SrA Sheila Holmes 5655118 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Last night a person that I know from a local motorcycle group (not Legion) said that the group honored her father who recently passed with a flag line. She said that they pressured her into the flag line even though her father never served in the military and she told them that. The headquarters President justified it by saying, “Well he received a draft notice, didn’t he?” <br /><br />Later in the conversation, she mentioned one of our mutual friends as being a veteran and that he would not have allowed anything like stolen valor. I told her he was not a veteran and that we actually both belonged to the same American Legion and he grew up hanging around the American Legion post, but he is a member of the Sons of the American Legion; he is not a Legionnaire, not a dual member, and he is not a veteran. We argued for about five minutes over this and I finally hung up.<br /><br />I’m returning my colors tomorrow; I never even wore them but I don’t feel comfortable with this group now. <br /><br />I see the draft notice as different from actually having served. Am I wrong?<br /><br />03/16/2020 Edit: Yesterday, one of the members contacted me back and clarified, &quot;The flag lines are for anyone we want to honor, first responders, military, and our families are very high on the list.&quot; As they say here in Phila, &quot;I&#39;m feelin some type of way about this.&quot; I told him he needs to educate the entire group on who their flag lines are for, and as a representative of the organization, the secretary should know better.<br /><br />03/23/2020 Edit: The moto group is NOT the Legion Riders -just a local moto org that promotes themselves a veterans and first responders group)<br /><br />09/07/20 Edit: Well, after much anxiety, I wanted to update about this. Covid hit and I haven&#39;t been back to that group. The Sgt at Arms felt I shouldn&#39;t make any hasty decisions, but I just knew it wasn&#39;t a right fit. More recently, after watching the group respond to peaceful BLM march with &quot;No they don&#39;t&quot; when marchers proclaimed, &quot;Black Lives Matter,&quot; and screaming at the marchers &quot;Black Lives Splatter,&quot; display their flag line as if fellow protesting citizens aren&#39;t patriotic, use the local VFW with confederate flags and a woman veteran screaming and flipping off protesters, and watching two of their trucks dump black diesel smoke right in front of peacefully marching protesters, I cut ties with the group by initially removing the vast majority from facebook. The very next day, their Sgt At Arms felt the need to send me a private message on FB, &quot;I see you unfriended me, friend,&quot; with a big ole thumbs up, which I ignored. A few days later, he sent me this big long Trump rant about how he was supporting troops (he never served) and I let him have it. I told him I don&#39;t care who he votes for, but his behavior doesn&#39;t represent me, and if he contacted me again, I&#39;d file harassment charges -and I blocked him on messenger. Two days later he sends a text, &quot;I&#39;ve been ordered to collect our patches from you. Namely our backpatch and alpha chapter.&quot; I told him I burned them and that if he contacted me again, I&#39;d involve the police. So that&#39;s that. Always go with your gut. 2020-03-12T16:19:59-04:00 SrA Sheila Holmes 5655118

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Last night a person that I know from a local motorcycle group (not Legion) said that the group honored her father who recently passed with a flag line. She said that they pressured her into the flag line even though her father never served in the military and she told them that. The headquarters President justified it by saying, “Well he received a draft notice, didn’t he?” <br /><br />Later in the conversation, she mentioned one of our mutual friends as being a veteran and that he would not have allowed anything like stolen valor. I told her he was not a veteran and that we actually both belonged to the same American Legion and he grew up hanging around the American Legion post, but he is a member of the Sons of the American Legion; he is not a Legionnaire, not a dual member, and he is not a veteran. We argued for about five minutes over this and I finally hung up.<br /><br />I’m returning my colors tomorrow; I never even wore them but I don’t feel comfortable with this group now. <br /><br />I see the draft notice as different from actually having served. Am I wrong?<br /><br />03/16/2020 Edit: Yesterday, one of the members contacted me back and clarified, &quot;The flag lines are for anyone we want to honor, first responders, military, and our families are very high on the list.&quot; As they say here in Phila, &quot;I&#39;m feelin some type of way about this.&quot; I told him he needs to educate the entire group on who their flag lines are for, and as a representative of the organization, the secretary should know better.<br /><br />03/23/2020 Edit: The moto group is NOT the Legion Riders -just a local moto org that promotes themselves a veterans and first responders group)<br /><br />09/07/20 Edit: Well, after much anxiety, I wanted to update about this. Covid hit and I haven&#39;t been back to that group. The Sgt at Arms felt I shouldn&#39;t make any hasty decisions, but I just knew it wasn&#39;t a right fit. More recently, after watching the group respond to peaceful BLM march with &quot;No they don&#39;t&quot; when marchers proclaimed, &quot;Black Lives Matter,&quot; and screaming at the marchers &quot;Black Lives Splatter,&quot; display their flag line as if fellow protesting citizens aren&#39;t patriotic, use the local VFW with confederate flags and a woman veteran screaming and flipping off protesters, and watching two of their trucks dump black diesel smoke right in front of peacefully marching protesters, I cut ties with the group by initially removing the vast majority from facebook. The very next day, their Sgt At Arms felt the need to send me a private message on FB, &quot;I see you unfriended me, friend,&quot; with a big ole thumbs up, which I ignored. A few days later, he sent me this big long Trump rant about how he was supporting troops (he never served) and I let him have it. I told him I don&#39;t care who he votes for, but his behavior doesn&#39;t represent me, and if he contacted me again, I&#39;d file harassment charges -and I blocked him on messenger. Two days later he sends a text, &quot;I&#39;ve been ordered to collect our patches from you. Namely our backpatch and alpha chapter.&quot; I told him I burned them and that if he contacted me again, I&#39;d involve the police. So that&#39;s that. Always go with your gut.

