Stolen Valor Accusations Against Gov. Tim Walz by Former Battalion Member

'Far Darker Than You Think'

In a bombshell revelation, a former battalion member has accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of fabricating key aspects of his military service to further his political career. Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Behrends, who served with Walz, appeared on "The Ingraham Angle" to expose what he claims are serious fabrications in Walz's military record.

"It's way far darker than a lot of people think, I mean it is stolen valor. He's used the rank that he never achieved in order to advance his political career. He's done it for decades now basically."

Behrends stated that Walz continues to misrepresent himself as a retired "command sergeant major," a rank he never officially held upon retirement.

"He still says that he is a retired Command Sergeant Major to this day and he's not. He uses his rank, uses rank of others to make it look like he's a better person than he is. He still does it even, just however long ago."

Behrends explained that Walz had been promoted to this rank in 2004 but failed to complete the required two additional years of service, resulting in a reversion to master sergeant when he retired in 2005.

"If you don't complete that, you don't get the rank."

Walz’s biography on the Minnesota governor’s website also suggested he had combat experience, despite never being in active combat zones. Behrends, along with other former battalion members, have voiced their frustration over Walz's portrayal of his military career, accusing him of embellishing his service to gain political advantage.

A statement from Walz’s campaign highlighted his 24 years of military service and subsequent role in Congress, where he chaired Veterans Affairs and advocated for military personnel. However, this response has done little to quell the discontent among his former comrades, who continue to view his actions as dishonorable.

Another former battalion member, Tom Schilling, echoed Behrends’ sentiments, accusing Walz of abandoning his unit just before their deployment to Iraq and labeling his actions as "dishonorable." Despite the growing criticism, Walz’s team has not yet responded to these allegations.