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

Frankly, I'd laugh it off, because I know the truth.
I have met several Vets though who "embellished" the truth noticably. Experience knows.

Show them the DD214 and tell them to eat your entire ass.

I park in the Veterans parking spaces at Lowe's all the time (because it's convenient and I earned it) but I haven't had anyone challenge me yet. I do kind of relish the thought, though.

More often than not, people want to believe what they are told and what they see. Unfortunately, there are some bitter people (and trolls) who just want to smear everything they can. I have a large 18" vinyl Navy Combat Action Ribbon on both rear side windows of my SUV and the words "U.S. Navy Combat Veteran." I've had people approach me at the gas station or while parking at the grocery store to say thank you for your service and shake my hand. I've had more than one lunch paid by the car in front of me at a fast food restaurant with the cashier telling me they wanted to say thank you. So I say, park in the spot. You just might be surprised and the POSITIVE responses.

If you have an ID, it shouldn't be an issue for them. Like you, i have ID and etc. Takes a bit to get one because they vet you out. (no pun intended). I don't think you can get a VA ID unless you're a) a vet and b) honorable discharge. I don't think pictures really matter or the scars for that matter. While i haven't had this happen to me, it does make me wonder what i'd do. Not sure i could be polite about it after showing my ID

I think the plates are cool and I’m proud of my service. I know it’s for real so what do I care if someone’s a fool?

Unless you're telling some BS story about how you were a E-12 or a medic in the Marines, no one who is also a veteran will question your ability to use a parking spot. You come with boy parts. Unfortunately those of us who come with girl parts are questioned all the time. Occasionally I wear a baseball cap that says "Retired Army" on it. I've had several people tell me to thank my husband for his service for them. My husband never served in the US military. He doesn't even speak English. A lot of people are shocked to hear that we have women serving in the military. It blows their mind to hear that we've had women serving in the US military since the American Revolution. Though prior to WWI, they served disguised as men. Some were caught only because they were either wounded or killed in battle.

It sounds like that you are stressing about a potential situation that has not occured and for which you are more than well prepared if it does. My advice is continue to be proud of your achievements and service and avoid confrontations with those that thrive on them.

Ignor parking in those spots, that hero shit really burns my ass, those who gave the lives saving other troops under fire are heros, americans, though only 1% actually serve need to be respected, given all the benefits thire qualified to receive raised to 100% so thire place in the normal work force loss is rewarded. The parking junk thing is like the parades to me, merely for corporate self-aggrandizement between store managers for PR. Use handicap, have tags, in California thry fine those who violate, and most veterans have disabilities and specific tags that must be qualified to put on vehicles. Of course a veteran questioning me would be awkward, but civilians have zero status, just give thrm my grimus look and walk away. Never apologize to civilians, ask them were they served:) When they do that but thing, just smirk and walk away. Can not get many eye to eye folks like that, the few just need to be humbled as "evaded duty" is implied:) Works for me, be proud at least you were in the 1% that showed up.

There's a law in Massachusetts for Stolen Valor


https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section106#:~:text=(b)%20Any%20person%20who%20commits,both%20such%20fine%20and%20imprisonment.