2020-03-12T16:19:59-04:00 2020-03-12T16:19:59-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 5655127

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Draft Notice as in &quot;Congratulations, you are hereby drafted. Please report to your nearest induction center&quot;

2020-03-12T16:23:34-04:00 2020-03-12T16:23:34-04:00 PO1 H Gene Lawrence 5655128

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I see having served, no matter the circumstances. If you wore the uniform and received an honorable discharge, you are a Veteran that has served.

2020-03-12T16:24:05-04:00 2020-03-12T16:24:05-04:00 Sgt Private RallyPoint Member 5655154

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="1691719" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/1691719-sra-sheila-holmes">SrA Sheila Holmes</a> You are correct. Receiving a draft notice is not the same as being a veteran.

2020-03-12T16:39:37-04:00 2020-03-12T16:39:37-04:00 SPC Robert Bobo 5655191

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No he didn&#39;t serve, Every kid I grew up with signed up instead of waiting for the draft notice in an effort to get the mos we wanted, by 1973 , we were all in the service

2020-03-12T17:00:42-04:00 2020-03-12T17:00:42-04:00 SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth 5655229

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No your not.

2020-03-12T17:13:21-04:00 2020-03-12T17:13:21-04:00 SGT Dave Tracy 5655263

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Why question yourself? <br /> <br /> <br />You knew the answers all along.

2020-03-12T17:24:39-04:00 2020-03-12T17:24:39-04:00 SGT Robert Pryor 5655397

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You are exactly correct. The problem is, no doubt, at the local level. that is not, and has never been,the policy of The American Legion.

2020-03-12T18:23:34-04:00 2020-03-12T18:23:34-04:00 SFC Ralph E Kelley 5655445

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="1691719" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/1691719-sra-sheila-holmes">SrA Sheila Holmes</a> Amazing ... I&#39;m in awe of their &#39;buffoonery&#39;. <br />(I&#39;ve been waiting for 25 years to use that word in a sentence.)<br />Please thank them for the opportunity.

2020-03-12T18:44:25-04:00 2020-03-12T18:44:25-04:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 5656421

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Of all the things to worry about in the world.

2020-03-13T03:19:15-04:00 2020-03-13T03:19:15-04:00 SPC Richard Zacke 5657604

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="1691719" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/1691719-sra-sheila-holmes">SrA Sheila Holmes</a> It&#39;s very simple if you did not serve on active duty you are not a veteran. I&#39;ve heard it said that if you don&#39;t serve for 180 days you are not a veteran (I&#39;m not sure about that one). Ask to see his DD-214 that will end the argument.

2020-03-13T10:24:35-04:00 2020-03-13T10:24:35-04:00 SGT Randell Rose 5657786

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You are completely right. I too quit a well know group over simular reasons.

2020-03-13T11:14:51-04:00 2020-03-13T11:14:51-04:00 SFC Michael Hasbun 5657989

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sounds like that lodge is desperate for numbers and is lowering the bar to increase the recruiting pool...

2020-03-13T12:31:38-04:00 2020-03-13T12:31:38-04:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 5658388

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If we&#39;re using that logic...everyone who registered with selective service is a veteran......

2020-03-13T14:23:50-04:00 2020-03-13T14:23:50-04:00 MAJ Ken Landgren 5659314

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In the military we often refer to status. A person who gets a draft notice but never serves, well his status is civilian. He was a civilian waiving a draft notice. Nothing more. It would take a lot of crack smoking to argue otherwise.

2020-03-13T20:08:23-04:00 2020-03-13T20:08:23-04:00 PO1 George Hoover 5661150

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No way

2020-03-14T12:31:57-04:00 2020-03-14T12:31:57-04:00 SPC William Szkromiuk 5661677

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I just wonder sometimes.

2020-03-14T16:20:20-04:00 2020-03-14T16:20:20-04:00 PO2 Dale Brown 5666415

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>F no, there are a lot of Canadians who received theirs befor their new citizenship.

2020-03-16T06:40:34-04:00 2020-03-16T06:40:34-04:00 COL Private RallyPoint Member 5667369

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Really? The type of foolishness you have described contributes to &#39;Stolen Valor&quot;.

2020-03-16T10:57:38-04:00 2020-03-16T10:57:38-04:00 SSgt Steven Day 5667381

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ask them what rank they were. No rank, not a vet. At least attend basic and be an E-1 to try to claim this...

