Confronting stolen valor situations in person. How would you handle these kinds of situations?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 18:29:27 -0400

Seeing this post is shocking to many as the veteran said; he had battle buddies who he served with die who were Rangers. As a Soldier, whether Junior ranking, NCO, or Officer, how would you handle a situation like this? Speaking with some guys in my unit, many say they would have went off on this fake. Others say they would have called the police for this situation. Have you recently came across any fakes or knew someone that did? In my opinion, I would have definitely confronted this fake professionally as it is a disgrace to many other service members who served and lost someone close to them. whats your take on this? Do you think the veteran's position was correct in this situation? Let keep it professional.

Fake U.S. Army Ranger Confronted by Veterans

U.S. Army Veterans spot and confront a fake Soldier wearing MSG Rank and Ranger Tab. After watching the video, what would you have done different?

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made Mar 16 at 2014 7:04 PM

SFC Steven Harvey — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 19:04:44 -0400

As much as I agree with the call out, it is that individuals right to wear whatever he wants so long as he does not profit from wearing it. It's also the right of that Ranger to call him out. However if I am not mistaken he was arrested (the Ranger) for disturbing the peace or something. I was following it on Facebook, before the change in the Stolen Valor act in 2012 iirc that impostor could have been jailed.

It's sort of the same way that the Westboro Baptist Church gets away with everything they do.

I just got a kick out of the guy, he just had no idea. MSG rank at that age, no PC, wrong combination of patches, hands in pocket, etc.

Just totally ignorant.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 16 at 2014 7:18 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 19:18:11 -0400

I think he (the Ranger) did a great job of not crushing the dirtbag poser. I am not so sure many of us could have controlled our rage, especially those that have lost some of our own brothers in arms during combat operations.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 16 at 2014 7:39 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 19:39:30 -0400

I think he did a lot better than I would have, of course now that I am retired, I only really have myself to "embarrass" as opposed to my unit and Army..so I may have handled things a little more harshly....

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 8:51 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:51:52 -0400

The turds who perpetrate such a fraud do it to seek attention.  I say we're entitled to give them attention.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 9:20 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 21:20:27 -0400

I would have done the exact same thing as the other guy. I don't fault that young Ranger not one bit. I really wish Congress would do more with these fake/phony imposers. I just called out a guy on Rallypoint a week ago for making claims. I took some flack by some Rallypoint members but at the end of the day you live with your choices. Screw that guy and if I ever saw the man who called him out I would have bought him a Beer.

ATW

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 10:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 22:57:28 -0400

I would have handled the situation little better. Depending upon what was said after my hypothetical confrontation there's a 50/50 chance I'd be in jail. Needless to say, this is a sore spot for me.

Response by SPC(P) Delcina Myers made Mar 16 at 2014 11:19 PM

SPC(P) Delcina Myers — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 23:19:45 -0400

Whoa... Just whoa...

I've never called out a fake wearing a uniform, but I have called out a higher ranking individual talking and walking on a cell phone... Politely, of course. I said, "Sir... Did you know that it was against Post regulations to walk and talk on a cell phone?" He said, "Yes, I am aware." Then I said, "All due respect, sir, but if you are a platoon leader and you expect your soldiers to follow your footsteps, like every officer most likely wishes, then maybe you should lead by example, sir." Instantly got off his phone. I was completely nervous, but still. How should my higher ranking soldiers/leaders expect me, or others, to follow the rules that s/he doesn't follow in the first place? Total Hippocratic. I was only a fuzzy patch then, in civis. But I felt like I was doing the right thing. Plus, I was annoyed by seeing this as well. I get reprimanded for walking and talking, why didn't he? Who knows if he continued to talk and walk, or if he just started to squat and talk. Being an MP, our Drill Sergeants informed us that correcting other soldiers in a polite, military manner is the best thing. This vet, however, did the right thing. I also believe in public humiliation for doing a crime, like they did back in the 1600s+; but this man should also have been incarcerated for impersonating a soldier. To civilians: if your going to be fake and put on the uniform: Do your fucking research first! Better way to NOT get caught, and to piss me off! I hate it when I see people wanting to be a soldier, halloween is a different story... But still. I worked hard to wear this uniform, I didn't cry alligator tears through all the pain, and misery, and the 'Dear John' letter for NOTHING. If you wanna be a soldier 'for a day'... Be a soldier for 6 years, THEN you have the privilege to wear the uniform that BRAVE and TRUE soldiers bled and died in, not just because you can order shit online or go to the local Surplus store.

