Man who served with Walz responds to claims about his military record

A man who served for over ten years with Gov. Tim Walz in the Minnesota Army National Guard, tells CNN’s Brianna Keilar that he doesn’t think Kamala Harris’ vice presidential pick has been characterized fairly. #CNN #News

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[mellzworld]

Im a Navy Veteran & I never shot a gun nor been shot at...But I did sacrifice my life & time to support my country...I'm no less of a veteran than a soldier in Iraq...

[James-zwwb]

Why does a man who served his country honorably for 20 years and more have to defend his record against cowardly scumbags?

[JVassago]

From JD's book: "i was lucky enough to escape any fighting", dude was a tour guide to visiting journalists. Nothing worse than a veteran attacking the military service of another veteran for political points. Disgusting! Especially when your partner, mr. bone spurs, is on record stating he's smarter than his 4-star generals.

[RobertBrown-ebco]

Am I getting this right? Walz trained with and carried a weapon of war but didn't actually serve on the ground in a war zone. He did stand ready to serve the nation for 24 years as a military member. He then left to serve as an elected public servant and that's a bad thing, why?

[marquitathatcher]

Trump is a draft dodger and this is what they are focusing on?

[StevenEMurphy]

That’s a lot of smack talking coming from a guy who served as a PR guy who’s running with a guy who cowardly dodged a draft while American men fought and died in a war. As a military veteran, I stand with Gov. Walz

[babyblastCN]

1, the guy have served for 24years in military
2, he’s have every right to retire anytime anywhere anyhow.none of anybody’s business.
3, let alone he’s plan run for congress continue to serve the country.

[queenannsrevenge]

Vance didn’t just say “oh, he lied about carrying weapons in war”, Vance used the phrase “Stolen Valor”. I myself have never served, but from the servicemen I know in my life, that’s a DAMN SERIOUS charge from one serviceman to another. One that he should be ashamed of.

Walz retired as an E-9 with tons of honors; Vance served like 5 years up to E-4 in the press corps and was never on the front lines himself. Saying Walz is guilty of stolen valor means he’s accusing him of talking about service time he never served and medals he didn’t earn.

[dumpd]

Vance never served in combat. He was a reporter in military. He wrote that in his book.He said he was grateful that he avoided combat.He also said he doesn’t like police and called DJT Hitler.

[TeresaStokes-gg]

I’m a retired police officer. During by career I drew my weapon and pointed it at people many times but luckily never had to fire that weapon in the line of duty. Does that fact make me less of a police officer? I’m sorry, serving is serving and it was my pleasure to serve my community for many years. People should never diminish anyone’s service because they didn’t happen to engage in combat.

[stephenbailey]

All military service is dangerous. Members are killed every year just in training exercises, between 2006 and 2020 over 5, 000. Every soldier and Marine is first a ground pounder and can be called to take up the rifle at a moment's notice.
Vets should not be disrespecting other vets.
To do so for political gain is reprehensible.

[mattypants]

24yrs in the service AND served honorably, how dare anyone question him. Vance was a marine and served his country, i thought marines had honor? How honorable is it to do what hes doing? Walz served his country for decades, he seeved his community as a school teacher, and served his state as a governor. What exactly has Vance done since the military aside from flip flop so hard on trump he ended up going from never trump to being on his knees in front of him at bedtime. No American with a conscience could vote for a man with absolutely no principles. Its time for a refreshing change. Its time to make history with our first female president. We are not going back.

[kathy]

A full military career is usually 20 years. Tim Walz served his country for 24 years. Sir, thank you for your service!

[Lionize]

Vance held a camera not a gun. He was a "correspondent" with a desk job that deployed for 6 months to shoot pictures not enemy combatants. Despite him trying to church it up Vance was a desk jockey for the majority of his time in the military.

[edwardspriggs]

As a proud veteran of 26 years, I find it highly disgusting that a fellow veteran would attack another veteran's service, just for political points.

[jdw]

Governor Walz neither “dropped out” nor abandoned his unit. He retired from the Army after serving four years beyond the 20 year retirement point. Vance dropped out of the USMC after one tour.

[paulhanohano]

Vance is talking "STUPID" just like Trump! Insulting, disrespectful, full of lies and it's all USELESS

[legendsfacility]

I don't care if he was in war or not he is still a veteran for 24 years, and he is a sergeant. Give that man the respect he deserves

[edwardderr]

I am a patriotic US Veteran. Shady Vance is clearly NOT. He is just plain vanilla despicable!

[sharmanmcgee]

Maybe someone should explain to non military personnel’s that : the weapon you are issued is the same weapon you take with you in war.. peace.. and any mission you are sent on.