Is it a crime to wear medals/ribbons that you have not earned?

Sgt Patrick Carron — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 12:46:03 -0500

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 14 at 2016 12:46 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 12:46:38 -0500

Please bear in mind, it IS still a violation of the UCMJ...

Response by Sgt Patrick Carron made Jan 14 at 2016 12:53 PM

Sgt Patrick Carron — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 12:53:51 -0500

Maybe I did not word my statement right. For those who are either out of the service or have never served, they can now wear medals/ribbons and not be held accountable because it is now considered free speech.

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Jan 14 at 2016 1:01 PM

SFC Thomas Howes — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:01:37 -0500

FUBAR

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 14 at 2016 1:06 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:06:08 -0500

No it is not a crime. There was an attempt to make Stolen Valor a crime under the Stolen Valor Act signed in late 2006. The law was pretty quickly overturned by the Supreme Court in 2012 under United States v. Alvarez. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Alvarez

I interpret the court's position as a desire not to persecute people because of what symbols they wear on their clothes, or to begin convicting people for lying, since lying is not a crime (and probably not the road we want to go down as a free society). As disgusting as Stolen Valor acts are, we still live in a free country. It's important to note that if somebody commits fraud with Stolen Valor then that is still a crime, since fraud is still a crime.

One argument some people have made is that one cannot impersonate a police officer, so the same should apply to military. This is only partly accurate, since police officers actually have authority over others while veterans do not. So a police officer can go to a person and detain them, tell them to go somewhere, to come somewhere, or to put them in handcuffs and in the back of their car and drive them off. Therefore if somebody impersonated a police officer it could lead to wrongful detention, not to mention making it harder for cops to do their jobs. This is not the same as somebody going around telling false war stories.

United States v. Alvarez - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

United States v. Alvarez, 567 U.S. ___ (2012), was a United States Supreme Court case in which the Court struck down the Stolen Valor Act, a federal law that criminalized false statements about having a military medal. The law had been passed as an effort to stem instances where people falsely claimed to have won the medal in an attempt to protect the "valor" of those who really had. While a 6-3 majority of the Supreme Court agreed that the...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 1:14 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:14:37 -0500

These two probably going to have an "NCO CALL" to speak to their fellow fakers and break the news.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 14 at 2016 1:14 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:14:44 -0500

No because public might give them honor, price breaks, and wealth from agencies on false pretenses. Horrible law.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 1:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:16:30 -0500

That was based on the previous version of the law. I believe the newer law, Stolen Valor Act of 2013 has not yet been struck down.

The person who won his appeal was originally convicted in 2007 based off of the 2006 law.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 14 at 2016 1:38 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:38:07 -0500

Sgt Patrick Carron according the recent United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decision it is not a crime to wear medals and ribbons you were not authorized to wear. This is a follow-on to the SCOTUS decision that it is not a crime to purchase medals and ribbons you were not authorized to wear.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jan 14 at 2016 1:45 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:45:19 -0500

It is only a crime to wear/say you earned awards if you monetarily gain from it.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jan 14 at 2016 1:56 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:56:32 -0500

Define 'crime'? It is wrong. If leaders get fired for displaying the wrong attachments, as they should, how is it not wrong for someone to wear something that they did not earn? Isn't theft defined as 'Taking something that was not earned?' My paycheck is not theft, even though it was someone else's money, because it was earned...okay anyone who knows me on the civilian side shut up, but you know what I mean. If it is not a 'crime' for someone to falsely wear them, it should not be a crime for me to properly 'train' them on what people risk earning them? After all, it is throat punch Thursday?

Response by SGT S Sharpless made Jan 14 at 2016 2:20 PM

SGT S Sharpless — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 14:20:36 -0500

Not a crime, no but morally wrong....yes.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 2:28 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 14:28:50 -0500

Under Art 134 of the UCMJ it is (if the UCMJ applies to you). As far as civilians go the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 makes it crime to wear medals your not authorized and receive something based on the fact that whoever gave you money, service, tangible item, though you did in fact earn the medal/award.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Jan 14 at 2016 2:34 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 14:34:59 -0500

Apparently not!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 4:38 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 16:38:02 -0500

According to new Congressional intel, no. It is covered under Free Speech. I disagree with it completely, but Congress has passed it.