It's just my opinion... And rant... Sorry Sirs, Ma'ams and Sergeants reading my post. It just really irks me when I see shit like this. Honestly, I probably would have gone off the handle, glad I wasnt there.

Response by SSG Zachery Mitchell made Mar 17 at 2014 3:00 AM

SSG Zachery Mitchell — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 03:00:39 -0400

The fat sack of shit is lucky the former Ranger didn't Ranger Up on his ass. If the veteran was still active duty I would say he could have been a little more professional in his language, but he handled it pretty much the same way I would expect just about any of us to handle it.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 3:28 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 03:28:51 -0400

Definitely should keep calm and collected, let him know you mean business but don't blow your lid. Take his information, take photos, and report him!

Response by LTC John Czarnecki made Mar 17 at 2014 5:27 AM

LTC John Czarnecki — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 05:27:54 -0400

The thin line you have to always be aware of and violate at your own peril is that of "Assault."   Civilian police forces aren't necessarily interested in the poser status of the scumbag who's improperly wearing a uniform he never earned.  They WILL be interested in the fact that you have assaulted another citizen, and they will enforce laws that they're charged with enforcing.   End result... you get carted off to jail for having forcibly stripped the rank and tab off a POS, but he likely goes scott free.  Is that an injustice?  Yup.  Is it likely to happen?  Yup. Consider the takedown as a military objective.  Plan your mission, have good actions at the objective, and if necessary, a good persuit operation.  The Ranger in the video tried to execute a hasty ambush, and let himself get caught up in the moment, emotionally, so that both his actions at the objective and the persuit operation were flawed. Hell, most of the civilians in the AO were siding with "that poor soldier... he didn't do anything to you..." Pick your fights.  If you engage, do so with violence of action (might not necessarily be literally violent, but could be... ) and have a disengagement plan. Good Luck, and good Hunting.

Response by SSG Matthew Thomas made Mar 17 at 2014 1:50 PM

SSG Matthew Thomas — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 13:50:37 -0400

Outstanding work correcting this POS.

Response by SSG Dominic Delia made Mar 17 at 2014 1:54 PM

SSG Dominic Delia — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 13:54:34 -0400

I watched it and I think the Ranger was rightly pissed off, but as an old school MP who performed lots of UP work in my time, honestly, it was not wearing his cover outside that made me cringe almost as much.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Mar 17 at 2014 1:57 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 13:57:56 -0400

Absolutely perfect response to this poser. If he wants to wear the uniform - EARN it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 2:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:26:19 -0400

SGT Smith, actually according to 18 U.S. Code 702 it is illegal to impersonate a member of the United States Armed Forces.

"Whoever, in any place within the jurisdiction of the United States or in the Canal Zone, without authority, wears the uniform or a distinctive part thereof or anything similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of any of the armed forces of the United States, Public Health Service or any auxiliary of such, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both." (source is http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/702)

Therefore, they did not have to call him out in public (though I really enjoyed watching it and applaud them for it), they could have just called the cops and had him arrested for violating a federal law. Or in my preference done both, call him out and call the cops to have him arrested.

