674
674
0
So I saw my first military poser today at Wal-Mart of all places. Had Army ACUs, popped collar, what looked like a white turtleneck and Doc Marten's boots, patrol cap on indoors, no name tapes anywhere, Marine Corps Globe-and-Anchor on his pc, no unit patches and an American flag patch with no stars. I asked him what unit he was in, he responded with being an E-7 petty officer in the Navy.
Annnnnd, go...
Annnnnd, go...
Posted in these groups: 
Stolen Valor
Stolen Valor
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 1607
65
65
0
Wearing ACU'S is 1 thing even if they are tore up from the floor up. Had this individual ASKED for military or veterans DISCOUNTS...... Then and ONLY THEN would I demand their Military CAC I.D. card. If they could NOT produce it then NO GO. Then it would be reported as stolen Valor, trying to recieve benefits EARNED by OTHER soldiers or veterans that CLEARLY put the time in to recieve those benefits. Otherwise I would just walk on and say "YOU realize you are fooling no one right?"
(65)
(0)
PO3 David Smith
SSG Edward Slusser - I show my VA card which is usually accepted without reservation. US Navy MCB 4, Vietnam 68-69, NSA Danang 70
(0)
(0)
SSgt John Huebner
Illinois will put Veteran on your drivers license once you have vetted your DD214 with the Illinois Dept of Veterans Affairs...it is convienent.
(0)
(0)
Amn James Harrison
I don't carry my DD214. THE only thing that says I was in the Military. My LTC has "veteran" on it. I did provide a copy of my DD214 to the state when I got my LTC.
(1)
(0)
SN Shawn Wilson
that what I have too have a dd214 never produced a va hospital card, cause i have never applied for one.
(0)
(0)
65
65
0
This "stolen valor" shit is getting out of hand. And what I mean is that every one of these stolen valor cases involves either people with disabilities or real veterans. It's making us sound like a bunch of whiney pussies because we can't handle seeing a civilian in camo.
(65)
(0)
SPC Richard Stevenson (Munden)
I disagree. I've seen an awful lot of cases that were just attention-seeking or hoping to receive benefits of some kind. Those people should be called out on their BS.
(4)
(0)
PO3 James Foley
I do not care if he wants to be a Halloween commando, but when he starts making claims getting him cash and services that are normally given to REAL vets, that chaps my ass.
(4)
(0)
SP6 Richard Delrossi
Sgt.Brown, check out " Stolen Valor" there are people that have gotten thru the V.A. used their fake Military Career, for political gain, jobs and many other benefits.
(0)
(0)
52
52
0
You have to watch out for those "Navy Seal FBI CIA Army Ranger Marine Boy Scout troop leader medal of honor winners." Those dudes will mess you up.
(52)
(0)
SSG Dennis Allen
I say "it was classified" all the time - because it was. That's not necessarily a cue to walk away.
(1)
(0)
47
47
0
I was in the Army from 1980 until 1992. Both active and reserve. Went from an E-1 to an O-3. Got out to finish my degree; life got in the way and I never went back.
I wear my dog tags every day to remind me that I am and will always be a soldier. I am an attorney now. I wear OD or Khaki BDU pants and combat boots almost every day. On weekends, you might see me in a pair of DCU or Woodland Camo BDU pants.
I am not a poser, but I don't have any ID which identifies me as a veteran. They didn't issue them when I ETS'd. I understand the "false valor" of these nin-com-poops pretending to be vets, but call them out and move on. Everyone knows they are idiots. He'll, some folks think I'm strange. I don't give up shit what people think. Most lawyers aren't vets, so they can kiss my ass.
I wear my dog tags every day to remind me that I am and will always be a soldier. I am an attorney now. I wear OD or Khaki BDU pants and combat boots almost every day. On weekends, you might see me in a pair of DCU or Woodland Camo BDU pants.
I am not a poser, but I don't have any ID which identifies me as a veteran. They didn't issue them when I ETS'd. I understand the "false valor" of these nin-com-poops pretending to be vets, but call them out and move on. Everyone knows they are idiots. He'll, some folks think I'm strange. I don't give up shit what people think. Most lawyers aren't vets, so they can kiss my ass.
