How can I verify someone's actual military veteran status?

2020-04-03T02:01:49-04:00

I have a best friend who has started dating this guy who claimed he was a veteran and was in combat. He claimed PTSD showed her graphic pictures of people getting shot. Later on he ran into bad luck so I tried to help and give him avenues to get veteran assistance. I come to find out he wasn't eligible for any VA assistance. He was a reservist and didn't qualify for the 180 days active duty. He drug his feet to do any of it. Things are starting to not add up and I am not a fan of someone claiming that they are a combat veteran to impress a woman when they aren't. I pointed it out to her and she is upset over the idea that he may have lied about it. Any way I can help her find out for sure. Just doesn't feel right I know friends with combat PTSD and nobody goes around bragging about who they shot with pictures to show for it on a first date. Any help would be appreciated?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2020 3:07 AM

2020-04-03T03:07:15-04:00

Sounds like he's full of shit.

There is no way I'm aware of to access another persons records without their permission. His story sounds like crap though. Everyone who has deployed can use the VA. Any reservist whose service caused PTSD can apply to use the VA as a service connected disability.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Apr 3 at 2020 4:21 AM

2020-04-03T04:21:11-04:00

PO3 Craig Tillotson, you can do a Freedom of Information Act request. Obtain as much information as you can that is required on a Standard Form 180. The more you can get the easier it is, but don't let the lack of information stop you from pursuing this. Then go to the Fake Warriors Project's web site and click on the "Report Form" tab and follow the instructions.
https://www.fakewarriors.org/

THE FAKE WARRIORS PROJECT

In its Supreme Court Ruling overturning the Stolen Valor Act as it pertained to Alvarez (charged with falsely claiming to have been awarded the Medal of Honor), the justices stated, “…and it has not shown, and cannot show, why counterspeech, such as the ridicule respondent received online and in the press, would not suffice to achieve its interest…

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 3 at 2020 8:50 AM

2020-04-03T08:50:57-04:00

Your question "How can I verify someone's actual military veteran status?"
Seems answered already when you said
"He was a reservist"
Was a reservist = is a veteran

Though "is veteran " does not cover making up stuff you never did, and I think that is actually your question?
How can you confirm if he served was in combat in a Hostile fire zone?
If so, understand a FOIA supplied redacted DD214 may not get you want you want, confirmation of his combat exploits real or imagined.
If it shows he was never in a hostile fire zone, that is confirmation .
But if it shows he was deployed to a HFZ, it still is not clear confirmation.
A cook can engage the enemy at a random normally safe non "combat" green zone area. An 11b can spend 6 months doing patrols and never fire his weapon.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 3 at 2020 10:02 AM

2020-04-03T10:02:26-04:00

There are several avenues. You can conduct a FOIA request through congressional archives or through the respective branch he claims to have served. If he claims any awards like Purple heart, Silver star, bronze star, combat action ribbon etc there are ways to look that up as well. There is also the good ol fashioned "let me see your dd214". Good luck. Hit me up directly if you have questions. I have outed a handful of posers along the way

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2020 10:22 AM

2020-04-03T10:22:05-04:00

I know and work with several combat vets. None of them brag about their time downrange.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Apr 3 at 2020 10:40 AM

2020-04-03T10:40:20-04:00

Do a FOIA request for a copy of his records.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2020 12:48 PM

2020-04-03T12:48:56-04:00

Bottom line: IF he was a reservist and IF he deployed to a combat theater, the only way he would not qualify for any VA benefits is if he was discharged under dishonorable conditions per Title 38 US Code.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2020 12:57 PM

2020-04-03T12:57:29-04:00

PO3 Craig Tillotson Anyone that would show pictures of people getting shot is not a combat veteran. If he did not qualify for the 180 day active duty, there is no way that he could have been trained and then sent into combat. The timeline does not work.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Apr 3 at 2020 1:47 PM

2020-04-03T13:47:47-04:00

Good luck with all this, PO3 Craig Tillotson. There is a lot of sage advice here.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Apr 3 at 2020 3:58 PM

2020-04-03T15:58:37-04:00

If the VA doesn't help him. It may be that he doesn't have an honorable discharge. Has he shown you a DD214?

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Apr 3 at 2020 4:27 PM

2020-04-03T16:27:22-04:00

Ask him what unit he was assigned to, and when. There is a searchable data base of USAR units and you can confirm that the unit either does or did exist for the time frame he references. Many Units maintain Facebook pages, and former unit members often have links to those pages as well. Quite a bit on Social Media is now open information. Finding some unit histories can be a problem as not everything prior to the 1990's is digitized. but factual information otherwise can be ascertained.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2020 4:33 PM

2020-04-03T16:33:24-04:00

A reservist who has not spent 180 days of active duty is not a veteran. Something smells rotten here.

Response by PO3 Craig Tillotson made Apr 3 at 2020 9:19 PM

2020-04-03T21:19:24-04:00

Thanks everyone for all the feedback, I am seeing that my instincts on this guy is founded with some sound facts that will make him really have to prove himself otherwise.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2020 2:56 PM

2020-12-29T14:56:23-05:00

He should have a DD 214 if he has separated the service.