How do you deal with veterans that embellish their story a little?

2015-08-19T13:31:14-04:00

Ok I was at cub scouts and I had this guy claiming to be Artillery. Me being genuinely interested in what he has to say I started to talk to him about it. After saying I was once Army he turned to Ordinance....then to a truck driver....then to a mechanic. I didn't care if he was the worse Private on the goat herding farm but clearly he knew he was lying and started to tap dance. I decide to leave it alone because it was about the boys not him but have you run into one of these guys. I mean have pride in what you did I never fast roped out of a C130 while shooting Bin Laden with my double barrel mortar tube but I am proud of my service why aren't others?

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 19 at 2015 1:34 PM

2015-08-19T13:34:16-04:00

It is the insecurity of small minds. I generally consider the source and ignore it.

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Aug 19 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-08-19T13:39:02-04:00

Just let it go

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 19 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-08-19T13:44:31-04:00

Oh how I miss my double barrel mortar tube, that thing was amazing. And let me tell you, when we knocked on the door and Bin Laden's wife answered the door thinking we were really the pizza they ordered for dinner, her look was priceless.

OK, now that I got that out of my system. I will tell you the same thing I say to all these stolen valor topics. If you are going to do anything, do it as a professional. If you are going to confront the person be sure to have your facts straight. Granted, most of the times these guys can barely spell ACU let alone put them together correctly but you just want to make sure you aren't busting someone that is the real deal. Just look back a few months ago when that Veteran was embrassed because two other Veterans didn't realize his VA ID card was the real deal. In the end, don't make yourself look like the bigger idiot by going overboard with the original idiot.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 19 at 2015 1:45 PM

2015-08-19T13:45:16-04:00

Everyone wants to make their career as exciting as possible. It's like telling about the size of the fish you caught. No harm in my opinion.

Response by SSG Arnie Jones made Aug 19 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-08-19T14:35:58-04:00

Of the 500 (?) Navy Seals in Vietnam, I have meet all 10,000 of them. I moved on.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-08-19T15:16:24-04:00

Pat them on the back.....finish my beer......make them buy a round....tell them my story. ......Who cares.....that what stories are for .....sharing and embellishing.........ever notice none of your guy friends ever tells the story about how he picked up the drunk ugly girl at the bar at closing....it's always the lost confused Italian model.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 19 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-08-19T15:24:08-04:00

SSG Richard Reilly You did the right thing by walking away from the idiot. Most Veterans and combat veterans don't brag about what they've done. They keep it to themselves and only discuss and answer questions that are specifically asked of them. They keep it short and to the point and they never embellish what they have experienced or been through. They are humble and proud of their service. They miss those they have lost and grieve quietly within themselves. When you run across what you have described just walk away and avoid them like the plague. They aren't worth your time and effort. Just by their actions and loud obnoxious behavior they have called themselves out! This is just my opinion and personal advice.

Response by SPC James Butler made Aug 19 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-08-19T15:27:28-04:00

Question: "Hey James, what did you do in the Army Reserve"?
Possible BS Answers:
"I was a 92R, so basically Airborne Infantry Ranger Space Shuttle door gunner.
"I was an E-4, so I was pretty much in charge of a platoon."
"So no $#@! there I was...."

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Aug 19 at 2015 3:28 PM

2015-08-19T15:28:06-04:00

No different that a family member embellishing their life experience, we are a family; a service family. Food for thought, we criticize the Political Correctness in the media and in government but fail to see that we do the same.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 19 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-08-19T15:33:56-04:00

I ignore them or say bullshit.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-08-19T15:43:03-04:00

I'd love to have recordings of myself over the last ten years...I'd betcha anything, "Yeah, we were in a storm once" had turned into, "So then a hundred foot wave hit the bridge...". Or maybe, "I stopped the Humvee because I didn't know what the *&^% was going on." became, "So that's when I ordered the remaining vehicles to form an overwatch on the down truck."

With time, every "close call" becomes a Tom Clancy thriller...complete with soundtrack by Klaus Badelt.

I think there's only a problem when someone's claiming something they not only probably didn't do...but couldn't have possibly done. Even then, it depends a great deal on the situation. I mean, if some guy who looks like he might have been a SEAL tells me was...I'm not going to say, "No you weren't" just because he's a little outta shape now. On the other hand, if someone tells me he was "First Officer" on the "USS Constitution II"...I may have to call him out on principle.

Response by Sgt Michael Diniz made Aug 19 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-08-19T16:12:33-04:00

most veterans tell stories like that because that was the best time of their lives and thats how they choose to remember those times. If you know the truth just ignore them and let them live

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 4:27 PM

2015-08-19T16:27:51-04:00

Double barrel mortar tube? Why, that is just a toy. I was able to hip fire a 105mm

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 4:59 PM

2015-08-19T16:59:33-04:00

He's probably a shitbag that never did anything useful, but loves being thanked for his service and sacrifices, so he made up a reality where he deserves the praise. That's how I always view it.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Aug 19 at 2015 5:07 PM

2015-08-19T17:07:22-04:00

Some people fantasy is being a rough and tough military hero and get stuck in that imaginary dream, it isn't worth giving that individual your time it can disrupt your peace, let him continue to make a fool of himself more power to him.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Aug 19 at 2015 5:48 PM

2015-08-19T17:48:31-04:00

Crushed them back to reality with rigorous honesty.

