Career in politics
Tim Walz is widely known as the governor of Minnesota as well as the running mate of Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. However, fewer people know about Walz’s early years serving in the military and working as an educator. In this photo gallery of Walz, we explore early moments in the 80s and 90s that led up to his career in politics.
After enlisting
Walz enlisted in the Army National Guard two days after turning 17, encouraged by his father who served in the Korean War. He served in the National Guard for 24 years after enlisting in 1981.
Heavy artillery
During his military career, Walz trained in heavy artillery and worked in disaster response following floods and tornadoes. In 1989, Walz earned the title of Nebraska Citizen-Soldier of the Year for his service.
After graduating
After graduating from Chadron State College, Walz took a teaching position with WorldTeach at Foshan No. 1 High School in Guangdong, China, starting in August 1989.
Become a teacher
He returned to the U.S. to become a teacher and coach in Alliance, Nebraska. He was named an Outstanding Young Nebraskan by the Nebraska Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1993.
Met his wife
Walz met his wife, Gwen Whipple, a fellow teacher, while working. They married in 1994 and later moved to Mankato, Minnesota. After their marriage, Walz converted from Catholicism to Lutheranism and identifies as a “Minnesota Lutheran,” attending Pilgrim Lutheran Church in St. Paul.
Former teacher
Walz has two brothers, Craig, a former science teacher, and Jeff, a former assistant principal, and an older sister, Sandy, who is a former teacher.
Different worlds
In Mankato, Walz worked as a geography teacher and defensive coordinator for the football team, which turned around from losing 27 straight games to winning its first state championship in 1999. He became the faculty advisor for Mankato West High School’s first gay-straight alliance in 1999, aiming to demonstrate the coexistence of different worlds.
Run for Congress
Walz earned a master of science in experiential education from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2002, and took a leave of absence from teaching in March 2006 to run for Congress.
Instead of retiring
After completing 20 years of service in the national guard, he chose to reenlist instead of retiring, motivated by the September 11, 2001 attacks. Walz retired from the National Guard in August 2002 and was later deployed to Italy in August 2003 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom for nine months.
Army Achievement Medals
He attained the rank of command sergeant major and held the position of senior enlisted soldier of the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment. His decorations include multiple medals such as the Army Commendation Medal and two Army Achievement Medals.
Treated his students
Walz became active in politics in August 2004 by volunteering for John Kerry’s presidential campaign after being frustrated by how security treated his students at a George W. Bush rally.