Response by CPT Christopher Webb made Jan 15 at 2016 11:18 AM

CPT Christopher Webb — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 11:18:31 -0500

It's not a crime, it's just sad.

I've run into these fakes a few times. It only takes a minute to see through them. Some tried to enlist and were disqualified. Some wish they were one of us and are even enamored with those of us who served. It's is their attempt to belong to something that they can never belong to, but long to belong to.

I say to them, "I wish you could have served for real, that you could have actually been in the military, been part of us ... but you didn't. Take off all this stuff and put on a 'thank a vet' hat ... we'll respect you and even stand by you at the bar." Sometimes I'll say stop pretending and start appreciating. If none of this works then I get the attention of the crowd and expose him right then and there.

I remind myself that there was a time when I was ready and willing to die to protect this very man ... so is it much of a leap to give him a few moments to consider what he is doing? It's not weak to respond the way I do ... and it's more effective in the long run.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 15 at 2016 1:11 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 13:11:21 -0500

Nope, not any more.

Response by MSgt Harold Alley Jr made Jan 15 at 2016 5:50 PM

MSgt Harold Alley Jr — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 17:50:04 -0500

Unfortunately the Supreme Court of boobs said that making it illegal is a violation of your constitutional rights to free speech!!!! I am speechless!!! Why did I spend nearly 30 years of my life to defend this crap?

Response by Craig Hatch made Jan 18 at 2016 11:31 AM

Craig Hatch — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 11:31:01 -0500

I think that family members whom are wearing them on memorial day. To remember the fallen or those that served, that is fine. However if you are miss representing them on a uniform you never earned to wear. Or impersonating an officer, then yes it should be a crime. Its one thing to have respect, its another to dishonor the memory of those whom served this country faithfully.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 18 at 2016 11:40 AM

SFC Pete Kain — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 11:40:45 -0500

legally...no. Morally and Ethically, Hell yes.
What has happened to this Country that liars and frauds are protected?
That was rhetorical by the way, I know what's wrong, just no real means to fix it. The election process is broken.

Response by 1SG Jack Crutcher made Jan 19 at 2016 7:17 PM

1SG Jack Crutcher — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 19:17:36 -0500

If not it should be, no drill sgt would be caught dead with this crap on.

Response by Charles Walters made Jan 19 at 2016 8:13 PM

Charles Walters — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 20:13:39 -0500

This guy looks ridiculous.

Response by SGT Randel Pruett made Jan 19 at 2016 8:22 PM

SGT Randel Pruett — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 20:22:19 -0500

A current uniform and medals in my opinion would be the same as impersonating a police officer. Just wearing medals isn't a problem, it becomes a problem when you claim that you earned them for monetary gain. Let's face it, we can tell who a poser is within a few seconds or minutes.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Jan 19 at 2016 11:06 PM

SGT Mathew Husen — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 23:06:13 -0500

It is also my right to shame these lying sacks of crap in public.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 1:43 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 01:43:00 -0500

It sadly is not a crime unless the uniform and awards are used to receive benifits or gifts such as discounts or free coffee. If that happens then a case for fraud or a few other crimes could come into play. The good news their is a way to make it illegal and get around the afirimitive defense of free speech. The same idea could also apply to the issues with the flag. Im now trying to get some FaceTime with my state (Colorado) leaders to get their input and support On my idea... But for now if Wesley Snipes wants to dress like that then so be it :)

Response by LCpl Domingo Ariza made Jan 21 at 2016 3:44 AM

LCpl Domingo Ariza — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 03:44:48 -0500

I think it is a matter of ethics, There are going to be those that lack ethics.

