How do you spot a fake, stolen valor case, on RallyPoint?

2016-03-25T20:52:01-04:00

https://www.rallypoint.com/profiles/801281-msg-james-crowell

First, I would like to thank MSG James Crowell, aka, Jane Crowell, for providing the content in which I will be using. It is a great example of what should throw up red flags as to being a fake and a case of Stolen Valor. Just as a courtesy MSG James Crowell was contacted and failed to correct the situation and then edited comments on posts but not before screen shots were made.

First looking at this profile I found these

1. Promotion to SSG with three years of service. Went from SPC to SGT in less than a year.

2. Was a E7 without going to ALC. In that time era you had to have attended your school before getting promoted. She wouldn't have been an E7 without it.

3. The G-2 NCOIC is a SGM and not a E7. Even at a Battalion level the OPS NCOIC is an E8.

4. Promoted to E8 with only 13 months as a E7. Also stated in a post that she was also a 1SG.

After seeing this I went into her posts. Many are not true or exaggerated at best and the grammar is incorrect in just about every post. These came

1. Stated that she was in a TOC that was hit by friendly fire. She stated she was on a "Pick77", should be a PRC77, when her TOC was hit with 12 500lbs GSU and opened up with their 30mm cannons. I can't find what a GSU is but I guess she means bombs. 7 out of 60 "Walked away." That would be the single worst friendly fire incident in the Gulf War. No mention of this anywhere after looking online. If they dropped that many 500lb bombs on anything there wouldn't be anything left.

2. When questioned about the TOC she stated that she was with the 18th “Air Born Core” and they fell under the French. The A-10s were under the control of a French FAC who was in another country. Well

3. Uses S/Sgt instead of SSG. If you were a SSG I think you would know the proper way of writing it. She uses the AF abbreviation instead of the Army.

4. Claims a Purple Heart. I guess from the Gulf War Friendly Fire.

5. Claims that her PT time for a two mile was 13:05 for two miles. Also that she had to do 69 pushups and 75 sit ups. Those are the male standards and they are still a bit off. But still stated she got a 290. But also stated that she had a 475 out of 500 in 1979. I am not sure what they did back then.

6. Claims to be in four different combat zones from 1979 to 2001. She already claimed the Gulf War, Panama with the 82nd and Somalia but she would have to have been in Kosovo or maybe Grenada. That is really odd to get all of those in like that.

7. Deployed to Somalia in 1985 as a “Fact Checker” were she was out in the local market watching $150,000,000 of food being sold on the black market. I don’t think that country even has that much food in the whole country.

8. Claims to have worked as a J-2 OPS for a “Core” at Fort Huachuca. The only issue is that there isn’t a Corps there.

9. Claims 183 jumps in her 21-year career. That is about 9 jumps a year. But she was in the 101st ABN. They don't Jump and then she has 4 deployments to combat zones. I just don't see that being possible.

Now looking at these what do you think? Are there some red flags in there.

If you look at the last two photos you will see what it looks like when you are caught.

James Crowell at mom -grandmother | Former MSG - 96B: Intelligence Analyst | RallyPoint

MSG James Crowell, Army | RallyPoint professional military profile.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 8:58 PM

2016-03-25T20:58:46-04:00

Good BOLO (Be on the lookout for) fraud indicators!

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Mar 25 at 2016 9:01 PM

2016-03-25T21:01:00-04:00

I have seen another Stolen Valor on here before. Have you checked with National Personnel Archives under the FOIA?

Response by SPC James Dollins made Mar 25 at 2016 9:03 PM

2016-03-25T21:03:35-04:00

A TON!! *eyeroll* People are just ignorant! can't stand that crap!!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 25 at 2016 9:03 PM

2016-03-25T21:03:38-04:00

I'd say there are like 10 red flags in there lol

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Mar 25 at 2016 9:10 PM

2016-03-25T21:10:08-04:00

As to #5, the PT test, in 1979 it was:

-Run, dodge & Jump
-Parallel Bar
-Crab Walk
-Sit Ups
-1 Mile Run

There were a possible 500 points.

As to #9, it's possible. Not likely. You can get about 15-20 per year in a jump unit, if you are lucky.

With everything else, it's obvious BS.

Response by CPT Russell Pitre made Mar 25 at 2016 9:15 PM

2016-03-25T21:15:23-04:00

This is all i got.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 25 at 2016 9:22 PM

2016-03-25T21:22:24-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, why is this person allowed to remain on RP? BTW, good catch!

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 25 at 2016 9:32 PM

2016-03-25T21:32:17-04:00

My BS tripped a while ago on this one - Bravo sierra indeed. He/she looked at my profile like 50 times one day.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 9:54 PM

2016-03-25T21:54:11-04:00

CPT L S You may want to recant your endorsements.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 9:56 PM

2016-03-25T21:56:31-04:00

Just go with your gut and call them out and inform them about stolen valor

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Mar 25 at 2016 9:57 PM

2016-03-25T21:57:00-04:00

Anyone who has even made it close to the corps level knows how to spell corps. Probably a mixture of truths and half-truths with some pure bullshit mixed in.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Mar 25 at 2016 10:17 PM

2016-03-25T22:17:15-04:00

Wow....and why?

