Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who has been named as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, is facing intense scrutiny following accusations of stolen valor by Lieutenant Colonel John Kolb, his former battalion commander. The allegations have raised serious questions about the authenticity of Gov. Walz’s military service record and his suitability for high office.
Kolb, who commanded the battalion in which Gov. Walz served, criticized the governor for retiring early from the Minnesota Army National Guard. Kolb stated that Walz left the Guard before completing the Sergeants Major Academy and did not fulfill any assignments as a Sergeant Major. Kolb suggested that Walz’s early retirement allowed for more effective leadership under Thomas Behrends, who led the battalion during its deployment to Iraq.
Kolb praised Behrends for his commitment and sacrifice, pointing out that he left behind his family and business to serve. “He earned the privilege of being called Command Sergeant Major,” Kolb said, in stark contrast to Gov. Walz’s departure. Kolb further argued that Walz’s claim of having earned the rank of E9 without completing the necessary duties is an affront to the Noncommissioned Officer Corps.
Kolb also offered a sharp metaphor to illustrate his point: “I can sit in the cockpit of an airplane, it does not make me a pilot. Similarly, when the demands of service and leadership at the highest level got real, he chose another path.”
As the accusations of stolen valor continue to reverberate, Gov. Walz’s vice-presidential campaign is facing a significant challenge, with his military service record under intense examination.