Response by SSG Opa Shaw made Jan 22 at 2016 7:53 PM

SSG Opa Shaw — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 19:53:05 -0500

POS

Response by SPC Tanya Cummings Boozer made Jan 28 at 2016 7:06 PM

SPC Tanya Cummings Boozer — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:06:37 -0500

No, unfortunately it is not against the law unless they gain some type of monetary gain from it.
I have worked with the Stolen Valor community for a few years now and can tell you that maybe 1 out of 50 is actually brought to justice, even after defrauding the government and the public for many thousands of dollars. We worked hard to get the 2006 Stolen Valor act passed only to have nitwit judges, who are allowed more power than they are suppose to have, to overturn that, but are still working on getting the 2012 decision overturned.
Unfortunately it takes years and hard work by many to bring the ones who are guilty of actual fraud to justice, that's IF they are brought to justice.
What everyone can do, however, is shame these posers, once you are positive they are posers, in front of everyone; this sometimes works and sometimes just makes them do it more as they are attention seekers. Of course, there are many variables to this as well though.
It's not always someone who never served, and is more often someone who embellishes on his or her military service. I still do not understand why those who did serve their country cannot just be proud of that instead of lying about it instead. Every job in the military is just as important as the other and they all rely on one another, from the cook or company clerk to the Special Forces and everything in between.
Yea, this is a very sore subject with me as well!

Response by Sgt Joe Mastrocola made Feb 10 at 2016 11:15 PM

Sgt Joe Mastrocola — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 23:15:10 -0500

What a scumbag

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 10:55 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 10:55:38 -0500

YES, and this dude looks FOOLISH!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 10:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 10:56:44 -0500

This dude looks FOOLISH!

Response by LTC Bill Koski made Jul 22 at 2017 10:17 PM

LTC Bill Koski — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 22:17:48 -0400

When you mess up the uniform this bad? Yes, it is a crime........

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 23 at 2017 1:03 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 01:03:06 -0400

Did you really have to ask? The answer ought to be obvious.

Response by CPT Michael Bramlett made Jul 24 at 2017 5:57 PM

CPT Michael Bramlett — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 17:57:18 -0400

You lying fuck! If I ever come across you, I'll show you what honor is. You are a p.o.s.

Response by LTC Russ Smith made Jul 24 at 2017 6:15 PM

LTC Russ Smith — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 18:15:45 -0400

It is a crime. When the Supreme Court overturned the first stolen valor law in 2006 they told the Congress how to fix it so it passes constitutional muster. If you wear awards and decorations to which you are not entitled and benefit tangibly due to the falsification you can be prosecuted. For example here in Oklahoma City we have an individual who was a 42 Alpha clerk with the 82nd airborne. He falsified his DD 214 on his way out the door. It is been a nightmare catching this guy but he is received over $30,000 in free legal aid based online about a Purple Heart and bronze Star he is received a free all expense paid trip to Las Vegas from a charity etc. So, you can wear them - you can walk outside your house right now wearing a Medal of Honor and nothing can happen to you. The very second you receive something of value as a result of lying about the awards you will go to jail. Or 42A clerk who claims a CIB, BSM, PHM was investigated by CID A gets assigned to the VA IG. I was notified that his case has been referred to the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, The Human Resources Command, and The VA regional office in Muskogee for action.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 7:49 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 19:49:49 -0400

Fake veterans are a great source of entertainment

Response by SP5 Bert Corliss made Jul 25 at 2017 6:37 AM

SP5 Bert Corliss — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 06:37:27 -0400

It may not be a crime. But it is a major insult to those us that have earned the honor of the award. I would suspect that many of these people are the same flakes that greeted us with anything but respect when we returned from Nam.

Response by PO1 Mike Edgecomb made Jul 25 at 2017 9:29 AM

PO1 Mike Edgecomb — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 09:29:58 -0400

The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 signed by President Barack Obama on June 3, 2013, makes it a federal crime to fraudulently claim to be a recipient of certain military decorations or medals in order to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit

Response by MSgt Dave Lilly made Jul 28 at 2017 1:49 PM

MSgt Dave Lilly — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 13:49:08 -0400

While it is no longer a crime to wear uniforms, medals and/or ribbons that were not earned, such actions can still have consequences for those individuals who perpetrate them. Two excellent sites dedicated to exposing frauds like this clown are Stolen Valor and Guardian of Valor. Both are chock full of stories about posers (including the one pictured above). I would suspect that individuals like this guy are more likely in need of psychological and/or emotional help. The posers who really grind my gears are the clowns who claim military service (often with acts of valor included) on their resumes. This form of fraud is still illegal IF the poser gained financially in some way as a result of their false claims. At the very least they are usually out of a job once the employer finds out they lied on their resume. Many employers are either veterans themselves or at least hold military service in high esteem and take a dim view of people lying about having served in the military on their resumes. One example of this was Anthony Kemos, a high level administrator with Texas A&M University, who resigned from the university before he could be fired in 2010 after he was exposed as a military poser. Kemos went further than most posers when he claimed (for years apparently) that he had served as a Navy SEAL. It is not uncommon now for employers to ask to see a veteran's DD214 as proof of their claimed military service at some point during the job application process.

