By attempting to discredit Tim Walz’s military service for political reasons, JD Vance has turned both men’s military service into a political tool rather than a shared value.
Trump comments on Democrat Tim Walz
Donald Trump speaks to Kamala Harris’ running mate Tim Walz during a press conference from Florida.
Fox – 4 News
As the wife of a soldier for nearly two decades, I find Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance’s speech accusing Tim Walz of stolen bravery outrageous.
Walz’s contributions to our country – not only as a military member, but also as a teacher, coach and elected official – deserve our gratitude.
Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate and governor of Minnesota, was a decorated National Guard officer who dedicated 24 years of his life to serving our nation.
But since Walz never saw combat duty, Republicans derided his service, calling it stolen valor. Vance’s comments are not only disrespectful to Walz and all who have served, but they also have far-reaching consequences for society’s perception of military service.
Walz’s military career is not a case of stolen valor. While some veterans call Walz a “smart aleck” for not being deployed during a war, Walz’s military career without deployments is not uncommon. Nearly 40% of soldiers are not deployed during their service.
Vance’s attempt to discredit Walz’s ministry is weak and tasteless at best.
Vance turned military service into a partisan line of attack
Both vice presidential candidates have served in the military, but in the eyes of party politics their service is not equal.
Vance served in the Marines for four years and spent six months in Iraq as a military journalist. He too has admitted to never having taken part in combat, but that didn’t stop him from attacking a fellow veteran.
“This is nothing more than a political attack,” retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Deonte Cole told me. “Real integrity isn’t just about wearing a uniform. It’s about embodying the values that come with it. Vance’s reckless slanders show a deep disconnect from the honor and respect that define true service. He just doesn’t get it. Walz’s 24 years of dedicated service are beyond reproach, and no amount of political mudslinging will change that.”
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Failure to recognize a veteran’s services sends the message that their sacrifice was worthless.
By attempting to discredit Walz’s military service for political reasons, Vance turned both men’s military service into a political tool rather than a shared value.
Vance’s criticism of Walz was more than a personal attack – it was an attack on the values that uphold honor and respect for soldiers.
Vance is following former President Donald Trump’s anti-veteran rhetoric to gain media attention and like-minded supporters. That won’t work for Vance, who is having a hard time forging his own path in this turbulent presidential campaign.
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Vance missed an opportunity to promote unity
Vance had a great opportunity as a veteran to bring unity and integrity to the main stage, but instead he used the incredibly powerful shared experience to disparage Walz for his lack of combat action.
Vance’s attack was merely a diversion, and as voters we must not allow it to distract us; we must reject attempts to politicize or diminish the sacrifices of those who served.
Instead, there should be a concerted effort to honor and support all veterans, regardless of their political affiliation or public opinion.
Just as Vance should be thanked for his military service, he should also thank Walz for his.
Marla Bautista is a military columnist for USA TODAY Opinion.
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