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made Aug 19 at 2015 6:17 PM

2015-08-19T18:17:31-04:00

I thought they used a potato cannon?
I remember when I wired up the flex capacitor so that the president flying in eagle one could call the special forces in to catch Sadam Binladin.
Seriously though. You guys make me feel old. When I was active we had Class A's, Class B's, BDU's, DCU's, PT's, Dress Blues, Mess, but I never saw an ACU? I'm getting old. And yes I know that ACU's are the standard these days!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 19 at 2015 8:47 PM

2015-08-19T20:47:54-04:00

SSG Richard Reilly, Don't fret, you are not the only one who hasn't fast roped from a C 130!

Response by CSM Christopher St. Cyr made Aug 19 at 2015 9:57 PM

2015-08-19T21:57:06-04:00

A buddy of mine emailed me a Silver Star citation for an SF guy who was at a fire fight I was involved in. This guy was amazing! I learned why the Bronze Stars I recommended for my guys were denied. They couldn't receive the credit for the stuff the SF guy did. If I recall correctly, SF left with the ammo resupply just before the next wave of attackers began shooting at us, but he was there for that too according to the citation. If you think about it, artillery guys shoot ordinance. All operators have to do operator maintenance. Who doesn't have a military driver's license? I never had an 88M in my section but we used a 5 ton to move our howitzer several times a day. I also know that many combat arms units cross train their combat service people.

Double barreled mortars be damned...I still want to pull the lanyard on an AC-130's 105!

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 19 at 2015 10:08 PM

2015-08-19T22:08:10-04:00

I am very proud of my service! If I could re-enlist, I would- before now.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Aug 19 at 2015 10:12 PM

2015-08-19T22:12:17-04:00

Can we deal with them the same NBC dealt with Brian Williams?

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Aug 19 at 2015 10:12 PM

2015-08-19T22:12:33-04:00

I don't want to brag but I am a....

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Aug 20 at 2015 1:14 AM

2015-08-20T01:14:58-04:00

I just listen and ignore their bullshit stories. I long ago learned that the only one who ever served who was not a hero and didn't get a chest full of medals was me.

Response by Maj William Gambrell made Aug 20 at 2015 1:17 AM

2015-08-20T01:17:17-04:00

Normally, I just keep asking a multiple variety of questions that I know they wouldn't know the answer too...I never tell them they are lying. But, they get the feeling that I know more than them and they walk away.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 1:29 AM

2015-08-20T01:29:58-04:00

Embellish ... as in, "There I was, hip deep in machine gun brass and hand grenade pins. Four engines on fire, running out of air speed and ideas at the same time. Surrounded by 10,000 screaming hostiles ... was I scared? Hell yes I was scared! I was afraid the little bastards would get away!"

Admittedly, I've been known to see how fantastic the story can get before revealing that I'm a 38-year veteran, but as you say, in the Cub Scouts, it's about the boys.

Response by CPT Russell Pitre made Aug 20 at 2015 2:07 AM

2015-08-20T02:07:42-04:00

You call them out on it. You can't let it slide. If you don't it will get worse and worse over time.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Aug 20 at 2015 2:25 AM

2015-08-20T02:25:56-04:00

In my branch, sea stories are a given and embellishment is expected, but you are right. Whatever we did, as long as we did it well and to the best of our ability there is no need to guild the lily.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 3:14 AM

2015-08-20T03:14:10-04:00

I would just tell him to be honest and that if he lied again about his service that I would make him famous. I can't stand anyone that does that. If they bring up the Army in the first few minutes then you pretty much know they are going to tell some awesome story. To me it is a lie and is stolen valor. I have no sympathy in relation to crushing and hurting their feelings.

Response by SSG Selwyn Bodley made Aug 20 at 2015 6:45 AM

2015-08-20T06:45:14-04:00

There I was...

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made Aug 20 at 2015 8:46 AM

2015-08-20T08:46:17-04:00

As a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist, I have the honor of serving Veterans with certain issues. During some of my counseling / assessments, I sometimes run up against that one guy, that one guy who did it all. When I ask him for his DD 214, all I hear are crickets. Thank God there are two other DVOPs in my building, it gives the Veteran another chance to work his issues. I have to have trust with the one I am serving, otherwise, I cannot be of service to them. So, I call the BS flag right to their face. However, if the Veteran is not a customer of mine, I listen politely, throw a couple of curve balls at them (letting them know I know), the polity go about my business.
I found this blog informative.
http://blogs.pjstar.com/kravetz/2010/05/24/why-do-people-lie-about-military-service/

Why do people lie about military service?

I have posted a lot about so-called fakers, posers or whatever you want to call people to lie about serving in the military. I have long lamented the damage it does for veterans who are left to def…

Response by LCDR Jeffery Dixon made Aug 20 at 2015 11:26 AM

2015-08-20T11:26:52-04:00

The human memory is a very fragile thing. The mind changes as we age. Some memories fade and some actually become more emblazzened. It would be un-natural if they did not. There are hard facts and there is context. Both occur at the same time and create an environment.

Response by TSgt Jacob Sevdy made Aug 20 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-08-20T11:27:16-04:00

When I went through Airman Leadership School in 2006, we got a special treat one day: a former POW from the Vietnam War came to give us a speech. During the speech, he told us all about the prison camps and how terrible the conditions were. Then he told us about Jane Fonda visiting them in prison. As you may know, she was very anti-war and hated the troops for "invading" Vietnam.

This guy relayed a story about how someone tried to slip a message to her while she was shaking hands with them all. She instantly turned around and handed the message to their guard. They all got beaten within an inch of their lives that night. He claimed one of them actually died from the beatings. It was a horrifying tale.

