Stolen Valor: The Truth About Tim Walz's Military Record | 8.17.24
In this episode of the Morning Wire podcast, Thomas Behrends levels accusations against Tim Walz, questioning the accuracy of his portrayal of his military service record and the rank he achieved. Behrends, Walz's successor, disputes claims that Walz carried "weapons of war" in combat and challenges his decision to retire just before deployment as abandoning his men.
The episode delves into allegations that Walz embellished his military background to enhance his political standing and leverage the public's regard for veterans. Behrends shares his persistent efforts to set the record straight, accusing the media of suppressing coverage amid election concerns—a neglect of journalistic duty, in his view.
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1-Page Summary
Walz's Disputed Military Service Record
Thomas Behrends accuses Tim Walz of falsely claiming to be a retired command sergeant major when he only reached the rank of master sergeant.
According to Behrends, who succeeded Walz, Walz did not meet the requirements to legitimately hold the rank of retired command sergeant major. He alleges Walz misrepresented his service by claiming this higher rank despite only retiring as a master sergeant.
Behrends disputes Walz's claims of carrying "weapons of war" in combat, pointing out that Walz resigned before his battalion deployed.
Behrends highlights discrepancies in Walz's portrayal of his military experience, challenging claims about serving in combat scenarios.
Walz's Retirement Before Deployment
Behrends characterizes Walz's decision to retire shortly before his unit deployed to Iraq as "abandoning his men."
According to Behrends, Walz's unexpected retirement demoralized his soldiers and impacted their readiness to deploy.
Behrends stepped in as command sergeant major after Walz's departure, which he calls an "absolute honor."
But Behrends questions whether Walz's retirement was an act of cowardice motivated by his Congressional bid, suggesting he may have acted differently for another deployment location.
Walz's Military Narrative in Politics
Walz's embellished military service boosted his political standing, allowing him to present himself as a highly respected veteran.
Per Behrends, Walz constructed a narrative around his military background that enhanced his political brand, likely aiding his electoral successes.
Behrends argues the truth could have significantly undercut Walz's ambitions given the public's regard for military service.
Any revelations about misrepresenting his duties could prove damaging to a political figure who has relied on portraying himself as an esteemed veteran.
Behrends' Accountability Efforts
Behrends has persistently tried to correct Walz's military record but claims the media suppressed coverage.
Despite contacting congressional committees and Walz directly, Behrends says his efforts were met with silence. He accuses the media, specifically the Star Tribune, of failing to run a story due to election timing.
Behrends views this as a betrayal of journalistic responsibility to provide truthful information about public figures.
He argues the media shirked its duty to hold leaders accountable out of concern for influencing the election, allowing potential "stolen valor" to go unchallenged.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- In the military, ranks signify levels of authority and responsibility. A command sergeant major is a senior non-commissioned officer responsible for advising and assisting commanders. A master sergeant holds a lower rank, typically overseeing smaller groups of soldiers. Discrepancies in claimed ranks can impact perceptions of a person's military experience and credibility.
- Military deployments involve sending troops to specific locations for missions or operations. Deployments can vary in duration and purpose, such as combat missions, peacekeeping efforts, or training exercises. The decision to retire before a deployment can have significant implications for the unit's morale and readiness. Sudden retirements before deployments may be perceived as abandoning responsibilities and can impact the cohesion and effectiveness of the remaining troops.
- Behrends accuses Walz of "abandoning his men" due to retiring before his unit deployed to Iraq, suggesting that Walz's departure negatively impacted the morale and readiness of his soldiers. This accusation implies that Walz's decision to retire at that specific time was seen as leaving his team in a difficult situation, potentially questioning his commitment to his military responsibilities.
- When a political figure embellishes their military service, it can enhance their public image and credibility, especially in the eyes of voters who value military experience. This embellishment can help politicians gain support and trust from the public, potentially influencing electoral outcomes. However, if the truth about the embellishment is revealed, it can damage the politician's reputation and credibility, especially if they are seen as exploiting their military background for personal or political gain. Such revelations can lead to public backlash and impact the politician's career and electoral prospects.
- Allegations of media suppression in this context suggest that efforts to correct the public record about an individual's military service were allegedly ignored or downplayed by media outlets. The accuser believes that the media failed to fulfill its duty to investigate and report on the discrepancies in the individual's military background, potentially due to concerns about influencing an election. This situation raises questions about the media's role in holding public figures accountable and ensuring transparency in reporting on sensitive issues like military service claims.
Counterarguments
- Walz may have had legitimate reasons for retiring when he did, unrelated to the deployment or his political ambitions.
- The rank of master sergeant is still a significant achievement and does not diminish the value of Walz's military service.
- Carrying "weapons of war" could be a figurative way of describing military service, rather than a literal claim of combat experience.
