Veteran Criticizes Tim Walz for Alleged Stolen Valor

A retired Command Sergeant Major who served with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has raised serious allegations about the governor’s military service, accusing him of “stolen valor” and making significant misrepresentations. These claims arise as Governor Walz gains political prominence, recently being announced as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate​.

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Behrends, a former member of Walz’s battalion, voiced his concerns during an interview on “The Ingraham Angle.” Behrends accused Walz of exaggerating his military service and deserting his unit prior to their 2005 deployment to Iraq. He alleged that Walz has falsely used a rank he never attained to further his political career. Behrends criticized Walz for misleading the public by claiming a rank he did not officially retire with​.

Here’s Walz committing ACTUAL stolen valor and saying he went to war. Would be a shame if it went viral 💅 pic.twitter.com/wFN72y6Nas

— 🇺🇸 ~ 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐧 ~🎙️ (@RogueLou18) August 7, 2024

Walz’s military records show he served in the National Guard for 24 years, enlisting at 17. He retired in 2005, coinciding with his unit’s Iraq deployment preparations. This decision sparked controversy, with critics arguing that Walz prioritized personal political ambitions over his unit’s deployment. Walz retired as a Master Sergeant, not a Command Sergeant Major—a rank he claimed in political campaigns and public statements​.

Behrends was not the only one critical of Walz. Another veteran, Tom Schilling, echoed similar sentiments on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” denouncing Walz’s actions as “dishonorable.” Schilling expressed astonishment and disappointment over Walz’s departure just before deployment, highlighting the sense of betrayal felt by many in their unit​.

Wow. The retired Command Sergeant Major who went to Iraq in place of Tim Walz (after Tim left the Army) just blasted him for stolen valor

“If he thinks Italy was a combat zone and he was carrying that rifle in war, he’s delusional” pic.twitter.com/K0RreZ9FaZ

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) August 8, 2024

JD Vance, Ohio Senator and Republican vice presidential nominee, also jumped on these allegations, accusing Walz of falsifying his military service and abandoning his comrades. Vance, a Marine veteran, contrasted his own dedicated service to Walz’s controversial departure from the National Guard​.

Despite the accusations, Walz’s campaign has stood by his record, emphasizing his extensive service and support for veterans, stating, “Governor Walz would never disrespect or diminish any American’s service.” They clarified that while Walz briefly held the rank of Command Sergeant Major, he retired at a lower rank due to incomplete coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy​.

This incident underscores the ongoing scrutiny of political figures’ military backgrounds, especially as they vie for higher positions. The “stolen valor” accusations against Walz continue to spark discussions on integrity, service, and the legitimacy of military credentials in politics​.

These developments are expected to be significant in the upcoming elections, with both supporters and critics of Walz voicing their opinions as the story evolves​.