Flash forward a couple years. I'm trying to find details on this story, and I found the story on Snopes, but it was marked false. Turns out it was an embellished story made up to slander Ms. Fonda further after she enraged veterans with her anti-war comments and Vietnam tour. I couldn't believe that an actual POW survivor would not only tell a fake story about his time as a POW, but would insist that he was actually there, suffering through the experience. It made me question whether he was an actual POW veteran at all.

The Snopes article in question: http://www.snopes.com/military/fonda.asp

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 20 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-08-20T11:59:57-04:00

1st of all it WAS 20 Taliban fighters armed with AK's and RPGS I fought off with just ,my E tool and tooth brush... So stop calling me out......LOL

2nd, what do I think or story embellishers? no different then one that tells "embellished fish tails" or any other "there I was" story and adds embellishment. Its a cry for attention and an acknowledgment they think what they DID accomplish was not worth in of itself.. Low self worth is what my takeaway is.

Response by TSgt Ryan Lee made Aug 20 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-08-20T13:01:15-04:00

Some jobs in the military are not as flattering as others, however take pride in what you do and do it well. Just don't lie about your background, because it just makes you look like a dirt bag in the end.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Aug 20 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-08-20T16:46:14-04:00

My father was one of the kings of story telling; us "kids" would cringe every time he started a conversation with "I spent 32 years in the Air Force?.." But the truth is, he did live many of his tales and had the slides and some photos to back it up. He flew bombers over Europe, my brother has his jacket that has each mission listed on it. And the second part of the truth was, he was working in a optical plastics factory when he volunteered to defend freedom; his best friend was a first generation Polish man who wasn't able to enlist. I think after 32 years, if you want to embellish, you have earned that right and I wish I had listened more carefully and respectfully.

And speaking of the USAF, I spent most of my career with fighter pilot bars, starting your story with "There I was...." was a requirement and using both hands for illustration purposes was expected. I started with pilots with Korean War and Vietnam War experience; if you lived to tell the tale, it will never be told better than within the walls of a fighter pilot bar!

Last, I spend some time at the VA waiting for appointments or prescriptions and the stories I hear are told in the spirit of commeradery, sometimes with laughter, sometimes not. I wasn't there. I'll take what I hear at face value. However they arrived there, they served. And everyone that serves honorably builds the road for those who follow. Let them embellish; does it diminish what you do or your integrity? Other than stolen valor, go ahead and listen or walk away. Or if you're a fighter jock, tell a better one.

Response by SPC Joshua Heath made Aug 20 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-08-20T17:31:31-04:00

My brother does this. I won't get into his long torrid military story, but ultimately he was removed from the National Guard for doing drugs.

He regularly marches in veteran events and constantly wears his patrol cap. He's also somehow convinced the VA to give him 80% disability for PTSD (he was never in a combat zone). I will not entertain his BS when he starts it, but he revels in pretending to be a combat veteran of some distinction.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 20 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-08-20T17:59:39-04:00

SSG Richard Reilly I typically don't run into this a lot, but when I do, it's usually someone embellishing with the Army or the Marines. Not sure what it is... Must be all of those pretty badges and medals... LOL! But seriously, most will try and "dance to" the Army or the Marines, only to find that they don't have the rhythm, or if they do, they don't know all of the words to the song... It's like seeing someone bouncing around singing the Mighty Mouse song, but all they know is "Here I Come To Save The Dayyyy!" I would venture to say that the media plays a lot into this as, and forgive me if I trigger anything for anyone when I say this, the Army has the highest injuries and body counts, and the Army and Marines are usually involved in just about every conflict taking place. The media is always there to record/report it for our adoring fans with commentaries, interviews, pictures and videos. Each time there is a particular rescue, assault, conflict or training, exercise or any type of operation for you guys, the media will list you by your name, SF title, tell what your job is, the MOS or other specialty, associated/upgrade training, selection process & location, where and how long you attend initial and follow-on training, where you're currently stationed (since those bases has that particular specialty/asset), the type of weapon associated with your job, and this list of "gee wiz" information can, and usually does, go on and on. Other than pilots and the occasional PJ or CCT news, you don't hear a lot in this area about the AF and lesser still with the Navy. Then throw in a little research on the i-net, and a couple of books in the library, and you suddenly have yourself a real live "poser" with a 10 year career, medically retired, of course, or a real AD service-member embellishing the hell out of a career he/she (yeah, I came across a couple of shes as well) wishes they had, or had as a temporary "special duty", of which none of them existed... Maybe it's an identity issue/crisis, you know, like Rachel Dolezal had? LMAO! Sorry I couldn't help it!

Response by SGT Michael DeLaGarza made Aug 20 at 2015 6:22 PM

2015-08-20T18:22:14-04:00

Most Veterans do not stray from the truth of their time served. The ones that do are those whom wanted to do great things but were failures as they are in civilian life. If you faked or embellished your time in the Military it will eventually catch up to you. I was at a reunion once for my Unit and a friend asked my wife if I ever told her about my time is service and my wife said "Mike does not talk about it" only that he loved his Army family. Enough said.

Response by PO2 Michael Henry made Aug 20 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-08-20T19:48:00-04:00

Ran into a guy recently who said he was a Marine, went to BUD/S, served with SEAL team 5 and 6 and served at Coronado... Openly said he was a SEAL and a Marine but never said he joined the Navy. Where to start with that one??? I didn't say much to him afterwards, and continued walking my dog. Had to verify the Marine and BUD/S part... I knew the rest was BS. SEALS don't openly admit they are SEALS to strangers, Team 6 is stationed in VA. Later verified that Marines can't and haven't ever gone to BUD/S. Can't find guy now.

