In a stunning rebuke, Lt. Col. John Kolb, the former battalion commander of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), has accused the Democratic vice presidential candidate of “stolen valor.” Kolb’s statements have ignited a firestorm of controversy surrounding Walz’s military service record.
Kolb expressed no regrets about Walz’s early retirement from the National Guard, suggesting it allowed for more effective leadership to emerge. He specifically praised Thomas Behrends, who took on the role Walz vacated, as “the right leader at the right time.”
The former commander drew a sharp contrast between Behrends’ commitment and Walz’s actions. While Behrends “sacrificed to answer the call,” leaving behind family and business to serve, Kolb implied that Walz chose to avoid similar responsibilities when faced with potential deployment to Iraq.
Kolb vehemently disputed Walz’s claims about his rank, stating, “He did not earn the rank or successfully complete any assignment as an E9.” He described such assertions as “an affront to the Noncommissioned Officer Corps.”
In a particularly pointed 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 come at a critical juncture for Walz, potentially jeopardizing his position on the Democratic ticket. 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 impact this controversy might have on Walz’s credibility and his ability to serve in high office. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the upcoming election and the future of the Democratic campaign.