2020-03-16T11:01:34-04:00 2020-03-16T11:01:34-04:00 1SG Dave Carello 5667707

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ok, YOU ARE RIGHT! First, a Draft notice recipient is NOT now, nor ever will be a Veteran period. Now it sounds like they are in &quot;Damage Control&quot; Mode. The American Legion National rules and regulations are clear.

2020-03-16T12:45:13-04:00 2020-03-16T12:45:13-04:00 CSM Danny S. 5667820

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.”

2020-03-16T13:23:34-04:00 2020-03-16T13:23:34-04:00 SMSgt Lawrence McCarter 5667973

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Unless You actually got drafted and served in uniform for at least 180 days You are NOT a Veteran. The exception would be if separated due to injury as a result of Military service prior to that required service time or service that a DD Form 214 was issued for. A daft notice is a piece of paper NOT Military service Not everyone that gets a draft notice is accepted, they may be rejected for one reason or another to even begin service.

2020-03-16T14:09:29-04:00 2020-03-16T14:09:29-04:00 Maj John Bell 5667986

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The other night... I saw the stars in the night sky. So I&#39;m claiming I am an astronaut.

2020-03-16T14:11:32-04:00 2020-03-16T14:11:32-04:00 LT Mike Folker 5668145

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Gee, I sorta recall getting a &quot;draft notice&quot; back c. 1971; just shy of the end of selective service. (Oh, &amp; I STILL have my Selective Service Card.) But sure never occurred to me that NOW I was a veteran!<br />Chugged down to the &quot;draft board&quot; like a good do-bee, a week or so later; but they had no record of my having registered nor of my being sent a notice.<br />Trouble was, my family had moved to another state, which is where I received the notice, &amp; I had registered in the state where I turned 18. The board in that state had either lost or misplaced 100s of records: A few hours of &quot;long-distance&quot; calls to find that out. No one could explain who sent or how I&#39;d even received the draft notice. They thanked me for my time.<br />Some years later, I enlisted. Even much, much later, after I was discharged, I never thought of myself as a veteran until some lawyer told me I was eligible for &quot;some&quot; veterans bennies.<br />Sounds to me like this &quot;draft notice = veteran&quot; is some madcap scheme to pad the ranks.

2020-03-16T14:49:22-04:00 2020-03-16T14:49:22-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 5668301

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well, Bob in the Seventies Show considered himself a combat veteran because he was a private in the National Guard.

2020-03-16T16:04:19-04:00 2020-03-16T16:04:19-04:00 PO1 Bill Penn 5668783

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, draft notice is telling the person to report. And therefore doesn’t make on a veteran until they served.

2020-03-16T19:17:13-04:00 2020-03-16T19:17:13-04:00 PO1 Robbie Bell 5669065

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That’s a ridiculous notion. As a veteran, how do you feel about a person that got a draft notice and then ran off to Canada? Whether intentional or not, not fulfilling a draft notice makes you NOTa veteran.

2020-03-16T20:38:25-04:00 2020-03-16T20:38:25-04:00 PO2 Scott M. 5669168

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I agree, being a draftee who DIDN&#39;T serve means he is NOT a veteran. That might sound mean to some, but it&#39;s the truth.

2020-03-16T21:10:35-04:00 2020-03-16T21:10:35-04:00 SP5 Dennis Loberger 5669446

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I received a draft notice in 1972. Having received one does not make me a veteran. Having served in the military makes me a veteran.

2020-03-16T22:51:13-04:00 2020-03-16T22:51:13-04:00 SPC Michael Terrell 5669455

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>By that twisted logic, all of the draft dodgers who fled to Canada are Veterans.

2020-03-16T22:55:39-04:00 2020-03-16T22:55:39-04:00 MAJ Bob Firth 5670787

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Draft notice does not confer veteran status.

2020-03-17T09:20:36-04:00 2020-03-17T09:20:36-04:00 SP5 Frank Kronen 5670789

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>NO! You might fail your physical and you NEVER TOOK AN OATH!!!

2020-03-17T09:20:55-04:00 2020-03-17T09:20:55-04:00 SFC Bryan Haley 5671118

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Veteran status is given once an individual has completed 180days consecutive service. The only exemption that I’m aware of is an individual who is injured during there Basic Training or (AIT for the Army) and can no longer continue there service so they are given a service connected disability which entitles them to Veteran status.( If I’m wrong someone please correct me but don’t be a BF and demoralize me ). A draft letter is not qualification of Veteran status.