Response by SPC William Weedman made Aug 20 at 2015 8:05 PM

2015-08-20T20:05:35-04:00

My personal favorite was the guy who told me he was so crazy in the Navy the SEALS took his trident away...I acted as sincere as I could and told him I wanted to see his SEAL badge without the trident. He changed the subject...

Response by SSG Sean Knudsen made Aug 20 at 2015 10:24 PM

2015-08-20T22:24:26-04:00

Ask first if they'd like to meet a good author to write a book about their story....

Response by SrA Charles Taylor made Aug 20 at 2015 11:50 PM

2015-08-20T23:50:55-04:00

I was on the flight line. I worked on F-16's, F-15's, B-1's and B-52's. Aircraft maintenance is just about the best job in the Air Force IMHO. I loved it.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Aug 21 at 2015 1:49 AM

2015-08-21T01:49:22-04:00

I have found most people don't want to hear about your exploits, they want to hear humorous stories about your career. Those I embellish with self deprecating humor.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Aug 21 at 2015 6:51 AM

2015-08-21T06:51:49-04:00

We have an ex navy fellow at work we call China Lake. For the first year everything out of his mouth began with "when I was at China Lake."

Response by PO2 Ron Burling made Aug 21 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-08-21T09:38:15-04:00

Unless they are doing it for some sort of personal gain, I let it slide. It's not my job to rain on anyone's parade these days, eh?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 9:41 AM

2015-08-21T09:41:35-04:00

True story...

..this actually happened to me recently when I attended my last Army School. There was an instructor that was telling fantastical combat stories, and the audience of Buck Sgts was mesmerized. I mean they were entertaining, but so padded. I let this soldier go on and tell his stories - but twice in inflicted something when I was around, just to let him know that I saw through the bullshit and yet i wasn't going to call him out. That was not in my lane. Someone asked me about it later. I spoke the truth. I mean I wasn't c going to can him out in public in front of subordinates, but I sure as hell wasn't going to support his breakage of physics and laws of nature either.

Response by CPL Tina Kilburn made Aug 21 at 2015 9:53 AM

2015-08-21T09:53:13-04:00

I had a situation where a marine up played his involvement. Said he was a sniper and had a plate put in his head and had over three hundred confirmed kills. I kindly doubted all he was saying to be true (I had already looked up that he was a heavy equipment operator medboarded for an injury in Garrison). He got extremely defensive and questioned my service. I offered my DD and said for him to do the same. He refused called me a few choice words and I refused to further the conversation. Because of this I don't call people out any more no matter how outlandish it may be. I worry about myself and like most have said I am proud of my service and time in the sand and don't need to advertise or embellish it to build my ego. So if you do feel the need be cautious because like in my situation some people have lived their lie so long that they don't want those they love to find out the truth. I personally don't understand it but it is what it is.

Response by SGT Abe Goodman made Aug 21 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-08-21T13:39:54-04:00

Again people who make up stores and cant prove it. I know what I did in the US Army and most of the things I did was classified Secret. (35F10 and 55G20 MOS). I got my VA VHA loan and got my house. I dont need to say anything I have my DD214. I was combat service support go Ordnance.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Aug 21 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-08-21T13:48:50-04:00

I don't question them - it's not that important really - as long as it's not a complete fabrication or stolen valor.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 2:40 PM

2015-08-21T14:40:47-04:00

I think it is human nature to embellish, especially when telling stories. However to outright lie is just ridiculous. I try to take it all with a grain of salt and a "cool story bro"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 2:51 PM

2015-08-21T14:51:55-04:00

Buy them a beer

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Aug 21 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-08-21T14:56:00-04:00

I laugh when I know that parts of their story is total bs. I also find it entertaining how civilians who are listening to the story react. Most civilians would have no idea that parts are bs.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 21 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-08-21T15:11:46-04:00

I think there is a World of difference between a bit of embellishment and the story you presented...which seems to border on stolen valor. I think most of the good stories get a bit better with time...but this is not the same as going from an entry level separation to Special Forces Delta Team.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 3:15 PM

2015-08-21T15:15:37-04:00

My problem with embellishment is when it leads to someone claiming PTSD or some other drummed up issue that might lead to monetary gain. To me it's stolen valor and no different than the guy on the street who pretends to be a soldier.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 3:38 PM

2015-08-21T15:38:37-04:00

So no s--t there I was with Brian Williams.....

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Aug 21 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-08-21T16:11:05-04:00

I honestly feel pity for them. If the only thing I ever did worthwhile was fly around on CH-47's and play in the sand I would be a pretty pathetic excuse for a human being.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 21 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-08-21T16:34:06-04:00

I do not think it is like embellishing one's resume for an employer; AT ALL.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 4:55 PM

2015-08-21T16:55:42-04:00

I have run into the same thing. I was talking to a guy that said he was an MP, but his stories make it sound like he was SF.

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Aug 21 at 2015 5:58 PM

2015-08-21T17:58:51-04:00

People drive me nuts, One person actually self decorated a surplus uniform and went to a mall last Christmas just to get discounts store were offering the military. The person that confronted him was military and did post him to the internet If I remember correctly the local law enforcement got involved for stolen valor and theft of services because he was posing.