18 U.S. Code § 702 - Uniform of armed forces and Public Health Service | LII / Legal Information Institute

The table below lists the classification updates, since Jan. 3, 2012, for this section. Updates to a broader range of sections may be found at the update page for containing chapter, title, etc.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 2:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:34:09 -0400

I thought it was funny that the other civilians were defending him but that guy was like F#$* that and still called him out. Threw AR 670-1 all in his face and that poser was lost in the sauce. He was so scared he was going to remove that ranger tab LOL.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Mar 17 at 2014 2:38 PM

SPC David Wyckoff — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:38:31 -0400

It was bad enough he was in the uniform. Had he been wearing it with no tapes, patches or tabs, I would have been annoyed but probably not approached him. But the minute he put the U.S. Army tape on, he was a SV POS. Anything after that just served to draw the ire of those who had earned that specific patch or tab. 
 
A mid to late-20s E-8 chillin outside without headgear and hands in pockets? About as likely as a unicorn sighting. 
Being in an EOD/Ranger unit in the 101st? I can't say with any certainty if there is or is not such an animal. I'm doubting it.
The defining moment in this video for me was when the young Ranger vet closed the gap and ordered him to remove his Ranger tab...and he did. It was game over after that. 
The civilians sticking up for him? To me that is just another reminder of the "participation ribbon" world we exist in. Their pleas to leave him alone because the Ranger vet's point had been made serve to remind us why there are less than 3% of the total population that have served or currently serve in the military. All I heard was Baaaa, baaa, baaa, baaa.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 3:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 15:28:43 -0400

Sadly, unless this "individual" intended to gain tangible benefits from posing as a Soldier, he is protected under the 1st Amendment as stated by the US Supreme Court in United States v. Alvarez 567 U.S. The revised Stolen Valor Act signed into law in 2013 only criminalizes "posing" if the "poser" is attempting to gain some sort of benefit. Does this make it right? Absolutely not, however, it is legal to stand there looking like the proverbial soup sandwich and tell phony war stories. As far as how to handle the situation like the one shown in the video, it was perfectly legal for the actual veterans to call him out as their speech wasn't threatening (although I'm sure there is a jury out there that would say other wise) and they didn't make physical contact with him (though I'm sure they wanted to). The peanut gallery in the background yelling to leave him alone, well, let's face it. They obviously weren't associated with the military and are ignorant to our customs and regulations so they ASSUMED they were sticking up for a Soldier and should be commended for doing so, even if that "Soldier" was a fake. Remember, it wasn't too long ago that our veterans were getting spit on in the airport when they came home so we are making progress.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 7:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 19:11:39 -0400

He's not doing anything illegal, so calling the police is useless unless he received some type of compensation from his faking (Stolen Valor Act).

He definitely needed to be outed. Guys like that are trying to establish some type of credibility based on the uniform, and the best way to combat it is to publicly call out people like that.

I understand his anger, I'm a Ranger and I would have been angry, too; I think some of the EOD people would have done the same as he was wearing an EOD patch. Good Soldiers died wearing those hard to earn badges.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 8:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 20:28:01 -0400

I would have done pretty much the same thing and called this piece of shit out. I know it is his right to wear what he wants, however he is using the wear for personal gain even if it is not of a monetary sort. People hold the military in very high regard right now. With that being said he gains undue recognition just for wearing the uniform and that is definitely not his right. He is getting respect that he certainly has not earned and is obviously not deserving. This piece of shit does not know the meaning of honor, integrity or any of the other core values that we uphold every day. Just my two cents worth.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 8:49 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 20:49:00 -0400

I would have been a little more respectful, but then again I completely understand how some on here would lose their cool.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 8:51 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 20:51:20 -0400

I actually confronted a guy dressed in battle fatigues, two American Flags in a knap sack and a sign talking about PTSD. I first saw him from the truckers day room when I told my buddy that I was going to find out what he was doing. He was collecting money but passing himself off as a veteran.

He got defensive and I told him that I am a real veteran and do have PTSD and it pisses me off you are exploiting the military. I told him if I ever saw him there again like that, I would call the police. Also told that he had no right raising his voice to a veteran.