2020-03-17T11:14:38-04:00 2020-03-17T11:14:38-04:00 CPO Nate S. 5671362

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="1691719" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/1691719-sra-sheila-holmes">SrA Sheila Holmes</a> Really??? &quot;...received a draft notice...&quot;! Are you kidding me? <br /><br />The answer is NO the person is NOT a VETERAN. If they did NOT serve (aka have a VALID DD-214) to prove their service or they have VALID EVIDENCE from DMDC or DFAS or even a Veterans CARD from the VA, all of which are cross-referenced then this is STOLEN VALOR on the part of the &quot;...motorcycle group...&quot;! <br /><br />I have no problem honoring an immediate family member (e.g. parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, 1st cousin, etc., aka someone somewhat immediate), BUT if say for the sake of argument my great, great, great, great, great grandfather on my mother&#39;s side served in the American Revolution and NO-ONE on her side of the family or on my dad&#39;s side ever served since that point in history that DOES NOT, IMHO, entitle me to be a &quot;family member&quot; of a former service member just to get special treatment, just because of that &quot;very distant&quot; relationship. It is fine to speak about your family tree, but to say your family served and the ONLY connection TODAY is to someone&#39;s military service &gt;240 yrs ago, seems sad, again IMHO. <br /><br />Finally, if someone is going to serve in a leadership role (aka Organization Secretary) they should be armed with the process for providing a flag that should be SOP for the organization and documented in a flyer, tri-fold pamphlet, official bylaws, etc. something, that person or any member of that club can have. Otherwise, people can make whatever decisions without regard to any set of standards. <br /><br />Frankly, if they approached me in this manner I&#39;d consider reporting this under the &quot;Stolen Valor Act&quot; after consulting legal council. My tolerance for this kind of behavior by those who have NOT served and think they are justified in lumping in kind of LAME logic is somewhere below Whale crap at the bottom of the ocean and the actual ocean floor!!! <br /><br />FYI, on both sides of my family for &gt;240 yrs members of my family have proudly served including my father during Korea. So, I am not impressed with the &quot;...motorcycle club&#39;s...&quot; attitude! Besides, I know &quot;Real Bikers&quot; that would not be impressed either!!!<br /><br /><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="138758" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/138758-col-mikel-j-burroughs">COL Mikel J. Burroughs</a>, <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="1346405" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/1346405-lt-col-charlie-brown">Lt Col Charlie Brown</a>, <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="385188" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/385188-maj-marty-hogan">Maj Marty Hogan</a>

2020-03-17T12:23:58-04:00 2020-03-17T12:23:58-04:00 COL Mikel J. Burroughs 5671374

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely Not <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="1691719" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/1691719-sra-sheila-holmes">SrA Sheila Holmes</a>!

2020-03-17T12:28:21-04:00 2020-03-17T12:28:21-04:00 Lt Col Charlie Brown 5671386

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>What? Is this a serious question?

2020-03-17T12:31:13-04:00 2020-03-17T12:31:13-04:00 Col Jincy Hayes 5671542

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, because a draft notice required you to report to yhe equivalrnt of MEPS for a physical. Lots of guys got out of serving with flat feet, diabetes, enlarged heart, asthma, etc. If he can produce a DD-214 it&#39;s a different story.

2020-03-17T13:12:10-04:00 2020-03-17T13:12:10-04:00 Maj Marty Hogan 5671566

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I always used to get those you are winner mailings- and then when I opened it not so much...a draft notice is similar if the person never served. Without catching what the MC is about hard to answer this. I would not have stood in a flag line for someone that did not serve- but was he a life long civil servant or first responder? Some charters allow for that, but are not military only affiliated.

2020-03-17T13:18:42-04:00 2020-03-17T13:18:42-04:00 WO1 Craig L Wirth 5671717

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I received a notice about why I hadn&#39;t registered for the draft... while I was going through Basic. I sent a letter back and told them... Too late, Already shaved my head, training and going to Germany.

2020-03-17T14:04:16-04:00 2020-03-17T14:04:16-04:00 WO1 Craig L Wirth 5671785

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No! Receiving a draft notice does NOT make you a veteran.<br /><br />Serving and wearing the uniform makes you a veteran.

2020-03-17T14:29:15-04:00 2020-03-17T14:29:15-04:00 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel 5673223

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Are you kidding me?

2020-03-17T23:10:44-04:00 2020-03-17T23:10:44-04:00 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel 5673228

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There is no Oath of Office administered unless enlisted or inducted, not for showing up for getting the letter, or even taking the induction physical and being classified 1A. The Oath is what makes a member of the military, whether by enlistment or by commission (I am privileged to have taken the Oath under both conditions).

2020-03-17T23:14:39-04:00 2020-03-17T23:14:39-04:00 SSG Wayne Piercy 5673510

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>.No.

2020-03-18T05:18:07-04:00 2020-03-18T05:18:07-04:00 SSgt Christophe Murphy 5674374

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>To answer the question. No, just being a recipient of a draft notice without having actually served does not qualify someone as having served. No DD214, no discharge status, etc etc.<br /><br />But to address the bigger issue that seems to be driving your passion. No military honors were rendered. If the Legion Riders did a flag line to honor someone that’s their discretion to do so. This is not equivalent to receiving a firing party, last salute or military burial. Treating someone as a patriot isn’t a violation of any laws.