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Aug 21 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-08-21T18:19:09-04:00

I agree that since I have been out of the military I have met more people that claim to have served than actually did esp SF. One person I talked to claimed to have been stationed as a sea bee on the island of Drambuie. I just gave him a dumb look and said really so your MOS was bartender? I walked away.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 7:09 PM

2015-08-21T19:09:24-04:00

Honestly I don't know why people do this.
Generally, I ask a few questions and they get quiet. If not, a little pressure or well informed and pointed questions will put them in check, or more persuasively, get the other people around asking questions.
They either backpedal or get embarrassed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 8:42 PM

2015-08-21T20:42:39-04:00

I've found that most of the stories I tell involve a major mistake or some bad decision I have made and how I learned from it (or was punished for it). I think I portray myself as more lucky than good. So if I hear anyone else tell me a story that paints them as heroic I assume it is far from true.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Aug 21 at 2015 9:03 PM

2015-08-21T21:03:13-04:00

Is that like the guy who claims to be an Airborne Ranger but was never at Ft Benning?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 2:53 AM

2015-08-22T02:53:16-04:00

When someone asks what I have done or what I do in the Army, I just tell them the basics about what I do. I mean really, how can you make supply look cool anyway?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 3:23 AM

2015-08-22T03:23:24-04:00

Never, have I met a cook at a bar.

Response by SFC Clark Adams made Aug 22 at 2015 4:30 AM

2015-08-22T04:30:17-04:00

I think I've spent enough time with veterans as have most of you to know someone who is BS'ing about their service , versus outright lying..... Over a few biers I've heard and told some pretty good "Stories" about the Army as I suspect a good number of you have too. But just outright lied about my service, that's a No Go Ghost rider......I'm of the VN Era when serving was scorned and now a lot of wannabes are trying to make up for their pathetic civilian lives when they sought to go along instead of stepping up.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 8:20 AM

2015-08-22T08:20:03-04:00

When I was younger, I totally would have poked his story full of holes and let all the hot air out. Did it one time to a guy who started talking about all his black belts, and mistakenly included a martial art I actually knew a bit about. Of course, he was doing it to impress a girl I also liked, and she was standing right there, LOL.

Nowadays, I would just nod my head and move on. Wiping your fourth point of contact on his story isn't going to help your life any. He's just going to tell the same story to everyone else. Those of us who've been there will know better. Civilians who hear him...well, either they won't know any different, and hell, most of our real stories probably seem embellished, sometimes, to the uninitiated!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 22 at 2015 9:39 AM

2015-08-22T09:39:59-04:00

Ignore them and they'll hopefully crawl away quietly with the other toc-roaches.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 22 at 2015 9:57 AM

2015-08-22T09:57:49-04:00

There I was, knee deep in potato peels! Trying desperately to complete the mission, exhausted and sweat glistening on my brow, the peeler broken, I unsheathe my K-bar...

Response by SPC Tony Tarone made Aug 22 at 2015 11:15 AM

2015-08-22T11:15:29-04:00

When I was younger I might call out a veteran who I knew was pushing the limits of embellishment. Now I just feel bad for them. For whatever reason they didn't have the courage, ability, or opportunity to do the stuff they see and hear about. The "cool" stuff. I believe it makes them feel inadequate. By fooling others with their stories they are tying to fool themselves as well. In reality, just serving honorably and doing your job is enough for most folks. A few stories about fucking up can liven up a conversation as well. We've all fucked up something as Pvts or butter bars. People love hearing that stuff. No need to embellish.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Aug 22 at 2015 12:37 PM

2015-08-22T12:37:13-04:00

I remember a lot of times my dad and his brother would get together in restaurants on a rare family outing when they were both in the states and start telling stories. Dad was Navy with both Pacific and Mediterranean cruise time. Uncle Ted was Army and had been in Korea, and Germany back and forth. They never told combat stories ever, but the stuff they did tell had the ears at adjacent tables stretching to hear ever word.

Generally, the vets I know don't tell war stories. If they do, they downplay it significantly, such as how my mom's brother saved a General's life and earned a Silver star in the Marines. "I didn't care about him. My rifle was in the back and he was in the way, so I shoved him down to get to it."

Response by FN George Woodruff made Aug 22 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-08-22T13:36:26-04:00

I asked a lot of "where", "what" and "when" questions. Then I checked the events and dates out on my computer. If they didn't match the story the individual told I left it out of the book. Now and then I would discover that not only the time, place, and battle checked out but that the individual minimized what they had done. I didn't find a single liar among those I interviewed. What really upset me in writing "Just Before Taps" was the young Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who will spend the rest of their days in this Nursing Home and never have much of a life. The highest price you can pay for serving your country next to being KIA.

Response by SFC Walter Mack made Aug 22 at 2015 8:43 PM

2015-08-22T20:43:26-04:00

I find a simple, "No you didn't." will usually suffice.

Response by SSgt Jon Martin made Aug 22 at 2015 9:18 PM

2015-08-22T21:18:06-04:00

Sounds like you probably made the right decision, if he was tap dancing then he knew he was caught and that might make him think twice before he does it again.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 2:19 AM

2015-08-23T02:19:20-04:00

I once met a guy in Army BDUs with Colonel rank at an air show being supported by Civil Air Patrol, which I am a member of. We chatted. He seem personable. He gave me his card. It had a civilian email ending in Army.com. I asked if he had an AKO account. At that time all soldiers had to have one. He didn't; I asked to see his ID card. He didn't have it with him. I was very suspicious but at that point, I dropped it. I had his business card. A few weeks later, a CAP colleague who works in law enforcement asked my about him. He told me of someone from the air show who was suspicious of him. I told him what I know, but would check with the on-line whit pages in AKO. Nothing listed. I checked military.com which at the time you could look up if the member was in the service. It showed that he did an enlisted hitch in the Air Force years ago; I relayed that info to my colleague.