Response by SFC William Farrell made Mar 25 at 2016 10:25 PM

2016-03-25T22:25:06-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Great job Dick Tracy! I never really looked at his profile but the one thing that you mentioned about the grammar was the thing that caught my eye. Some of the things she said just didn't sound right to me grammatically. I didn't bother to check it any further as I just chalked it up to someone who may have been drinking too much. I'm glad you're paying attention Dick!

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Mar 25 at 2016 11:34 PM

2016-03-25T23:34:38-04:00

She looks more like a Transvestite with a bad wig, instead of a Lesbian. I'm not judging, just observing.

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Mar 25 at 2016 11:39 PM

2016-03-25T23:39:12-04:00

Thank you for the period of instruction!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Mar 25 at 2016 11:56 PM

2016-03-25T23:56:46-04:00

Bravo-Zulu, CPT Private RallyPoint Member!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 26 at 2016 12:14 AM

2016-03-26T00:14:20-04:00

Great job Lieutenant. Thank you for being alert! CPT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Mar 26 at 2016 12:28 AM

2016-03-26T00:28:29-04:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 12:54 AM

2016-03-26T00:54:15-04:00

I had a 20 yr old female SSG... came in as an SPC - then Graduated AIT promoted to Sergeant Less then 1 year. Had a PHD. Was sent to me in Afghanistan after WLC. stayed 9 months was sent back stateside. for BNCOC then off to OCS.. never saw her again.. Do not know why she just didn't do direct Commission. The kid was smart and very mature.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 12:55 AM

2016-03-26T00:55:24-04:00

1LT Eric Rosa- What great investigative work! What was her purpose? I thought I detected a LBGTQ agenda probably were obvious but I did not want to get to homogenized (this is attempted humor twist, no one should get their panties in a twist). My first snarky thought (even though she was in civi's)was her hair was touching her collar. Five event APFt 1979. or before had a handgrenade throw 35 yards maybe. Aimpoint was a circle, concentric circles scoring rings. Not tough unless one has an Obama arm. Shuttle run and ditch jump. , like a footballagility exercise. Horizontal ladder 14 rungs have to make a turn and come back to pass. Upper body strength a challenge. Butt weight also. If the apparatus did not have overhead cover rust tore your hands up. Bars rotated usually,, think Nina warrior stuff. Two mile run and pushups standard. There was a STAFF PT test one mile run. I never took it. Might have been used for limited profiles. Women did pushups on their what 'unequal BS that was. In the old days ladies only persisted (or christened!) I love EQUAL opportunity, no I mean it. I trained some great women JAGs. The LTG JAG today is a lady.

Response by SGT Shawn Schweinberg made Mar 26 at 2016 1:07 AM

2016-03-26T01:07:41-04:00

First off you had me at 12 500 pound bombs going off at her TOC. And your right nothing would be left. Don't know if any of you experienced 500 pound bombs going off near you but I have. Twice in about a week and a half two were dropped near FOB ISKAN in 2005. They were both accidents and they fell far enough away that they hurt no one. But they felt as if they hit right next to the FOB. They were that strong and loud.

So my actual question is when discovered how do we get dirt bags like this kicked out of R.P.?

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 1:44 AM

2016-03-26T01:44:50-04:00

A year ago I caught the fake three star AF general impostor. I would not be surprised if foreign military is doing this. The funny thing is when I found the supposed Lt Gen. The profile was using a public available photo of the actual 3 star. It was extremely obvious that it was a fake. The way the supposed general was talking to people randomly sounded more like a exiled Nigerian Prince.

I was surprised how many endorsements this fake general had.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 26 at 2016 2:16 AM

2016-03-26T02:16:15-04:00

189 jumps...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 2:33 AM

2016-03-26T02:33:38-04:00

Great job CPT Private RallyPoint Member!

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Mar 26 at 2016 6:42 AM

2016-03-26T06:42:42-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member ,
Great observation and analysis. Sad to know that stolen valor would exist on this type of platform, considering the nature of the network. However, one cannot be too surprised. If there are many out there exercising it in person within the physical form, the virtual platform serves as a ground that ENHANCES the ease of access for manipulation. Great post!! #KeepingThemHonest

Response by MSgt Rosemary Connolly made Mar 26 at 2016 7:55 AM

2016-03-26T07:55:25-04:00

Not exactly stolen valor but I checked this connection request. He is not a priest of the diocese of Harrisburg. I believe the archdiocese of Philadelphia removed him.
Msgr E. C.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 8:00 AM