2020-03-18T09:30:25-04:00 2020-03-18T09:30:25-04:00 PO2 David Allender 5674467

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>To be a vet is to serve at lease 6 months honorably in service. The best description of a veteran that I have ever read is this: &quot;A VETERAN is someone who at on point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to the UNITED STATES of AMERICA up to and including their life.&quot; A person that gives back what their nation has given to them. A love of country for all of those that seem not to care care in the least for the VET. Today, it seems reminiscent of the Nam era where the vet doesn&#39;t count for anything, yet he/she serves with honor and gratitude to a grateful nation. I served 10 years in the U.S. Navy, 1 tour in Nam, and then 28 years with Tennessee Valley Authority (Public safety officer). I feel that I served 38 years for my country. In TVA, I was a Federal policeman, an EMT, a Fireman, and a rescue person, although this was just on TVA property. I served as a volunteer in the local Fire Dept., a volunteer in the local Rescue Squad, and a volunteer on an Ambulance. So I served my country and my community. I am grateful for the service I performed for my country and my community. I know that I did not serve 20/30 years in the Navy as many of you have, but I feel that I served my Country and community. I thank every serviceman and woman that has or is serving now. I welcome home everyone who has served in combat somewhere in this world. I&#39;m sorry. I didn&#39;t mean to get on the soap box and tell so much, but what I said is the truth. The check was paid in full. I am now 78 years of age, and I remember a lot of what I have done over the years. As Johnny Cash sung a song about &quot;A RAGGEDY OLE FLAG,&quot; He ended the song, saying that he was proud of that raggedy ole flag. So am I, even when I was taking ROTC in High School. I hope that everyone agrees with me on that one item.

2020-03-18T10:09:45-04:00 2020-03-18T10:09:45-04:00 AA Richard Tallini 5674823

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sounds like a collection of morons, on two wheels.

2020-03-18T12:24:18-04:00 2020-03-18T12:24:18-04:00 SSG Sidney Galloway 5674833

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My uncle&#39;s draft notice came 2 weeks after he died. Does that make him a Veteran, posthumously?

2020-03-18T12:27:03-04:00 2020-03-18T12:27:03-04:00 LCpl Private RallyPoint Member 5676003

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Did the right thing, any jack@$$ that thinks receiving a draft notice, but never attending basic is a veteran, is stealing Honor and Valor. You should report them to the regional headquarters and blast their name everywhere until they recant of their ignorantness.

2020-03-18T18:46:27-04:00 2020-03-18T18:46:27-04:00 Col Private RallyPoint Member 5678713

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Looks like there was miscommunication somewhere along the line. The person is not a veteran, but if a family requests any kind of support, Veteran Service Organizations usually help out in any way they can.

2020-03-19T14:29:09-04:00 2020-03-19T14:29:09-04:00 Sgt Roger Smith 5679062

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Do they have DD214&#39;s. If not they aren&#39;t Vets!

2020-03-19T16:38:16-04:00 2020-03-19T16:38:16-04:00 SFC David Dean 5679106

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not even close. Unless a person acts; meaning that they entered the Active component, Active Reserves or National Guard, then no veteran status. If they attempt to further perpetrate this sort of conduct, they could conceivably face charges of false valor.

2020-03-19T16:50:10-04:00 2020-03-19T16:50:10-04:00 Cpl Ron Baker 5679623

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Hanging out at a Veterans organization is definitely NOT the same thing as being a veteran.

2020-03-19T19:57:49-04:00 2020-03-19T19:57:49-04:00 PO1 David Shepardson 5682656

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, I think 180 days is the qualifier.

2020-03-20T18:24:25-04:00 2020-03-20T18:24:25-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 5682987

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Publishers clearing house sent me a letter saying I may have already won <br />Guess what, still not a millionaire

2020-03-20T20:40:14-04:00 2020-03-20T20:40:14-04:00 PO1 Woody W. 5685502

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sheila, <br />In order for any American (or authorized immigrant&gt; to achieve &quot;Military/Armed Services Veterans Status,&quot; they must have successfully and honorably served in a branch of the Armed Services for a MINIMUM of 180 Days.... UNLESS revoked by &quot;due process&quot; &lt;read legal and/or administrative actions&gt;. In most cases, 180 days is the standard amount of time for an individual to obtain initial and specialized training to achieve combat readiness. <br /><br />I&#39;ve always had issues when someone within a group believes and manipulates the rules to qualify whoever they want within their &quot;group.&quot; It&#39;s very liberal way of thinking, especially in a country that believes and practices the &quot;Rule of Law/Rules/Regulations,&quot; IMNSHO.

2020-03-21T15:13:55-04:00 2020-03-21T15:13:55-04:00 MSgt Allen Chandler 5690045

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>First let me say that in most cases it doesn’t matter. If a person is trying to take credit for being a veteran Con somebody And get something out of it that’s one thing but if it’s a ceremony for the deceased hey give us a break. Legally a veteran is anyone that has a DD 214. From my point of you you become a vendor in the day you graduate from basic training.

2020-03-22T17:49:48-04:00 2020-03-22T17:49:48-04:00 Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen 5690170

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not hardly! Does going to school means you graduated?

