Vance criticizes Biden, Walz during visit to Lower Burrell VFW

Vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance used his speech to an invitation-only crowd at Lower Burrell’s VFW post to criticize President Joe Biden’s administration for its withdrawal from Afghanistan.

“We lost 13 brave service members we didn’t need to lose,” said Vance, flanked by Republican lawmakers, most of whom also are veterans.

Vance planned the stop Thursday morning specifically to address issues related to veterans and the country’s military. He blasted the current administration for the withdrawal that was marred by a terrorist bomb at one of the gates to Bagram Airbase that killed the service members while American forces were hurrying to evacuate.

A number of Americans and Afghan citizens who cooperated with American forces were left behind as Taliban forces regained control of the war-torn country.

Vance also attacked his counterpart, Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, openly questioning past statements Walz has made about his military service.

Vance, a Marine veteran of the Iraq War, gave a 10 minute speech and then took questions from the press, but kept his focus on attacking the Democratic ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Walz. The Republican senator from Ohio claimed Walz, who served in the Nebraska and Minnesota Army National Guard, is exaggerating his record and criticized Walz for never serving in combat.

“Why did Tim Walz lie?” Vance said. “We are not attacking his service, but we are attacking his dishonesty about his service”

Walz achieved the rank of command sergeant major, but that was reduced to master sergeant after he retired, according to CBS News. Walz retired before his unit deployed to Iraq and before he completed coursework for the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy required for the higher rank.

Walz, the governor of Minnesota, has faced backlash for misrepresenting his military service, including past remarks in which he claimed to have been deployed to war zones in the Middle East when he actually was deployed to Italy.

“I just want to say, I’m proud to have served my country and I always will be,” Walz said Tuesday at a campaign event in Los Angeles.

Local Democrats responded to the attacks in a press conference held in East Liberty following Vance’s remarks. Former Congressman Conor Lamb, a Democrat and Marine veteran, defended Walz and said attacks against his 24-years of military service are an attempt by Vance to distract voters from issues that impact veterans.

“It is not an ego contest of who did what in the war.” Lamb said. “It is about ‘what are your policies to help veterans moving forward?’ And Harris and Walz have a record.”

Lamb said Walz spent years in congress as the ranking member of the House Veteran Affairs committee and worked to improve the GI Bill and to help to fine tune the Honoring Our PACT Act, a bill to expand health care benefits to millions of veterans whose military service included exposure to burn pits.

When asked what policies the Trump-Vance administration would support to help veterans, Vance said the administration would make the Department of Veterans Affairs more efficient by firing bad apples and touted Trump’s support for the Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act, which ensures military veterans can receive health care in the private sector when it is not easily accessible from VA facility.

“I think we ought to be giving veterans more choice for their healthcare and, if we do, that is how we stay faithful to the promises we made to them,” Vance said.

In addition to criticizing Walz, Vance also attacked Harris, claiming she is running from hard questions by not hosting a press conference and taking direct questions from reporters.

“I think it’s disgraceful that Tim Walz and Kamala Harris are running from every interview, every reporter,” Vance said. “They should respect the American people enough to actually stand before them and ask for their vote.”

The campaign anticipated 400 attendees Thursday, but the crowd was decidedly smaller, with about 100 supporters, veterans, and politicians.

Vance’s remarks were much anticipated by local Republicans who managed to get an invitation.

Alan Milito of Upper Burrell said Vance’s remarks, along with those of other lawmakers there, exceeded his expectations.

“I really think they were down to earth and very nice, and that’s what we need in this country. We need to bring the country together and these guys are able to do it.”

Prior to the speech Richard Schachte was excited to hear Vance’s policies on veterans and he military.

A New Kensington resident and U.S. Air Force Reserve retiree, Schachte said he feels the country’s military is “imploding,” including the areas of recruitment and retention.

“It needs attention. I don’t think the Harris-Walz campaign is going to do that,” he said.

JD Vance has arrived at the VFW in Lower Burrell. He said he accepted a membership to the lodge, and plans on coming back for maybe pancakes and cigarette. pic.twitter.com/lJYjOBFj3w

— Ryan Deto (@RyanDeto) August 15, 2024

The campaign stop happened amid tight security.

Police and Secret Service teams checked every vehicle entering the VFW property with police dogs and searches. Officers were visible on the roof of the VFW building. Some media covering the event had to arrive as early as 4 a.m. to have camera and other equipment checked by police and Secret Service personnel.

Security surrounding Vance and GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump has been increased significantly since the failed assassination attempt on Trump during his last visit to western Pennsylvania. Trump was grazed by a bullet while delivering a speech at the Butler County Farm Show grounds on July 13.

