Tim Walz's former battalion commander John Kolb tears into Dem VP nominee over 'stolen valor' allegations

WASHINGTON, DC: The controversy surrounding Tim Walz—the Democratic vice-presidential nominee and former member of the Army National Guard—has intensified following pointed criticism from Lieutenant Colonel John Kolb.

Kolb, who succeeded Walz's leadership in the National Guard, has openly condemned Walz for allegedly misrepresenting his military rank and for retiring just before his unit's deployment to Iraq. Kolb’s accusations have added fuel to the ongoing debate about Walz's military service, raising questions about his integrity.

Timeline and circumstances of Tim Walz's retirement

John Kolb's criticism centers on Walz’s claim to have held the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM) during his service. He posted on Facebook that Walz "did not earn the rank" and added that "it is an affront to the Noncommissioned Officer Corps that he continues to glom onto the title."

Kolb continued, "By all accounts and on the record, he was a competent Chief of Firing Battery/Gunnery Sergeant and First Sergeant. I cannot say the same of his service sitting, frocked, in the CSM [command sergeant major] chair. He did not earn the rank or successfully complete any assignment as an E9 [the highest rank for non-commissioned officers]."

"It is an affront to the Noncommissioned Officer Corps that he continues to glom onto the title. 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," he added.

Walz's decision to retire from the Minnesota National Guard in May 2005 has been another focal point of criticism. His unit received mobilization orders in August 2005, with deployment to Iraq scheduled for March 2006. Kolb, who assumed command as Lieutenant Colonel in August 2005, replaced Walz with Thomas Behrends as CSM.

"I do not regret that Tim Walz retired early from the Minnesota Army National Guard, did not complete the Sergeants Major Academy, broke his enlistment contract, or did not successfully complete any assignment as a Sergeant Major," Kolb declared.

"Unwittingly, he got out of the way for better leadership. Thomas Behrends was the right leader at the right time. He sacrificed to answer the call, leaving his family, business, and farming partner brother to train, lead and care for soldiers. He earned the privilege of being called Command Sergeant Major. Like a great leader, he ran toward and not away from the guns," he added.

Accusations of 'stolen valor' against Tim Walz

Kolb's public criticism of Walz was amplified by high-profile conservatives, including Donald Trump Jr and Charlie Kirk, who used the controversy to attack the Democratic ticket. Trump Jr, in particular, questioned the media's coverage of the issue, asking, "How long is the left-wing media going to ignore this?"

The controversy has also prompted a response from Minnesota National Guard Command Sergeant Major Doug Julin, who expressed concerns about the timeline of Walz’s retirement. Julin noted that Walz was aware of the likelihood of deployment and had assured him that he would be joining the unit in Iraq.

"Tim Walz knew the process and procedures, he went around me and above and beyond me… basically went in there to get somebody to back him… it was just a backdoor process," he said.

The accusations against Walz have even led to charges of "stolen valor," a term referring to the false claim of military honors or achievements. Ohio Senator JD Vance, a Marine Corps veteran, accused Walz of engaging in "stolen valor," which is a federal crime.

Vance's criticism was scathing, "What bothers me about Tim Walz is this stolen valor garbage. Do not pretend to be something that you're not. I'd be ashamed if I was him and I lied about my military service like he did."

Stolen valor is a federal offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to one year. It involves falsely claiming military awards or decorations to gain money or other benefits, the Daily Mail reported.

In contrast, Walz has received some support from those who served with him.

Joseph Eustace, a former National Guard member, defended Walz. "From what I know of the situation, they're lying. He was as good as a soldier as you'll find… What I'm trying to do is defend someone who served his country. I'm not voting for him… But I don't think it's fair to characterize his service the way they have," he said.