Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), the Democratic vice presidential nominee, is facing serious allegations from his former battalion commander, Lt. Col. John Kolb, regarding the authenticity of his military service claims. Kolb’s recent statements have cast a shadow over Walz’s National Guard career and his decision to retire before his unit’s deployment to Iraq.
In a scathing critique, Kolb expressed no remorse over Walz’s early departure from the Guard, suggesting it allowed for more capable leadership to step in. He specifically commended Thomas Behrends, who assumed the role Walz vacated, describing him as “the right leader at the right time.”
Kolb painted a stark contrast between Behrends’ dedication and Walz’s actions. While Behrends made significant personal sacrifices to lead soldiers, Kolb implied that Walz opted to sidestep similar responsibilities when confronted with the possibility of deployment.
The former commander directly contested Walz’s assertions about his rank, stating emphatically, “He did not earn the rank or successfully complete any assignment as an E9.” Kolb characterized such claims as “an affront to the Noncommissioned Officer Corps.”
Using a vivid analogy, Kolb remarked, “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.”
These allegations have emerged at a crucial time for Walz and the Democratic campaign. The controversy has sparked calls for a thorough investigation into Walz’s military record to address the discrepancies highlighted by Kolb.
As the debate intensifies, many are questioning the potential impact on Walz’s credibility and his fitness for high office. The resolution of this dispute could have significant implications for the upcoming election and the future of the Democratic ticket.