Response by SSG Jason Deters made Mar 17 at 2014 9:28 PM

SSG Jason Deters — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 21:28:47 -0400

Personally, I would have gone back to my truck and returned with my wall-to-wall toolkit because this douche was BEGGING
for a wall-to-wall counseling.
See FM 22-102 for further information at
the link at the end of this comment - Specifically pages 23-24.

Civilians

The problem with wall‑to‑wall counseling
civilians is that there are actually such things as civilian policemen, and
they will actually throw you in a civilian jail where you will be immediately
considered “fresh meat!” and [expletives deleted - modified for content by SSG Deters] It may be a good idea to bring the civilian
on post, where civilian cops have no jurisdiction. Then you are more than welcome to work them
over in any manner you like.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fastpacific.com%2Fhumordocs%2Ffm22-1021.doc&ei=_50nU5alL9SGqQGms4CgAQ&usg=AFQjCNFKKvgj8XIenon3Lks7Vah-NdbFpg&sig2=ymjfyKdgBfSPgJsGiBhdEg&bvm=bv.62922401,d.dmQ

Response by A1C Joe Metcalf made Mar 17 at 2014 10:26 PM

A1C Joe Metcalf — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 22:26:34 -0400

I actually try to explain how insulting it is. For one it gives members a bad name.. We have enough issue as Veterans and Soldiers with civilian world as it is. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't , but in my experiences most people know I served and treat me like i am a total idiot. We have to stand for what we believe in , We all took an oath, we all know our creeds.. We all walk the same and carry ourselves the same.. I am reminded of an Episode of Jericho .. Fake Military came in to the town , and they called them out on it.. I believe we should do the same, but Violence should not be our way.. We are professionals , we should act as such..

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Mar 18 at 2014 7:17 PM

TSgt Phillip L. — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 19:17:13 -0400

This is going downhill. It appears that either campus police or stockton police department arrested the veteran who confronted the imposter, and have barred him from campus. We need to figure out how to ralley behind Kristopher Vieira. It looks like stolen valor has picked up the case. The LEO's involved need some education, we need to support the vets that called out the imposter.

Kristopher Vieira | Facebook

Kristopher Vieira is on Facebook. Join Facebook to connect with Kristopher Vieira and others you may know. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 8:19 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 20:19:41 -0400

I appreciate his vigor, but verbally attacking the man was a bit over the line.  I totally understand why he was so passionate, but there is a way to go about what he was trying to do.

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Mar 18 at 2014 8:45 PM

TSgt Phillip L. — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 20:45:13 -0400

http://www.ktrh.com/onair/michael-berry-13986/remember-that-veteran-who-confronted-the-12166566/

Remember That Veteran Who Confronted The Fake Soldier Last Week? He Was Detained By Campus Police And Charged With Disturbing The Peace

Meet our personalities, read their blogs & find out when they are on the air!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 11:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 23:40:44 -0400

I give the vet a high five for not punching that guy in the face

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 3:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 15:57:00 -0400

I feel as though this Ranger handled himself in a true and respectable fashion! He showed great restraint in not boot stomping the inbred imposter. I probably would have been arrested for assault had that been me. I've had to many battles die for some sh!t brick to disrespect the uniform! And on another note, who the hell was that chick sh!t that was defending the imposter!?!? He also needs a swift boot in the a$$! If you wanna wear the uniform, you better be ready to serve your time!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 11:39 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 23:39:27 -0400

Call him out. Do it as professionally as possible as we are all being watched. But expose him as a fake. We were warned during one of my assignments of a fake in the area and to avoid allowing him access to the unit as he was an imposter and was walking around with MAJ rank. They are being watched too and the more the word spreads of them being fake they have to move onto doing another scam. That is right another scam as most of these people do it to make a living so they will invent another lie to go "live".