I also belong to the Coast Guard Auxiliary. A former Auxiliary member member I knew used to wear a SEAL insignia on his Auxiliary uniform (they can wear EARNED military decorations on that uniform). Got away with that for 20 years. Finally someone suspected him; took his picture and sent to to Don Shipley, the SEAL vet who exposes phonies, and to the media; he was caught on a TV interview; he admitted he was phony. He was a Navy Veteran who served off the coast of Vietnam as a Radarman (Now Operational Specialist) Why couldn't he be proud of that? It doesn't have that glamor of the SEAL stuff, but is still something to be proud of! The Navy is relying on these sailors to give accurate information to the OPs officer so the Captain can make the critical decisions for a successful operation that lives depend on. Ive been out on Navy ships and see how these sailors work. They are hard working people with very critical jobs. They all have reason to be proud of their service without embellishing it.

I wish I could say I pulled a soldier away from an exploding grenade or mine and saved his life. I didn't. I never was deployed; never saw combat. But I was a soldier; I signed the dotted line that allowed my country to call on that if needed. I'm proud of that! People thank me for my service without having to hear any war stories.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Aug 23 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-08-23T13:13:54-04:00

I remember GEN (ret) McChrystle saying "Nothing ruins a good war story like an eyewitness..."

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Aug 23 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-08-23T13:40:54-04:00

I was support in FA and Air Defense and in a garrison where there were more generals then privates, it seemed. I have done a lot of things while being a support person and have met many people the average person just reads about. Some may just shake their head when I talk. However, I was in public affairs in major NATO commands and then at Ft Sheridan near Chicago. Lucky assignments.

When people give the who-shot-john-shit-and-dance-with-me-Sidney routine. I am really nasty---I encourage them to see how deep they can pile shit. Then I give a line, like---you must have the Hero's award for hill climbing, or, I never wore the rubber boots I was issued. I bet you did, though.
Other times I just let them talk a bit and say, "Look, I don't think you were in my Army. it was a long time ago." And, I give them the look. They can take what I say to mean whatever they want it to mean. The Army has changed a lot since I was a Soldier.
It depends on how much Bull I have already put up with that day.

Response by LCDR Rich Bishop made Aug 23 at 2015 3:01 PM

2015-08-23T15:01:25-04:00

Sadly, there are a lot of people that are very insecure with themselves and feel they have to start with their resume or experiences before they believe they will be accepted or listened to. You tend to see this more with the younger crowd as they are trying to make there way through the world. Sadly, some have mental illness. The warfighters that have seen or been in the worst circumstances generally do not discuss these experiences or operations. Just tell them they don't have to lie or embellish, you will accept them as they are, not everyone can go into combat or serve the nation in uniform.

Response by MSgt Joe Tafoya made Aug 23 at 2015 3:17 PM

2015-08-23T15:17:50-04:00

I'm a inquisitive type person. When I run into a fellow Vet I like to compare experiences. If what they tell me doesn't match up with my memory I tend to start asking questions. Depending on the answers I might think they were never in the service (or didn't make it very far), it's just someone who needs to make his life look more exciting, or the answers pan out and you may be in for some interesting stories. As an example I was Artillery, 13B, my MOS never changed but I also worked in FDC , as a clerk, as a duty driver, and in supply. Joined the Navy Reserves as a CB and their motto is "We Fight, We Build." Since 'Fight' comes first the USMC is who gave us our combat training. When humping a USMC pack and machine gun across a hot Mojave desert no longer seemed like fun I switched to the Air Force Reserve. I ended up with a whole lot of stories during that 26 years We'll run into these types but once their stories get muddled I usually change the subject and know not to ask them anything pertinent.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 6:18 PM

2015-08-23T18:18:47-04:00

As long as they don't lie about their true service record.
Whatever floats their boat.

I personally have no desire to fabricate the truth.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 10:15 PM

2015-08-23T22:15:29-04:00

There I was only six, two pints of Jack Daniels and digging the Panama Canal, when two helicopters kept flying over. I picked up a rock and hit each of those copters. They were sliders, so they didn't even see them coming. I hired some trolls to make sure Manuel Noriega from using the waterway. All before 6am and wearing lead boots.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Aug 23 at 2015 11:53 PM

2015-08-23T23:53:49-04:00

SSG Richard Reilly I just laugh to myself. Over the years, I have come realize (or at least I believe) those who do (have done) the most talk the least, and those who do the least talk the most; insecurity I guess.

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Aug 24 at 2015 12:23 AM

2015-08-24T00:23:57-04:00

I have a nephew in the NG, he does not share too many of his "stories" when I am around, but apparently he has the rest of the family convinced he is a war hero. I also had a SGL (small group leader) who seemed to be a legend in his own mind!

Response by COL Ken Carlson made Aug 24 at 2015 11:47 AM

2015-08-24T11:47:25-04:00

The real vets who embellish their stories a bit are not the problem. In the 2000 Census American Family Survey, responses were requested concerning service in Vietnam. DoD reports that some 2.7 million served in Vietnam between 1958 and 1975. Yet 13.8 million respondents claimed to be Vietnam Vets! Conclusion: 4 out of 5 who claimed to be Vets were lying! Why?— In my view it's because they now have grandchildren, and it's pretty tough to tell them that you burned your draft card, got stoned out of your head, and went to Canada to dodge the draft Easier to become a wannabe Vet, a "special operator who served only in Laos and can't tell the details..."