(47)
(0)
SP5 Robert Spangler
CPT Michael E. Cain - On one post you say you were in the Army? On the next you are saying you were a Petty Officer? Did I misunderstand?
(0)
(0)
Capt Gilbert Arguello
Most states will note on your Driver's License your veteran's status if you present your full DD214.
(0)
(0)
40
40
0
So I too have run into the poser/stolen valor scenario mine was a bit different. Mine was a homeless man on the side of an off ramp with a sign stating he was a sailor, and he was asking for hand outs. I felt bad for him, so I got off my motorcycle and was heading toward him with change that I had in my pocket. I had my NWU's on still having just got off of work and when he saw my uniform he turned his sign and started to walk away... So I really don't know what is worse. Wearing a uniform and posing for attention, or not and attempting to gain cash out of sympathy for veterans...
(40)
(0)
CPL Shauncey Wade
SP5 Christopher's Frames - I met a few Vets who showed me their DD-214, they claim that they don't want any help from the Government, because they know that the Government take their time in helping Veterans.
(4)
(0)
MSgt John McGowan
Some do need the help, some may have more money than someone that works also. people make living doing stuff like this.
(0)
(0)
Sgt Edmund Decosta
While walking to South Station in Boston to catch the train home I see this 50 yr old? guy wearing a Marine baseball cap, holding a sign, begging for money. About 30 minutes later I see the same guy scratching a handful of lottery tickets at the newspaper kiosk in the station. He's telling the girl working there that " I only got about $200. today cuz it's a Sunday" And about how people are just a bunch of suckers. Stolen valor? Don't know. It's still wrong though.
(0)
(0)
PO3 William Blackwell
Wish I could get help.Found out long time ago cold war vets are basically lower than whale shit.Seabees 76-81
(1)
(0)
35
35
0
A1C Lexas Granger
Obviously, people, there's nothing wrong with putting on a uniform to claim you're something you're not.
(0)
(0)
MSG James Hughs
Do not see the issue.....
I fought in two wars.....my back is broken twice....my knees are blown from parachuting.....my feet and head were crushed.....six months of plastic surgery....I have Agent Orange diabetes and three bouts of Agent Orange cancer......I have PTSD .....have the nightmares and flashbacks.....can not even enjoy a Christmas tree without remembering picking pieces of my troops out of trees after they were blown to pieces..... one could say I paid my dues....I AM A VETERAN....but this piece of crap never served a day.....spent his time trying to LIE his way into being a VETERAN.... beyond that....his every action DEGRADES my sacrifice.....and the sacrifice my friends made on the battlefield... you know the ones who did not come home..... THEY STEAL FROM ME.....THEY STEAL FROM THE DEAD.....THEY SHAME US WITH THEIR PHONY ACTIONS....
THAT IS THE ISSUE
I fought in two wars.....my back is broken twice....my knees are blown from parachuting.....my feet and head were crushed.....six months of plastic surgery....I have Agent Orange diabetes and three bouts of Agent Orange cancer......I have PTSD .....have the nightmares and flashbacks.....can not even enjoy a Christmas tree without remembering picking pieces of my troops out of trees after they were blown to pieces..... one could say I paid my dues....I AM A VETERAN....but this piece of crap never served a day.....spent his time trying to LIE his way into being a VETERAN.... beyond that....his every action DEGRADES my sacrifice.....and the sacrifice my friends made on the battlefield... you know the ones who did not come home..... THEY STEAL FROM ME.....THEY STEAL FROM THE DEAD.....THEY SHAME US WITH THEIR PHONY ACTIONS....
THAT IS THE ISSUE
(4)
(0)
SP5 Norman McGill
Thanks for your service MSG Hughes. Sounds like you fought way more than just a war. I can see where you would feel the way you do and how most of us feel if we have been in any military service. That's why we talk about "Stolen Valor" and all that it entails. It helps to identify the impostors and get rid of them. Any time you feel like writing about your service time I know a lot of guys here would be proud to read about you. Take care.
(0)
(0)
31
31
0
I work security patrol for a living right now. I have run across an enormous number of posers. One guy told me he was a Navy SEAL and promoted from Lieutenant First Class up to Staff Sergeant...what? One rank simply doesn't exist and the other isn't used in the Navy, let alone you wouldn't go from officer to enlisted as a "promotion".