2020-03-22T18:39:35-04:00 2020-03-22T18:39:35-04:00 Pvt Antonier Bolton 5692443

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>At that time we had to draft and you get drafted and serve your town on a bro you are a veteran and if you get hurt within 180 days if you get this charge for medical reasons you are a veteran because you serve your country willfully. A veteran is one who go in and volunteer to fight for the country and to defend it because the same time you defend you defend the Constitution of the United States that up for father had written. A long time ago we told the military that they are volunteer would not workBecause it takes more to fight a war then book knowledge one have to have common sense to go along with it A true military veteran do not take sides when it comes to politics. Never look down on a person military service put yourself in their shoes if you were to get hurt how you feel if someone same thing about you And a lot of guys who went to Vietnam at the time was drafted And some guy hurt people within the 180 days. Compared to the date Boot Camp is nothing. The Boot Camp I went through you get beat up and everything in other words they kind prepare you in case you get to be prisoner of war. Never look down on a persons service to the country I’m sure in your records in the military you can have someone said same thing about you you’re not a veteran and And a true veteran never look down on another veteran And we all win in the military to fight for the same thing freedom.

2020-03-23T10:08:41-04:00 2020-03-23T10:08:41-04:00 Pvt Antonier Bolton 5692482

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My dad served in the military he was 16 years old back in World War II and got out when the Korean war broke out he went back in the Korean War he retired in 1969 after Vietnam and he was never drafted. And he went in the military to keep the spread of communism going throughout the world. And right now if you are the age where you can still serve in the military why you are not going back if you are a veteran to and this would mean a veteran if you are willing to serve anytime as needed it’s so happens some cannot go back because of that disability won’t because they got discharged within 180 days because of disability and if you had broken your leg in the military within 180 day you would’ve been discharge automatically no end bus about itThat’s the reason why they asked you before you go and did you have any broken bones or any psych problems and they would not let you in the military doing your physical. Because one day if we have to fight China they will need every veteran out there to go back in the military and Russia.

2020-03-23T10:23:02-04:00 2020-03-23T10:23:02-04:00 Pvt Antonier Bolton 5692521

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>And a true veteran would never criticize the constitution of the United States but they will uphold the Constitution of the United States in a true veteran believe in democracy for all. And not the color of a person skin. And there are many veterans who were drafted in Vietnam they got killed in Vietnam and it seem like you’re a person who just went in the military doing a peacetime war The reason because there no draft. So please do not disrespect another person because of that service put yourself in their shoes while they get drafted or why did I spent 180 days in the military it can happen to one of your son go in the military and get a broken leg within 180 days he be sent home automatically so be careful what you say about people or how you treat them because of their service

2020-03-23T10:35:18-04:00 2020-03-23T10:35:18-04:00 MSG Allan Davis 5692587

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No absolutely not a veteran. Second you don’t have “colors” only legit MCs have colors dude. <br /><br />Gar 1%er

2020-03-23T10:50:00-04:00 2020-03-23T10:50:00-04:00 SPC Brian Stephens 5693429

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No. Receiving a draft notice is not the same as serving. My Dad received a draft notice but he was rejected from the draft because he was working at NASA at the time as a wind tunnel technician.

2020-03-23T14:06:29-04:00 2020-03-23T14:06:29-04:00 CWO4 Tim Hecht 5717780

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A draft notice was only that. The local draft board was notifying an individual that they were being drafted and ordering them to report first to the draft board in response to their notice (where the individual could “appeal” the notice) and then to send that person to the local Armed Forces Entrance and Examining Station (now called MEPS) for a pre-draft physical and mental exam. If the person passed and no exemption was given by the draft board then they were most likely sworn into the Army. There was a time when supposedly someone went down the line and told the draftees what branch they were drafted in to.<br /><br />In 1970 one normally must have served 181 days (6 months and a day) to be considered a Veteran for VA Benefits. I retired in 2001 so I don’t know if the 181 days still holds true.

2020-03-29T22:58:36-04:00 2020-03-29T22:58:36-04:00 SFC John Fourquet 5717856

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You are correct. No one is a veteran if they did not actually serve in the military.

2020-03-29T23:36:16-04:00 2020-03-29T23:36:16-04:00 LT Ed Skiba 5769111

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not sworn in...not a veteran.

2020-04-12T17:46:09-04:00 2020-04-12T17:46:09-04:00 TSgt Robert A Nichols 5935659

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I know several people that gat their draft notice, but never served in the military. no they are not veterans!

2020-05-26T03:32:32-04:00 2020-05-26T03:32:32-04:00 CW3 Dan Mackey 5938368

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>He is a veteran of the mail. Everyone had to register for the draft in the 60&#39;s, 70&#39;s and 80&#39;s does that mean that everyone that turned 18 in those decades is a veteran? <br />NO

2020-05-26T21:02:37-04:00 2020-05-26T21:02:37-04:00 PO1 Kevin Goldston 5948444

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As long as you have an honorable discharge, you&#39;re a veteran.

2020-05-29T14:10:26-04:00 2020-05-29T14:10:26-04:00 SGT Philip Klein 5980632

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No

2020-06-07T16:45:34-04:00 2020-06-07T16:45:34-04:00 Sgt Ed Allen 5987826

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sorry, but no. If you did not report to basic training and server a minimum of 90 days, you are not considered a veteran.<br />It is possible to be declared a veteran if you did not graduate from boot camp due to medical conditions and such, but not until the 90 day time has passed.<br />There were many who received draft notices and then, either were not medically fit enough to serve or were turned away for other reasons. Others simply did not show up or fled their responsibility.