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2014 9:42 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 21:42:38 -0400

I definitely would have been as angered as the veteran who confronted this phony but I would have called them out in a civilized manner while I picked apart their fakeness in front of the crowd.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 12:29 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:29:29 -0400

I would bust him out as hard as I could. I can't stand people like that. But then again I am known for being harsh. While in a police academy we had a kid that his dad was a cop. So that pretty much made him an expert in everything law enforcement, to include shooting. At the range I was showing another trainee some techniques that I use to shoot. He cut in and said that I was pretty much wrong and that he knew really how to shoot. I replied with "MF I have shot MFs in real life. What have you done?" it wasn't the most polite way of saying things but it got my point across. There is no place for people like this. I would bust him out as hard as I could.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 3 at 2014 12:37 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:37:12 -0400

I try, very hard, to believe that the majority of 'reasonably minded' people will see them as what they truly are. You are correct that the vast majority of them go so far over the top in their 'stories' that they end up 'outing' themselves (we've seen many of their pictures and videos on this very site). The only way I would be comfortable actually confronting them is with solid proof. I do, however, enjoy a quick game of 20 questions on occasion, just to watch them dig their hole a bit deeper, normally providing a bit of entertainment to those nearby in the process.
Short of that, I just shake my head and walk away and hope that the karma bus passes their way soon!

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 3 at 2014 12:45 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:45:02 -0400

I'm with MSG Wade Huffman on this one. The game of 20 questions can be pretty entertaining...THEN bust them out with the evidence that they provide.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 12:51 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:51:24 -0400

I'd do what I always do:
Me: Where did you serve?
Poser: Iraq (etc)
Me: What FOB
Poser: I don't remember... (or maybe one he's heard of)
Me: What province is that in?
Poser: I think it was...
Me: What unit?
Poser: (SF, Seals, Rangers)
Me: Oh! that's in Fort Lewis, Nebraska! I've been there. What building number?
Poser: ...
Onlookers: Wait a minute...

Problem solved.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 1:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:00:50 -0400

Exactly

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 3 at 2014 2:11 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:11:36 -0400

I am not shy at all about confronting fakers and, since I travel a lot in my retirement/civilian job, I see quite a few in airports, hotels, etc.
Most continue to deny being fakers until you back them into a corner and then finally confess.

I have only called the police once, in New York City, when one came close to becoming violent with me. He was arrested for disorderly conduct, not Stolen Valor. He was panhandling in uniform, saying he was a homeless "wounded warrior", playing on the sympathies of the passers-by. He was doing pretty well, getting several donations, until I rained on his parade and confronted him. His uniform was all jacked up, with insignia in the wrong place, incongruent awards and decorations, etc. Most of the ones I have confronted, if they were not fakers, they were certainly out of uniform... Either way, they needed to be corrected. :-)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 3:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 15:50:02 -0400

I enjoy reading these feeds.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 4:07 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:07:31 -0400

I had a buddy that couldn’t make it through Basic because of the pressure and stress. Fair enough. It’s supposed to weed out people. But he would tell people all the time of his exploits. Women would ask me for details about his service after hearing his stories. I don’t think he got a date for a couple of years because of that.

Response by Jordan Gaudard made Sep 3 at 2014 4:37 PM

Jordan Gaudard — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:37:24 -0400

I did enjoy the video of the marines humiliating the CSM at the funeral. However, I have to say I just stay out of it myself. The people are sick in the head and probably need the attention more than you or I need credit for military service. Clearly they are living a lie on borrowed time, they will never get a job worth having or make anything of themselves for as long as they continue to live a lie.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 10:38 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 10:38:00 -0400

SrA Private RallyPoint Member - Those are those who were never held enough by Mom. What is crazy is where people know they are lying but that does not deter them. They are sociopaths and inveterate liars.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 9:39 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 09:39:26 -0400

Always call them out.

Playing 20 questions is one of the best ways to do it because it eliminates the need for approval and validation from others. It eliminates it because when you start asking 20 questions to which they have no answer but *should* - they begin to knock themselves. Unless they are a particular sort of stupid (which most of these people are) then they wouldn't even notice you are knocking them.

