Posted on Mar 2, 2023
How can I verify if someone actually served in the military or if they are practicing stolen valor?
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I know that you could ask the for a DD214 but this person is very confrontational and I don't feel like causing a scene so how can I verify their military service. I have legitimate reasons and/or suspicions that they may not have served even though they are claiming they did.
Posted in these groups: 
Stolen Valor
Military service
Stolen Valor Military service
Posted 1 y ago
Responses: 91
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SGT Wayne Grindstaff
I agree with that, when I had an interview with my union I had to include my DD214. I actually believe the one interviewer was a combat vet from Korea as he kept pointing at my DD214, and that was in the 1971. I know that's why I got into a strong father and Son union without a father in the union.
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Sgt David Johns
Ask a question out of friendly curiosity, in a way that only a vet would know how to answer, for instance, "Oh yeah? Cool. What was your MOS?" "Desert Storm? , wow, what year was that again?" I agree that confronting out of disbelief is asking for trouble.
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MSgt Craig Gauger
Unless they're a very educated liar, ask simple questions that only a Veteran would know. Ask about their deployments or duty stations. Purposely speak about a false situation/location and wait for agreement or correction.
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PO1 (Join to see)
One point is that there are other things that can be provided instead of DD214/discharge papers. The VA can provide letters with veteran status, percent disabled, and other info; they can also provide a ID card verifying that the holder is indeed a veteran. Also, I have heard that veterans can file a copy of their DD214 at the county courthouse. I don't know how to do this, nor if the county would provide a letter verifying veteran status.
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You could do a Freedom of Information Act request for his service. If you think they are benefiting from it then you should contact law enforcement. If they are just saying outlandish stories I would just let them think they are cool. If it goes to the point about wartime service then I start to ask questions wrong on process. Like if he was in the 101st Air Assault at Fort Bragg. If he said yes then I start to call them out.
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SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM
OR STAY IN YOUR LANE....I BET THIS PERSON WHO POSTED THIS QUESTION ABOVE NEVER GETS SLEEP. THE MILITARY IS NOT YOUR LIFE OR FOREVER...
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GySgt William Hardy
SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM - Even if you feel like you are, even after leaving active service, let it go. If you are on active duty, let it go. It just isn't worth your time. However, as one person was saying, it causes harm . . .
We had a group of "panhandlers" who were slowing traffic down. The local TV news covered their story and one guy who was wearing a BDU shirt said that VA would not help. I emailed the TV station and told them what had to be done to get VA help at the local clinic. They went back and told the panhandlers and offered to carry them down the street. Turned out they were all lying. Funny how they all disappeared and have never returned.
We had a group of "panhandlers" who were slowing traffic down. The local TV news covered their story and one guy who was wearing a BDU shirt said that VA would not help. I emailed the TV station and told them what had to be done to get VA help at the local clinic. They went back and told the panhandlers and offered to carry them down the street. Turned out they were all lying. Funny how they all disappeared and have never returned.
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