2020-06-09T17:11:23-04:00 2020-06-09T17:11:23-04:00 Pvt Private RallyPoint Member 6015377

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sounds spot-on to me WAF .Sf.

2020-06-17T12:07:40-04:00 2020-06-17T12:07:40-04:00 SSG Cliff Richardson 6133529

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You did right in leaving this group. Cudos to you, stand your ground. I served from 1978 - 1993, in that time I was an actual expert in infantry, and all the great wonderful things that go with it, I have had the honors of arguing my point to a 3 star Corps CDR, along with his 2, and several 1 stars in Hoenfels Germany over tatics, His differed from mine because of his level, but I am an expert trained in battle space anylisis, in the end I won. My CO a Cpt. just about shit on himslef during this. But it taught me a valuable lesson, stand your ground if you know you are completley right, in the end they will respect you more for your courage, then your talent! If they don&#39;t get it because they are civilians and just want to use this as an excuse to cash in on military stuff, you made the best move. Drive on Sister, we got your 6!!!

2020-07-24T03:10:38-04:00 2020-07-24T03:10:38-04:00 SrA Sheila Holmes 6166097

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>At this point, I’m going to say I’m glad I never joined that group. <br /><a target="_blank" href="https://www.delcotimes.com/news/blm-march-turns-tense-in-rifdley-township/article_c612917a-d43c-11ea-befb-934f56f1aa53.html?fbclid=IwAR3SRrjkk-KSK0GgwXKvelRGFmvtVSnMhUbSzCJYW02nvHbfbjztWcb8TRc%5D(https://www.delcotimes.com/news/blm-march-turns-tense-in-rifdley-township/article_c612917a-d43c-11ea-befb-934f56f1aa53.html?fbclid=IwAR3SRrjkk-KSK0GgwXKvelRGFmvtVSnMhUbSzCJYW02nvHbfbjztWcb8TRc)">https://www.delcotimes.com/news/blm-march-turns-tense-in-rifdley-township/article_c612917a-d43c-11ea-befb-934f56f1aa53.html?fbclid=IwAR3SRrjkk-KSK0GgwXKvelRGFmvtVSnMhUbSzCJYW02nvHbfbjztWcb8TRc%5D(https://www.delcotimes.com/news/blm-march-turns-tense-in-rifdley-township/article_c612917a-d43c-11ea-befb-934f56f1aa53.html?fbclid=IwAR3SRrjkk-KSK0GgwXKvelRGFmvtVSnMhUbSzCJYW02nvHbfbjztWcb8TRc)</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default"> <div class="pta-link-card-picture"> <img src="https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/link_data_pictures/images/000/540/376/qrc/5f2609dd46d95.image.jpg?1596340336"> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> <a target="blank" href="https://www.delcotimes.com/news/blm-march-turns-tense-in-rifdley-township/article_c612917a-d43c-11ea-befb-934f56f1aa53.html?fbclid=IwAR3SRrjkk-KSK0GgwXKvelRGFmvtVSnMhUbSzCJYW02nvHbfbjztWcb8TRc%5D(https://www.delcotimes.com/news/blm-march-turns-tense-in-rifdley-township/article_c612917a-d43c-11ea-befb-934f56f1aa53.html?fbclid=IwAR3SRrjkk-KSK0GgwXKvelRGFmvtVSnMhUbSzCJYW02nvHbfbjztWcb8TRc)">BLM march turns tense in Ridley Township</a> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">RIDLEY TOWNSHIP — A mostly peaceful march turned tense Saturday as crowds of mostly white men bum-rushed Black Lives Matter protesters as they neared the township police station before police</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div>

2020-08-01T23:52:17-04:00 2020-08-01T23:52:17-04:00 CMSgt James Nolan 6166110

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>About as much as me calling myself a pro golfer because I won $10 in a skins game

2020-08-01T23:59:16-04:00 2020-08-01T23:59:16-04:00 SPC Ted Hunt 6286310

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No!

2020-09-06T21:17:08-04:00 2020-09-06T21:17:08-04:00 SGT James Parker 6508198

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Bro.. Communists b.. really

2020-11-17T19:04:00-05:00 2020-11-17T19:04:00-05:00 CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member 7046163

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Having intercourse doesn&#39;t mean you are pregnant.

2021-06-14T12:16:37-04:00 2021-06-14T12:16:37-04:00 SPC Charles Nesbitt 7063999

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, he would have had to finish boot came and probably AIT to be a real Vet and not been kicked out of service for something he did.

2021-06-23T12:12:46-04:00 2021-06-23T12:12:46-04:00 Capt Wayne Burden 7068754

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Someone receiving a draft notice and becoming an instant veteran is true only if drinking a light beer makes one pregnant.

