Questioning someone's veteran status (Why is this okay?)

I can't recall ever seeing/reading/hearing anyone talking down a veteran status. Every argument in memory is regards to combat veterans vs. "slick sleeves." In this regard, it typically comes from someone with no combat experience (and in some cases, fobbits) downplaying the experiences we have in combat, or fluffing their own "resume" to impress others. Personally, I don't consider you a veteran until you've at least completed a field problem. 6 months is a shorter amount of time than some AIT rotations, which shows the status shouldn't be based on time, but what you've done. Yes, there will always be debates over whose veteranhood is better, but it is the same as our brotherly fights over which service is superior. It's the Army, by the way.

Well, none of the parachutes I packed ever failed. Does that make me a REMF? I was once as a rigger asked to step into an 11 B's shoes during operation just cause, des that make me a grunt? I was once the unit armorer, does that make me master at arms?

My answer is: none of the ebove, I was only fllowing orders.

I say if you Earned an Honerable Dischard then yes you are a Vet.

I worked for a guy once that on Veteran's Day we all met in the break room. We had 3 veterans working there, myself and two others. He pointed out that his dad said there were Combat Veterans and everyone else just served. While I make the distinction between Combat Veteran and Service Veteran, for some puke who didn't even serve in the Boy Scouts. That really boiled my blood.
To the point here, I would not question another's veteran status. However, if a Combat Veteran made the distinction with Service Veteran I have no problem with that personally.

A lot of times we in the Veteran community are our own worst enemy. It shouldnt matter if you deployed or not. If you volunteered and served honorably you should get the same respect.

I have recently (within the last week) become more active on RP again, because it was getting to be like any other social media only it was mostly confined to military memebers and veterans.

Recall while shopping, being accosted by an overweight younger man (about 6" shorter & 60lbs heavier) in regard (chosen) patch back of my vest. In effect, "Cold War?! I'm of 'stolen valor' association. You didn't serve in like Nam or Iraq/Afghanland, you're no veteran." To which I countered, "Not that any of your business, served both Storm & Bosnia before retirement. Served during Cold War for way longer than both and in S. Korea, still in question. Don't give damn who you are or care." Turned my back & walked away while he sputtered & huffed an apology. As for my own convictions, any man (or woman) that served our country (over just themselves), is a Veteran. Just lost a dear friend that was Air Force during Nam. Died of complications attributed to Agent Orange. I say, he was a war casualty. Don't truly care who disagrees.