2016-03-26T08:00:54-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I'd like to suggest you reconsider your position on leaving her profile up. If RP allows stolen valor profiles, then how can we criticize anyone else? This thread will fade over time, and many new members won't realize the fraud. I don't necessarily view or check closely the profiles of people I respond to on RP. So if RP allows known liars to continue as members, IMO. That undercuts the integrity of the membership. RP should delete known fakers/embellishers forever. We have to maintain some standards of truthfulness.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Mar 26 at 2016 8:25 AM

2016-03-26T08:25:34-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, I am definitely glad that I was not in on the DS/DS discussion. I would have been one of the first if not the first to have called this individual a liar, a fake, or a fraud. I wonder why I do not remember any of the TOCs for the 325th/2nd Brigade, being bombed, especially since we were the ones attached to the French. And I definitely do not remember a SFC Crowell in either the 1st Bn, 2nd Bn, 4th Bn, or Bde HQs of the 325th AIR. And on top of that a supposed female/LGBT at that level, at that time; without being known or found out - no way, no how. The rest of it, I would probably not have even bothered with.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 8:55 AM

2016-03-26T08:55:11-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member , Sir you are not entirely correct. If x12 500 lb bombs landed on the TOC site, there would be something left...............12 huge craters.

Response by SSgt Chris Enslow made Mar 26 at 2016 4:17 PM

2016-03-26T16:17:39-04:00

*I* was Intelligence at Fort Meade from 1989 until 1991, and volunteered to go to Desert Storm. We were never sent because the ground war ended so quickly. So which TOC is this person talking about? And what kind of intelligence analyst was she? As far as I know there weren't that many in the forward area - plenty in the rear, though. Some armor up front, and lots of ordinance in the air.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 4:18 PM

2016-03-26T16:18:04-04:00

What made you look into her profile in the first place? Just a question

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Mar 26 at 2016 4:36 PM

2016-03-26T16:36:54-04:00

So what do we do when we suspect a case of stolen valor or even misrepresenting their career? I have seen a few profiles that do not make sense at all in terms of dates of ranks, etc. So I question those. To whom do we report these? I would think there is a system in place to do this. That's all I can type for now as I have to get ready to go on a black Ops mission tonight.

Response by SGT Kevin Shannon made Mar 26 at 2016 5:14 PM

2016-03-26T17:14:30-04:00

Easy to BS a civilian, but not so much a vet. Maybe some minor discrepancies over the years, for example some men that served in Ranger units in Vietnam were awarded the Ranger tab without going to school. But these are documented.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 5:28 PM

2016-03-26T17:28:47-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member This person posted some strange posts for sure. Great work looking into all of this. I do not understand what someone could get from going through the work of creating a backstory just to engage in internet conversation on Rally Point.

Response by SFC Stef T made Mar 26 at 2016 6:45 PM

2016-03-26T18:45:19-04:00

OK, I understand the stolen valor point but be careful. See if you can figure this out. Went to the SSG promotion board on 13 August 1983, received 300 points from the board. Departed Germany on 16 August 1983 after 3 year tour. Took my normal 30 day leave, 6 days travel time, and signed into my new unit the end of September 1983. Promoted 3 days later to SSG with a DOR of 16 August 1983. How is this possible! Also never attended BNCOC or ANCOC and yet promoted to SFC. Take your best guess how this happened. I have proof with my orders and records as well. Good Luck! Don't always judge people if you don't understand the entire situation.

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Mar 26 at 2016 6:46 PM

2016-03-26T18:46:51-04:00

Yeah...I did everything she did but in half the time!

Response by Maj Thomas Cox made Mar 26 at 2016 7:39 PM

2016-03-26T19:39:06-04:00

Back in my early agent days, I supported an investigation where a 70 y/o dressed up as a 4-star in a major metro city in order to bring in the chicks...even had a full up Air Force uniform with a modified DD Form 2-USSS or something like that...I feel sorry for these people, because they can't feel sorry for themselves.

Response by SGM Mike Hardin made Mar 26 at 2016 9:02 PM

2016-03-26T21:02:42-04:00

Hummm... gotta wonder. I was a MSG assigned to the 101st G2 at the same time and never met her? And for those of you who don't think that the 101st ABN did not have anyone on jump status that would be wrong. I made more jumps with the 101st than I did with the 82nd ABN Div. But... but although I was assigned to the 101st ABN Div G2 at the same time she claims I was also attached to the 101st TAC which was on jump status along with the cadre of the Air Assault School and the 101st Pathfinders. There were about 35 of us in the TAC that worked for the 101st ADCO on jump status and a total of about 250 soldiers in the 101st on jump status. We did jump a lot (about 5 to 20 jumps a month) and most of our jumps were with the 160th (which was a airborne unit) and 5th Group. Also almost everyone assigned to the 101st TAC was ranger qualified and a jumpmaster. In the 4 years I was assigned there from 1996 to 2000 only one soldier was female, and she was a 04 and she was Asian-American by the name of Maj Tabb. There is a Corps at Ft Huachuca, but it is not a Army Corps it is the Intelligence Corps or school house and is the size of a Bde, it is only the Regimental Afflation for the MI Corps.