Response by SSgt Luke Hunt made Aug 13 at 2017 5:58 PM

SSgt Luke Hunt — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 17:58:25 -0400

it should be

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Aug 13 at 2017 6:12 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 18:12:15 -0400

When I see an idiot dressed like this I am disgusted. We need to call these people out and dress them down in private or hold them for the local law-enforcement to deal with them?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2017 7:19 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 19:19:18 -0400

The commercial Ranger tab in silver above the jumpwings, and the Bronze Star, above the Silver Star. Good Conduct Medal Four Ribbons HIGHER than a SS? I would like for two Real Drill Sgts to have 5 Minutes With This Clown.

Response by PO2 Bill Hicks made Dec 22 at 2017 3:38 PM

PO2 Bill Hicks — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 15:38:30 -0500

Yes

Response by MAJ Jack Journeycake made Dec 25 at 2017 11:35 AM

MAJ Jack Journeycake — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 11:35:06 -0500

It could get your a$$ kicked.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2017 2:29 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 14:29:21 -0500

His uniform is so messed up it is difficult to take him seriously. He looks like a mental case. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by SGT Micheal Marshall made Dec 28 at 2017 11:00 AM

SGT Micheal Marshall — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 11:00:02 -0500

If you have not earned it you have no right to wear that's called stolen valor

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 11:33 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 11:33:36 -0500

Methinks that (for a Marine) he has an over abundance of BELLY.

Response by SFC Jim Hannigan made Jan 2 at 2018 10:13 PM

SFC Jim Hannigan — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 22:13:02 -0500

Soup on a stick !!!!

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Jan 2 at 2018 10:18 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 22:18:30 -0500

It's a disgrace to those of us who had earned our rank and awards.

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Jan 2 at 2018 11:25 PM

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 23:25:11 -0500

A fake piece of crap you are buddy. Peace!

Response by MCPO William Richards made Jan 5 at 2018 8:18 PM

MCPO William Richards — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 20:18:35 -0500

If it isn’t it should be

Response by PO1 Vinnie Brown made Jan 6 at 2018 4:24 AM

PO1 Vinnie Brown — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 04:24:14 -0500

It is not illegal to wear the uniform or ribbons, but it IS illegal to profit or gain from wearing said uniform.

Response by PO1 Vinnie Brown made Jan 6 at 2018 4:37 AM

PO1 Vinnie Brown — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 04:37:21 -0500

I also work in a place that sells ribbons and medals... I tend to be more critical of more senior awards and usually require some kind of proof for anything above Achievement medals... Otherwise I don't sell them to the customer...

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jan 11 at 2018 6:06 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 18:06:06 -0500

This guy is or has to be a internet star. Seen this a 100 Times. Great liar to the point of being funny. You tube has a lot of these and I do like to watch them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2018 8:14 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 20:14:19 -0500

What a total dumbazzz. Crossed rifles of an officers uniform with stripes on the sleeve. Punch him

Response by SGT Gary DeFelippo made Feb 1 at 2018 9:07 PM

SGT Gary DeFelippo — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 21:07:23 -0500

Edi Amin

Response by SGT Michael Szachnitowskik1035 made Feb 1 at 2018 9:30 PM

SGT Michael Szachnitowskik1035 — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 21:30:51 -0500

Yes and it's against regulations

Response by SGT Kurt Lembcke made Feb 3 at 2018 2:31 PM

SGT Kurt Lembcke — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 14:31:15 -0500

The chargeable crime is fraud. It is committed when the Stolen Honor perpetrator acquires the award, not in wearing it. If they are oblivious to the admission of the fraud by displaying it within the statute of limitations it sticks. If the award was acquired through an inheritance no crime is committed.

