2009 Video Resurfaces: Two Veterans Confront Tim Walz’s Staff Over False Afghanistan Service Claims — Told Them that Stolen Valor Act Violations Could Lead to Jail Time

Tim Walz has consistently portrayed himself as “a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom,” the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan initiated after the September 11 attacks. The controversy surrounding Tim Walz’s military service has resurfaced following his selection as Kamala Harris’ running mate, with accusations of “stolen valor.” However, it has come to light that Walz never deployed to Afghanistan, nor did he engage in any combat operations during his military career. His service was primarily in Italy, where he supported NATO forces.

In 2009, Iraq War veteran David Thul confronted Walz’s aides at his Mankato office regarding these claims. Thul, armed with knowledge and evidence, filmed the encounter where he pointed out that Walz’s assertions could be interpreted as violations of the Stolen Valor Act.

“Operation Enduring Freedom is limited to Afghanistan and the airspace directly above,” Thul explained during the encounter. “Congressman Walz is clearly claiming … to be an Enduring Freedom veteran. Nobody disputes the fact that he is not an Afghanistan or Enduring Freedom veteran. So this represents a fairly serious issue.”

“Operation Enduring Freedom is limited to Afghanistan and the airspace directly above,” Thul told the aide.

“This right here, under current US law, could get the congressman probably thrown in jail in violation of 2006’s Stolen Valor Act, which says it is a federal crime to portray yourself in writing or verbally as having received an award or decoration by Congress that you didn’t receive. Congressman Walz is clearly claiming in this picture with this sign to be an Enduring Freedom veteran. Nobody disputes the fact that he is not an Afghanistan or an Enduring Freedom veteran. So this represents a fairly serious issue,” he said.

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Two Veterans Confront Tim Walz’s Staff Over Stolen Valor Act Violations