Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, is facing serious allegations of stolen valor from his former battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel John Kolb. Kolb’s public comments have sparked a heated debate over the integrity of Gov. Walz’s military service record.
Kolb, who commanded the battalion in which Gov. Walz served, criticized the governor for retiring early from the Minnesota Army National Guard, before completing the Sergeants Major Academy or fulfilling any assignments as a Sergeant Major. Kolb suggested that Walz’s departure was a positive development, as it cleared the way for Thomas Behrends, who led the battalion during its deployment to Iraq.
Kolb highlighted Behrends’ commitment and sacrifice, pointing out that he left his family and business to serve. “He earned the privilege of being called Command Sergeant Major,” Kolb stated, contrasting Behrends’ leadership with Gov. Walz’s decision to leave the Guard. Kolb also condemned Walz’s claim of having earned the rank of E9, arguing that it disrespects the Noncommissioned Officer Corps.
Kolb’s criticism included a pointed metaphor: “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 controversy unfolds, Gov. Walz’s military record is under intense scrutiny, potentially undermining his vice-presidential bid and raising questions about his character and leadership.
