Tim Walz Called a 'Traitor' by National Guardsman

As Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, faces scrutiny over his military service, retired Guardsman and Brewster, Minnesota farmer, Behrends, has publicly criticized him for his decision to retire just before the deployment of their unit to Iraq in 2005. Behrends, who commanded 500 soldiers, labeled Walz a "traitor" for abandoning the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery, leaving them without their senior Non-Commissioned Officer as they prepared for war. This sentiment was echoed in a letter co-authored by Behrends and fellow retired Guardsman Paul Herr during Walz's gubernatorial campaign in 2018. Walz, who served 24 years in the National Guard and achieved the rank of command sergeant major, has been accused of betraying his unit. Behrends claims that Walz's retirement was a strategic move to pursue a political career, suggesting that he prioritized his ambitions over his commitment to his fellow soldiers. The retired Guardsman expressed that if he were in Walz's position, he would feel guilty and seek to make amends. Critics have pointed out that Walz's retirement coincided with the announcement of his unit's deployment, raising questions about his motives. In response, Walz defended his actions, stating that he had completed 20 years of service before re-enlisting after September 11, 2001, and retired to run for Congress. He expressed pride in his military service, countering allegations of embellishment regarding his career. The debate over Walz's military record continues to unfold, with opponents asserting that he has misrepresented key aspects of his service history.