How can I verify if someone actually served in the military or if they are practicing stolen valor?

2023-03-02T09:55:08-05:00

I know that you could ask the for a DD214 but this person is very confrontational and I don't feel like causing a scene so how can I verify their military service. I have legitimate reasons and/or suspicions that they may not have served even though they are claiming they did.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2023 10:05 AM

2023-03-02T10:05:53-05:00

You could do a Freedom of Information Act request for his service. If you think they are benefiting from it then you should contact law enforcement. If they are just saying outlandish stories I would just let them think they are cool. If it goes to the point about wartime service then I start to ask questions wrong on process. Like if he was in the 101st Air Assault at Fort Bragg. If he said yes then I start to call them out.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Mar 2 at 2023 10:18 AM

2023-03-02T10:18:54-05:00

Depending on level of valor that he is claiming, can check with MOH Society for that and The Army Times as a database for Crosses and SS.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 2 at 2023 10:35 AM

2023-03-02T10:35:37-05:00

Like CPT Eric Rosa said, get friendly, ask wrong questions if you feel they are taking advantage. If they are just a blow hard, walk away. Notify the authorities if they are gaining financially.

Response by SP5 Timothy Cooper made Mar 2 at 2023 11:31 AM

2023-03-02T11:31:26-05:00

Is he going out on a line an saying he was in combat out right or your gut telling so thing is not right. It could be a act too get the women if so call Law enforcement an tell them you may have a stolen Valor case. You know the AG call an see wait can be done.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Mar 2 at 2023 11:31 AM

2023-03-02T11:31:56-05:00

Are they claiming veteran status for any type of gain or incentive? If so they would be required to show proof to the proper authority, i.e. HR, senior management, etc., If not just wait them out. If this person is a faker, they will likely say or do something that will out them all by themselves.
It is slightly risky, but you could bait him by feeding them some BS about an impossible scenario such as...
1. Being assigned as the personal bodyguard for Gen Schwarzkopf back in Desert Storm.
2. Going on a secret mission to recover old space capsules from the ocean floor.
3. The time you kicked your CO's ass and got away with it because your personal martial arts instructor is Chuck Norris.
4. You have the second longest recorded sniper shot, but it is classified, so you can't tell anybody.
5. Door gunner/parachute qualified on the space shuttle.

Any of these should work. Keep us posted.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Mar 2 at 2023 11:39 AM

2023-03-02T11:39:02-05:00

Post it here and lets see what happens....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2023 12:09 PM

2023-03-02T12:09:14-05:00

Why does it matter? Are they claiming military service and receiving some kind of benefits for it? If not, who cares? If they are, then do a FOIA request through the National Archives and they'll give you basic military service information. Then report them for violating Stolen Valor laws depending on your state or if they are violating the federal law.

Response by Gregory E., Lang, made Mar 2 at 2023 12:14 PM

2023-03-02T12:14:45-05:00

DD214 tells all

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2023 12:35 PM

2023-03-02T12:35:41-05:00

Confrontation is sometimes needed, if you're going to get to the bottom of it.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 2 at 2023 12:54 PM

2023-03-02T12:54:47-05:00

If asking them to provide proof isn't an option submit a FOIA request. I have done it for several people in the past to find the truth.

Before you accuse someone of stolen understand how the Stole Valor acts works. They have to be proven to be lying about their service for profit. Or if they are claiming high level medals of valor. Somebody wearing a Military shirt and vaguely saying they served will not be enough to prosecute. It's pretty easy to vet if they are claiming one of the top 3 valor awards as that Database is managed by DOD.

https://valor.defense.gov/

U.S. Military Awards for Valor - Top 3

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 2 at 2023 1:41 PM

2023-03-02T13:41:35-05:00

Unless you or someone else is being actually harmed, just let it go.

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Mar 2 at 2023 4:36 PM

2023-03-02T16:36:36-05:00

I've busted many a wanna-be 'Nam vet by simply asking if they know the bird and the lizard.
I never saw either critter, but I certainly heard them.
I've busted others, a bit of digging into their story generally does the trick.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2023 4:14 PM

2023-03-03T16:14:44-05:00

FOIA if you really want to find out.. but honestly unless they are gaining finically I wouldn't waste my time with them. Although it is a shitty thing to do, it is not technically (legally anyway) stolen valor unless they are finically benefitting from it. Anyone that would lie about service is most likely someone that need medical mental help... or they regret that they did not actually serve. Just my 2 cents on the matter.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2023 5:24 AM

2023-03-06T05:24:27-05:00

Well if the standard questions and answers are not an obvious red flag, i.e., "Where did you go to basic for the Army?" and they respond with, "Camp Pendleton as an Airborne Infantry SEAL" you obviously know they're full of crap.

Usually best to err on the side of caution and ignore it, not all Vets play nice or well with others. Another thing to remember is if this is a generational issue, for example MOS codes have changed over the years along with lingo, training, etc. So a Soldier from Korea or Vietnam is going to talk about things differently than a Soldier from the Gulf War or GWOT.

