Walz is remembered as an influential teacher and coach who mentored students beyond the classroom and field and helped lead the football team to state championships.

As a teacher and coach at Mankato West High School, Tim Walz gave out hallway high-fives, was named “most inspiring teacher,” motivated students to become educators themselves and helped create a turnaround story for the football team.

Now governor of Minnesota and the vice presidential pick on the Democratic presidential ticket, Walz is still remembered fondly by his former students and players.

“He was probably one of the most well-liked teachers in the school while he taught there,” said Katie Heintz, 41, who had Walz as a teacher her junior year of high school and is now the director of a library in the area.

  • peopleproblems@lemmy.world
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    3 months ago

    So, because he retired at Conmand Sargent Major, it makes me curious if he’s still referred to his rank by service members (or any CO or NCO after retirement).

    If so, does that mean his civilian authority now outranks that - so as VP it would supercede his military rank?

    I have no idea what I’m asking I guess

    • EleventhHour@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      From what I understand, after retirement, any reference to rank is purely out of ceremony or sentimentality. I could be wrong about this though.

      His rank as vice president, should he get elected, would be an official rank. I believe it’s four star general.

    • Notyou@sopuli.xyz
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      3 months ago

      If someone wants to be referred to by their rank after leaving the service then they are a goober. It is an informal thing. I met civilians that still wanted to be called Gunny or Master Sargeant. I think it’s weird. You’re not in anymore, stop trying to relive your “glory days.”

      As far as VP, I’m almost positive that the VP technically is not in the DoD chain of command. I might be wrong. I think VP would still have some pull, but officially he wouldn’t be giving orders. Military orders and not “could you open that door for me?” orders.

      They would call him the honorable Mr. Walz as far as the title goes.