As a decorated U.S. Air Force combat veteran and the mayor of Orland Park, Illinois, I have a deep respect for all who have served our country honorably.

Every role in the military, whether in combat or support, is crucial to the success of our armed forces. However, when a public figure exaggerates or misrepresents their military service, it raises serious concerns about their integrity and leadership capabilities.

This is precisely the issue with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whose military record and subsequent political career deserve closer scrutiny, especially now that he is being considered as a potential vice president.

Walz’s decision to leave the military before deployment is troubling, particularly when coupled with his behavior as governor of Minnesota. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 riots, his leadership was put to the test — and he failed.

His inability to protect citizens’ freedoms and ensure their safety during these crises should give us all pause. If Walz could not effectively lead and safeguard Minnesotans during these critical moments, how can we trust him to lead our nation, especially in the role of commander-in-chief?

While Walz’s military service, like that of all veterans, deserves recognition, his tendency to embellish his record is disconcerting. Over the years, Walz has made inflated claims about his retired rank and his experience carrying weapons in war.

These statements not only undermine the respect owed to all service members but also reveal a disturbing pattern of self-aggrandizement for personal and political gain. True military leaders understand that every position, whether on the front lines or in support roles, is vital.

To distort one’s service record for the sake of political advantage shows a lack of respect for those who serve and for the truth.

For seventeen years, Walz’s exaggerated military record has gone largely unchallenged. However, with his name now being floated as a potential vice president, his qualifications deserve the highest level of scrutiny.

The vice presidency is just one heartbeat away from the presidency, and the president’s most sacred duty as commander-in-chief is to make decisions that may put American lives at risk. Walz’s history as both a soldier and a governor suggests that he is ill-suited for such a grave responsibility.

His failures in leadership during critical moments in Minnesota only heighten these concerns.

Moreover, Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision to consider Walz as her running mate raises serious questions about her judgment. This choice — arguably the most consequential of her vice presidency — signals a concerning disregard for the qualities necessary for effective leadership at the highest levels of government.

It appears that Harris is willing to place someone in line for the presidency who has shown an inability to lead effectively in a crisis and to protect the freedoms and safety of American citizens.

It is important to clarify that combat experience is not a prerequisite for effective leadership. Many great leaders in our history have served in non-combat roles, and they have led with distinction.

The issue with Walz is not his lack of combat experience, but rather his apparent need to exaggerate his service and his demonstrated shortcomings in leadership positions. This is not about devaluing his service; it is about holding him accountable for how he represents that service to the American people.

Americans, and especially members of the United States military, deserve leaders who are honest about their experiences, capable of making the most difficult decisions, and committed to protecting the freedoms and safety of all citizens. Tim Walz’s record, combined with Kamala Harris’ decision to consider him as her running mate, raises serious doubts about their ability to meet these crucial standards.

As we approach the upcoming election, voters must carefully consider whether the Harris-Walz ticket truly represents the leadership that America needs. The future of our nation, the integrity of our military, and the lives of our service members may very well depend on it.

Keith Pekau is a decorated U.S. Air Force combat veteran as an Instructor Weapons System Officer in an F-15E.  He also ran for Congress in Illinois District 6 in 2022 and is currently the Mayor of Orland Park, Ill.

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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