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Walz’s remarks in the interview led to allegations that he falsely implied combat experience in Iraq. His previous statements have also come under scrutiny. At one point, Walz was quoted saying, “We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, are only carried in war.”
Contrary to his claims, records reveal that Walz never deployed to a combat zone. Instead, he left the Army just before his unit was deployed to Iraq. This discrepancy has fueled accusations of stolen valor, a term used to describe individuals who falsely claim military honors or experiences.
Retired Command Sergeants Major Thomas Behrends and Paul Herr have publicly challenged Walz’s military record. In a letter published in the West Central Tribune, they accused Walz of significant fabrications and omissions regarding his service.
The timeline of Walz’s military service, as detailed by Behrends and Herr, reveals a series of events that contradict his public statements:
- September 18, 2001: Walz reenlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard for six years.
- Early 2003: Selected for the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy.
- Late Summer 2003: Deployed to Italy for six months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
- Spring 2004: Returned to Minnesota and promoted to Command Sergeant Major of the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion.
- August 5, 2004: Photographed protesting outside a President Bush campaign rally.
- September 17, 2004: Conditionally promoted to Command Sergeant Major.
- Early 2005: Battalion received a warning order for mobilization to Iraq.
- May 16, 2005: Walz retired, leaving his battalion without its senior Non-Commissioned Officer as they prepared for deployment.
- September 10, 2005: Reduced to Master Sergeant after failing to meet the conditions of his promotion.
- November 2005: Offered to fundraise for his battalion’s Christmas trip while they trained for deployment.
- 2006-2007: Battalion deployed for 22 months. Walz was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2006, claiming to be the highest-ranking enlisted service member to serve in Congress.
The timeline paints a picture of Walz stepping back from his duties as his unit faced deployment, a move criticized by fellow veterans. Tom Hagen, an Iraq War veteran, wrote a scathing letter to the editor of the Winona Daily News, stating, “But even more disturbing is the fact that Walz quickly retired after learning that his unit—southern Minnesota’s 1-125 FA Battalion—would be sent to Iraq. For Tim Walz to abandon his fellow soldiers and quit when they needed experienced leadership most is disheartening.”
Walz has defended his actions, claiming he reenlisted for four years and retired a year before his battalion’s deployment. However, official records indicate a six-year reenlistment and a retirement before this period ended.
Brutal “Pocket Weapon” Stops Hearts (discounted for next 78)
Major news outlets, including CNN, have started to delve into Walz’s military service controversy. CNN reported, “Walz did make a comment, he’s done it a couple times, where he has used language that suggested that he carried weapons in a fighting situation. There is no evidence that any time that he was in the position of being shot at and some of his language could easily be seen to suggest that he was.”
WATCH:
As the scrutiny of Walz’s military record grows, so does the potential impact on the Harris-Walz ticket. The controversy underscores the importance of transparency and honesty from public officials, especially those aspiring to the highest offices in the nation. With Walz remaining tight-lipped, the pressure is on for him to address these serious allegations and provide clarity on his true military service history.
