In a recent development, Senator JD Vance of Ohio has leveled serious allegations against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, claiming that Walz avoided deployment to Iraq and falsely boasted about his combat service. These accusations come as part of a series of Republican attacks on the Democratic ticket, aiming to disrupt the positive news coverage that Vice President Kamala Harris has received since becoming the party's nominee. Additionally, the claims by Senator Vance have placed the military records of the two vice-presidential candidates in direct comparison.

During a speech at the police department in Shelby Township, Michigan, Senator Vance accused Governor Walz of deserting his fellow soldiers by retiring from the National Guard in May 2005, several months before his artillery unit received orders to deploy to Iraq. Vance based these damning allegations on a Facebook post from 2018 and a letter to the editor in The West Central Tribune written by retired command sergeant majors Thomas Behrends and Paul Herr, questioning Walz's retirement timing.

However, Joseph Eustice, a 32-year National Guard veteran who served under Governor Walz, vehemently disputed these claims. Eustice stated in an interview that Walz was a reliable soldier and dismissed the accusations made by his fellow comrades. Eustice further revealed that Walz had discussed his intention to run for Congress with him months before any official notice of deployment was received.

The Harris-Walz campaign responded to the allegations by pointing to testimonials from other guardsmen who attested to Walz's long-time aspirations for public office and the weighty decision it was for him to retire from military service after 24 years. A campaign spokesperson affirmed Walz's commitment to being a strong advocate for veterans and military families, emphasizing his stint as chairman of Veterans Affairs during his time in Congress.

Senator Vance also seized on a statement made by Governor Walz in a video clip promoted by the Harris campaign, where Walz mentioned carrying "weapons of war" during his speech on gun control. Vance accused Walz of "stolen valor," claiming that Walz never served in combat. However, it was clarified that while Walz did participate in Operation Enduring Freedom after the September 11 attacks, he was not deployed in a combat zone.

The accusations made by Senator Vance against Governor Walz have drawn parallels to the infamous "Swift boat" attacks during the 2004 presidential campaign that cast doubt on Democratic nominee John Kerry's military service. Interestingly, Chris LaCivita, a strategist involved in those attacks, is now a senior strategist for the Trump campaign.

Governor Tim Walz's military journey began when he enlisted as an infantryman in the Nebraska Army National Guard in 1981. He later transferred to the Minnesota National Guard and retired in 2005 as a master sergeant, having served as a command sergeant major, an esteemed rank in the Army's enlisted ranks.

Prominent voices from both sides of the political spectrum, such as Patrick Murphy, a former U.S. Army captain and Walz's former roommate, have expressed dismay at the attacks on Governor Walz's military record. As the election season progresses, it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact the campaigns and the overall political landscape.