We also need to take care to remember not all experiences are the same. Whether you're Active, National Guard, or Reserves; have deployed or have not, seen combat or not, even down to different posts and units not to mention the vast array of MOS' as much as we might say we're a uniform force different commands do things differently resulting in different experiences and understandings.

All that said, if you're really thinking this guy is Stolen Valor then you can perform a FOIA request to the branch he claims to have served in but you're going to need some information. Full name and DOB at a minimum for starters, but last 4 on the SSN would certainly help. Not sure how you'd get that without being nefarious yourself but that's on you.

Big question here is this, is he using this status to potentially defraud or con someone? If not, it's protected speech even if we might think he's being a douchecanoe. If he's got you nettled for some other reason with this, then you need to ask yourself also is it worth the headache. If it is, then I advocate the long and peaceful route. Ask questions, learn the story and then if it ends up being a bunch of crap call him on it.

I've run into a handful of stolen valor cases, most were homeless trying to use it as a panhandling gimmick and quickly learned they didn't know what they were talking about and gave up once being asked some basic questions. There were a few who were regular guys who tried to play it off cool and impress chicks, and it didn't work out for them in the long run. The lies usually start to fall apart because the stories don't add up and the lingo doesn't make sense around Vets.

It was a 20+ year war, there's so many of us around that stolen valor is so hard to get away with for long because so many people know a guy who's a vet because of it. Add that to the population from World War II to the Gulf War and we're fricken everywhere (not really, but you get my point).

Response by SGT Michael Clark made May 21 at 2023 7:52 PM

2023-05-21T19:52:25-04:00

lol, find something better to do than chase down stolen valor......a job maybe?

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made May 26 at 2023 9:29 AM

2023-05-26T09:29:20-04:00

We are - for the moment - a volunteer force. People join based largely on what they see in others like us who have served. So yes - we don't want a douche/wannabe convincing people to join based on bullshit. "Oh yeah - we have co-ed showers," etc. By the same token, there are others who served but feel that their service was not all that they expected; for example someone who was passed over for promotion, injured and had their career cut short, etc.

These people may grandize their service life to make it juicier than it was. Kind of like that joke that if you add up all the Sailor vets who claim they were SEALs you'd have over a million of them. So its possible that he may be a plain vet who is just making his plain career sound better.

Last but not least, as a disabled vet "using the system" (in Florida) I can tell you that benefits are not immediate and they certainly are not given out without checks/paperwork, etc. So were this person to be attempting to obtain medical care, he/she will be weeded out VERRRRRRRY quickly.

Response by 1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) made Jun 11 at 2023 11:25 AM

2023-06-11T11:25:52-04:00

I had an issue in an organization I belong to. A friend mentioned that "so and so" another member of the same organization was an ex Green Beret. I checked to see if he was also a member of our local Special Forces Association Chapter and found that he was not. Interested in recruiting him for our Chapter, I spoke with him, told him about my SF service and asked what SF units he served with. His answer: "it's to painful for me to talk about it". I let it go and waited a month before talking to him again. This time, more evasiveness came out in our talk and "Red Flags" started to appear in my head! After that, I let it go completely. He also stopped claiming to be an ex Green Beret... I am fairly certain he has never spent a moment in a Special Forces organization. However, his earlier claim did nobody any harm (other than himself) and he no longer mentions any of his "past service". Sometimes, it's best to let it go. Also, it helps if they suspect you know that they are full of BS...

Response by SFC Lyle Green made Jun 23 at 2023 11:42 AM

2023-06-23T11:42:54-04:00

Man that rings a bell!!! Returning from Vietnam and for almost 10 years after that, (don’t ask if you weren’t there) my experience and opinions of The VN conflict, police action, weapons development and trials, etc. (whatever one desires to define the mess) . Due to the lies and disinformation poured down the throats of America by the press and government, I was mute of any attempt to explain or discuss anything concerning VN. Then all the sudden around 1982 or so, the spotlight of being labeled some sort of deranged demon was uplifted and we Veterans were now some sort of heroes, primarily due to the publicity of US actions in the Gulf, Kuwait, etc. that was deemed “a victory” or something positive. (??) Most others like myself cried “BS” and immediately saw the hypocrisy for what it was, just another political propaganda to suck up to the American public and attempt to put a “Band-Aid” on the disgrace they made up of VN, only to sooth their own consciences for their prior agendas. Believe it or not, I could give a rats rump. After that political motivated “honoring the veteran charade”, out popped all these claiming their heroics, dudes from all walks of life. Politicians such as John Carry, those Senators from various states, with their stories of grandeur and gallantry, many of whom were exposed as lairs and frauds. Frauds all decorated in some uniform with streams of awards, metals, ribbons, etc. Government created all these helping hands of Vet Centers, having to admit after countless deaths, disabilities, deformed children, still births from Agent Orange, 55% of Combat veterans committing suicides, divorces, imprisonments, homeless, physical side effects of dioxin. The VA, After years of lying denying refusing to treat Vets with these symptoms, telling it was just “normal” take two APCs and come back in two weeks. Now it was open arms, offering help to all. As you said, talking with many of these newfound Veterans, claiming to be “door Gunners”, special ops (classified of course)., LRRPS (long range recon patrol) , Snipers, etc. All these wantabees were not then or now to be left alone, Every Veteran should Read and remember the great book “Stolen Valor” (How the Vietnam Generation was Robbed of its Heroes and its History) by B.G. Burkett. The number of these incidents were so profound in those years, becoming involved with the Stolen Valor movement was a challenge. One man was running for a local office wearing a dress blue uniform sporting a MOH, he was arrested for to possess a MOH is against the Laws. A service officer, 25 yrs. Old, in a Vet Org. was found wearing a WWII award. At my age I am not as involved or familiar with matters today as when younger. But tis important to Learn the facts and damage these POS fakers did and are now doing to the reputations and deserved HONOR of the Veteran of this country.

