Then-Congressional candidate Tim Walz broke a promise in 2005 to join the Army National Guard if deployed to Iraq, even as he continued to campaign.
“As Command Sergeant Major, I am responsible not only for preparing our unit for Iraq, but also for responding when called upon,” Walz said in a press statement while saying he would continue his congressional campaign.
He also indicated he would be leaving his wife and daughter behind as he deployed with his unit to Iraq.
Eventually, Waltz left the military and the rest of his unit was deployed to Iraq.
First, a press release from the Waltz campaign: Highlighting By Jack Posobiec of Human Events Archived online:
Walz still plans to run for Congress despite possible Iraq call-up
March 20, 2005 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On Thursday, March 17, the National Guard Public Affairs Office announced that approximately 2,000 members of the Minnesota National Guard may be partially mobilized. First District Congressional candidate Tim Walz is currently the command sergeant major of the 1-125th Battalion, based in New Ulm and made up of men and women primarily from southern Minnesota. The National Guard Public Affairs Office announcement noted that all or part of Walz’s battalion could be mobilized to Iraq within the next two years.
Waltz, a world geography teacher at Mankato West High School, has been an active member of the National Guard since 1981. During his 23 years with the Guard, he has deployed to the U.S., including an eight-month tour during Operation Enduring Freedom.
When asked about a possible deployment to Iraq, Waltz said, “It is not yet known whether my artillery unit will participate in this deployment and I cannot comment further on the details of the deployment.”
While his tour of duty in Iraq may overlap with his election as Minnesota’s 1st Congressman, Waltz is determined to continue his campaign: “As Command Sergeant Major, I am responsible for not only preparing my unit for Iraq, but also deploying when called upon. Whether that be in Washington, D.C., or in Iraq, I will serve my country to the best of my ability.”
“I don’t want to speculate on what shape my campaign will take if I am deployed, but I have no plans to withdraw from the race. I am fortunate to have a strong group of enthusiastic supporters and an incredibly dedicated and intelligent wife, who will both be a big part of my campaign whether I am in Minnesota or in Iraq.”
If he is called to duty, Waltz will leave behind his wife, Gwen, and their 4-year-old daughter, Hope.
As Breitbart News reported, Waltz did not retire as a master sergeant (E-9) despite claims that he did not, and in fact retired as a master sergeant (E-8) but did not meet the requirements for master sergeant.
Joel B. Pollack is executive editor of Breitbart News. Breitbart News Sunday The show airs Sunday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. (4 to 7 p.m. ET) on SiriusXM Patriot. He is the author of “Agenda: What Trump Should Do in His First 100 Days,” which is available for preorder on Amazon. He also wrote,Trumpian virtue: The lessons and legacy of Donald Trump’s presidency” is available on Audible. He is the 2018 recipient of the Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter. Joel Pollack.
