Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the Democratic and Republican vice presidential nominees, respectively, share a unique background as both enlisted military veterans. Walz served 24 years in the National Guard before retiring in 2005, while Vance spent four years in the Marines, including a tour in Iraq in 2005 as a combat correspondent.
Both Walz and Vance used their military service as a springboard, leveraging the GI Bill to attend college and pursue political careers. Despite being on opposite ends of the political spectrum, their time in the military shaped their leadership skills and political aspirations.
While neither Walz nor Vance saw combat, their military experiences instilled in them a critical perspective on the US involvement in the global war on terror. This skepticism influenced their early political campaigns, with Walz opposing the US invasion of Iraq in 2006 and Vance advocating for a more isolationist approach to US engagement in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.
As the number of Americans with military experience declines, the fact that both Walz and Vance served stands out. Their firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by veterans has undoubtedly shaped their perspectives and policies as political leaders.
According to Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the experiences of veterans like Walz and Vance have a lasting impact on their lives, influencing their decisions and guiding their paths long after their military service has ended.