Response by CPT David Medley made Jun 23 at 2023 4:18 PM

2023-06-23T16:18:19-04:00

Ask what their MOS was; Where they were in Basic Training, where they served in AIT; THESE ARE SOME ONE THE THINGS i WOULD ASK . i TRULY THINK IT WOULD BE EASY FOR SOMEONE THAT SERVED TO FIGURE THIS OUT.

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made Jun 24 at 2023 1:46 AM

2023-06-24T01:46:14-04:00

Start up a conversation with the individual. You've been in for a bit SSG, so use some of the jargon, and acronyms and measure the response. If the person is in a uniform, ask the individual what certain awards are and how he/she earned it. Check for the proper positioning of ribbons. Ask about deployments, or stations. Ask how long the person was in, and what MOS(es) the individual held, then ask where the individual went to school. If the individual says he/she was an MP for instance, say, oh, you went to AIT at Ft. Jackson then. If the individual says yes, WRONG ANSWER, the school's at Ft. L'Wood. Just ask questions and if you don't know the answer, just keep a solid mental note and verify the answer. Asked when the individual ETS'ed. Ask the individual to explain his/her duties, and listen to proper use of jargon. You know as well as I, when we get speaking to another Vet, and we get into conversations, a lot of it starts coming back. You're B.S. detector will go off wildly eventually.

Response by SP5 Wayne Barnes made Jun 24 at 2023 12:25 PM

2023-06-24T12:25:14-04:00

I agree with SFC O'Mally and MAJ Oyler, just let it go and enjoy your life.

Response by SPC John Tacetta made Jun 24 at 2023 1:23 PM

2023-06-24T13:23:07-04:00

Don't want to cause a scene, but you want to call them out. Seems a bit contradictory to me. Honestly, why do you care, really? Hell, sometimes I even wonder that I served.

Hey, just chat them up and see if the answers jive with your service experience. Not 100%, but it can give you a feel. I've sussed out a few posers this way, not that I ever pushed back on their claims - I just see them for what they are.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Jun 24 at 2023 1:46 PM

2023-06-24T13:46:08-04:00

Actually, We Had A Teacher In The School Where I Worked.
Stated He Was In The Marines.... 1 Look At Him & I Figured It To Be Questionable..
Then He Added : "As A Member Of a Seal Team"....Without A Flinch I Said:
"You're Full Of Sh*t".!
And He Never Mentioned Either Again,... But I Figure "So What, Why Do I Give a Sh*t"?
And The Answer Is "I Don't".... I'm Not Impressed, Even If He Proves It. We All Served For Various Reasons, And We Did it As A Team....And If He's Lies About It, The Others Will Find Out & Know it As Well. Exactly WHY I Don't Care Who He Pretends To Be....Affects Me ZERO.

Response by Sgt James Kaluhiokalani made Jun 24 at 2023 9:52 PM

2023-06-24T21:52:59-04:00

If they are a Marine ask them their birthday. If Navy what floats they were own and etc. If they know the lingo and have the bearing they maybe legit. Ask for their VA ID.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2023 9:02 AM

2023-06-25T09:02:32-04:00

Unless they're profiting from the misrepresentation (i.e. fraud), there's nothing illegal about it. If you go to the trouble of FOIA'ing their records and find out they're lying you can tell him (or her), "gotcha" but literally nothing else.

Response by SSG Douglas Shaffer made Jun 25 at 2023 10:26 PM

2023-06-25T22:26:26-04:00

Freedom of Information Act, he his either going to strut like a roster, or cook like a goose.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Leake made Jun 26 at 2023 6:38 AM

2023-06-26T06:38:04-04:00

If they are not benefitting financially, then let it be.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2023 5:00 PM

2023-06-26T17:00:07-04:00

If you spot some wearing a cover that says VETERAN in a restaurant, rest assured they never served!