Response by SFC Carlos Cruz made Feb 6 at 2018 7:11 PM

SFC Carlos Cruz — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 19:11:01 -0500

https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/258

Just a moment...

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 8 at 2018 6:37 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 06:37:25 -0500

It's stupid to wear what your not down for in your personnel file.

Response by PO2 Donald Schortmann Sr made May 19 at 2018 9:53 PM

PO2 Donald Schortmann Sr — Sat, 19 May 2018 21:53:12 -0400

Only if you are still enlisted

Response by SFC Marvin Hollingsworth made May 29 at 2018 10:11 AM

SFC Marvin Hollingsworth — Tue, 29 May 2018 10:11:47 -0400

It is a sad pathetic act to wear unearned symbols of honor. And equally sad that someone feels a need to do so. I ventured a guess that there are a lot of people out there that feel they need attention that do NOT do this. Even needy people have good and bad character.

Response by Lt Col George Roll made Jun 16 at 2018 12:28 AM

Lt Col George Roll — Sat, 16 Jun 2018 00:28:28 -0400

Yes the Military specifies in regulations and issues orders awarding a medal. That is the justification for wearing that award, to wear one without that is violation of Regulations( Laws in Military parlance).

Response by SGT J M Porters made Aug 4 at 2018 5:02 PM

SGT J M Porters — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 17:02:19 -0400

I am proud to be an American and to have service in the US Army. Remember this life always has a funny way of catching up with you. Be it stolen or uneared it always catches up with you. But to dorn, the uniform says a lot about you and who you are.

Response by TSgt Mike Biles made Mar 22 at 2019 2:52 AM

TSgt Mike Biles — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 02:52:29 -0400

Hate to see people (that NEVER served) wearing a miss-matched jumble of uniform -parts- and accessories while claiming to have served.

Response by John Wilson made Jun 21 at 2019 5:21 AM

John Wilson — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 05:21:44 -0400

If it isn’t, it should be. I earned some medals in the Boy Scouts. I don’t need to play pretend anymore. I’m over the age of ten.

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made Jul 9 at 2019 7:51 PM

SGT Steve McFarland — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 19:51:35 -0400

You won't catch me wearing anything I haven't earned, let alone parading them around like a peacock. Gotta wonder if that guy served at all, let alone earned all that brass and salad.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2019 1:11 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 13:11:47 -0400

They should be confronted, and publicly humiliated if it is obviously merited, how ever I would first try and point out to them that they need to fix the violations of his uniform. Their answer will let you know the truth, HOUAH

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Nov 12 at 2019 11:49 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:49:01 -0500

Disgusting, yet in need of serious therapy.

Response by Noah Hall made Feb 28 at 2020 1:22 AM

Noah Hall — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 01:22:28 -0500

Yes

Response by Maj Scott Kiger, M.A.S. made Mar 28 at 2020 1:23 PM

Maj Scott Kiger, M.A.S. — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 13:23:17 -0400

Not a crime to wear them but if applying for a job, lying on a federal form is a crime. This guy in the pictured is just f'd up from the Jump and should be dressed down by anyone coming near him but its not a crime to wear it. Lots of former Vets from Vietnam Era have had a resurgence of pride and go out and find there old ribbons or even some they think they rate but don't remember. It would be a travesty of justice to try and prosecute an old Vet who has just screwed up on accident... Much better to stop that person and offer to help them Fix their ribbon display or help them research an old unit to see what they really rate. Contact the VA etc.

Response by Cpl Charles Trump made Mar 31 at 2020 12:50 PM

Cpl Charles Trump — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:50:25 -0400

No it's just being a lying maggot! I saw this on utube. Special isnt he?

Response by SFC Ismael Chavez made Apr 27 at 2020 9:51 AM

SFC Ismael Chavez — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 09:51:59 -0400

Arrest this dumb wanna be

Response by SSG Edward Joy made May 24 at 2020 1:07 PM

SSG Edward Joy — Sun, 24 May 2020 13:07:41 -0400

Didn't know that the circus was in town.

Response by SFC James Himes made May 24 at 2020 3:21 PM

SFC James Himes — Sun, 24 May 2020 15:21:48 -0400

Only if you benefit financially from it.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 24 at 2020 4:58 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 24 May 2020 16:58:55 -0400

The guys jacked up, what pisses me off most is he’s wearing a Purple Heart ribbon.

