The newest attack (attempt) is on Tim Walz’s military record. And it comes from Donald Trump’s vice-presidential running mate, JD Vance. According to Vance, Gov Walz served in the National Guard, separating from service when his unit was asked to deploy to the mid-East! In essence, Vance is trying to suggest Walz’s separation was dishonorable because he did not deploy with his unit, even though Vance honorably deployed while he was in the Marines.

Let’s set the record straight and look at both records.

JD Vance joined the Marines in 2003, and served as a military correspondent until 2007. “Vance was deployed to Iraq for six months in late 2005. Based on his memoir, he would “attach to different units to get a sense of their daily routine,” escort civilian press, and write stories about individual marines.” [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/16/was-jd-vance-marine-military/74411600007/]

So, in short, Vance served for four years and deployed for six months in a non-combative role. Okay. That’s honorable, even if he inferred something more during his negative comment about Walz.

“Walz served in the military for 24 years, enlisting in the Nebraska National Guard at 17 in 1981 and then transferring to the Minnesota National Guard in 1996. He retired in 2005 to begin his successful run for the U.S. House, representing Minnesota as command sergeant major, among the highest ranks for enlisted soldiers. His battalion went on to deploy to Iraq shortly after Walz’s retirement.” [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/06/tim-walz-military-career-national-guard/74685414007/]

Walz specialized in heavy artillery. During 21 years of dealing with heavy artillery, Walz suffered hearing loss and tinnitus in both ears. He was allowed to continue his career after surgery restore some of his hearing.

In January 2005, Walz filed the Statement of Candidacy to the Federal Election Commission that notified election officials of his plans to run for Congress. He submitted his retirement paperwork to the National Guard in May 2005. In July 2005, the National Guard unit was notified to be ready for deployment. Walz’s unit was not ordered to deploy until August 2005, after Walz submitted his paperwork.

Clearly, Walz’s retirement from the National Guard had little to nothing to do with the potential deployment of his unit. To suggest otherwise is dishonorable. JD Vance served 4 years and deployed for 6 months in a non-combative position. Tim Walz served 24 years, six times longer, making a career of his service.

Both men should be thanked for their service. But, JD Vance needs to find something else to combat the popularity of the Harris-Walz ticket. This particular tack has fallen flat!

You should be ashamed Mr. Vance!