Response by Cpl Christopher Kelley made Aug 24 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-08-24T13:03:40-04:00

I was a lowly mechanic in the Corps and I was injured in Okinawa during peace time (1992). I was medically discharged in 1994 as a result. I personally have little patience for exaggeration, if the truth isn't good enough, keep your mouth shut. There are too many warriors serving in and being hurt in combat that deserve recognition. In my opinion, though I served, in comparison to those that have seen combat, I don't even rate and refuse to fake it. So when and if I see someone doing just that, I have a hard time not being "hard" with them.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Aug 24 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-08-24T13:57:56-04:00

Buy him a beer, pat him on the back and 1up him with glorious tales of your own unbridled glory. If you make it sound ridiculous enough, he will get the picture. If not, let him wallow in his own ignorance.

Response by PO2 Weaver Brian made Aug 24 at 2015 5:04 PM

2015-08-24T17:04:18-04:00

I have heard a few from people trying to join the VFW-Veterans of Foreign Wars of The United States. The fakers are always some kind of special forces. They were SEALs, Airborne Rangers, or Green Berets. They were in the 82nd Airborne, or the 101st Airborne div. Or any other famous unit that they heard of in the movies or tv. They were never just a seaman on some tin can, patrolling the Western Pacific. The worst was some guy that told his wife he had been a naval officer, served during Korea and Viet Nam, had all sorts of awards and rank insignia all the way up to the rank of Navy Captain. Then he died. She kept trying to find out why the DoD had never heard of him, and why he couldn't be buried in the VA cemetery near here. He had enlisted near the end of WWII, and washed out of boot camp. Total time in service was less than 3 weeks.

Response by CPT Robert Moody made Aug 24 at 2015 8:05 PM

2015-08-24T20:05:11-04:00

Fairy tales start with "Once upon a time..." War stories start with "No s..t, there I was..!!"

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Aug 24 at 2015 8:53 PM

2015-08-24T20:53:20-04:00

most nam veterans wont even talk about what they had to do over there. at my Legion i had to piss off one of them to tell me and my buddy what he did. he punched the bar and said what the f**k do you want to know for. we both did our time in the 1980's when nothing happened and we just needed to know. so we bought some beers and he told us. and after he did he smiled never seen him smile before. sometimes they just need to get it out. it was not very nice what he told us. he still has nightmares from it. cant tell you what he told us i gave him my word that we wouldn't. but as one Army vet to another. he did not embellish his story at all.

Response by SSG Lonny Self made Aug 25 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-08-25T17:52:20-04:00

true or not , in the winter of 78 two guys where given an opportunity to do the right thing the mission Alaska 3 am or about temp 80 below wind 45 gust to 60 top of a 4200 ft mountain three hundred ft down the side of the mountain is two MP doing what they do checking the road conditions when they get stuck bad mistake on there part no ppe no boots parka. so one call go's out to CQ need help he call's for back up rangers no can do So CQ says they will freeze if they do not get ride or help snow blower cant do it there is no way to them but from the top of the mountain there is no one on staff that can do it they say? when my wonderful friend ssg tim teal wakes me from a very good nap after 24 hr duty tells me we have tow MP stuck in jeep on the road from missile silo not sure where at exactly his words to me was you do not have too do it but they will die
and I responded it would take two he told me my buddy and friend Kurt Shraum both of us pfc at the time will do it if I do so suited up thermal 1978 issue wool's from world war 2 nam issue with parka cover snow mask muck lucks and winter mittens two bags of clothes for them we scaled the back half of the mountain straight down in to where we thought they would be stuck with in a hundred feet of there position tied them off and marched them formidably threw the worst snow storm you could make up in your head the LT tried to give it up half way back took a bit of man up screaming to make it clear he would die in a few min if he did not move his back side we made it back by the hand of god . I have never got more than a thank you for that night and needed nothing more than that , I am 55 now there where other moments in my army career that where tough but none defines me as much as that night, we never give up on each other and life will not give up on you, I can not verify it to be true because it was a top secret missile site now a park in eagle river Alaska so there is know way to get hold of the people that where there it is all but gone with them and time , cold war fun

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Sep 8 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-09-08T15:36:42-04:00

I say that if you served and can call him on it, do it! Only 1% of us ever serve and we put our life on the line and our families in second place. I can trace military service back through both Mom & Dad's family for 4 generations and there it gets a little fuzzy. I am a 100% Disabled Viet Nam Vet and proud of it. I found a mess hall token from Khe Sahn in my military briefcase so I drilled a hole for a metal jewelry ring and wear it around my neck. I have now for 30 years. ARMY Strong!
Rick

Response by SPC Darren Koele made Nov 9 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-11-09T22:09:04-05:00

Most of the time I just sit and smile as they talk. When they are done with their 5-10 minute retelling of their heroics, I just sit back, take a sip of Guinness, and reply "I was an Engineer", as if that's the trump card and is all that needs to be said. In fact one of the highlights of my service is my dump truck (The Duck Truck).

Response by SGT James Murphy made Aug 2 at 2017 6:14 PM

2017-08-02T18:14:12-04:00

Again, I take a Dim View of this as it represents STOLEN HONOR! At least to me!