Response by SGT Javier Mendoza made Mar 27 at 2016 1:39 AM

2016-03-27T01:39:46-04:00

I think this person was eating popcorn and drinking a beer while making the stories up.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-03-27T07:51:44-04:00

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 7:52 AM

2016-03-27T07:52:27-04:00

Be proud. People want to be us. Even if it's only for the attention.

Response by A1C Ronald Harris made Mar 27 at 2016 10:36 AM

2016-03-27T10:36:10-04:00

This person is delusional and quite possibly mentally deficient.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 10:47 AM

2016-03-27T10:47:25-04:00

Wow... Just... wow. I'very seen several Stolen Valor cases before, but to try and get away with it here of all places is just beyond stupid.

Too bad the site admins can't put a special banner over her profile to ID her as a Fake.

Response by A1C Melissa Jackson made Mar 27 at 2016 1:19 PM

2016-03-27T13:19:17-04:00

Ohhhhh- how irritating.
I have seen this individual commenting on various things on Rally-Point. NOW I am annoyed. Why is she allowed to stay?

Response by A1C Melissa Jackson made Mar 27 at 2016 1:33 PM

2016-03-27T13:33:19-04:00

AHHH- here we have AB BILLIE!
This is the person I described in my earlier comment.

I think it is ironic, Billie, that you have the GUTS to get on here and comment on STOLEN VALOR when you are guilty of it yourself.

She should be removed, as well.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 7:06 PM

2016-03-27T19:06:23-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member That's one fine looking lady. LOL

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Mar 27 at 2016 7:45 PM

2016-03-27T19:45:34-04:00

My hat is off to you 1LT Rosa. Excellent Post!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 8:14 PM

2016-03-27T20:14:12-04:00

Good points, CPT Private RallyPoint Member. We do need to police our own, sadly. I will say that MSG Crowell is legitimately verified. As to the rest ... I will never understand why people lie about military experiences. I'm not saying she is lying, but if she is, then I don't get it.

Another member asked me recently about award of the blue ribbon and whether we check each assignment, qualification, school, etc. I replied that we trust members to be honest about those things and we're really looking for completeness of the profile for award of the blue ribbon:

http://support.rallypoint.com/customer/portal/articles/1350211

If a person does lie about military experiences here on RallyPoint, they will likely be found out.

How do I get a Blue Ribbon?

The Blue Ribbon is a sign of distinction within the RallyPoint Community and is awarded to members who have built out an...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 11:19 PM

2016-03-27T23:19:35-04:00

A cross between Janet Reno and Johnny Cash.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 9:16 AM

2016-03-28T09:16:28-04:00

Eric-Good catch

Response by PFC Alexander Oliveira made Mar 28 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-03-28T11:28:09-04:00

catfishing is alive and well. ive fallen victim to it on fb once and then things got fishy and im a huge skeptic about facebook profiles. as for RP. ya know verified accounts are supposed to mean something. maybe this person did serve but looks like not to the extent they claim. sad day stolen valor

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 12:00 PM

2016-03-28T12:00:50-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member - good catch brother.

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Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Mar 28 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-03-28T14:21:12-04:00

I do not look for fake valor, because there is no such thing as stolen valor, as for looking for fakes that is up to the administrators of RP to do their job, my biggest concern is that we support current service members by what we post. So if the fakers support with good post go for it.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 4:47 PM

2016-03-28T16:47:50-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member don't let out her comment of being raped by 3 SM...

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 5:34 PM

2016-03-28T17:34:25-04:00

The worst part about the fake profile is the endorsements; some by "esteemed" colleagues. It begs to question, which came first, the chicken or the egg. Did the endorsements come before the profile was mutilated or after?

Response by SFC Antonio Nieto made Mar 31 at 2016 7:10 PM

2016-03-31T19:10:53-04:00

Not my job

Response by SGT Marco Kingsbury made Apr 2 at 2016 2:28 AM

2016-04-02T02:28:17-04:00

My answer to your question is to read and analyse the subject's RP profile, which is just what you did. You seem to have done a very good job yourself on looking for stolen valor clues. Therefore I do not see a need for posting a redundant question. You did an impressive job and have convinced me, that the mentioned person has a fake profile.
However, for some reason I do not seem to care much about stolen valor, except when it damages the image of military service or the honor of my country's symbols, i.e. wearing sloppy uniforms in public or defiling the flag. I remember the term "PX-hero" being used for soldiers wearing unearned awards or accoutrements. That term was used for active service members and it was and still is, just a laughing matter.
As for civilians posing as soldiers, being that they are incredibly easy to spot, I usually just laugh at them and would never come to mind to berate them. Fake service members are just ridiculous and I do not waste my time on them, it just does not bothers me that much.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 16 at 2016 12:00 PM

2016-04-16T12:00:30-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, a retired sergeant first class, with an extraordinary service record, ran for alderman in our city recently. He came by our home, soliciting my vote, and I voted for him, based on what he told me. However, a number of military people more involved in the election became quite suspicious, and found out he had embellished his service record to a great degree. A friend did a FOIA request, and indeed, he fabricated many of his accomplishments and awards.
To me, when someone lies like that and people vote based on those lies, I think it should be a crime. Ironically, his service record without embellishment was good enough for me. Why would anyone thrust themselves in the public eye, subject themselves to scrutiny, knowing that they might be found out? It's really pathetic.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Nov 8 at 2016 6:02 PM

2016-11-08T18:02:32-05:00

Whether in person or on RallyPoint, their language usually gives them away. You may not spot it at first but through time things will become clear they are fake as they get bolder.

