Tim Walz, then a candidate for the Republican Party in 2005, broke his promise to go to Iraq with his U.S. Army National Guard Unit despite his campaign.
Walz, who said he would continue his campaign for Congress, also stated in a statement to the press: “As command sergeant major, I must not only prepare my battalion to go to Iraq, but to be ready to serve when called upon.”
He said he would be willing to leave behind his wife and his daughter to go to Iraq to serve with his unit.
Walz eventually left the military, while his unit was deployed to Iraq.
Online, you can find a press release about Walz’s campaign that was first highlighted by Jack Posobiec from Human Events.
Walz still planning to run for Congress despite the possible call to duty in Iraq
March 20, 2005 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The National Guard Public Affairs Office on Thursday, 17th March announced that 2,000 Minnesota National Guard troops could be mobilized partially. Tim Walz, a candidate for the First District Congress, currently holds the rank of Command Sergeant Major of the 1-125th Batallion based in New Ulm. The battalion is composed primarily of men and women from southern Minnesota. In an announcement by the National Guard PAO, it was stated that Walz’s entire battalion or part of it could be mobilized for service in Iraq over the next two-year period.
Walz has been a member of the National Guard, which he joined in 1981, since then he has taught Global Geography to students at Mankato West High School. During his 23 years of service in the National Guard, he has served on previous deployments, including an 8-month deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Walz replied, “I don’t know yet if my artillery will be part of this mobilization. I cannot comment on the specifics of deployment.”
Walz, who is running for Minnesota’s first Congressional seat in Minnesota, has decided to remain in the race despite his tour in Iraq. As Command Sergeant Major, I am responsible for preparing my battalion to go to Iraq and also serving if needed. I am committed to serving my nation to the best of my ability, whether it is in Washington DC, or Iraq.
“I do not want to speculate what the shape of my campaign would be if I was deployed. However, I have no intention to withdraw from the race. I have the good fortune to be surrounded by a group of passionate supporters, and my wife is very intelligent and dedicated. “They will both be major parts of my campaign whether I’m in Minnesota or Iraq.”
Walz’s wife Gwen, and his four-year-old daughter Hope would be left behind if he was called to service.
Walz, despite his claims to the contrary, did not retire as command sergeant-major (E-9). He was a master sergeant, having not met the requirements to achieve the higher rank.
