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As anyone who has served in the military knows, there are often good-natured jokes about other branches and jobs, such as the Air Force being called the “Chair Force” (we love that nickname). While not true, these jokes keep the inter-service rivalries lively and everyone on edge. In general, we respect each other and understand that we are willing to do things that 98 percent of the country won’t do, like kicking down doors, flying airplanes, gassing vehicles, and cooking — that is, to serve the greater good above all else. That’s why the attacks on Tim Waltz, especially those coming from J.D. Vance, are especially tiresome.
JD Vance was a Marine who served with honor. He didn’t fight in combat (he was a public affairs officer), but he was deployed and served his country. He was discharged after four years of service. His service should be commended.
Tim Waltz followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the Army Guard, becoming eligible to enlist just two days after his 17th birthday. He served honorably for 24 years, achieving the highest rank in the enlisted ranks. He went on to serve as an advocate for veterans and military families in Congress, led the passage of a bipartisan bill to provide mental health services to veterans, led a bipartisan effort to expand the GI Bill, and repeatedly voted for increases to the military budget. The nation should be proud, and J.D. Vance should honor his brothers in arms.
I served as a Republican with Congressman Tim Walz. He would be a good Vice President.
The attacks on Waltz have proven not only false, but offensive. I intend to debunk them as they are circulating. But first, let’s remember one thing: Not only did Donald Trump not serve in the military, he actively avoided it by claiming to have “bone spurs” — a diagnosis he received from a doctor who rented his practice from Trump’s father, Fred, and whose daughter later called the diagnosis a “benefit.” Trump has built his political career on disdain for veterans.
Military personnel considering running for public office right now may be deterred: Who knows how any part of their military career might be distorted or twisted to make it appear less than an honorable service.
But it’s not just Trump’s words. His actions and policies are just as harmful to veterans. As president, Trump has proposed cuts to key VA programs.
To him, it’s all about projection. In this case, he’s projecting his own bad policies and weaknesses onto Governor Walz.
First lie: Governor Waltz resigned from the military as soon as he found out he was being deployed, thereby leaving his men behind.
truth: Governor Walz submitted his retirement papers before his troops received orders to deploy. In fact, he served four years after 9/11 and two years after the Iraq War began. He did not retire at the first signs of combat. He stayed on as governor well past his 20-year retirement age.
Lie: Governor Walz never appointed a Command Sergeant Major.
truth: He served as a CSM and was demoted after he was discharged because he had not completed his specialized military education and had not served long enough to be discharged at that rank. To be discharged at a rank, you must have held that rank for several years. I discharged as a Lt. Colonel, but if I had discharged before serving a few years as an LTC, I would have reverted to my previous rank of Major. This is not dishonorable. It is common. I still hold the LTC title.
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In fact, many officers in the Army aviation branch have been known to resign from their commission to the lower rank of warrant officer, allowing them to continue flying but with less desk work. This is common in the Army National Guard, and the fact that they did so does not make it an ungodly demotion.
Attacks from anyone, but especially from Donald Trump, are a disservice not only to Governor Walz but to everyone who has served in the military. Any part of their military career could be twisted or distorted to belittle their honorable service, and could deter any service member considering running for public office.
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These attacks by men like Trump and Vance bode ill for the future, and we must resist them with all our might.
Serving in the military is an honor and should be viewed as such regardless of a veteran’s political party affiliation. Draft dodger Donald Trump is no match for Tim Walz who has served this country for decades. JD Vance should know better.