Response by LCpl Stephen Arnold made Nov 21 at 2016 2:06 PM

2016-11-21T14:06:23-05:00

She sounds kinda badass; we should consult with Brian Williams from MSNBC, he would have been there and known all this.

Response by PO2 Amanda Morgan made Apr 6 at 2017 3:25 PM

2017-04-06T15:25:58-04:00

Idk about the Army standards but the Navy had like 14 minutes for females to do their 1 1/2 miles (I was 20 when I went) and by the time I got out my time had to be under 16 something or other... but even in my old age of 29 I was able to do more than 79 sit ups

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 8:18 AM

2017-06-01T08:18:10-04:00

Wow. What an Idiot!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 10:03 AM

2017-06-01T10:03:16-04:00

Those are glaring red flags yes. That person is an obvious fake.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 29 at 2017 8:04 PM

2017-12-29T20:04:30-05:00

Wouldn't be the first trans gender retiree i met but I would think she could spell Airborne.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 29 at 2017 9:03 PM

2017-12-29T21:03:18-05:00

Wow, I was part of one of XVIII ABC command Posts during GF1. Biggest casualty list was from the large chunk of SCUD , (nailed by a Patriot) which crashed in the port on a Reserve unit billet. French had no A-10's, few blue on blue encounters but nothing the size of a Corps level TOC.

Response by SSgt David Marks made Dec 29 at 2017 9:51 PM

2017-12-29T21:51:00-05:00

Very informative.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 10:55 AM

2018-03-04T10:55:05-05:00

The picture was a "tell" for me. Fairly certain it's a wig. Interesting post and I guess one could make a hobby out of it. I just don't get that wrapped up in it. The World is full of all kinds of people. I try to learn from them up to a certain point. Once I see they are full of BS or otherwise lacking in integrity or morality I move on. I try to help those that need it and are willing to help themselves, but I avoid adopting them. They are like a stray dog, once you feed them you own them, and I have adopted some but only by choice.

Response by MSgt Steve Sweeney made Mar 4 at 2018 2:45 PM

2018-03-04T14:45:05-05:00

Not sure why this popped up in the scroll, but... What should we make of the account being "verified"?

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made Oct 6 at 2018 9:33 PM

2018-10-06T21:33:16-04:00

I guess their are thousands of ways to spot stolen valor on RP. My question is why? A site devoted to current and former military would be the last place I would try to pull a fast one. It seems to me that if you were trying to embellish your record there would be safer places to do it.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Nov 15 at 2021 9:22 AM

2021-11-15T09:22:11-05:00

If she was a guy and 11B SSG in three years, not unheard of. They were called blood stripes. In the Nam, we had draftees that did 2 years and came out SSG. The soldiers ahead of you got KIA or A Million dollar WIA, and those below got promoted. For WAC, no way, Jose.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 15 at 2021 12:55 PM

2021-11-15T12:55:46-05:00

Army PT Test: Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge

Response by PO1 Matt Yonker made Nov 18 at 2021 6:13 PM

2021-11-18T18:13:21-05:00

Wow! A 6-and-a-half minute mile, for 2 miles? I know that us squids aren't known for being the fastest runners, but that time seems extreme for any branch of service!

Response by MSgt Thomas O'Rourke made Dec 16 at 2021 5:22 PM

2021-12-16T17:22:29-05:00

Posting a DD-214 would help cut down on the fakes and also establish who deployed!

Response by SFC David S made Dec 16 at 2021 5:26 PM

2021-12-16T17:26:24-05:00

Sometimes, people are human garbage.

Response by SGT Rusty Shackleford made Dec 16 at 2021 10:46 PM

2021-12-16T22:46:43-05:00

‘Her’ writing style sounds like a Nigerian scammer or someone that doesn’t use English as a first language. Likely this fake profile is to provide background to some scam being run.

Response by SSG Ronald Rollins made Dec 17 at 2021 5:48 PM

2021-12-17T17:48:32-05:00

Honestly, I don't look for anything. If they are stolen Valor, they know it. Other people know it. Not gonna give them any more attention by calling them out. I just don't respond to anything usually. I have better things to do. I know what I have done. No it is not as much as others, but I am proud of my service, who I am, and what I have done. I am secure in my knowledge of myself. let others worry about themselves or some who gets paid more than me worry about it. I am retired. not my lane.

