Governor Walz Accused of "Dishonorable" Conduct by Former Battalion Member

Tom Schilling, a veteran who served in the same battalion as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, alleges that Walz abandoned his unit before their deployment to Iraq in 2005.

Tom Schilling, a veteran who served alongside Governor Tim Walz in the Minnesota National Guard, has made explosive allegations against Walz, accusing him of "dishonorable" conduct and abandoning his unit before their deployment to Iraq in 2005.

Speaking on Fox News' "Jesse Watters Primetime," Schilling recounted how Walz left them "up to take over his spot" when the battalion was set to deploy. Schilling also questioned Walz's military experience, noting that Walz claimed to have carried a weapon in combat despite never having been in active combat.

Governor Walz Accused of "Dishonorable" Conduct by Former Battalion Member

"He probably knew he wasn't a good leader and he wanted to do something else," Schilling said. "We did get a really good leader with Command Sgt. Behrends."

Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Behrends, another veteran who served with Walz, has also publicly criticized Walz's portrayal of his military career. Behrands accused Walz of using "the rank of others to make it look like he's a better person than he is."

Governor Walz Accused of "Dishonorable" Conduct by Former Battalion Member

According to Army Lt. Col. Ryan Rossman, Minnesota National Guard’s Director of Operations, Walz "retired as a master sergeant in 2005 for benefit purposes because he did not complete additional coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy."

Schilling expressed concern about Walz's leadership abilities, citing his handling of the 2020 riots and COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota. "When I see the leadership that Walz offered to Minnesota," said Schilling, "I'm thankful he didn't come over there, or we'd have brought back a lot more body bags."

Governor Walz Accused of "Dishonorable" Conduct by Former Battalion Member

Regarding claims that Walz carried a weapon in combat, Schilling dismissed them as "stolen valor." "It's what he made up to advance himself in a political world," he said.

The Harris-Walz campaign has defended Walz's military record, stating that he "retired in 2005 and ran for Congress, where he chaired Veterans Affairs and was a tireless advocate for our men and women in uniform."

In 2003, Walz deployed to Italy with the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery to support Operation Enduring Freedom. He returned to Minnesota in 2004. The campaign has not responded to requests for comment regarding the latest allegations.

These accusations raise serious questions about Walz's credibility and leadership capabilities, and highlight the importance of integrity and accountability in elected officials, particularly those with military backgrounds.