SSG J HAMLIN 11C

Response by SFC Dr. Jesus Garcia-Arce, Psy.D made Jul 17 at 2023 9:49 PM

2023-07-17T21:49:27-04:00

DD 214 is the best evidence

Response by SSG Douglas Shaffer made Jul 18 at 2023 2:23 PM

2023-07-18T14:23:38-04:00

The Stolen Valor Act of 2013, which makes it a federal offense to falsely claim to have received any of several major military awards with the intention of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefits, was passed and remains in effect.
The key word is "Tangible Benefits." Free drinks are a tangible benefit, it is receiving an item without money exchange or discounts where money is involved and other such benefits alike.

Response by SSG Rick Miller made Aug 23 at 2023 9:38 PM

2023-08-23T21:38:40-04:00

Is this person getting any tangible benefit from this claim? If the answer to that is no, then why bother. A lot have said "Ask for his DD214". Who carries one around with them? I've been accused of stolen valor by some random asshole. I didn't show him my retired ID card, I just laughed in his face and went about my business. He was smart enough not to follow me, or keep harassing me.

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made Sep 8 at 2023 2:48 AM

2023-09-08T02:48:50-04:00

I've used this one before.
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

Request Military Service Records

Veterans and their next of kin can get FREE copies of their DD 214, and other military service records including Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), Replacement Medals, and Medical and Health Records.

Response by SFC Barbara Layman made Sep 16 at 2023 6:26 AM

2023-09-16T06:26:25-04:00

You could always open a discussion about experiences. For example, compare basic & AIT locations and MOS, duty assignments, leadership, etc. Talk about off duty experiences such as places visited, etc.
Most posers will give themselves away is such exchanges.

Response by LTC Jorge Cordero made Sep 25 at 2023 6:33 AM

2023-09-25T06:33:08-04:00

In general, it is not a crime to lie about serving in the military just to brag or impress others. Doing so may be morally reprehensible, but the deception isn't enough to fine someone or put them in jail. However, “stolen valor” is a crime, as is impersonating a military member or officer. "Stolen Valor" This term describes making false claims about performing military service, earning military awards or medals, being a prisoner of war, and other details that aren’t true. Politicians, judges, celebrities, antiwar activists, veteran group officials, community leaders, and average citizens have been exposed for lying about their military records. The issue became so prominent in recent decades that the United States passed legislation making stolen valor a crime, first in 2005, with an amendment in 2013.

Response by Col John "Coach" Allison made Sep 25 at 2023 2:33 PM

2023-09-25T14:33:40-04:00

Just ask them. And then keep walking.

Response by CPL Christopher Thomas made Oct 19 at 2023 3:19 PM

2023-10-19T15:19:16-04:00

You can always asked them what their MOS was, where they served. There's plenty of questions you can ask to verify but at the end of the day, they're a disgrace to the military and ultimately to the United States of America. Just keep on scrolling.

Response by COL Thomas McGrath made Oct 19 at 2023 5:53 PM

2023-10-19T17:53:11-04:00

The VA has an excellent database for identification of service members however it’s private and not open to the public. However for regular occurrences I’d ask specific questions about the service and their jobs and where and when they served. Then move on, the world is full of liars.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 19 at 2023 7:04 PM

2023-10-19T19:04:34-04:00

IT CALLED NETWORKING... I HAD A FRIEND WHO CLAIMED HE WAS A PART OF THE GOLDEN KNIGHT JUMP TEAM AND EVEN WENT TO SFAS..I THINK SELECTION COURSE FOR SF. HE WOULD NEVER SHOW ME A PICTURE OF HIMSELF IN DRESS UNIFORM. I CALLED HIM OUT BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE I NETWORK WITH CHECKED UP ON HIM. DO WORRY ABOUT A DUMB DD214 YOUR PEERS WHO SERVED OR CURRENTLY SERVING WILL FIND OUT IF YOU WANT TO KNOW SOMETHING. IT'S A SMALL WORLD...

Response by SSG John Smith made Oct 19 at 2023 9:16 PM

2023-10-19T21:16:38-04:00

FORGET IT. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMEONE WHO SAYS HE GOT ALL THESE MEDALS AND SERVED. lET IT GO, BUT IF YOU INSIST THAT YOU WANT TO FIND OUT ASK HIM WHERE HE SERVED OR WHAT MEDALS HE WAS AWARDED. IF YOU GO ON THE ITERNET YOU CAN SEE PICTURES OF PEOPLE WHO ARE FAKES. yOU CAN TELL BY THERE AWARDS AND HOW THEY ARE WEARING THEM. bUT THE BEST THING IS TO JUST LET IT GO.

Response by SPC Vonnie Jones made Oct 20 at 2023 3:18 AM

2023-10-20T03:18:28-04:00

Please don't ask for my DD214, I would probably cus you out! Yes I wear my Army veterans hat because it covers the alopecia lol. Please remember some veterans are really mentally unstable so the may not have their panhandling uniform together. MOS numbers change I was a 91B that changed, I was at Ft McClellan that closed, so if you get a different answer than your expecting don't call them out. I know a women that kept telling me she served after knowing her 20 years I never believed her. However she did serve and had a major breakdown! at AP Hill, she was a national guard or reservist. So be careful in your assumptions about someone else service. It's a slippers fox hole when your accusing someone of stolen Valor. Chances are if you think he is fake every one else think so too. Is outings this person that important? Is he taking anything from you really. Believe me VA claims are moving so slow that he will be waiting like the rest of us. Really dear heart let it go then you will rest peacefully.