Another claimed to be a "Black Beret" in Desert Storm. I was looking right at his ID...he would've been 12 during Desert Storm. Forget the fact that Rangers usually don't refer to themselves as a type of headgear.
Anyway, I have learned to just ignore most of them unless they try to get discounts or other entitlements. Also, a lot of people wear camouflage clothes. Most of them, I just simply ignore. There is no law against wearing it unless they try for accuracy and miss. I served for 15 years. You won't catch me wearing the uniform even remotely incorrectly, even to this day. Although I wouldn't bother trying anymore.
Another claimed to be a "Black Beret" in Desert Storm. I was looking right at his ID...he would've been 12 during Desert Storm. Forget the fact that Rangers usually don't refer to themselves as a type of headgear.
Anyway, I have learned to just ignore most of them unless they try to get discounts or other entitlements. Also, a lot of people wear camouflage clothes. Most of them, I just simply ignore. There is no law against wearing it unless they try for accuracy and miss. I served for 15 years. You won't catch me wearing the uniform even remotely incorrectly, even to this day. Although I wouldn't bother trying anymore.
(31)
(0)
SGT Randy Kestner
SPC (Join to see) - Rangers used to wear black berets before the Army wanted everyone wearing a beret, so the Rangers switched to tan.
(1)
(0)
CPL Julian Bridges
Calvary scouts wore black berets in the 70's...
when I enlisted the MOS was 11d Cavalry Scout. It later changed to 19d reconnaissance specialist.
when I enlisted the MOS was 11d Cavalry Scout. It later changed to 19d reconnaissance specialist.
(0)
(0)
30
30
0
Kid may have some mental issues and just wants to be in the service and this is as near to that he can get. I say let him be.
(30)
(0)
A1C Lexas Granger
You honestly should be able to tell if there is a mental defect in someone who wants to play soldier for the day, and the person who's just trying to get a cut and cheat the system.
(1)
(0)
24
24
0
Kevin Burnside
My buddy has a rucksack that I really want looks cool , and seems to have many uses , would YALL be mad at this civilian for wanting to use a military rucksack?
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
Frank Schrader
I don't get why anyone would get mad for simply wearing any uniform as long as they aren't saying they are serving or have served or trying to get discounts or perks. I used to wear my grandfathers all the time usually just the pants not sure if they were BDUs he got out in 92 after over 30 yrs of service so they would've been from early 90s or later 80s. of course if I wore his jackets everything was removed except for the name which happens to be my name. As long as a person isn't posing as being a vet or active duty whats the harm?
(1)
(0)
23
23
0
As a military wife I have worn my husband's army jackets his sweats even his PT shorts and any other artical of his military clothing that regulations allow me to wear all of which state army on them.But when asked if I serve or asked if I presently serve I proudly say No I have not but my husband does and I am very proud of that.Then I am thanked for his service..But never have I claimed to serve or said yes I serve and lied about my rank branch of service or my pay grade(those are things that should never be done by anyone)And there are times I have been cut down and yelled at for proudly wearing these things.Being told either I hadn't earned the right to wear them right down to being told I am an animal for supporting a murderer.To which I reply well we all have opinions and thanks to my so called murderer and all the others who serve you have the freedom of speech to voice that option.Now take you opinion and feel free to voice it elsewhere.Because at the end of the day that man you call a murderer is my husband he has served 16 years he has been deployed he still serves today And not only do I support him and what he does I honor it and I will defend it.So take your opinion and get stepping.
(23)
(0)
(1)
(0)
Stanley Abernathy
I agree ,you keep wearing your husbands things if he doesn't care neither should anyone else. My wife served in the Marines . She has bought me Marines stuff the only thing I wear is a t shirt. I feel weird wearing the sweatshirt, hat I just let her wear them she earned it .
(1)
(0)
PO2 David Mooney
Your point that we serve to ensure their to be stupidis well taken. We can't complain when they exercise it.
(0)
(0)
SN Shawn Wilson
i lost my 1991-1995 med-cruise jacket back in the early 2000's when a crazy girlfriend & I broke up, I still worry I going to see some guy or gal wearing it around town, claiming to be me. or at the local thrift store.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google