In a 2006 radio ad, Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz falsely identified himself as a “retired Army sergeant major” during his first run for Congress.
In the ad, unearthed on Aug. 2, before Kamala Harris selected him as her running mate, Tim Walz calls himself a sergeant major and then talks about how his time serving in the artillery led to hearing loss.
“My name is Tim Walz, and I’m running for Congress here in southern Minnesota for a few important reasons. But today I want to talk about an issue that’s very personal to me. I Retired Master Sergeant “I’m in the Minnesota National Guard,” he said. [Emphasis added]
Democrat who worked on Tim Walz’s first congressional campaign #MN01 Share this radio ad from 2006
The title is “Hope”
“That scene was very powerful for him to win.” pic.twitter.com/ojPuOkdEPU
— Meredith Lee Hill (@meredithllee) August 3, 2024
The ad also explains that the shelling left him deaf in one ear and required surgery, reinforcing the campaign’s message about the importance of medical care.The New York Times Confirmed Reports over the weekend said he suffered from hearing loss.
But his time in the artillery unit took a toll on his health, even though he never saw combat. The deafening bang and shock waves from the howitzer barrels and their shells, which sounded like freight trains as they passed overhead, left Waltz with hearing loss and tinnitus in both ears, according to a 2018 report by Minnesota Public Radio. He reportedly underwent corrective surgery in 2005 to alleviate his symptoms.
Since Walz began running for Congress, he has come under considerable criticism from military members for using the rank of “retired sergeant major” as a defamation of character. Walz was not allowed to use the title after he left the military because he failed to complete the final required coursework. Breitbart News reported that Walz “listed a higher rank on his official resume than he ultimately retired with, drawing criticism from some veterans.”
Following reports raising questions about the use of ranks, the Kamala Harris campaign posted on its official website: biography Regarding Waltz, the statement removed the description that he was a “retired master sergeant,” stating only that he once served at the rank of master sergeant.
According to CNN, Walz has faced criticism over portrayals of his military service since his 2006 run for Congress, which he denied at the time.
The viral video, first shared by X’s Kamala HQ account on Wednesday, features Waltz recommending gun control and then saying he carries weapons in war.
I was in the Army for 25 years and I hunt. I have voted for common sense legislation that protects the Second Amendment, but we can do background checks. We can do CDC research. Weapons of war. What I Carried with Me to War This is the only place these weapons exist. [Emphasis added]
The Harris-Waltz campaign later claimed Waltz had made a mistake, but Waltz himself reposted the video just days before he was named Kamala Harris’ running mate.
That’s true. I’m a military veteran, a hunter, and a gun owner, but I’m also a father, and for many years I was a teacher.
I know basic gun safety doesn’t threaten my rights, what matters is keeping my kids safe.
I had an A rating from the NRA. Now I’m all F’s. But I sleep well. https://t.co/R3ZX4A35GB
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) July 27, 2024
In a subsequent report, Washington Free Beacon On Wednesday, they also claimed that Waltz had previously described himself as a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to Breitbart News.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), who is facing defamation charges, allegedly falsely claimed in a previous press release that he was an Afghanistan veteran.
In a 2006 press release: issued On the campaign trail, Walz was described as a “veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.”
The Afghanistan War began on October 7, 2001. It is called The mission, called Operation Enduring Freedom, was launched after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command website.
“Democrat Tim Walz will tour Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District on Sunday, February 19 and Monday, February 20 to formally announce his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives,” the press release states. “A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and a longtime Mankato educator, Walz is unbeatable among the Democratic base and will be challenging Rep. Gil Gutknecht in November 2006.”
Photos from that time show Waltz taking part in a protest against President George W. Bush, holding a sign that read, “For Veterans of Enduring Freedom.” [John] “Kelly.”
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