Walz responds to Vance's 'stolen valor' claim, defending his military service record
In a heartfelt message, Walz expressed his gratitude to all individuals who have worn the uniform for the nation, including his opponent. "To anyone brave enough to put on that uniform for our great country, including my opponent, I just have a few simple words: thank you for your service and sacrifice," he stated.
TroibNews 
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz vigorously defended his military service on Tuesday in response to a series of Republican criticisms, emphasizing the importance of respecting individuals' service records. “You should never denigrate another person’s service record,” he stated.
At the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees 2024 convention in Los Angeles, Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president, asserted, “I’m going to say it again as clearly as I can: I am damn proud of my service to the country.” He addressed those who wear the military uniform, including his opponent, declaring, “I just have a few simple words: thank you for your service and sacrifice.”
This public defense marks Walz's first response to allegations made by Republican Senator JD Vance, who is Donald Trump’s running mate. Vance claimed last week that Walz had misrepresented his military history and accused him of “stolen valor.” Vance stated in Michigan, “He has not spent a day in a combat zone. 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.”
Since Vice President Kamala Harris announced Walz as her running mate, his 24 years in the Army National Guard have faced scrutiny from Republicans. The criticisms were led by Vance, who suggested that the timing of Walz’s military retirement indicated an intent to evade deployment to Iraq. There is no substantiated evidence supporting the claim that Walz retired to avoid being sent to war. Both Walz and Vance, who served in the Marine Corps for four years, lack combat experience.
In February 2005, Walz submitted paperwork to run for Congress just a month before the Minnesota National Guard was notified of a possible deployment. “With my dad’s encouragement, a guy who served in the army during the Korean War, I signed up for the Army National Guard two days after my 17th birthday,” he said on Tuesday. “I served for the next 24 years for the same reason that all my brothers and sisters in uniform do. We love this country. Then in 2005, I felt the call of duty again, this time to be in service to my country in the halls of Congress.”
Vance responded to Walz’s remarks on X, contending that Walz “shouldn't have lied” and claimed he “said you went to war when you didn’t,” expressing his willingness to discuss the matter in a debate.
Although Harris had previously committed to participate in a vice presidential debate in August when she was President Joe Biden’s running mate, neither Vance nor Walz has yet announced a specific date for a debate.
Additionally, Walz's military rank has come under fire after the Harris campaign recently updated his online biography from describing him as a “retired command sergeant major” to simply stating he “served as a command sergeant major,” according to PMG.
Walz has faced similar allegations about his military service in the past, particularly during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, when a paid letter to the editor by two retired command sergeant majors claimed he misrepresented his rank. “These guys are even attacking me for my record of service,” Walz remarked on Tuesday. “I just want to say, I’m proud to have served my country, and I always will be.”
Myah Ward contributed to this report.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
At the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees 2024 convention in Los Angeles, Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president, asserted, “I’m going to say it again as clearly as I can: I am damn proud of my service to the country.” He addressed those who wear the military uniform, including his opponent, declaring, “I just have a few simple words: thank you for your service and sacrifice.”
This public defense marks Walz's first response to allegations made by Republican Senator JD Vance, who is Donald Trump’s running mate. Vance claimed last week that Walz had misrepresented his military history and accused him of “stolen valor.” Vance stated in Michigan, “He has not spent a day in a combat zone. 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.”
Since Vice President Kamala Harris announced Walz as her running mate, his 24 years in the Army National Guard have faced scrutiny from Republicans. The criticisms were led by Vance, who suggested that the timing of Walz’s military retirement indicated an intent to evade deployment to Iraq. There is no substantiated evidence supporting the claim that Walz retired to avoid being sent to war. Both Walz and Vance, who served in the Marine Corps for four years, lack combat experience.
In February 2005, Walz submitted paperwork to run for Congress just a month before the Minnesota National Guard was notified of a possible deployment. “With my dad’s encouragement, a guy who served in the army during the Korean War, I signed up for the Army National Guard two days after my 17th birthday,” he said on Tuesday. “I served for the next 24 years for the same reason that all my brothers and sisters in uniform do. We love this country. Then in 2005, I felt the call of duty again, this time to be in service to my country in the halls of Congress.”
Vance responded to Walz’s remarks on X, contending that Walz “shouldn't have lied” and claimed he “said you went to war when you didn’t,” expressing his willingness to discuss the matter in a debate.
Although Harris had previously committed to participate in a vice presidential debate in August when she was President Joe Biden’s running mate, neither Vance nor Walz has yet announced a specific date for a debate.
Additionally, Walz's military rank has come under fire after the Harris campaign recently updated his online biography from describing him as a “retired command sergeant major” to simply stating he “served as a command sergeant major,” according to PMG.
Walz has faced similar allegations about his military service in the past, particularly during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, when a paid letter to the editor by two retired command sergeant majors claimed he misrepresented his rank. “These guys are even attacking me for my record of service,” Walz remarked on Tuesday. “I just want to say, I’m proud to have served my country, and I always will be.”
Myah Ward contributed to this report.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