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Aug 14 at 2017 6:19 PM

2017-08-14T18:19:11-04:00

I was in a small town getting a hair cut. The barber had a few pics from the USMC so I asked him if he was ever in the Corps. He told me no but he had been in the army. I told him I was retired army and asked him what he did. I never should have asked. He was on a drug task force with the CIA, killing drug runners in El Salvador, and on and on and on. I asked him what was his rank and got the usual answer: "That's classified." LOL, I knew he was full of it but it was very entertaining.

Response by SSgt Christopher Mortell made Aug 14 at 2017 6:54 PM

2017-08-14T18:54:50-04:00

The one example of stolen valor I have a little pity for is the veteran who thinks his or her service wasn't good enough because they weren't in the shit. I think civilians have lionized veterans like SEALs, Delta Force, PJs, Rangers and even regular infantry to the point they think every veteran is a stone-cold killer with a damaged soul. Think the Outlaw Jose Wales, Pale Rider, or even Lone Survivor. (Though I've met Marcus Luttrell and he's not like that at all.) As veterans, we haven't done much to dissuade that notion. "I flew a desk during Desert Storm" just isn't a good story. Grunt Style, Mat Best, and the rest do great stuff but that adds to the misperception, too. We all wanna be Mat Best right? Nobody wants to be Chris Mortell, Information Management Technician. My war stories are deadly dull. Still, I believe my service was extremely valuable. I was just in a different kind of trench. Civilians don't realize that 75% of the military isn't on the pointy end of the spear and we don't want them to know. So, the veteran who feels ashamed for not having killed anyone or bled for country adds a little bit here and there to bolster his or her self--esteem. I think that's total bullshit. With all due respect to those on the bleeding edge, it takes a special person to take the oath and stand the line. We all offered our lives to this great nation. That should be the threshold.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2017 7:59 PM

2017-08-14T19:59:52-04:00

Fire Mission, Shell HE, Fuse Quick, Charge 5 White Bag, Quadrant 320 Deflection 2600 on my command. It's been awhile but I was a Reservist and Mobilized 13BH Instructor Section Chief Qualified at Ft Sill. Got to shoot the old 102 Duece 105, M198, M119, and also was Self Propelled 109 non Paladin. So, yeah, I got to smell the Wolf *&^^*) a few times. Hahaha. Fun times OSUT 1987

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2017 8:20 PM

2017-08-14T20:20:26-04:00

Can I ask why my post was deleted? Any rules violations I didn't see?

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Aug 15 at 2017 1:10 AM

2017-08-15T01:10:20-04:00

Does the fact that I a Master Shit Burner count?

Response by SSgt Ernest Robke made Aug 15 at 2017 1:11 AM

2017-08-15T01:11:33-04:00

I work for one. Apparently, the Navy sends analysts down range to do collections missions for the SEALs in HOA. According to his work profile that is.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 15 at 2017 1:53 PM

2017-08-15T13:53:29-04:00

Maybe I got your question wrong but I'm Artillery guy as well, l but I sometimes fantasize with my stories with people about battles because we as Artilleryman don't really know were our bullets or projectiles went. So we tend to make up stories from what we hear from the front lines or the aftermath. I'm not saying I'm fake Joe or was saying a bunch war stories because I saw some shit when they turned us in to convoy escort patrol in down Baghdad, my stories are the lonely nights while we were firing in to Iraq along the Kuwaiti boarder and wondering were our BN6 or Battery 4 were going and what damage or hell they were bringing to the other side. so yeah we made up our own little fairytales about what we did, is it crime? Is it Stolen Valor?

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made Aug 15 at 2017 2:20 PM

2017-08-15T14:20:28-04:00

Well, there I was, hip deep in empty beer cans at the Wrangler, just outside the front gate at Ft. Campbell. Ween all of a sudden the door opens and the bright lights made the group of 12Bs I was with cover our bloodshot eyes. Surrounded by halo of white light was the most beautiful woman I ever saw, and then another, and another...I shit you not, it was the Swedish bikini team. Well, Ilsa, the hot blonde, comes up to me and says, "ANDERSEN, WAKE THE FUCK UP," shit, I passed out at the damn bar again, it wasn't Ilsa, it was Clemons, waking me up so I could have some coffee so I could drink more.

Response by AA Joseph Moody made Aug 15 at 2017 4:40 PM

2017-08-15T16:40:57-04:00

I think this is a human trait, I've been doing 3d character work/3d art for about 5 years now and every week I see someone who has posted some tutorial/kit as their own original work. It's just a thing people do.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Aug 15 at 2017 8:00 PM

2017-08-15T20:00:40-04:00

The difference between a fairy tale & a war story... one starts "once upon a time" & the other starts "this is no shit"...

I prefer "this is no shit! Once upon a time..."

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2017 3:19 AM

2017-08-16T03:19:09-04:00

Smile, shake my head and find something else to do. Life is too short to listen to someones B.S. stories.

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 4 at 2017 12:50 PM

2017-12-04T12:50:19-05:00

If you look up embellisher in the thesaurus you'll see veteran is a synonym. To be honest Ive met a few of them who may take it too far though and I just play along and move along. Calling stolen valor out doesn't make you a better person or a better soldier may make you feel better but it doesn't serve a greater purpose. Also on the flip side people who thank soldiers or show gratitude to them feel good about themselves when they do things like shake our hands or say thank you or what ever they do these days, I certainly don't want to take that away from someone who witnesses a "stolen valor callout"