National Guard Association honors Tim Walz with Truman Award

Congressman Tim Walz took home a top honor this morning.

Walz was presented with 2017 Harry S. Truman Award at a special ceremony in his hometown of Mankato. Walz represents all of southern Minnesota, including Rochester. He is also seeking the DFL's endorsement for governor in 2018.

The Truman Award is the highest honor given out by the National Guard Association of the United States. Past recipients include presidents, senators and senior military officers.  

"The recipients of the Harry S. Truman Award have all been part of a special breed of patriots, people who have made a real difference in defending America," said Retired Brig. Gen. Roy Robinson, the association's president. "Representative Walz is most worthy of inclusion in that group." 

Walz, a 24-year veteran of the Guard, is the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to spend time in Congress. He served in Nebraska from 1981 to 1996 and in Minnesota from 1996 to 2005.

"Words cannot describe how humbled I am to receive the Harry S. Truman Award," said Walz. "It is one of the greatest honors of my life to fight alongside the National Guard Association of the United States for our brave National Guard members and the security of this great nation. I will continue to work toward the ideals of service and self-sacrifice that this prestigious award embodies."

Walz was first elected to Congress in 2006. He serves as the ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

Cover photo: Twitter / National Guard Association