Buffalo Township resident Corey Comperatore was killed in the shooting. David Dutch of Plum and James Copenhaver of Moon were seriously injured in the shooting.

The incident resulted in intense scrutiny of Secret Service protocols and led to the resignation of the service’s director.

Here is a video from our Trib photographer of the bomb sniffing dog checking his vehicle. High security presence here at the JD Vance event in Lower Burrell VFW pic.twitter.com/F4KePLkxdA

— Ryan Deto (@RyanDeto) August 15, 2024

Vance was joined by Republican congressmen Jim Banks of Indiana, Brian Mast of Florida and Michael Waltz of Florida.

Local elected officials at the event included Republican state Reps. Abby Major and Jill Cooper, Lower Burrell Mayor Chris Fabry, Armstrong County Commissioner Anthony Shea and state Treasurer Stacy Garrity.

Cooper, R-Murrysville, said it’s significant that Vance’s first appearance in Westmoreland County is focused on veterans, and said that Vance himself is a Marine Corps veteran.

“I think that’s special. I am looking forward to his words today to inspire and encourage them. They’re valued and appreciated and we love them.”

She bought his book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” when it first came out and is inspired by his story. She’s hoping Vance might sign her copy of the book.

She said if Trump and Vance focus on policies, they will win.

“People are looking for correction when it comes to inflation. People are looking for correction at the border … these issues need corrected and I think these are the ones that resonate with people in our city and our county.”

Shortly before Vance’s scheduled appearance, his campaign announced he has agreed to debate Walz on Oct. 1. The debate will be hosted by CBS.

Dana Wise of Harrison was hoping to share her story with Vance. She and a few friends were at the Butler rally during the assassination attempt on Trump and immediately began to shout the Lords Prayer afterward.

She watched the Hillbilly Elegy movie and was inspired by Vance’s story.

“He doesn’t try to hide what he went through.”

The Alle-Kiski Valley region is a key target for Republicans. The area formerly was a Democratic stronghold, but voter preferences have shifted over the years, and Trump did well in the Valley in 2016 and 2020, winning every municipality in the region except for New Kensington.

Lower Burrell, where the rally is being held, is dominated by Republicans.

Also attending is Vince Fusca, an enigmatic figure at Trump rallies this year. The conspiracy theorists of QAnon, believe Fusca actually is JFK Jr., the son of late President John F. Kennedy who died in a plane crash in 1999.

Yes, Vince Fusca is here at JD Vance event Lower Burrell. The conspiracy theory QAnon believe Fusca is JFK Jr, who they believe is still alive. Fusca is mingling with local Republicans pic.twitter.com/HmncDk6oSa

— Ryan Deto (@RyanDeto) August 15, 2024

Alice Treser of Upper Burrell, an employee of the VFW, was looking forward to hearing Vance’s plans for veterans.

“He’s here for the veterans, and we work for veterans. That’s a big part of our job. I want to hear what he has to say about it,” she said.

She said she was thrilled when she got the invitation to the event Wednesday night.

“It meant a lot to me to be here,” she said.

Treser said Trump and Vance are a lot alike.

“They say what’s on their mind,” she said. “They don’t feed you a line.”

In addition to veterans, other topics important to Treser are the economy, inflation and the border.

Alice Treser of Upper Burrell is an employee of the VFW and is looking forward to hearing Vance speak on his plans for veterans today. She is excited for a Trump-Vance ticket and thinks they complement each other well. pic.twitter.com/mWKUho9R0C

— Kellen Stepler (@KellenStepler) August 15, 2024

The Harris and Walz campaign released a statement Wednesday scoffing at Vance’s claim of supporting veterans.

“Trump and Vance’s extreme Project 2025 agenda would slash veterans’ hard-earned benefits and health care,” the Harris-Walz campaign said in a statement released ahead of Vance’s campaign stop. “Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz believe we should thank those who served our country, not belittle them – that’s why they’ll always fight to make sure our veterans and military families get the benefits and respect they have earned and deserve.”

Mallory Lott of Lower Burrell looked forward to learning more about Vance and his plans.

“I’m excited to hear what he plans to do to change the economy,” said Lott, a Westmoreland County Republican Committee member.

She thinks Trump and Vance complement each other well.

“If they focus on this economy and how to get us out of the current situation, they will win in a landslide,” she said. “They need to focus on the issues and not the competition.”

She was surprised to learn that Vance selected Lower Burrell for a rally, but thinks the smaller venues are a sign that he and Trump listening to Americans.

“They’re talking to people and listening. Trump wants to hear from the people and I do believe he takes it into consideration.”i