Response by LTC Russ Smith made May 24 at 2020 10:01 PM

LTC Russ Smith — Sun, 24 May 2020 22:01:14 -0400

The original stolen valor law passed in 2006 was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and 2012. Justice Kennedy, in his opinion for the majority gave Congress specific instructions in how they could carve out an exception to the 1st amendment and enforce the law. If you use stolen valor to get a tangible benefit you can be prosecuted. The penalty is up to 1 year per infraction. That's per award. For example if you claim to have a combat action ribbon from the Marine Corps and you don't and you use that combat action ribbon or a purple heart or some other award to get money from a charity for financial assistance, or from The Home Depot foundation to build a fence in your yard, VA disability payments when you really weren't wounded, you will be prosecuted and you will go to jail and the federal government has been prosecuting stolen valor offenders ever since the new law which passed in 2014.

Response by MSgt Nathan Krawitz made May 25 at 2020 1:28 AM

MSgt Nathan Krawitz — Mon, 25 May 2020 01:28:14 -0400

Not a crime, unless you are trying to gain financially. And that's not merely from wearing them, but making false statements to say you earned something you didn't for gain.

Let's say you did or did not serve. Regardless, you have a fake or doctored DD-214 that says you earned an Expeditionary or Campaign medal and waltz into a VFW post. You used this document to become a member.
You say you're down on your luck and could use some help.

The Post Commander normally has access to discretionary funds to help fellow VFW members, especially from elsewhere. Maybe it's only $25 that you get, but it's money the post set aside for a reason.

You might think this is trivial, but it has happened. And it's not just $25. Individuals have gone to post after post with various forged documents and it starts to add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars. This means a bit at a time, someone else who earned help doesn't get it.

This is wrong.

Free speech is at the center of this. It's one think to make false claims. If caught, you're get called out. Keep making those claims, you get ignored. It's your right. But hurting someone economically is not protected.

Response by SSG Jason Penn made May 25 at 2020 2:54 PM

SSG Jason Penn — Mon, 25 May 2020 14:54:01 -0400

In and of itself, it is not a crime. But you need to look at the motives behind it. If the person is doing it to get free money, discounts, better service, a better chance of wooing a particular girl, etc. (basically doing it to get benefits) then that person is committing fraud which does happen to be a crime!

Response by Cpl Charles Trump made May 29 at 2020 9:13 AM

Cpl Charles Trump — Fri, 29 May 2020 09:13:49 -0400

It ain't but it should be! These young Marines did an outstanding job calling this guy out!

Response by SGT Roger Bunton made Jan 7 at 2021 3:28 PM

SGT Roger Bunton — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:28:00 -0500

people trying to make themselves important are pretty insecure.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made May 23 at 2021 9:08 PM

SSG Harry Herres — Sun, 23 May 2021 21:08:01 -0400

I have seen it, lance corrp told me he got a battle field promotion in nam to Lt. I asked to see his 214. He said it was classified. I loked him in the eye and simply said, you were in supply, give me a break for the next 10 years he could not look at me. There are want to be people, I have no problem. If you want to get something for your bull, you will pay for it. Believe me

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 20 at 2022 4:49 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 20 May 2022 16:49:27 -0400

It’s only a crime if your trying to profit from the stolen valor, otherwise it’s just being a dick.

Response by SSG Edward Joy made May 20 at 2022 5:36 PM

SSG Edward Joy — Fri, 20 May 2022 17:36:19 -0400

Didn't know that the circus was in town.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made May 20 at 2022 10:45 PM

SPC Donn Sinclair — Fri, 20 May 2022 22:45:02 -0400

I'm afraid it'll never end. A meme I saw on FB recently said it best, "Between 1962 and '72, 620 Navy SEAL's served in Vietnam. So far, I've met 1000 of them."

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 22 at 2022 9:50 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 22 May 2022 21:50:39 -0400

A crime? I don’t know, it is if your trying to make money off of it. But if your in the military wearing unauthorized badges or medals you should be court martialed and chaptered out. Your untrustworthy, so be gone. As a civilian you'd just be a dick I guess, besides how would you verify him or not?