A former comrade-in-arms exposes Governor Tim Walz's alleged embellishments and abandonment of his unit during his military service, sparking accusations of "stolen valor."
A veteran who served alongside Gov. Tim Walz, the vice presidential candidate chosen by Kamala Harris, has raised serious allegations about Walz's military record. Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Behrends has accused Walz of embellishing his service and abandoning his unit on the eve of deployment.
Behrends claims that Walz exaggerated his rank and role in the military, portraying himself as a retired command sergeant major when he actually retired as a master sergeant. This alleged promotion to command sergeant major was conditional upon serving two additional years, which Walz reportedly failed to fulfill, resulting in a reduction to master sergeant.
Veteran Unveils Deceptive Claims About Gov. Walz's Military Record
Furthermore, Behrends alleges that Walz retired from his unit just before they deployed to Iraq in 2005. According to Behrends, Walz's early retirement was seen as an act of abandonment by his fellow soldiers.
The Minnesota National Guard has confirmed that Walz's unit did not receive deployment orders to Iraq until July 2005, several months after Walz submitted his retirement papers in May 2005. However, a spokesperson from the National Guard explained that Walz was technically a command sergeant major when deployed to Europe with his battalion but retired as a master sergeant due to technical requirements related to benefits.
Veteran Unveils Deceptive Claims About Gov. Walz's Military Record
Walz's campaign has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he honorably served for 24 years and has consistently advocated for veterans and military families. However, many of his former comrades have expressed outrage over what they perceive as Walz's misrepresentation of his military record.
Retired soldier Tom Schilling described Walz's actions as "dishonorable," claiming he left someone else to take over his position and abandoned the unit. Schilling's sentiments echoed those of Behrends, who stated that approximately 98% of the soldiers who served with Walz oppose his embellishments.
Veteran Unveils Deceptive Claims About Gov. Walz's Military Record
The allegations against Walz have sparked accusations of "stolen valor," a serious offense in which a person falsely claims or misrepresents military honors or experience. JD Vance, Senator and running mate of Donald Trump, has labeled Walz's alleged actions as "stolen valor garbage."
The accusations against Walz have cast a shadow over his candidacy as Harris's vice presidential running mate. Many veterans and military supporters have expressed disappointment and concern over the allegations, calling for transparency and accountability.
Veteran Unveils Deceptive Claims About Gov. Walz's Military Record
Walz's team has not publicly responded to the allegations raised by Behrends and Schilling. As the allegations continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how they will impact Walz's political future and the public's perception of his military service.