- The decision to retire from military service is a personal one and may not necessarily reflect on a soldier's commitment to their unit or country.
- The timing of Walz's retirement could be coincidental with his Congressional bid and not necessarily an act of cowardice.
- Political figures often highlight their experiences to resonate with voters, and Walz's use of his military background is not uncommon in political narratives.
- The media's decision not to cover Behrends' accusations could be based on editorial judgment, lack of corroborating evidence, or other journalistic considerations.
- Behrends' perspective on Walz's military service is one viewpoint, and there may be additional context or information that provides a different understanding of the situation.
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Walz's military service record and allegations of "stolen valor"
Thomas Behrends accuses Tim Walz of misrepresenting his military service by falsely claiming to be a retired command sergeant major, stirring controversy and raising concerns of "stolen valor."
Walz has claimed a higher military rank than he actually attained, falsely representing himself as a retired command sergeant major when he only reached the rank of master sergeant.
Behrends, who succeeded Walz, has been trying to correct the record regarding Walz’s claims of being a retired command sergeant major. He asserts that Walz did act as a command sergeant major for a few months but did not retire with that rank. Behrends notes that to be recognized legitimately as a retired command sergeant major, an individual needs to complete the United States Army Sergeant Major's Academy and serve two years thereafter. However, Walz retired as a master sergeant EEA, one level below command sergeant major.
Behrens, a retired command sergeant major who took over Walz's unit after his departure, has spent years trying to correct the record and hold Walz accountable for mischaracterizing his military service.
Behrends saw flyers and advertisements falsely claiming that Walz was the highest-ranking member in Congress. He reported these inaccuracies to his colonel and questioned what actions would be taken. Additionally, Behrends wrote a personal letter to Walz as a constituent, acknowledging Walz's 24 years of service and contributions to veterans but asking him to cease claiming the rank of command sergeant major and to correct the record. Despite Behrends' efforts, the issue has struggled to capture media attention.
Walz's claims about his military service ...
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Walz's military service record and allegations of "stolen valor"
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Actionables
- You can verify claims about military service by requesting a person's military records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). If you're curious about the authenticity of someone's military background, you can submit a FOIA request to the National Personnel Records Center. This is a legal way to access information and ensure that public figures or acquaintances are representing their service accurately.
- Develop a habit of critical thinking by questioning and researching public statements. When you hear someone make a claim about their past achievements, take the initiative to do some background research. Use online resources, news articles, and official records to cross-reference and verify these claims. This approach fosters a healthy skepticism and can prevent the spread of misinformation.
- Encourage trans ...
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Walz's decision to retire before his unit's deployment to Iraq
Thomas Behrens discusses the controversial decision of an individual, referred to as Walz, to retire from the military shortly before his unit's deployment to Iraq, describing the move as one that "abandoning his men."
Walz's early retirement and its impact
Walz filed to run for Congress and then made a public statement indicating knowledge about the deployment of his unit, only to retire two months after the statement. Behrends characterizes Walz's retirement as a demoralizing shock for his soldiers, a sentiment equated to a profound and unexpected loss. Walz's departure, as perceived by Behrends, had a negative impact on the morale and readiness of the soldiers under his command as they prepared for deployment.
Behrends takes command
Thomas Behrens stepped up to fill the leadership void as the command sergeant major of the battalion after Walz left his unit upon learning it was being deployed to Iraq. Behrens describes assuming this role as remarkable, frami ...
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Walz's decision to retire before his unit's deployment to Iraq
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Clarifications
- Walz's bid for Congress potentially influenced his decision to retire from the military before his unit's deployment to Iraq. The suggestion is that his political aspirations may have played a role in his choice to step away from his military responsibilities, raising questions about his priorities and commitment to his unit. This connection implies that Walz's decision was not solely based on military considerations but may have been influenced by his political ambitions. The timing of his retirement in relation to his congressional campaign adds complexity to the situation, suggesting a possible intersection between his military service and political goals.
- The deployment to Iraq versus Afghanistan holds significance due to the differing contexts of the conflicts in each country. Iraq and Afghanistan have distinct geopolitical, strategic, and operational considerations that can impact m ...
Counterarguments
- Retirement from military service is often a personal decision influenced by a variety of factors, including family, health, and career opportunities, and does not necessarily equate to abandoning one's unit.
- Filing to run for Congress could be seen as a continuation of public service, with the intention of serving the country in a different capacity.
- The impact on morale is subjective and can vary among soldiers; some may understand and respect the decision to retire.
- Behrends' assumption of the role as command sergeant major could be viewed as a testament to the military's ability to adapt and maintain leadership continuity.
- The characterization of Walz's retirement as an "absolute honor" for Behrends does not necessarily reflect the sentiments of all involved and could be seen as his personal pe ...
