OPINION:
As a former special operations commander who retired after 20 years of military service, I have no confidence to follow Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ vice presidential running mate.
Like many others now, I have serious questions and concerns about his character and his leadership regarding his military service.
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Somehow, someway, Mr. Walz was able to dodge a combat deployment during the Global War on Terror, which kicked off 20 years, the longest standing war in history. Mr. Walz found a way to stay home while his enlisted troops left their families and communities and deployed overseas to do the nation’s bidding. As the Command Sergeant Major – the top enlisted leader of his Army National Guard unit – Mr. Walz should have been right by their side. Instead, he took the coward’s way and left his unit when his men needed him most.
Sounds harsh? Not meant to be — I deployed numerous times to Iraq and Afghanistan. I know what courage under fire truly looks like. I know the agony of burying brothers in arms who died in combat. I know the toll a combat deployment takes on a family. And I know what strong leadership looks like.
Mr. Walz knows how much our servicemen and women have sacrificed. Unfortunately, he neither observed it nor experienced it firsthand, choosing to retire and stay stateside.
SEE ALSO: Walz’s military record questioned after comments about serving in war
Troops expect their Command Sergeant Major to lead from the front and always set an example. Staying behind and dodging a deployment is a far cry from solid leadership.
It’s often said that “crisis creates character,” but I believe crisis reveals character. Mr. Walz’ decision gives me pause about his true character.
Who wants a coward and deserter to be one heartbeat away from the presidency? Who wants a leader who tucks tail and runs when the going gets tough?
On the campaign trail and in prior public appearances as governor, Mr. Walz has oftentimes exaggerated his military service, which raises concerns about his integrity.
Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance has accused Mr. Walz of “stolen valor” and leveraging his military background to bolster his political image, potentially misleading voters about the true nature of his service.
Mr. Walz’s careless rhetoric has occasionally blurred the lines, leading the public to believe that he served in combat. But why did he exaggerate and lie, especially when he didn’t need to? There’s no dishonor in serving honorably.
Mr. Walz had an honorable record of 24 years in the National Guard that he himself tarnished by insinuating that he had combat experience – when he did not.
We know Mr. Walz’s military career did not involve deployment to combat zones, and his roles were stateside, focusing on training and readiness. Mr. Walz’s military service is undoubtedly an integral part of his identity, and there is ample evidence he served his country with honor, however this highlights the complexities of how military experience is communicated to the public.
Mr. Vance’s “stolen valor” accusations have gained traction among opponents, who argue that Walz’s exaggerations are part of a broader pattern of dishonesty.
The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 makes it a federal crime to fraudulently claim military honors or decorations with the intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefits.
While Mr. Walz has not been accused of violating this specific law, the ethical implications of exaggerating military service are considerable. It appears he exaggerated his combat experience to garner goodwill and trust with voters.
Whether these claims of stolen valor have any lasting impact on Mr. Walz’s political career remains to be seen, but they underscore the importance of transparency and accuracy in how military service is represented by public figures.
In response to Mr. Vance’s accusations, the Harris-Walz campaign issued a statement saying that “in his 24 years of service, the Governor carried, fired and trained others to use weapons of war innumerable times. Governor Walz would never insult or undermine any American’s service to this country.”
But Mr. Walz’s overstatements of his combat experience are an insult to every veteran who has endured real combat.
Veterans know a poser when they see one. Veterans know if they were truly in combat. Mr. Walz broke a cardinal rule when exaggerating his combat experience and veterans know that too.
What America needs right now are leaders we can trust. The distrust the veteran community has in Mr. Walz now is his own doing and may be his undoing.
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Dr. Damon Friedman, a decorated veteran of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel in special operations. He is the founder of SOF Missions, which works with veterans with PTSD.
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