Response by PO2 Bob Young made Dec 18 at 2021 11:06 AM

2021-12-18T11:06:20-05:00

Unfortunately there are thousands of phonies ratted out and nothing is done about it. The stolen valor act is a joke, unless you can prove they defrauded the VA or someone for money. One of the best sites is:
https://valorguardians.com/blog/?page_id=30655
They have tons of info on fakes.
This guy has been reported to the feds and nothing gets done. DFC, SS, 3PH, POW + more.
https://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=59096

blog

Response by SSG Randy Bisbee made Dec 18 at 2021 12:19 PM

2021-12-18T12:19:43-05:00

Those of us who really served in the Armed Forces should be able to apply critical thinking when viewing anyone's submission of their bonifides. Things either add up or they do not, and everything is easily checked these days. I would say to anyone who is trying to inflate the character of their service that every specialty is/was important. There is no shame in having been the company clerk, the knuckle draggers couldn't do what they do without you. lol.

Response by SSG Randy Bisbee made Dec 18 at 2021 12:25 PM

2021-12-18T12:25:10-05:00

Anyone who really served should be able to make simple deductions about what they read or see when dealing with a suspected Stolen Valor case. Things either add up or they don't. I personally try to engage such individuals in pointed discussion about what their uniform says they did. Do they have the goods or are they clueless. Have they simply read a bunch of fiction novels and are trying it on or are they really knowledgeable and have the correct backstory to match their claimed decorations etc? Like many retired combat veteran's I have a chest full of fruit salad, but unlike valor thief's I can account for every one and back them up with documentation.

Response by SSG(P) Danielle Birtha made Dec 19 at 2021 11:31 AM

2021-12-19T11:31:44-05:00

lol... I achieved rank rapidly... because I was proficient at anything. Achieving rank fast, especially during war, happens all the time.
Using that as evidence of stolen valor is just like accusing Trump of being a criminal with absolutely NO EVIDENCE indicating he's committed a crime, EXCEPT BEING ACCUSED.
This is the U.S.A. ... not Soviet Russia, Communist China, or Nazi Germany >(
Stolen Valor?
READ THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA...
SEE WHAT IT SAYS?
IT SAYS OUR PUBLIC SERVANTS ARE STEALING THE VALOR OF 250 YEARS OF U.S. SOLDIERS FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM FROM ENEMIES, AND OPPRESSION...

WHILE YOU ALL WHINE AS YOUR GOVERNMENT TAKES YOUR LIVES FOR CHINA THE ENEMY...

WHILE THEY SCREAM AT YOU THAT CHINA IS THE ENEMY AND NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW??

AND YOU GET ON YOUR KNEES AND RAISE YOUR HANDS TO

--> YOUR SERVANTS >(

STOLEN VALOR????
NO... YOU IDIOIS ARE ALL GIVING IT UP...

AND CLAIMING YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE???

FU$#@%& COWARDS >(

READ THE CONSTITUTION...
THEN GOOGLE U.S. TREASON LAW.

Response by SFC Jerry McLellen made Dec 20 at 2021 5:53 PM

2021-12-20T17:53:02-05:00

RP should delete these types of posts when noted, and I emphasize noted. I would not go to the lengths of research that the CPT did and think that some of his assertions are wrong. When he challenges the promotion time frames, he bases his claims on current times? In 1969 when I was in AIT one of the school NCOs was an E6 with less than 18 months' time in service. At that time being an honor graduate of a class could get you a one grade promotion. This young NCO had been an honor graduate in his basic AIT course along with additional advanced courses. And they kept him as a member of the cadre, which was probably a good idea because he didn't have any practical working knowledge of his MOS. Bottom line is you can't, or at least in my time couldn't base an individual's progression on time in service or time in grade. Guys were regularly coming back from Vietnam as E6's with 18 months' time in service depending on their MOS.

As far as taking the many hours to unmask a person as having committed "stolen valor", it is not worth the time or effort. Their story usually outs them to anyone who has any knowledge of the military.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Dec 21 at 2021 3:01 PM

2021-12-21T15:01:09-05:00

One of the things I have learned, MANY of the trolls here on RallyPoint are not Veterans at all. They have very basic profiles, they attack anything and anyone that stands up for the Constitution or says anything negative about certain things or expresses support for other things and people, especially today. And when you really call them on the carpet about basic things, they cannot answer and usually either block you or disappear.

I have had to literally post my ID (redacted of course) to prove my background because the trolls were so good at getting numerous others to actually bite and start questioning my service. All of it came about because I took the trolls head on and refused to backdown on my opinion and stance on the subject of the day... which of course had to do with current affairs in the USA.

Trolls are very quick to play the stolen valor card, so be very careful of assuming someone is not valid. I can't speak to the woman above you have posted about.

That all being said, while your remarks would make it appear she is not valid, keep in mind that many people have TBI and I HAVE met a few who say things that make no sense, who argue on something they are way off base on and may be suffering memory or cognitive issues because of the injuries.

