WATCH: Tim Walz hits back JD Vance for questioning his military service, says he's a 'damn proud' veteran

WASHINGTON, DC: Tim Walz responded to JD Vance’s attacks on his military record, intensifying the ongoing clash between the two vice presidential candidates.

Walz, who was chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, addressed the criticisms during his first solo speech since his selection.

Tim Walz defends his military record against JD Vance's accusations

In his address, Tim Walz defended his military service and stressed the importance of respecting all who serve the country, rejecting the notion that any service record should be demeaned.

Walz, who served in the Army National Guard for over two decades, spoke to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union in Los Angeles.

“I am damn proud of my service to this country. And I firmly believe you should never denigrate another person’s service record," Walz expressed according to The Hill.

"To anyone brave enough to put on that uniform for our great country, including my opponent, I just have a few simple words: Thank you for your service and sacrifice,” Walz said, addressing the union.

The remarks came in response to accusations from Vance, a Marine veteran, who accused Walz of being insincere about his military background and suggested that Walz engaged in "stolen valor."

Tim Walz refutes JD Vance's claims that Democrat VP pick avoided deployment

JD Vance, who served in Iraq, claimed that Tim Walz “dropped out of the Army” to avoid deployment, contrasting his own service with that of Walz.

Walz, who did not see combat during his time in the Army National Guard, left the military to run for Congress before his unit was deployed.

Those who served with him have noted that at the time of his retirement, the group was not aware they would be deployed.

“These guys are even attacking me for my record of service. And I just want to say, I’m proud to have served my country, and I always will be," Walz reiterated his pride in his service.

Tim Walz says his decision to run for Congress felt 'call of duty again'

Tim Walz mentioned that with his father's encouragement, who had served in the Army during the Korean War, he signed up for the Army National Guard just two days after his 17th birthday.

"I signed up for the Army National Guard two days after my 17th birthday,” Walz stated during his speech. "Then in 2005, I felt the call of duty again, this time of being a service to my country in the halls of Congress."

Walz also mentioned that his students inspired him to pursue that office.