2021-06-25T12:51:32-04:00 2021-06-25T12:51:32-04:00 SSgt Robert Van Buhler III 7072311

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Implying you ride with the Legion even as a wannabe vet in itself is stolen valor, not that I claim valor for being in the AL. I do admit I served proudly and would not join a group that dishonored the modest title of &quot;veteran&quot; by disrupting behavior at a public event. I attach dignity to my service and claim some by being a veteran, which I would not want to soil be bad associations.

2021-06-27T09:14:56-04:00 2021-06-27T09:14:56-04:00 PO2 Mike Vignapiano 7088633

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just because someone received a draft notice does not mean that they are a veteran. A veteran is someone who served in one of the military branches. A veteran will have a DD-214. Regardless of the type of discharge, all service members have one and a call to the VA with a person&#39;s SSN can confirm.

2021-07-05T11:24:04-04:00 2021-07-05T11:24:04-04:00 SFC Dwight Beaver 7101649

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>HELL NO...<br />Thats like saying I was born in the early 50s and a Korean War veteran... Or I served during the Vietnam War (not in country) so I&#39;m a Vietnam veteran...

2021-07-11T17:12:44-04:00 2021-07-11T17:12:44-04:00 MSgt Kerry Lundy 7118113

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I received my draft notice the same day I took my physical to enlist in the USAF. That did not make me a veteran but three tours in Vietnam and two years in Thailand supporting those who were still in Vietnam, the EVAC of people from Vietnam while Saigon was falling did. So all of you wanna be veterans can go p--s up a wet rope! I retired from active duty 21 years after my enlistment. The Legion and VFW turned me off after one visit to each.

2021-07-19T08:58:35-04:00 2021-07-19T08:58:35-04:00 SSG Ralph Watkins 7140174

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Tens of thousands of young men, maybe more got their draft notices &amp; never served. They were either unfit to serve, had extenuating circumstances, or hightailed it to Canada. Read all of our lips: Receiving a draft notice does not make a person a veteran. Period. One guy I worked with was already a combat vet before he got drafted. He just graduated high school &amp; went to work for Air America before he got his draft notice. He did 3 years in Southeast Asia before he came back home. He then got picked up as a draft dodger &amp; put into the Marines. He saw more action working for Air America but it wasn&#39;t until the Marines took him that he was considered a veteran. Halfway thru his tour in Vietnam the Marines realized he spoke most of the languages &amp; dialects in the region. Before that he was only pushing papers in the rear.

2021-07-28T15:00:24-04:00 2021-07-28T15:00:24-04:00 LCpl Kenneth Heath 7156302

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Does getting junk mail from Publishers Clearing House make you a millionaire?<br />Fuck no he&#39;s not a Veteran.

2021-08-03T20:20:58-04:00 2021-08-03T20:20:58-04:00 CPO Jack De Merit 7165789

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Common Sense says that the answer is no UNLESS you report to the draft facility and are enlisted in a branch of the military. Then you are a veteran but only if you serve.

2021-08-07T15:19:28-04:00 2021-08-07T15:19:28-04:00 SGT Andrew Anderson 7166018

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A lot of people who got a draft notice went to Canada, I don’t think anyone would consider them veterans!

2021-08-07T16:59:32-04:00 2021-08-07T16:59:32-04:00 Sgt Jake Middlebrook 7204586

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>People running splinter groups under the umbrella of a large and respected organization is nothing new. Back in the 60 George Wallace, Bull Conner and Ax Handle Maddox were all on the Democratic ticket. As an active duty member you need to be really carful to ask what organizations really do and really stand for. If it is the case as it appears here they have misrepresented who they are and what they do then resign quickly as you have.

2021-08-21T18:23:59-04:00 2021-08-21T18:23:59-04:00 SPC Donald Moore 7226861

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Getting a draft notice does not make you a veteran. Having actually served in the military makes you a veteran. There is a clear line and people that want to make it fuzzy are just lying to themselves.

2021-08-29T12:50:54-04:00 2021-08-29T12:50:54-04:00 Cpl Raymond Wiltshire 7229369

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Unless you &quot;served your time&quot; and (IMHO) received a discharge under honorable conditions, you&#39;re not a Veteran. People that started boot, but never finished are in the same boat.<br />Notice how everyone wants to be a &quot;veteran&quot; nowadays. Even &quot;draft dodgers&quot; from my era.<br />For all my brothers and sisters out there that served their country honorably, I salute and thank you!

2021-08-30T11:28:45-04:00 2021-08-30T11:28:45-04:00 SCPO Private RallyPoint Member 7472024

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely not. Period. You know, I keep getting Publishers&#39; ClearingHouse letters that say I have THE winning ticket number that&#39;s included in the letters. Go ahead, ask me how many PCH Sweepstakes I&#39;ve won. I&#39;ll give you three guesses, the first two don&#39;t count. And you&#39;d better not let General Patton catch wind of this veteran scam. He&#39;d come back from the grave, sure as I&#39;m a foot high!!!

2022-01-12T23:19:17-05:00 2022-01-12T23:19:17-05:00 CPL Stephen Maddaloni 7745710

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>He&#39;<br /><br />NO

2022-06-26T12:58:40-04:00 2022-06-26T12:58:40-04:00 2020-03-12T16:19:59-04:00