Tim Walz introduced as 'Command Sergeant Major' at DNC amid stolen valor controversy

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was introduced as "Command Sergeant Major" despite not retiring with the title from the military at a meeting for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Monday. The improper introduction comes as Walz has faced criticisms of "stolen valor" for using the title repeatedly during his political career.  

At the event on Monday, a woman spoke introducing Walz, saying, "I am so proud to welcome our vice-presidential candidate, soon to be nominee for vice president, Command Master Sergeant — and I'm going to start with the title that is very important to me — the Command Sergeant Major, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota." 

She added that he is now a "joyful warrior" for the Democrats as she introduced Walz at the event. Walz entered to cheers from those at the event. In reality, Walz had been conditionally promoted to Command Sergeant Major if he finished his coursework for the US Army Sergeants Major Academy when he was in the military. 

Instead of remaining in the service when his men were facing deployment to Iraq in 2005, he quit to run for Congress and his title was reduced to Master Sergeant. Since becoming a political figure, Walz has repeatedly used the title "Command Sergeant Major" in speeches and at different events, despite never fully earning the title while in the service.  

The controversy surrounding him falsely using the title has led to many accusing the Minnesota governor of "stolen valor," or embellishing awards and decorations earned in the military for gain. The DNC will last through Thursday and Walz is expected to speak on Wednesday, per Minnesota news outlet Willmar Radio.  

John Kolb, the former battalion commander for the National Guard unit in which Tim Walz served, previously spoke out about Walz "glomming on" to the Command Sergeant Major title as well as leaving the military as his men were preparing for a deployment to Iraq. Kolb wrote in a Facebook post, "I do not regret that Tim Walz retired early from the Minnesota Army National Guard, did not complete the Sergeants Major Academy, broke his enlistment contract or did not successfully complete any assignment as a Sergeant Major."