Response by LTC Jorge Cordero made Oct 20 at 2023 6:19 AM

2023-10-20T06:19:53-04:00

Yes, you could probably ask for my 214, but I'd tell you to GTH. My DD214 has PII in it and unless I am applying for a job at your company and your company hires veterans and require proof, you have no reason to want to see my 214. And if that were the case you should have your HR department work out those details. Yes there are a-holes out there participating in stolen valor and congress has pass laws making this a crime. But I would think you would need more proof than just your curiosity to obtain a warrant for my 214.

Response by SFC John Ruffin made Oct 20 at 2023 7:08 PM

2023-10-20T19:08:55-04:00

DD214, ERB.....copy on phone or in car. I'm tired as well of this Stolen Valor . SFC Retired 4 tours, 48 months and 20000 miles in Iraq, Afghanistan and including the push from the South to the North. If you did it you know what I mean.

Response by SGT Alan Simmons made Oct 23 at 2023 7:27 AM

2023-10-23T07:27:13-04:00

While I understand your frustrations, being a veteran and fighting several health issues related to my military service, I don't need the added frustration. I teach on a university campus and often hear these late twenty-somethings and some younger ones bragging about their military service - and usually, there is a small minority whose only experience with the military has been playing with plastic soldiers in the yard.
The fakes are always found out sooner or later. They share one of their "glory stories" with the wrong person - usually a real veteran - who identifies them as the fraud they are.

Response by CSM Christopher St. Cyr made Oct 23 at 2023 8:32 AM

2023-10-23T08:32:26-04:00

SSG Clayton Lam This post notification just populated my inbox. I saw you received a wide variety of advice. What did you decide to do. How did it turn out?

Response by SPC Stephen Dunkle made Oct 23 at 2023 4:55 PM

2023-10-23T16:55:07-04:00

I know several that quite state that they are vets but based on what they profess as part of vet orgs absolutely give the false impression and often incorrect information and never get called out. One dead giveaway is their knowledge of the VA

Response by Sgt Ken Gardner made Oct 23 at 2023 5:58 PM

2023-10-23T17:58:08-04:00

Truth will always prevail; eventually. I was a supervisor on a civilian job and an employee, who was already working there, claimed to be a Marine. He didn't work like a Marine. He didn't carry himself like a Marine.I had my doubts. One day he was telling the people in the break room before our shift meeting that he just got a promotion. He claimed to be a reservist. I asked him about his new rank just before starting the meeting. He said he got promoted from, "corporal", to, "Lance corporal". After making sure he didn't just misspeak, I educated him, as well as the others, that would have been a demotion. I let him work one more week just to make sure I was terminating him for the right reasons. I am a Marine, so it didn't set well. I discovered he lied on his application. Mostly, though, he just was not a good worker. He didn't claim to be a Marine at work that last week. Who knows, had he been a good worker maybe his claimed service wouldn't have been questioned as much.....sometimes they kinda squirm when you start asking specific questions. They'll tell on themselves.

Response by A1C James Perkins made Oct 26 at 2023 5:19 AM

2023-10-26T05:19:04-04:00

Your kidding about your answer right?

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Oct 26 at 2023 1:07 PM

2023-10-26T13:07:44-04:00

That person got into your head with His /Her claims. Leave it be, not worth the hassle

Response by SPC Jack Stout made Nov 2 at 2023 1:46 PM

2023-11-02T13:46:10-04:00

When you ask A person who he says is a Veteran what his MOS was and they don't know what you're talking about .He's a phoney.

Response by PO3 James Polichak made Nov 24 at 2023 3:34 AM

2023-11-24T03:34:53-05:00

Sometimes I question whether or not I really serve.
In the 70's Vietnam was winding down. I have friends who served they and came back messed up. Others who didn't come back. Same with Iraq.
The Navy stationed me as a PN in an air conditioned office doing paperwork for recruits a mile or so from Disney World. For those who remember - Two/Two Day. I.D. cards, dog tags, finger prints to the FBI, state police, and local police, life insurance and emergency contacts. Dependent support if you had a wife or child. Total sex discrimination but if you were a Wave you had to have a parent or someone else adopt any children.
Sitting in an office typing in a resort city is a far cry from friends who served in war zones.