20 questions should always include a question on appearance as it relates to regulations. I would've thrown my first few questions as simple - "What unit are you currently with? - Have you ever deployed? - If so, where did you deploy to?" Then... top it off with the AR 670-1 questions of "Why the fuck is your collar up? - Were you a marine before? If not, why are you wearing marine ribbons/medals? Why are your ribbons more then 1/8th of an inch above your pocket? "etc. I think you get the drift that there are VERY few people who can actually pull off a uniform to regulation unless they have served. There will be holes in their stories and if you're around other people you can answer your own questions after you ask it to show how a real veteran/servicemember would respond to those questions.

Prime example of an idiot in the link below.

CPT. John “Funky Cold” Medina Special Forces/Ranger Superhero

So here is our latest poser, Edjohn "John" Derrick Medina, or as one of our admins named him "Funky Cold Medina". It seems Edjohn tried several times to enlist in the US Army, but wasunsuccessful. So instead of trying again, he figured he would just award himself the rank of Captain, and give himself a Ranger and an SF tab. We tried to contact him several times and give him a chance to explain to us why, but of course he never responded. Also...

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 7 at 2014 5:04 PM

SPC David S. — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 17:04:14 -0400

I would have only cleaned the language. As a vet or in server we are all ambassadors of the military.

This is a link to the arrest of the vet. Also there is a link to the poser's facebook page.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=020_ [login to see]

LiveLeak.com - Veteran who confronted fake soldier was detained (VIDEO)

If you have not watched the video of the 'fake soldier' watch it first ( http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a29_1394825074 ). Kristopher Vieira arrested by campus authorities for confronting the man

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 9 at 2014 3:03 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 15:03:07 -0400

These ideas, much like this guy here; Kenneth Croch are pretty easy to spot. I mean really, when these idiots put on their "uniform" it looks like Clothing and Sales threw up on their jacket. I have no problem at all calling them out very loudly and very much in public. These idiots are doing more than practicing their freedom of speech. Some of these idiots are entering the VA health system taking money and causing those of us that really served to have to wait longer to be seen because people like this high-speed feel the need to try and be something they aren't.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 12:51 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:51:46 -0400

I've never had the displeasure of coming across any of these people recently. I know they are out there and eventually I may and vi hope I keep my composure and coolly out them publicly.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 11 at 2014 12:36 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 12:36:36 -0400

Another good one.... (found on Stolen Valor's FB site).

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 17 at 2014 4:07 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:07:09 -0400

Oh but impersonating a law enforcement officer is a crime. What ever these posers are doing needs to be made illegal, it's right up there with stolen valor. The officer said the man was not doing anything then WTF is he dressed like that for? Was that cup of coffee given to him free of charge? Is he going to the airport next to get his "free" 1st class upgrade by some unsuspecting compassionate soul? I invite anyone who does things like this to please "freely express" to all us SMs and Vets why you do it.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Sep 17 at 2014 9:27 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:27:35 -0400

I guess what baffles me is that these people have so little self-respect that they think putting on a uniform they didn't earn will make them feel better about themselves. What's worse - you can Google AR 670-1 and like regulations to find out how to wear the uniform properly, but they don't seem to get that.

I certainly don't condone what they do (and frankly I find them despicable), but if you're going to be an impostor, at least do it in such a way that its actually believable. There are more than enough service members and veterans in this country who will call out a uniform violation in a heart beat. And when they wear the uniform wrong, it screams impostor.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 18 at 2014 5:58 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 17:58:24 -0400

Pointing out that someone is being ass by acting like an ass yourself is not the way to go. The former Ranger was not arrested for outing someone, it was that he was being beligerent. There are ways to out someone without yourself becoming a douche.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 19 at 2014 12:19 AM

SPC David S. — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:19:52 -0400

As we are all ambassadors of the military community we need to conduct ourselves as professionals. Know your state laws on this. If there are any call the cops. I know some wall to wall counselling may make you feel better but by posting videos of these phonies getting fined or arrested will help curb this type of behavior a lot more than videos of vets getting arrested. Call them out just do it professionally.

