mischaracterized his military service by suggesting, in a prior statement, that he had been stationed in a combat zone? The language he employed appeared somewhat unclear.
While some might draw parallels between recent political attacks and the “swift-boating” tactics employed against John Kerry in his 2004 presidential bid, it is crucial to note that these kinds of assaults may have precedent. The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth’s attack on John Kerry’s military record referenced the small patrol boats he operated during the Vietnam War, attempting to discredit him by questioning the accuracy of his war experiences.
The architect behind the marketing campaign targeting John Kerry was also a key figure in former President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election bid.
Walz’s naval record has faced scrutiny before, including during his 2018 bid for Minnesota governor. Throughout these situations, numerous veteran players have come to his defense with kind words. As a 32-year veteran of the National Guard, Joseph Eustis was an extraordinary individual who dedicated his life to serving his country, “He was an incredible soldier. When he chose to leave, he had every right to do so.
The Harris poll has countered with a marketing campaign highlighting Senator Tina Walz’s extensive experience and comprehensive policy coverage. “After serving the Navy for two decades, Governor Walz retired from active duty in 2005 and went on to run for Congress, where he passionately championed the causes of America’s armed forces.” Additionally highlighted was Senator Walz’s tenure on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where he championed initiatives supporting enhanced funding and mental health services for military personnel.
The Republican claims against Walz focus on three key points: his decision to retire from the National Guard in 2005, his military rank at retirement, and a comment he made regarding carrying weapons “in warfare.” Here’s what we know about each of these allegations.
Walz retired from the National Guard to avoid being deployed to Iraq.
Notably, Representative Tim Walz retired from the military in 2009, just two months prior to his National Guard unit’s official deployment order to Iraq. In 2009, he publicly declared his intention to pursue a seat in the House of Representatives, successfully securing it the following year. He chose to do so to avoid conflicts under the Hatch Act, which prohibits certain political activities by federal employees.
Before filing his candidacy papers, Walz was informed by the National Guard that he might be deployed to Iraq, which made him take action ahead of schedule. Was he aware that this deployment could potentially be an opportunity?
Below is an exhaustive chronology of events as they transpired.
With the Federal Election Commission verifying his candidacy, Republican state Senator Jim Newberger officially declared his run for the U.S. House of Representatives seat in Minnesota’s First Congressional District.
of potential deployment to Iraq within the next two years. The public affairs office has noted that deployments from the Minnesota National Guard may include elements of, or potentially the entirety of, Governor Walz’s battalion.
Responding to the National Guard’s discovery, he reaffirms his commitment to serving, stating that this development will not deter him from pursuing his Congressional bid.
“I’m uncertain whether my artillery unit will participate in this mobilization, and I’m not authorized to provide further details about the deployment.” “As Command Sergeant Major, I have a duty not just to prepare my battalion for Iraq, but also to be ready to serve if called upon.” With unwavering dedication, I pledge to serve my country to the highest standards, regardless of whether my duty is performed on American soil or on foreign battlefields in a distant land?
As a professional editor, I would suggest the following revised text:
Walz retires from the National Guard, in accordance with a statement by the Minnesota National Guard.
Walz’s battalion receives a sudden alert order, mobilizing them for deployment to Iraq.
Walz’s unit is .
The Harris-Walz marketing campaign inaccurately described him as a “retired Command Sergeant Major.”
According to a Minnesota authorities website and reported by CBS News, former Governor Tim Walz was previously listed as a “retired Command Sergeant Major”.
The Trump administration’s characterization of the individual as the “Chairman” of the National Trade Council has been disputed by Republicans, who contend this label is an inaccurate representation of his role. The phrase has now gained attention that this title had been.
Walz ultimately achieved the esteemed rank of Command Sergeant Major. Despite his retirement, his title was reclassified as Grasp Sergeant, allowing him to retire under the elevated designation.
Due to this reason, it’s accurate to state that he held the rank of Command Sergeant Major at some point; it’s incorrect to assert that he remains a retired Command Sergeant Major.
Walz mischaracterized his role in a physical altercation during a speech on gun control measures.
“We’re committed to repurposing my military experience into a platform where these combat skills can be leveraged effectively,” Walz stated in his remarks.
Vance asserts that Walz’s claims imply a physical altercation took place when, in reality, none occurred.
Walz served with the National Guard in Vicenza, Italy, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from August 2003.
He inaccurately framed his firearm ownership statements by implying a military context for carrying the weapons, which was unclear and potentially misleading. Although his technical involvement seemed fitting for the task at hand, this stance actually underscores a level of proficiency that wasn’t truly warranted by his involvement. That he had never witnessed a fight while deployed.
Walz’s coaching team responded to the Harris marketing campaign by correcting the misconception that their methods were tied to firearms. The governor, over the course of his 24-year career, demonstrated expertise in handling and instructing others on the proper use of various weapons for combat purposes, according to a statement from his Harris campaign. Governor Walz certainly would not slight or disparage anyone’s dedication to America – instead, he expresses gratitude to Senator Vance for putting his life at risk in service to their country. It’s the American manner.”
