Veteran Condemns Governor for Valor Claims

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is facing backlash from veterans regarding his military service record, particularly concerning his claims of holding the rank of "retired Command Sergeant Major." Walz served in the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery after transferring from Nebraska in 1996. Critics, including retired Command Sgt. Major Kathy Miller, have accused him of misrepresenting his military career, asserting that he did not complete the necessary coursework to retain his rank upon retirement in 2005. The controversy intensified when the battalion commander of Walz’s former unit publicly condemned his continued use of the Command Sergeant Major title, labeling it an "affront" to the military. Despite inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding Walz's failure to complete the required training, the Harris campaign redirected attention to a 2018 statement from a Minnesota National Guard public affairs officer, which suggested that Walz's claims were legitimate. However, the campaign recently updated Walz's biography to clarify that he "served as a command sergeant major" rather than being a retired one. Veterans have long criticized Walz's portrayal of his military experience, particularly after he implied he had combat experience and PTSD from deployments. Former Army Ranger Mike Edwards expressed his disapproval of Walz's claims, emphasizing the importance of honesty regarding military service. The ongoing scrutiny of Walz's military record has raised questions about the integrity of public figures in their representations of service.