How do you deal with someone trying to call you "Stolen Valor"?

I've parked in "Veterans Only" spots plenty of times and never been challenged. In the event that you are confronted by a persistent ignoramus, just keep calm and show them your veterans ID if they. Beyond that, just keep walking and perhaps record them with your phone if they start getting weird on you.

There are some fights that you need to just back away from. Usually it's not worth the hassle

Honestly, I wouldn't fault you for barking "Leave me the fuck alone". Who has time to be hassling people for parking? Assholes, that's who. I had a lady at a Charlotte, NC Harris Teeter supermarket snidely remarking things like " You knooooow those spaces are for Veterans riggght?" after I parked, as she was following me to the door. I kept saying "Huh, what?" until I went to go in , and then turned to her and said, very sweetly, "Gosh, I sure have some hearing problems, must have been all that time and noise IN IRAQ". Two guys smoking by the shopping carts witnessed this, and fell out howling with laughter. She turned beet red and scuttled away from me. Fuck that snarky bitch for assuming that women don't serve, or deploy. Had this kind of happen to two Veteran friends of mine as well, one male, one female.
Imma go off nuts if there's a next time. like I'm full on "Charlie's-in-the-wire" insane.

Why create stress? Wait until someone actually calls you out and then choose to show your credentials
or not.

I once got a note left on my car when i parked in a veteran parking spot and the store. The funny thing is I have Iraqi Freedom veteran plates. What more do I need to prove I'm a veteran? I just laughed it off to stupid people

I hardly ever park there either, but I do have "Vietnam Veteran" license plate frames on both my vehicles. And I've got Army Vietnam Veteran license plates on both my vehicles. I carry my VA ID, a copy of my DD-214's (both of them), and hardly leave home without wearing my Vietnam Veteran cap when I leave the house. I've recently formally requested a Purple Heart, because I had not gone in for medical attention in May of 1969, because we already had 17 men medevacked and were therefore short handed during combat. I am now having surgery to have an old shrapnel wound cleaned up on my thumb due to never having it properly cleaned and stitched up, that's been bugging me for over 50 years now. I have at least five stiches in my arm from that same incident, stitched up by the Battalion Surgeon in the field. He didn't have time to stitch my thumb and our battery medic was just killed (Fred Paddleford - look him up on The Wall). Recently before the scheduled surgery they x-rayed my hand and found a 7mm piece of shrapnel still buried in the palm of the same hand. Now I find out I could have had free meds through the VA with a Purple Heart that I was reluctant to get some 52 years ago, and free renewal license plates every year for my vehicle through the State. My request for a belated Purple Heart was rejected. Take advantage of what you've earned comrade, no one will give it to you. At least small children actually address me on occasion and thank me for my service. It usually brings a tear to my eyes.

Why be polite? Whomever accused you is being rude...return the favor.

R.N.E.
SFC/E-7
USA SF (RET)

I would slowly have some fun with this youngster and in the end, he will be apologizing to me.

I would have some fun with them first. In the end they will be apologizing to me.

I use veteran parking all the time at places like Lowes, Home Depot, and any where else I find it. Ive never once had anyone challenge me on my right to park there. I guess I would just politely say I am justified in parking here.