Response by SSgt Arlie C. Griffis, Jr. made Dec 7 at 2023 1:59 AM

2023-12-07T01:59:50-05:00

Good question, but what ever you do, do it in a polite professional and respectful way.. I have been challenged 2 times, once in a gas station and the other other time in a grocery store by people who thought I was not in the military nor have I been, all I had on was my old Air Force flying squadron baseball cap. Both of the individuals who challenged me was very aggressive and threatening towards me. So I showed them both my military retired ID card and VA ID card.. And since they was also wearing items that possibly identified them as being ex-military, I asked them to show their proof they served in the military too. Well they didn't show no proof and told me to F... Off and Kiss Their Asses... Sort made me wonder if they was doing what they tried to accuse me of... I never have confronted anyone yet who I suspected of stealing valor, but if I do, I will do it in the same polite and professional way that I did with those 2 individuals, even those they failed to show that respect towards me...

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Dec 15 at 2023 9:12 PM

2023-12-15T21:12:43-05:00

It is said that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". Could be the individual wishes he/she had served in the armed forces of this GREAT NATION as we have. Take it with a "grain of salt", Warrior.

Response by SFC Kevin Childers made Dec 21 at 2023 11:16 AM

2023-12-21T11:16:29-05:00

There are online organizations the address incidents of stolen valor. Google and see.

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made Dec 31 at 2023 12:08 AM

2023-12-31T00:08:59-05:00

Agree, can leave alone. Unless, we had someone here say they were a veteran. A navy seal LT, is what they claimed. For our instance, he had been using it to get employment. A city official. Everyone drove me nuts wanting me to find out. Someone got a hold of the DD214 to show me. What a hoot. Whiteout a typewriter, offset lines. I don't like liars.......

Response by SSG Donald Carr made Jan 2 at 2024 9:28 AM

2024-01-02T09:28:52-05:00

I agree with SSG Lam, Let's see the DD214 or just put it to rest. No need to waste your time.

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Jan 11 at 2024 6:31 PM

2024-01-11T18:31:12-05:00

You could ask "military questions" such as "What was your MOS/AFSC/NEC?", when and where they took basic training/boot camp, what was their ETS, how many times did they PCS, how well did they score on the ASVAB, which MEPS did they use, were they in a DEP?, etc., etc., using terms that would usually rely on their actually having been military to understand the terms.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Jan 16 at 2024 3:04 AM

2024-01-16T03:04:12-05:00

Why question? It don't mean nothing. Do you question politicians? They do nothing now days but work for their power and statis! If you don't care about America, then leave! Those that serve are Americans. Those that won't, get bent they know who they are.

Response by 1SG Ron Schlatter made Jan 23 at 2024 6:35 PM

2024-01-23T18:35:27-05:00

Don’t waist your time on them. Unless they are getting compensation for their alleged service.

Response by PFC Angela Van Horn made Jan 23 at 2024 6:55 PM

2024-01-23T18:55:27-05:00

Honestly? You're probably wrong, Sarn't. People are generally shit at correctly deducing whether someone's lying about having served. I've lost count of the number of times I've been accused of stolen valor just because I'm trans. I've got the paperwork to prove I served, but still people assume... and in this day and age? Assumptions matter more than facts, so there's no fucking winning

Response by SCPO Rick Hunter made Jan 24 at 2024 2:25 PM

2024-01-24T14:25:38-05:00

Easiest way I found to check on a person's military status is check with your local Recruiters. If you have access to their civilian personal file or job application, that should give you enough information to check up on them. I had the same thing, young kid was boasting he was a Marine and had just gotten out. Checked with the local Marine Recruiter, yes, he'd APPLIED to the Marines but couldn't pass either the ASVAB or the PT/weight standards. Some ppl are just full of bullshit.

Response by SGM Dale Marlow made Jan 24 at 2024 7:29 PM

2024-01-24T19:29:37-05:00

Freedom of information act request.

Response by LTC William Gilmore made Jan 24 at 2024 7:54 PM

2024-01-24T19:54:35-05:00

No one better ask me to prove my service or they'll get an ass full of my shoe! I won't verify unless it's an official request!

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Jan 24 at 2024 9:51 PM

2024-01-24T21:51:02-05:00

There is really no way to tell if a person is a real bonafide Veteran or a Retiree. I do have reserves when I see someone with a Fruit Salad to no end. One way to tell if they have decorations from all the services. Another way to tell is with their BS stories and by producing a Military ID, VA ID and or state ID/DL with VET Status. There was segment on "Last Man Standing" gave a perfect case of Stolen Valour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgkmj6rNZEw

Last Man Standing “Odd Couple Out” Stolen Valor Pt. 2

Here’s the payoff to the stolen valor plot line of this great episode of Last Man Standing. This was one the the funniest shows in the last 20 years. Sadly A...

Response by Sgt Peter McLaughlin made Jan 25 at 2024 1:35 PM

2024-01-25T13:35:21-05:00

Most employers require that you submit your DD214 if you claim veteran status. Stolen Valor is an insult if not a desecration of those who are serving or who have served and those who have either been injured or lost their lives in service to our country. I fell that there is no difference in impersonating a police officer and impersonating a military service member who proudly wears the uniform! I had to go through a lot of red tape (for medical history reasons) just to get in the military. I'm honored to have served my country and find it offensive when anyone commits stolen valor! There needs to be severe penalties for those who commit this offense!

