Retired Staff Sgt. Ryan Marti and Lt. Col. Jonathon Jaqua both credit their decision to enlist in the Army National Guard to their former teacher and football coach, Tim Walz, who went on to become the Democratic nominee for vice president. Walz, who served 24 years in the National Guard, influenced many of his students to join the military and pursue a career in public service. Similarly, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, also enlisted in the military after high school and served in the Marines, with a tour in Iraq as a combat correspondent. Both Walz and Vance exemplify a rare attribute in politics today: enlisted military veterans running for high office.
Despite their differing political ideologies, Walz and Vance share a common background of military service that has shaped their leadership styles and career paths. Many who served with them in the military describe Walz as a positive motivator and Vance as mature beyond his years, with leadership skills that stood out even in their early military careers. Both men used their military experiences as a springboard to pursue higher education and political ambitions, with a focus on serving their communities and country in different capacities.
Walz’s military service has come under scrutiny since being selected as the Democratic vice presidential nominee, with criticism around his retirement from the National Guard before his unit deployed to Iraq. Some former members of his unit have questioned his decision to retire and run for Congress while his guard unit was preparing for deployment. However, others who served with Walz defended his choice, citing his desire to continue serving his country in a different capacity. Vance, on the other hand, has faced criticism for attacking Walz’s military record, sparking concerns about respecting military service.
Both Walz and Vance have emphasized their military service in their political campaigns, but it is not the sole focus of their biographies. Walz, a former teacher and coach, highlighted his military experience during his successful run for Congress in 2006, while also advocating for veterans’ issues during his time in office. Vance, known for his best-selling book “Hillbilly Elegy,” used his military background as a platform to address issues such as veteran healthcare and retirement benefits during his Senate campaign in 2022. Their military service has been a formative factor in shaping their political views and priorities.
In a time when fewer Americans have military experience, the fact that both Walz and Vance served in the military stands out as a defining characteristic of their leadership. Their experiences in uniform have influenced their approach to public service and informed their positions on policy issues, particularly regarding foreign interventions and veteran affairs. Despite their differences in political stances, both men have demonstrated a commitment to serving their communities and country, drawing on their military backgrounds as a source of inspiration and leadership.
