Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) criticized Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) for attacking Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's military record. Kelly, a retired Navy captain and former astronaut, took to social media to defend Walz's service, highlighting the deep divide between the two camps over military valor and political strategy.
"Hey @JDVance, did you forget what the [United States Marine Corps] taught you about respect? Tim Walz spent DECADES in uniform," Kelly posted on X. "You both deserve to be thanked for your service. Don't become [former President] Donald Trump. He calls veterans suckers and losers and that is beneath those of us who have actually served."
The clash centers around Vance's accusations that Walz, who served over two decades in the Army National Guard, misrepresented his military service and avoided deployment to Iraq. Vance's remarks included calling Walz's actions "stolen valor," a serious charge in military circles, particularly given Vance's own service in the Marines as a public affairs specialist.
"I wonder, Tim Walz, when were you ever in war?" Vance questioned. "He has not spent a day in a combat zone. ... I'd be ashamed if I was him and I lied about my military service like he did." Vance's comments were triggered by a clip posted by the Harris campaign in which Walz discussed gun control and referred to "weapons of war, that I carried in war."
Walz's military career, which culminated in his retirement as a command sergeant major, did not include combat deployment, although he served in roles supporting operations overseas, including a stint in Italy. His defenders argue that his contributions and leadership within the National Guard were significant and honorable.
The vice presidential nominees for both major parties have military backgrounds, with Vance serving in the Marines and Walz in the National Guard. The controversy taps into broader issues of military service, honor, and political rhetoric. Former President Trump and Vance have focused their critique on Walz's decision to retire from the Guard to run for Congress, framing it as abandonment of his unit.
Trump amplified the attack, labeling Walz a "DISGRACE" on Truth Social and sharing an opinion piece accusing Walz of prioritizing his political career over his military duty. These narratives draw on historical grievances, reminiscent of the "swift boat" attacks used against John Kerry in the 2004 presidential campaign.
In response, the Harris-Walz campaign emphasized Walz's long military service and commitment to veterans' issues. "After 24 years of military service, Governor Walz retired in 2005 and ran for Congress, where he chaired Veterans Affairs and was a tireless advocate for our men and women in uniform - and as Vice President of the United States he will continue to be a relentless champion for our veterans and military families," the campaign stated.
Joseph Eustice, a veteran of the National Guard, defended Walz, describing him as a "great soldier" who had "every right to leave." VoteVets, a progressive veterans' PAC, also weighed in, contrasting Vance's criticism with Trump's history of derogatory comments about veterans and his own avoidance of military service.
