Walz previously claimed that he retired from the Army as a “command sergeant major,” but he has since corrected his Harris campaign biography to reflect that he held the position at one point. He retired at a lower rank after being demoted.
Agroup of 50 Republican veterans in Congress on Wednesday signed a letter condemning Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz for being dishonest about his military service.
Walz, who is the governor of Minnesota, previously claimed that he retired from the Army National Guard as a “command sergeant major” on his Harris campaign biography, but he has since corrected the bio to reflect that he held the position at one point. He retired at a lower rank after being demoted.
The letter was led by Florida GOP Rep. Brian Mast, who chairs the “Veterans and Military Families for Trump” coalition.
“The Office of the Vice President is a position that requires the trust of the American people and a solemn commitment to duty on behalf of the United States of America,” the letter stated. “As veterans who have served our nation, we feel compelled to address your egregious misrepresentations and urge you to come clean to the American people.”
“You have stated that you are ‘damn proud’ of your service, and like any American veteran, you should be,” it continued. “But there is no honor in lying about the nature of your service. Repeatedly claiming to be a ‘Retired Command Sergeant Major’ when you did not complete the requirements was not honorable.”
The letter also accused Walz of lying about serving in combat, because he previously stated that he carried “weapons of war.” Walz was never stationed in a combat zone, but was stationed Italy.
“To be blunt, when you falsely claim military service that did not happen and abandon your post, you diminish the real sacrifices made by veterans who did serve in combat,” the lawmakers wrote. “The honor of wearing the uniform is earned through dedication, bravery, and an unwavering sense of duty. You have displayed none of these characteristics as you have lied your way through a political career launched on the foundation of a title you did not earn and combat deployments you did not take part in.”
The letter concludes that the lawmakers are concerned about Walz becoming vice president, and potentially the commander-in-chief, because they do not trust him, given his background.
“You have violated the trust of our brothers and sisters in arms,” the letter said. “Their blood, sweat, and sacrifice are the only reason our nation is able to exist. Until you admit you lied to them, there is no way you can be trusted to serve as Vice President.”
