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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 >1 y ago
Responses: 1607
Yes I worked with one who claimed to be airborne qualified. Couldn't name the basic parts of a standard T-10. Never jumped, he claimed the CO pinned on his wings while sending him on a secret mission. Called him out in front of several co-workers who were vets. He quit on the spot.
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I was in WalMart, I always wear my, Vietnam Veteran, hat with my miniature CIB on it. This guy slides up to my power wheelchair and says thank you for your service. I say thank you, did you serve to. He says yes, so I ask branch and job. He answers Army, Infantry. Then he ask what that blue thing with the rifle on my cap is ! Sure he was and Infantryman, in heavy combat in Iraq, sure he was.
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A few times, once in college but that was pre-service and then again in my Civilian job I see it once in awhile. They basically pretend to be Veterans to beg for money as they think playing the Homeless Vet card will get them extra money, etc.
All I do is ask questions, basic things we all know. Then I refer them to shelters, the VA, offer to get them a ride. That usually kills it, they realize they've been found out. Worst I ever saw was a guy who said he was a Marine with an Army top and Air Force bottoms.
All I do is ask questions, basic things we all know. Then I refer them to shelters, the VA, offer to get them a ride. That usually kills it, they realize they've been found out. Worst I ever saw was a guy who said he was a Marine with an Army top and Air Force bottoms.
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Almost every time I go to the VA in Baltimore. I challenge people w "oh where did you get your Bronze Star" etc. The best one I heard was from a Ranger Sgt. that reconned into Hanoi to kill a couple of Russian Generals. Since he was in charge he also stated that a "butter bar" named Colin Powell joined his outfit. He had been telling his BS to a couple of people before I got there and finally I had it and told him Colin Powell served in Nam as a Major. All of a sudden remembered he was late for his appointment and took off on his scooter !! I laughed so hard I cried !! True story Black Lion Big Red One 1965- 1967 Lai Khe !!
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SSG Garry Hendricks
Colin Powell received his commission as a 2LT in June 1958. I would seriously doubt he would still be a butter bar by the time he arrived in Nam.
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I went to a Hot Rod shop in a small town near me,as I walked through the door there was a Stolen Valor fuc& spewing his accomplishments as a Marine Door Gunner in Vietnam and how he had been hit by a NVA machine gun and the VA wouldn't recognize his injuries because he was in Cambodia when it happen. Is said to him "Really! "Wow I was a Marine & a door gunner too Mike!" I started quizzing him as to what Squadron was he with, their tail boom markings, what their call sign sign and what was his nick name over there. I saw the I'm screwed look come over his face as he started back walking like a scared crab backing up on a beach then I asked to see where he was hit ...all of a sudden he wipes a cell phone out of his pocket saying "my phones vibrating it's my wife" and heading for the exit to get to his car saying nice talking with you Semper Fi..' in the car and gone as fast as he could. I never got his last name but I have been trying to track him down ever since as he left I turned around and the guys inside followed me out to his car all the time digging him with questions. I told the guys as he pulled away "there went a stolen valor fuck and to believe nothing he ever says because even on your death bed you will never forget the name of the Squadron / unit you where with not to mention you call sign".......Everyone there recognized him and knew him as "Mike" but nothing else about him, I was so pissed I failed to get his cars plate #. I'm still hunting the asshole this happened in Blanchester Ohio about six years ago he was heavy built about 6' mustache, white with graying dark hair and a real mouth He was not in uniform but was wearing a Eagle Globe & Anchor ball cap. He'd be in his late 60's now.
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In 2009 I was on a flight and due to a medical emergency in the row in front of me a young man was re-seated next to me. He was a double amputee (legs) wearing shorts in January so it was pretty obvious what his injuries were. Assuming his injuries were from military action I engaged in a conversation with him. When I asked what service he was in, he replied the Army. When I asked what his rank was he replied "super sergeant".....I ask, "is that like an E-9?" He was a bit befuddled but went to tell me he was a graduate of the USMA. The conversation lasted about 20 minutes before I hit my tipping point and called bullshit to his story and told him how I felt about how he was stealing the valor of those individuals that have sacrificed so much for our country. He asked to be re-seated and his request was accommodated.
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Yes I have spotted a few... I believe. I did not address them. At some point IMHO I think they're mentally ill. Perhaps too much compassion? Is it different than stolen valor?
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MAJ Doug Mattox
No not too much compassion. I just posted and feel the same way about the mentally ill people who do this. They mean no harm and some probably believe that they did. I feel for them. I gave a person asking for some money one time a few dollars. He had a shirt that said he was a veteran and when I asked him questions he could not answer them. I still gave him the money but asked him not to pose just to get money. I am sure he continued but that is something he will answer to later, and I am sure he needed the money anyway.
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