Have you seen military posers in person?

I had seen many that are posers in the past. I would just let them be, and move along, no matter how angry it made me. I should have spoken out but, my story tells you why I stayed silent for so long. I was medically discharged (JFN-2) from the USMC in 1986, 0311 Infantry attached to 4/14 Lima Artillery Battalion. I was nothing but a Private, I was sent home with nothing except what I wore to the island, and I only brought home a DD214 after only 3 weeks of SOI and a high and tight, which I have maintained ever since. I could not get rid of loving the cut, and the ease of taking care of it. I still do not wear anything that signifies that I was in the Corps. I never stood or raised my hand when called to do so in church on Veterans Day appreciation. I never did feel like I deserved the same respect that is earned by those whom have served and/or died wearing the uniform that I did get to wear, but did not get to keep. Honestly I was ashamed to tell anyone that I could not continue my service, I felt like a failure, like I had let my family, friends, brothers and country down. I felt like I had dishonoured the memory of my grandfathers, father, uncles and cousins that served, fought and earned their title as soldiers. This was the way I felt from my teens, through most of my young adult life. In 2008 (my 40th birthday), I got a tattoo with 4 simple letters (USMC) on my right shoulder, that my brother (whom had joined the Air Force at 19) had basically forced me into doing. My wife, children and family knew what I did, but I never told anyone else. The tattoo is high enough on my arm that unless I went shirtless, or wore a tank top (which I never did and still never do in public), no one else would see it, and I would not have to explain my failure to complete my training, and in my heart and mind, earn the honor. One afternoon when I was working at the church, cutting grass, I was unfortunate enough to run the zero-turn over a yellow jackets nest. They were all over me, clinging to my skin and clothes. I took off my shirt, beat them off of me, and ran for the church office. The pastor saw me in the hall and he saw my tattoo. He did not say anything for about a week, until I was back to cut grass again. I was outside of his office, getting the church credit card to go and buy fuel. He called me in and sat down and we talked about the tattoo and why I never responded to his requests to stand during service, join the breakfast's, or go on the veteran's retreats with him (he served in the USN for 8 years) and the other men that were in the military. I explained to him exactly what i have explained here. The next time there was a call to stand, again, I did not. I remained seated and instead of him asking for everyone to show their thanks for those whom had served, he called me out in front of the entire church and told them my story. I was angry, embarrassed and hurt. When people came up to me afterwards to ask me about it, I did my best to exit before I had to answer any questions. in the following year, the pastor tried to discuss the matter with me and I tried to avoid him also. But I finally had to tell him how I felt, really felt and not just explain why I did not participate, how I felt unworthy of any thanks or respect. My father served in the United States Army during Vietnam '66-'69. He was part of the "Old Ironsides", 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss Texas and then was assigned to and served with Company A, 1st Squadron. Before my father died (knowing all of this and my problem with standing up), he asked me to remember him, and stand for him on Veteran's day. I think it was his way of making me stand up for myself really. Still in my heart, and because of him, I now stand and do as he asked, although I do not feel I deserve to do this for me, I do it for him. I am sure there are others out there like me, and maybe they too do not speak out, or speak up when they should. I have had many judge me and say, you didn't make it, your not worthy, and others that say that I tried and it was not my fault I could not complete what I started. I leave those judgements to others.
Semper Fi and God Bless all of those that serve, and have served our great country with honor and distinction.

Yes, but can't prove it, but they beg out side the Walmart, and it makes me sick because if Vets really need help, I'll give my last dollar, but these fakes need a big can of whoop ass opened up on them

As some have stated here, anyone can go into an A/N, or military surplus store and purchase military items. Doesn't necessarily mean they are posers. I'm a retired navy "chief ". Not full time active duty, 2 1/2 years active, 24 reserve. I've had some say , "oh you were just a reservist " others say so what, you did the time. I've heard Vietnam combat vets, disparage "Tonkin gulf " navy vets as, "not a "REAL " Vietnam vet. I have many ships ballcaps, the NWU blueberry 8 point w/chiefs insignia. Unless someone is trying to get discounts, etc, what's the harm?

Yes. I once taught with a guy who claimed to be a Lt. Colonel, Army, who held the DSC from his 'secret' tour in Laos. Right... we were born the exact same day, and I was only 14 when the helicopters escaped from Saigon. I hope the new President restores the Stolen Valor Act.

At a bar that I frequent (go figure a Marine in a bar) there is an individual who found out I was a Vietnam vet starting telling me stories about his time as a Navy Seal. His stories would continue every time I saw him. I spoke with some people who knew him in high school and they say that he was never in the Military. I finally confronted him and challenged him that the next time I see him I will have a copy of my DD-214 and I suggest he bring his or this shit is over. He gave me a quizzical look and asked "What is a DD-214?". Get away from me asshole.

Maybe he was posing and the White Turtle Neck was a Dicky instead?

I always ask a wannabe veteran what was his or her mos an if he cannot give that information I know he is a fake

I read all these stories about poser, I just laugh, I served during Vietnam, mater of fact retired from the Army, when we came home or were home on leave the last thing we wanted to do was wear our uniform, We had the other problems getting crap from our fellow citizens. about the War. we would were our field jackets when doing stuff like hunting and junk like that never had the problem about posers every now and then you might run into a PX warrior in the Airport because we wore our Class A or B's when flying to get military standby we would just chuckle and move on just my two cents

I find the whole stolen valor thing very strange, usually perpetrated by individuals with low self esteem. I've seen two people who were blatant SV candidates but I just let it be, I'm too old to start a fight. They'll get it from somebody, especially with all the veterans of OEF/OIF out there.

Take him down to meet a recruiter.