Ohio Senator JD Vance recently faced backlash from veterans after he called out the military record of Tim Walz, the newly announced running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris.
During a press conference in Michigan, Vance accused the Minnesota governor of “stolen valor,” claiming that Walz misrepresented his military service and abandoned his unit. Walz served 24 years in the National Guard, achieving the rank of command sergeant major before retiring in 2005, just before his battalion was set to be deployed to Iraq. He attributed his retirement to his decision to run for Congress.
Vance, a four-year Marine Corps veteran, served as a combat correspondent in Iraq but did not see combat action. His comments seem to stem from Walz’s remarks about gun control at a recent campaign event, where he referenced carrying weapons during his service.
Vance commented, “When were you ever in war? What weapon did you carry into war given that you abandoned your unit right before they went to Iraq? He has not spent a day in a combat zone.”
He further stated, “Do not pretend to be something that you’re not. I’d be ashamed if I were him for lying about my military service.”
In response, several military veterans condemned Vance’s remarks. Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling emphasized the importance of respecting all who have served, while Arizona Senator Mark Kelly reminded Vance of the core values taught in the USMC, urging him not to follow in Trump’s footsteps, who has disparaged veterans.
Former Obama administration official Brandon Friedman noted that no veteran believes Walz abandoned his unit; his departure was a decision prior to deployment. Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman added that both men served honorably, highlighting their differing service records.
Both Vance’s office and the Harris-Walz campaign were approached for comments regarding the situation.
Walz had previously faced criticism for retiring before deployment during his run for Minnesota governor in 2018, but Joseph Eustice, a fellow veteran who led the same unit, defended him, stating he had the right to leave. In an interview, Walz acknowledged he never saw combat, admitting that he gained more from the military than he gave.