Austin, TX — Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-TX), who represents Texas’s 23rd district, has asserted his status as the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer (NCO) to ever serve in Congress after false statements by Democrat vice presidential candidate Tim Walz.
This statement comes amidst controversy surrounding claims made by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz regarding his own military rank.
Gonzales, who retired from the U.S. Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer, served for 20 years with multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. The Master Chief Petty Officer rank is the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Navy, underscoring Gonzales’ extensive military experience and leadership.
In a recent statement on social media, Gonzales addressed what he described as “embellishments” in Walz’s military record. Walz, who served in the Minnesota National Guard, had previously claimed the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Army.
However, it was later revealed that Walz did not complete the necessary coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, leading to his retirement as a Master Sergeant, a rank below that of Command Sergeant Major.
Walz’s military service has been the subject of scrutiny since his entry into politics, particularly regarding the circumstances of his retirement shortly before his unit was deployed to Iraq. Critics have accused Walz of using his military rank for political gain while not fully completing the required training for his claimed rank.
Gonzales emphasized the importance of honesty and integrity in public service, particularly concerning military records.
“Military service, at any level, is an act of valor. Embellishing your record is not,” Gonzales stated. He further called on Walz to address the discrepancies in his military service record.
Gonzales’ clarification sets a precedent in ensuring transparency among public officials with military backgrounds, particularly as Walz has been selected as the running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election.
As the highest-ranking enlisted service member to serve in Congress, Gonzales’ military experience continues to be a defining aspect of his public service, setting a standard for accountability among veterans in political office.
