LinkedIn Vets Speak Out on JD Vance's Attacks on Tim Walz's Military Service (Part 1)

Is it un-American for veterans to disparage the service of fellow veterans for political gain or any?reason?

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Welcome to the latest edition of "The Pulse of Politics" LinkedIn newsletter, which launched here two weeks ago.

Today, I'm recounting a sampling of exchanges I had with American military veterans in my LinkedIn network who agreed to be publicly interviewed here about attacks by President Donald Trump's 2024 presidential running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, on the military service of Kamala Harris's presidential running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (header image).

Due to the nature of the allegations leveled by Vance against Walz, different people have opposing viewpoints, including those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. If you are unfamiliar with this ongoing dispute, you can read an article from Sunday's Washington Post ("The Fact Checker") below:

• Assessing claims about Tim Walz's military service: Republicans are attacking the Democratic vice-presidential nominee on his retirement timing and with allegations of “stolen valor”
• A similar article appeared in the conservative media outlet, Breitbart: WaPo: ‘Sloppy and False’ of Walz to Say He Carried Weapons ‘in War’

As someone who has not served in the U.S. military, but whose late father was a U.S. Army veteran (10th Mountain Division), I was intrigued about an important question raised by this controversy:

Is it unpatriotic or un-American for one veteran (Vance) to castigate the service of another (Walz), particularly if the vet under scrutiny received an honorable discharge after 24 years of service (Walz)?

In order to gain more clarity, I posed this question to several veterans in my LinkedIn network. Below is a sampling of what some of them told?me. What do YOU think? Kindly consider commenting below...

Volunteerism & Sacrifice

Myles B. Caggins III is a retired U.S. Army Colonel. He is a three-tour combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Syria. Caggins serves on the board of directors of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.?

He made the following comments to me in his personal capacity:

• “At times military service is overly lionized by the public; while we should appreciate the volunteerism of all veterans and the sacrifices made by their families, then when, where, and how they served?—?including combat deployment?—?is often driven by decisions made in the Pentagon or 4-star headquarters far away from the motor pools and barracks where most troops work.”
• “Candidates for office who have volunteered and served America, typically have valuable insights and deeply consider the human impacts of military decisions.”
• “Every single service member has a role in bringing hope to our friends and striking fear in the hearts of our foes, those who served honorably all played a part in the defense of America.”

“What’s more important than quibbling about the honorable military service record of the candidates, is hearing their strategy and vision for America’s national security and their priorities for the Department of Veteran Affairs.”--U.S. Army Col. Myles B. Caggins III (retired)

Baseless Attacks

“Questioning a service member’s record without clear evidence is not only unwarranted but unpatriotic,” said Valarie R. Austin, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (retired). “It diminishes the respect due to all who have served, especially as military participation declines.”

“Every individual’s service?—?active duty, National Guard, or reserve?—?deserves our utmost respect.”

• “Attacking a fellow veteran’s service for political gain is un-American and diverts attention from policy debates. The ‘Swift Boat’ controversy surrounding John Kerry’s campaign shows how such tactics can unfairly tarnish distinguished records.”
• “Public discourse should focus on policy issues, not on undermining military service without undeniable evidence of misconduct.”

“As veterans, we have a duty to support one another, not engage in baseless attacks that disrespect all who have worn the uniform."--Valarie R. Austin, U.S. Army Lt. Col. (retired)

Collective Commitment

“There exists a profound sense of pride and camaraderie among veterans,” said Corina DuBois, who served in the U.S. Navy.

“When one veteran publicly denigrates another?—?both of whom have served honorably?—?their actions not only tarnish the individual but also undermine the very essence of the honor associated with military service to our nation.”

“Having had the privilege to serve as one of the first women aboard combat ships, I have witnessed the damaging effects of having to continually validate one’s service in response to baseless criticisms.”

“Such attitudes often stem from an entrenched institutional mindset, which can adversely affect both our collective commitment to serve our country and the manner in which we, as veterans, are viewed by the broader public.”

“In my experience, the path to overcoming these challenges lies in unwavering dedication to furthering our commitment to honor and appreciate the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans.”

“By promoting the pride that accompanies honorable service, we not only enhance our own reputation but also reflect positively on our nation and military, as well as on each individual who has served and will continue to serve the United States.”?--Corina Dubois, Navy veteran

Not Patriots, But?Traitors

Most of the veterans I contacted who agree with Vance’s criticism of Walz declined to publicly comment.?However, there are those who don’t mind voicing their strongly held beliefs, even if those opinions may strike some readers as inflammatory.

Len Swanson, a veteran of the Vietnam War, told me he “enlisted in 1972 and was given an opportunity to become an officer, being deployed to many different overseas locations” until he resigned in 1986 to serve in other capacities.

He is an outspoken supporter of former president Trump because...

“Trump and many others speak the truth, and so we never apologize for it,” Swanson told me.

Swanson says his views are representative of most vets:?

• “Those like Walz are not patriots but traitors. And, as such, the only justice for men is what true warriors have done from the beginning of time.”
• "It's important to tell the whole story of how Walz knowingly betrayed his unit and men he trained for combat."
• "When it came time to answer the call of duty, Walz 'turned tell' and, in essence ran, away as only cowards do. And at the cost of lives of some members of his unit."
• "That is why true veterans are pissed off at how Walz chose to end his career, and then embellishing his years of service for political gain."

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WHAT DO YOU THINK? Please leave your valuable comments below.

Also, if you like this post then kindly consider sharing it with your social media networks on LinkedIn and elsewhere. Many thanks!

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series in which I share my own views.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: I'm a long-time registered independent voter who is unaffiliated with the Harris-Walz campaign or any political campaign. My experience in government and politics in the nation's capital spans 25 years, including work at The White House, the Presidential Transition Office, two winning presidential campaigns, the U.S. Congress (Office of the House Majority Leader), and two federal agencies (both as a political appointee and career civil servant).