Response by CPL Jarod Depastene made Jan 25 at 2024 4:18 PM

2024-01-25T16:18:27-05:00

Just, as an aside here.... you know some actual veterans lie to DOWNPLAY their service because they don't want extra attention?
To someone who knows, this kind of fibbing looks and sounds the same as someone who never served claiming nonsense.

Maybe just let people lie. Unless they're actually committing a crime (which the VAST MAJORITY of military fakers aren't), just don't even waste your time.
Besides... calling a faker out is only teaching them to fake better.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Jan 25 at 2024 8:33 PM

2024-01-25T20:33:35-05:00

I always go to units served, mos, or duty stations

Response by SPC Salvatore R LaRosa made Jan 25 at 2024 10:26 PM

2024-01-25T22:26:29-05:00

Make them show you a DD 214

Response by 1SG John Millan made Jan 27 at 2024 1:35 PM

2024-01-27T13:35:51-05:00

Ask questions for the right answers. Public records requests work too.

Response by SSG Brian Wilber made Jan 27 at 2024 7:04 PM

2024-01-27T19:04:03-05:00

It's pretty easy to tell without seeing a DD214. Most of us can spot a vet from a block away.

Response by PO3 Robert Muir made Jan 28 at 2024 6:25 AM

2024-01-28T06:25:44-05:00

I always have my VA card with me. This coming Aug 16 2024 with be 50 years when I raise my right hand. Where the f*** does time go?

Response by 1SG John Millan made Jan 29 at 2024 3:33 PM

2024-01-29T15:33:41-05:00

National archives, dd214 request. Write a letter to the local paper or inform his employer . You can't be successfully sued for telling the truth.

Response by SFC J CRuz made Feb 4 at 2024 1:55 PM

2024-02-04T13:55:51-05:00

Let's start by saying why do you feel entitled to ask for prof of service by him showing his DD Form 214? You have zero entitled to does documents you don't have the need to know, but if you feels that you are 100% correct you could proceed to contact the police and try to charged him with stolen Valor. Just be aware of cause and consequences...

Response by SSG William Strong made Feb 4 at 2024 7:35 PM

2024-02-04T19:35:00-05:00

through the conversation. I may ask the person if they use the VA Health services... then, maybe, (depending on the conversation, if he/she has a VA Health card) .... that said, I may have a conversation about his/her Service days,. ...... Army 1948-1951 ..... KWV

Response by SGT Edward Chong made Feb 5 at 2024 9:34 AM

2024-02-05T09:34:51-05:00

Ask him if he was in the military service for sure he knows about the Bravo alpha eleven hundred November. Every Soldier should at least know what that is even if they have to think about it.

Response by 1SG John Millan made Feb 5 at 2024 1:44 PM

2024-02-05T13:44:18-05:00

Public records request via FOIA, Army personnel Center Indianapolis.

Response by MSgt Richard Goldy made Feb 26 at 2024 5:21 PM

2024-02-26T17:21:28-05:00

NO ONE is under compulsion to present DD214 or other documentation to you. Stolen valor applies to only certain awards and decorations. Mind your own business and save the trouble you are asking for.

Response by SGT Mark De Simone made Feb 29 at 2024 11:54 AM

2024-02-29T11:54:51-05:00

I had friends from a small town call me and tell me someone had moved to town and was in the American Legion talking about how he was an Army vet with service in Iraq. They were suspicious of him as he didn't have much to say about his service that made sense and the members were all older and didn't know any better and believed him. So they called me and told me the situation since they all know I am a 10 years combat Army vet recently discharged at the time. I took the seven hour drive down there and was introduced to they guy that evening. I started a conversation with him talking about simple things like Units, MOS, AR 670-1, DD 214 among other things. I realized in the first two minutes that he was indeed a fraud as he had no clue what I was talking about and there was no hiding the panic in his face as he realized I was not happy or buying his BS. I promptly ran him off after giving him a few choice words about his character. The next day he was on the next bus heading out of town and I had to explain to my old timer brothers to be more careful about fraudsters. Since this is a small town we assumed he came here to hide from the law, warrants ect

Response by SGM Buck Bowman made Mar 1 at 2024 10:00 PM

2024-03-01T22:00:42-05:00

Where did you go to basic
What is your MOS
How many general orders does your service have

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Mar 2 at 2024 12:44 PM

2024-03-02T12:44:40-05:00

1st you need to post some details. Then it would be easier to determine whether there is an issue or not. That individual may just be one of those people you are better to go on and ignore. We have a "Marine" Here that begs in front of the maverick c store. His ID has been checked and his house address is a $500,000 home Yet he does not have a DD214. I just drive by and Ignore him. The locals do the same. He is getting money from travelers stopping in for gas. Says he is MIA=Missing in America. He Seems a little off.