What I usually do not, is ask very specific questions that only a Veteran would actually know. Nothing about their time in rather things like boot camp, locations, events, stuff that every Veteran would know even with cognitive or TBI issues. It is something to consider.

Response by SGT Ronald Mitchell made Dec 21 at 2021 4:02 PM

2021-12-21T16:02:15-05:00

I think many of us put way too much emphasis on what other people are doing. Who cares someone is faking the funk about what they've achieved? Well, I guess some people do. I personally spend most of my time bettering myself and usually too busy to worry about some yahoo trying to be someone they're not. Instead, help that individual, because they clearly need some. I could go on, but what's the point, since none of this is my business anyway! Best wishes to you and the rest of the readers of these comments!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2022 2:27 PM

2022-01-01T14:27:05-05:00

This is interesting

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2022 2:37 PM

2022-01-22T14:37:42-05:00

So this popped up on my thread again. Did a little check of their profile. It's still there but no activity in 6 years.

Response by SrA John Monette made Jan 24 at 2022 12:15 PM

2022-01-24T12:15:42-05:00

Not to mention the absolutely horrendous spelling!!

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jan 24 at 2022 8:10 PM

2022-01-24T20:10:08-05:00

S. 1998 (109th): Stolen Valor Act of 2005 :

The Stolen Valor Act of 2005, signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 20, 2006,[1] was a U.S. law that broadened the provisions of previous U.S. law addressing the unauthorized wear, manufacture, or sale of any military decorations and medals. The law made it a federal misdemeanor to falsely represent oneself as having received any U.S. military decoration or medal. If convicted, defendants might have been imprisoned for up to six months, unless the decoration lied about is the Medal of Honor, in which case imprisonment could have been up to one year. In United States v. Alvarez the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 28, 2012, that the Stolen Valor Act was an unconstitutional abridgment of the freedom of speech under the First Amendment, striking down the law in a 6 to 3 decision.

Sources :

https://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org/files/legion/legislative-point-paper/STOLEN%20VALOR%20ACT.pdf

https://warriorlodge.com/pages/stolen-valor-act-of-2005-2013

Search | The American Legion

Response by PFC Lisa McDonald made Jan 25 at 2022 3:47 AM

2022-01-25T03:47:10-05:00

In time depending on length of time in service and or length of time out certain parts of the military experience are forgotten. There are certain things you don't forget or B.S about though!
Being a Veteran that legally changed their sex I have ran into accusations of stolen valor related to my being an Infantry Vet and Berlin Vet. I nipped it in the bud the only way I knew how as fast as I could. I sent a copy of my DD214 and name change to Stolen Valor. The Berlin service can be seen as noted Army of Occupation medal on the DD214.
Nutcases, liars and bs'ers come in all stripes. I hope you turned this person into stolen valor!!!!!!!!!!!!
I still run into people that like to attack that which they can't understand or accept. People like this example make it harder to fault them for it!

Response by SGT Evan Farley made Jan 25 at 2022 1:19 PM

2022-01-25T13:19:45-05:00

I simply try not to Karen so hard.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Jan 25 at 2022 1:23 PM

2022-01-25T13:23:57-05:00

Thanks for this intresting report. The only coment that I would like to make is that in 1970 in Vietnam an 11 bravo infantryman in the bush couls make E5 sargent in 1 year easily and make E6 Staff Sargent on his second tour in Nam within 2 years. This has nothing to do with what you are saying. I just wanted to bring it up.

Response by CPL Gerald Welch made Jan 25 at 2022 8:09 PM

2022-01-25T20:09:53-05:00

There should be NO tolerance of stolen valor on this site. Thank you for posting this.

Response by SSG Gary R Peek made Jan 25 at 2022 10:59 PM

2022-01-25T22:59:03-05:00

BAM…it cannot get any clearer then this. I just cannot believe her post is still up and that no one caught that sooner then now. I must agree that the profile needs to be ex sponged immediately.

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Jan 26 at 2022 10:55 AM

2022-01-26T10:55:29-05:00

I had to actually prove my service via dd-214 before RP allowed my account.

Response by TSgt Scott Zane made Jan 26 at 2022 11:43 PM

2022-01-26T23:43:36-05:00

S/Sgt isn't even right for Air Force. We all use "SSgt" (no slash).

Response by SFC Ken Phillips made Jan 28 at 2022 5:49 AM

2022-01-28T05:49:38-05:00

Yeah, I don’t see a single bit of that story being true. I haven’t as of yet completed my profile, but when I was in, you could make E5 in three to three and a half years if you had the promotion points, but you had to complete PLDC. The names of the schools were different as well. For SSG, you went to BNOC, and SFC was ANOC. This profile is a very good training tool though.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2022 7:20 PM

2022-01-30T19:20:01-05:00

Remember to look for the GREEN V or R which indicates the account has been verified/validated. In the Army, even back then, you can waive time in grade or time in service but not both and not multiple times. PV1 - SSG three years is beyond the wavier requirements. That, by itself, is enough proof. Also, in order to go from 96B to 97B would require a service school and primary to secondary mos. You need not go past all those lies to realize it is fake. Good catch. Soon as I saw you pointed that out, I blocked the user. I thought RP blocks or disables accounts of they are reported and verified to be inaccurate. Is that incorrect?

