An archived press release is being seen as the “smoking gun” in the controversy surrounding Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his military record.
Walz, tapped as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate this week, has made headlines over his departure from the Army National Guard and sidestepping a deployment to Iraq when he ran for Congress in 2005. The concerns over “stolen valor” have been circulating as Democrats accuse critics of lying about Walz and the timing of his retirement from the Minnesota National Guard.
“Walz served in the Minnesota Army National Guard and retired at the rank of master sergeant, or an E-8. However, on his official website bio, he lists a higher rank that he served at for a short period that ultimately was rescinded, as he did not complete all the requirements to serve at that rank,” Breitbart reported. “However, his bio implies that he retired at the rank of command sergeant major or an E-9.”
“He retired as a master sergeant in 2005 for benefit purposes because he did not complete additional coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy,” Army Lt. Col. Kristen Augé, an officer with the Minnesota National Guard’s State Public Affairs, confirmed to the outlet.
Walz reportedly quit while the rest of his unit eventually deployed to Iraq. Now a press release from Walz’s own campaign in 2005 sheds light on the actual timeline of events.
The media is trying to report that Tim Walz retired before he knew his unit was deploying, since he retired 2 months before his unit received “alert orders” to deploy. What they’re not telling you is that units also receive something called “warning orders” much earlier—months,…
— Joel Berry (@JoelWBerry) August 8, 2024
“On Thursday, March 17 the National Guard Public Affairs Office announced a possible partial mobilization of roughly 2,000 troops from the Minnesota National Guard. First District congressional candidate Tim Walz currently holds the rank of Command Sergeant Major in the 1-125th Battalion, which is based in New Ulm and largely composed of men and women from southern Minnesota,” the 2005 press release read.
“The announcement from the National Guard PAO specified that all or a portion of Walz’s battalion could be mobilized to serve in Iraq within the next two years,” it continued.
He knew pic.twitter.com/qDcVG9fzTE
— Jack Poso (@JackPosobiec) August 7, 2024
“As Command Sergeant Major I have a responsibility not only to ready my battalion for Iraq, but also to serve if called on. I am dedicated to serving my country to the best of my ability, whether that is in Washington DC or in Iraq,” he said before evidently breaking his promise.
“I don’t want to speculate on what shape my campaign will take if I am deployed, but I have no plans to drop out of the race. I am fortunate to have a strong group of enthusiastic supporters and a very dedicated and intelligent wife. Both will be a major part of my campaign, whether I am in Minnesota or Iraq,” he added at the time.
Folks, this is the smoking gun.
No matter how many Democrat apologists try to spin reality, this is from Walz’s actual campaign.
Case closed. Walz is a filthy coward who abandoned his soldiers, his unit and his nation. He sat fat, dumb and happy collecting drill pay checks…
— Cynical Publius (@CynicalPublius) August 8, 2024
The latest in the ongoing controversy prompted a fresh wave of criticism on social media.
Yeah his political career will not survive this. He was absolutely insane to step into the national spotlight knowing he had this hanging on him.
— Rick Hinshaw (@RickHinshaw) August 8, 2024
And with his high rank he probably knew long before the initial warning order came out
— Joel Berry (@JoelWBerry) August 8, 2024
Yeah, they’re going with the “He had already decided to run” excuse. Pathetic weak sauce.
— Imri Jonas (@ImriJonas) August 8, 2024
The guy (Walz) ran away from a combat deployment.
The media can broadcast whatever rubbish they are spinning into space. No one believes MSM anymore.
NO ONE!
Trump 2024!— J. MacGulf (@J_MacGulf) August 8, 2024
I think it’s worth pointing out that it was common practice in 2005 (and other years) to stop loss a unit when deployment orders were in the works. So, not only did he turn tail – he probably had established connections to get him out of it. Something your regular Joe can’t do.
— Josh Birmingham (@JBirmingham503) August 8, 2024
Shameful!
— Jim Harris (@MrJim_Harris) August 8, 2024
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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