Response by PFC Stephens Clark made Sep 19 at 2014 12:06 PM

PFC Stephens Clark — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 12:06:12 -0400

i say they give him a blanket party, and a lil Sand Box hell then throw his ass in jail

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2014 6:50 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 18:50:38 -0400

I despise Campus PDs because they are full of idiots whose main job is to bust legal adults for drinking. Appallingly most drink below 21 and even 18. I want to smack the stupid of them. lol

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 1:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 13:17:44 -0400

If you're going to call him out, you had better know your stuff. AR 670-1 certainly does NOT clearly state that if you're outside you have to have your headgear on. Also, can anyone tell me where in 670-1 it says "having your ID is part of your uniform"?

I'm all about confronting the fakers, but it seems to me like those two guys were just as much fake as the one in uniform. They're being punks, and are misrepresenting me just as much as he is.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 7 at 2014 3:26 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 15:26:38 -0400

SSG, you hit the nail on the head. When NCO's make on the spot corrections it's done in a professional manner that would educate the Soldier and let him/her know what was done was wrong. I'm sure officers would do it the same way. In this case, yelling at someone would take away the mistake the person was making and make it seem that the corrector was wrong. With everyone having smartphones these days, a short video, some pics, or even some audio can go a lot farther than alienating the public of the wrongs of a few. It's a disgrace to be a faker, it's a bigger injustice to let this get under your skin and take away your professionalism.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 2:19 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 02:19:34 -0400

I had recently had this happen.. I had a guy tell me he had spent 4 yrs as a Marine.. but couldn't remember his MOS or where he did boot camp. I explained the offensive nature of his claim and that if the wrong Marine confronted him he may get a beating about the head and shoulders. I explained the great sacrifice and honor that he did not earn nor deserve and he should not ever tell someone that he served when he had not. I also informed his supervisor, that just happened to be a retired Marine Gunny with 24 yrs service.. he said that he would straighten the young man out or sign him up for the Corp.. I guess I am getting soft in my retirement..

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 1:30 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:30:35 -0400

Oh man. Failing the PT test in the navy ?
Lol but wrestled a bear and save d a baby from a fire?
I'd have some words for him.
This guy is some kind of special.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 2:51 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 14:51:51 -0400

Campus cops are nothing but a bunch of girly boys with badges.

Response by SPC Travis Grizzard made Oct 30 at 2014 2:01 AM

SPC Travis Grizzard — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 02:01:37 -0400

Have you ever known anyone to be sworn in on New Years Day? Joseph Matthew Scott claims to have been sworn in on New Years Day.

He also claims to have made E-8 with 6 years TIS

And now he claims to be, as of October 2, a Deputy Sheriff / Officer in Stanislaus, California, working S.W.A.T and patrol.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 30 at 2014 8:20 AM

SPC James Mcneil — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 08:20:54 -0400

I ran into an acquaintance of mine a few years ago outside a local library. He was driving a full size truck that looked to be either new or close to it. He said something along the lines of how I hadn't seen him in a while because he had joined the Air Force. My first thought was "Cool. Maybe they can change things around in his way of thinking." Alas, it was not to be. He proceeded to tell me that he had been discharged for the pre-existing condition of asthma, and he amended, "It's okay. I got an honorable discharge." Red flag number 1.

I went into the library, and he was in shortly thereafter. He proceeded to tell me about it came out that he had asthma (which he supposedly did not know about). Here's where it gets downright stupid. Apparently, he was in a flight simulator (because of course everyone in the Air Force is a pilot), and he blacked out. His co-pilot (because apparently he's seen too many movies) caught it and stopped the training program. Now I'm not familiar with asthma enough to know whether or not it causes blackouts, but I do know that a basic trainee is not going to be trained in how to fly a plane. So I started pointing out the flaws in his story. As I started pointing them out (calmly of course, like I was talking to a child) his countenance sank farther and farther until he looked like he was about to cry when I was done.