Response by SGT Joshua Bressel made Feb 1 at 2022 3:00 PM

2022-02-01T15:00:14-05:00

It's so bad, that I can't even mention being in the Army, without people saying that I'm full of shit. I really think that Stolen Valor needs to be prosecutable again, even without doccumented financial gain!

Response by SA V B made Feb 3 at 2022 7:41 PM

2022-02-03T19:41:41-05:00

The person sounds like English isn't their native language, and they never got good at it.

Response by COL William Browning made Feb 6 at 2022 10:39 PM

2022-02-06T22:39:49-05:00

The entire career of stated soldier is total BS.

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Feb 7 at 2022 11:54 AM

2022-02-07T11:54:34-05:00

Everyone can dream a little dream, Brother, which allows those who know to have something to talk about for entertainment like this. Furthermore, sometimes, it is better not to chase away the devil, just keep it in your sight, mark it as we do with mine or unexploded ordnance. The more we criticize it, the more clever it will be at faking it. That's my take on this.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Feb 16 at 2022 1:55 PM

2022-02-16T13:55:20-05:00

I find it interesting she was Capable of convincing anyone that she was who she was however it is not okay on Rally Point to question another person's career. I don not hold much in stock for a person who does not have a verified on their title.

Response by SGT Joshua Jennings made Feb 27 at 2022 11:41 PM

2022-02-27T23:41:40-05:00

That's some fast tracking there, and I thought 7 in 7 years was good holy shit

Response by SSgt Ricardo Lugo made Mar 5 at 2022 10:04 PM

2022-03-05T22:04:06-05:00

We as mature soldier should always maintain a good standing; in what we put on Rally Point WEB. I am not justifying to present false information on Rally Point web; but every day we are receiving disinformation from different information resources in a daily basis. We that are responsible warriors should always filter the information we receive and take what blesses us; discard the false information given thru rally point. So God help us manage what is true and discard what is false. Hopefully Rally Point authority addresses and give responsible maintenance of the story given in this awesome web page. In God we trust / God Bless America.

Response by SGT John Ball made Mar 6 at 2022 7:04 PM

2022-03-06T19:04:36-05:00

Speaking of stolen valor, I have a neighbor who claims he was...get ready for this! A SGT Colonel, and claimed many medals of valor. However, I asked him for his DD-214 and he looked at me as though I spoke Spanish lol. The SGT COL made the BS meter explode and him not knowing what a DD-214 was. After that, he harassed me, my wife and Dog relentlessly. I did get an anti harassment/no contact order granted and the whole HOA knows what a big fraud he is. The SGT COL thing just made me lol because there is no such tank, but SGT MAJ. Some people you run into these days!

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Mar 9 at 2022 8:18 PM

2022-03-09T20:18:32-05:00

Based on what I've been given, probably stolen valor. WHAT I CAN SAY is that some of these wouldn't make me think 'stolen valor'. For instance, I've seen SSGs with one service stripe. Yes, IT'S VERY RARE and almost so unbelievable that you'd look and say, "YEAH, RIGHT!!!" But I've seen it, along with SFCs with only 6 years TIS. I've also seen soldiers two soldiers go from SPC to SGT in a year or less. Not because they were s--t hot, but because they "took care of the right person" to get it. I've also seen BN, BDE, and DIV level NCOICs that were SFCs because there were no MSGs or SGMs at the time to do the job(s). As far as the jumps, I have 264 of them over an almost 19-year career. So that could be possible.

Response by SPC Ralph Ware made Mar 10 at 2022 4:32 PM

2022-03-10T16:32:57-05:00

WTF ....Over .........

Response by Sgt Randy Sherlock made Mar 11 at 2022 1:08 AM

2022-03-11T01:08:10-05:00

Thanks Sgt Sherlock

Response by Sgt Judy Leonard made Mar 12 at 2022 9:13 PM

2022-03-12T21:13:27-05:00

And your an expert of the history of the military or are you just sexist.

Response by Sgt Judy Leonard made Mar 12 at 2022 9:15 PM

2022-03-12T21:15:08-05:00

Maybe your profile should be picked apart. What makes you the valor police?

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Mar 12 at 2022 11:10 PM

2022-03-12T23:10:05-05:00

Oh I believe there are plenty of knowing and in some instances unknowing
But you can pretty much spot one by the time frame that is used

Response by SGT Daniel Merriman made May 8 at 2022 11:24 AM

2022-05-08T11:24:31-04:00

E4 in two years,E5 in three,as far as I got in 4years B 3/4ADA Ft Bragg, E8 in 9, No F way !