Why JD Vance's Rhetoric About Walz is Dangerous

The accusation of stolen valor undermines not only Tim Walz' service, but the 8% of Americans who have served.

Less than 8 percent of Americans have taken the oath that they will "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic." This is part of the oath of enlistment for members of the United States Armed Forces. Governor Walz and I have taken it; as has my mother, father, husband, and a long list of other family members and friends.

We are a military family. A family that has served in several different branches for several different reasons. I don't know why Tim Walz decided to enlist in the National Guard. For me, I decided to enlist in the United States Army Reserves to give back to an institution that had served me well throughout my life. My first breath of life was taken on an Army base. My college education was possible because of my mother's service in the Army. I felt a deep desire to give back, so I enlisted. And while I never had the opportunity to deploy, I am still proud to have served my country.