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The influence of Walz's military service narrative on his political career
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's portrayal of his military background has played a key role in shaping his political identity and career path.
Walz's embellished military service record has significantly boosted his political standing, allowing him to present himself as a highly respected veteran and the "highest ranking member of Congress."
Tim Walz has constructed a narrative around his military service that has enhanced his political brand, projecting the image of a highly respected veteran. This portrayal has been a central element of his public persona and has likely played a role in his electoral successes, both as a Congressman and as the governor of Minnesota.
The potential damage of the truth revealed
Thomas Behrends argues that Walz has overstated his military experience for political advantage, including suggestions that his military duties w ...
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The influence of Walz's military service narrative on his political career
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Counterarguments
- Walz's military service is a matter of public record and can be fact-checked, so any embellishments would likely be uncovered and scrutinized.
- Being a veteran is just one aspect of a political figure's identity, and voters consider a wide range of issues and qualifications.
- The term "highest ranking member of Congress" could be misleading, as military rank does not directly translate to political hierarchy.
- The effectiveness of a political brand is subjective and can vary among different demographics and voter bases.
- Electoral success is multifaceted and cannot be solely attributed to a candidate's military background.
- Accusations of overstating military experience require substantial evidence and should be carefully evalua ...
Actionables
- You can evaluate the credibility of public figures by researching their claims independently. Start by looking up speeches, interviews, and public records to verify the facts they present. For example, if a politician claims to have a specific military rank or experience, check their service record through available military databases or request information through the Freedom of Information Act.
- Develop a personal code of ethics to guide your own representations of achievements. Write down clear principles that dictate how you will present your qualifications and experiences, especially on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, or other professional settings. For instance, if you've participated in a group project, ensure you accurately describe your role and the collective effort rather than overstating your contribution.
- Use storytelling techniques to share your ex ...
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Behrens' efforts to hold Walz accountable and the media's response
Behrens has been persistent in highlighting discrepancies in Tim Walz’s military record, and he is disappointed with the media’s initial handling of the situation, viewing it as a failure in their duty to ensure public figures are truthful about their past.
Behrens’ Pursuit of the Truth
Despite Behrens' repeated attempts to challenge Walz on the misrepresentation of his military service, his efforts have been met with silence and resistance, especially from the press.
Endeavors to Correct the Public Record
For years, Behrens has scrutinized Walz’s military record, attempting to reveal that Walz had been mischaracterizing his military service. Behrens has actively sought to correct the public record by contacting congressional committees, but his attempts to solicit a response or action have gone unanswered. When Walz campaigned for governor, Behrens felt an urgency to inform the public. However, his efforts were seemingly thwarted by the media—a betrayal that Behrens found particularly disheartening.
Media Suppression and Editorial Decisions
Behrens' frustrations peaked when he discovered that the media, specifically the Star Tribune, chose not to run a story about Walz’s military service record. The justification given was the timing: the election was approaching, and the editor felt that the publication could influence its outcome. Behrens sees this act of suppression as the media shirking their responsibility to hold public figures to account, regardless of the potential political ramifications.
Calls for Accountability and Ethi ...
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Behrens' efforts to hold Walz accountable and the media's response
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Clarifications
- Behrens is focused on highlighting inconsistencies in Tim Walz's portrayal of his military service, suggesting that Walz may have misrepresented or exaggerated his military background. Behrens believes it is crucial for public figures to be truthful about their past, especially regarding military service, and has been persistent in his efforts to address these discrepancies. Despite Behrens' attempts to challenge Walz on this issue, he has faced resistance and silence, particularly from the media. Behrens feels that the media's failure to address these concerns reflects a broader issue of accountability and transparency in public figures.
- The media, particularly the Star Tribune, chose not to publish a story about Tim Walz's military service record due to concerns about the timing influencing an election. This decision frustrated Behrens, who believed it was the media's duty to report on discrepancies in public figures' backgrounds. Behrens felt that the media's choice not to cover his accusations against Walz was a failure to uphold journalistic responsibility and hold those in power accountable. The su ...
Counterarguments
- The media may have had valid ethical reasons for not publishing the story, such as a lack of verifiable evidence or concerns about the timing and potential impact on the election process.
- Editorial decisions often involve considering the potential for a story to be defamatory or legally contentious, especially if the claims are not sufficiently substantiated.
- The media's role is to report the news objectively, and they may have determined that Behrens' claims did not meet the threshold for newsworthiness or public interest at the time.
- The silence and resistance Behrens encountered could be due to procedural issues or legal considerations within the congressional committees or other bodies he contacted.
- The concept of "stolen valor" is a serious accusation and requires a high standard of proof; the media may be exercising caution to avoid making unfounded allegations.
- The media may have been acting in a manner they believed to be responsible journalism by not contributin ...
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