Response by CPO Michael Burns made Mar 3 at 2024 9:43 AM

2024-03-03T09:43:46-05:00

DD-214. You should know how to tead one. You should bounce the command history off of the awards listed. Fake ones have really stupid mistakes. But the clerks can also make stupid mistakes. I don’t think it’s hard to determine which is which, bit if you have any doubts, post it here without PII (block out SSN and such. You can even block out the name if you like). You will either get responses that it looks legit, or you might get some accusations… form some non-pointed questions around those accusations, to find out if it’s legit or not. If someone claims to have been a Navy CPO up to MCPO, I have MANY ways to determine if it’s BS or not, with some simple questions.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Mar 3 at 2024 6:06 PM

2024-03-03T18:06:43-05:00

First off, I don’t carry my DD-214 with me. I have a VA Card that I carry. However, is this person posing a threat or harm to anyone? Unless if it’s that, let Billy play hero and walk away.

Response by LCpl Maciej Korzec made Mar 3 at 2024 7:34 PM

2024-03-03T19:34:03-05:00

Honesty with people like that I just publicly call them out if it's literally legitimate... At that point even in corporate, what are going to do about it? Go cry that someone called you out for stolen valor and no way to back it... yeah good luck getting help behind that. Especially when it's obvious like how I ask someone when our birthday is (USMC) and it's completely wrong... Good luck

Response by PO1 David Kingsley made Mar 5 at 2024 2:28 AM

2024-03-05T02:28:55-05:00

I was a Recruiter in Los Angeles for the Navy and someone called asking what a re-enlistment code (box 27) meant. Every DD214 has it, down on the bottom near the Character of Service Box. (box 24)
After looking it up in the recruiting Manual, I simply read it out to the HR person

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made Mar 6 at 2024 1:37 AM

2024-03-06T01:37:10-05:00

https://www.archives.gov/veterans
Sign-up is easy. Expires after a few months of inactivity.
Just enter basic information and it will verify service during that time period.
If the person seems sketchy, and you really can't ignore it, ask a few leading questions and see how they answer. No point in confronting directly, just let everyone around, know your concerns and ignore him. I've known a few of these, and that seems to work the best.

You ever notice how noone ever brags about being a cook, supply or admin?

Veterans' Service Records

Request Military Service Records Request Service Records Online, by Mail, or by Fax More ways to get service records Request Medical and Health Records Check the Status of an Existing Request Recently separated veteran? Funeral Home Director Information Page

Response by Capt Robert Vincelette made Mar 23 at 2024 11:07 AM

2024-03-23T11:07:34-04:00

If you mention your own service, especially medals earned, back it up with documentation to show respect for the right of people to not have to wonder if they are being told the truth.

Response by SSG Tammy Joy Partridge made Mar 26 at 2024 8:14 PM

2024-03-26T20:14:15-04:00

Usually you can tell if you talk to the person long enough.

Response by PO3 Ted G made Mar 31 at 2024 8:23 AM

2024-03-31T08:23:32-04:00

This recently happened where I work, someone claimed to have a degree they did not have, and to be a veteran. When HR asked for a Diploma and a DD-214 he actually produced fakes of both. He was processed out of the company before they even told him. If someone is faking it it will catch them, let t go.

Response by SGT Robert Urbaniak made Apr 1 at 2024 8:15 AM

2024-04-01T08:15:59-04:00

A great question, and I'd like to also know.

Response by SFC John Gilmore made Apr 1 at 2024 8:27 AM

2024-04-01T08:27:15-04:00

Why waste time and effort? If they're lying they're the ones who have to live with it. If they're telling the truth then they probably feel "jammed up". I recounted an incident in another thread, and will give the short version here...ran into an old fellow fishing off of the pier...started chatting with him. The guy mentioned that he had been on a certain op with SF, and I just let it go. Couple of weeks later I was talking to a friend who had really been on said op and mentioned that I had run into this guy. When my friend asked me for the guy's name guess what? He really had been on the op. I'd have felt like a fool if I'd tried to call him out. It's worth mentioning here that the old fellow fishing had suffered a TBI (unknown to me) so when I was talking to him on the pier his answers screamed "Poser". Learned a lesson from that...

Response by SPC James Fitzpatrick made Apr 1 at 2024 10:32 AM

2024-04-01T10:32:06-04:00

You could subtly ask some questions only a veteran might know, like what was your MOS. But if you think they're just being boastful, don't even bother.

Response by SP6 Richard Kellar made Apr 5 at 2024 12:16 PM

2024-04-05T12:16:04-04:00

Most of us can detect a phony soldier. Most of them have eye makeup.

Response by PO1 Jim Spencer made Apr 30 at 2024 9:42 PM

2024-04-30T21:42:42-04:00

Why do you need to verify their Military service? Are they applying for a job? Or Veterans benefits? Or are you just one of those people?

Response by CPL David Roberts made May 3 at 2024 2:39 PM

2024-05-03T14:39:17-04:00

I usually ask their MOS..or if they have ever shot a P38.

Response by SFC Kevin Childers made May 4 at 2024 9:07 PM

2024-05-04T21:07:52-04:00

Generally they will trip themselves up with some idiotic statement that outs them as never having served.