I finished by telling him this. "If you're going to lie about the military, the last person you want to lie to or around is a veteran. We will call you out on your BS."

That was the last I heard from him until he started a rumor about me about six months later. But that's another story.

Response by SPC Cedar Bristol made Nov 4 at 2014 11:40 AM

SPC Cedar Bristol — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 11:40:47 -0500

Best to stay calm in situations like that. In the long run, the interwebs will make it much harder for turds to fool anyone.

This Aint Hell keeps records of the fakes, and awards prizes to the best ones:

http://thisainthell.us/blog/?page_id=30655

Rather than make a scene on the spot, make sure you get the poseur entered in this list, and in all others like it that you can find. Put their faces into the permanent record hall of turds.

Stolen Valor

A chronological listing of our valor thieves since 2008 Amzy Hibler; phony SF, Ranger Roger Gagnon; “The VA is lying” Thomas Manning Hook; phony

Response by PFC Joe Thomas made Nov 30 at 2014 11:15 PM

PFC Joe Thomas — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:15:52 -0500

https://m.facebook.com/smith.kennis?refid=46&sld=eyJzZWFyY2hfc2lkIjoiYjgxYzUwNTNjYzQ0N2VjZmU2ZjVlZjI5YTI2ODdlYzIiLCJxdWVyeSI6ImtlbiBzbWl0aCB1cyBhcm15Iiwic2VhcmNoX3R5cGUiOiJTZWFyY2giLCJzZXF1ZW5jZV9pZCI6MTY2NDAxNTY4NCwicGFnZV9udW1iZXIiOjEsImZpbHRlcl90eXBlIjoiU2VhcmNoIiwiZW50X2lkIjoxMDAwMDYzMDk4MTE5ODUsInBvc2l0aW9uIjoxLCJyZXN1bHRfdHlwZSI6MjA0OH0%3D&fref=search

Ladies and gentlemen,

I bring you.... Ken Smith. His favorite quote is, "Rangers lead the way!" and under additional details are "CLASSIFIED" (this was taken from his FB). He describes himself as a special forces ranger.

I hope you enjoy this one. How can we out this guy? The irony of this is I saw his profile when I was glancing over comments on the recent video going around of the fatass "ranger" at the mall. He was commenting on how much of a scumbag that guy was.

I'm pretty sure this is AR 670-1 compliant...
This one has been brought up by several. I see several issues.

1. black and gold tab on the PC WAS standard for RTB (instructors) in, like, the 80s I think
2.Ranger tab goes ABOVE everything else, and only on the left side.
3. US flag is inverted- x 2
4.cute haj curtain scarf
5.Really like his ninja black airsoft operator plate carrier or baby bib or whatever thats supposed to be
6. No idea what that patch on his left side is
7.High speed looking weapon (if its even real) with lots of cutting edge CTD junk on it. Wish I had that setup when I was a kid!

Welcome to Facebook

Response by SPC Kendall Metcalf made Dec 30 at 2014 1:07 PM

SPC Kendall Metcalf — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 13:07:22 -0500

Simple. I stand my ground and call them out in the spot! After asking simple VETing questions. I have and will continue taking what is OURS, badges and insignias as well as ranks and combat patches and awards.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jul 30 at 2015 10:21 AM

SGT William Howell — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 10:21:13 -0400

So I understand where the person confronting him is coming from. It may seem like a high speed tab to a faker, but it means a ton to a Ranger. It is something earned not given. I would feel something like it if I caught a guy wearing a Stetson that did not earn it, but I would not scream and yell in public.

I am not a confronting guy. I walk away from anything that would lead to me having to fight my way out. Oh, I got a plan to inflict as much damage as possible in a short span of time, but it is a last resort. Never been a machismo kind of guy. Just not the way I conduct business.