Responses from Minnesota National Guard to Vance’s Accusations

Battle of the Veterans: Walz vs. Vance

Well, folks, it seems we’ve got ourselves a good old-fashioned military showdown in the political arena. Tim Walz, the newly minted running mate for Kamala Harris, is facing some heat from J.D. Vance, Trump’s VP pick, over his military service record. It’s like watching two roosters squaring off in the barnyard, each trying to out-crow the other. But let’s cut through the chest-puffing and get to the nitty-gritty of what’s really going on here.

The Accusations

J.D. Vance, a former U.S. Marine and now Trump’s running mate, has thrown down the gauntlet, accusing Tim Walz of abandoning his troops before their deployment to Iraq in 2005. Vance didn’t mince words when he said, “I mean, your job as a senior enlisted guy in a unit is to keep your people safe. That’s not a job you can switch out of on a moment’s notice.”

The difference is Walz bailed on his unit before it deployed

Vance too young and stupid, so he enlisted in the Marines and ended up in Iraq https://t.co/rsh2PNgsNj

— Obnoxious Boston Fan (@realOBF) August 6, 2024

The Defense

Walz’s supporters are quick to counter these accusations. Joseph Eustice, a fellow veteran, defended Walz’s decision to leave the National Guard, stating, “He was a great soldier. When he chose to leave, he had every right to leave.”

It’s worth noting that Walz served in the National Guard for 24 years, reaching the rank of command sergeant major. His campaign bio proudly states, “During his 24 years of National Guard service, he specialized in heavy artillery and retired as the highest-ranking enlisted National Guard soldier in southern Minnesota.”

The Record Speaks

Walz himself has addressed the controversy, stating, “We all do what we can. I’m proud I did 24 years. I have an honorable record.”

However, some veterans, like Thomas Behrends, have a different take on Walz’s departure. Behrends claims, “On May 16th, 2005, he quit, betraying his country, leaving the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion and its Soldiers hanging; without its senior Non-Commissioned Officer, as the battalion prepared for war.”

The Bigger Picture

This controversy highlights a significant moment in current politics, with both Walz and Vance being post-9/11 veterans. As Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, points out, “The Post-9/11 generation of veterans is ascendant in America today.”

As the 2024 election approaches, voters will have to weigh the military service records of both vice-presidential candidates alongside their political stances and accomplishments. Walz’s selection aims to solidify Democratic support in Minnesota, while his progressive measures as Governor, including codifying abortion rights and legalizing recreational marijuana, will undoubtedly factor into voters’ decisions.