Should stolen Valor carry a prison sentence?

2015-03-21T10:25:02-04:00

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/20/above-and-beyond-2-states-craft-stolen-valor-laws-that-exceed-federal-version/

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-03-21T10:40:11-04:00

No. This little thing called the Constitution and Freedom of expression really mean something. Having said that, if someone were to benefit monetarily (ie discounts, upgrades on flights, etc) from wearing a uniform falsely, then that constitutes fraud. You can prosecute violators for that, but for doing nothing but walking around like a douche in a uniform you didn't earn should really bring nothing but disdain and ridicule. Why do we want to make these idiots a drain on the system and pay for their three hots and a cot??

Response by SGT John Wesley made Mar 21 at 2015 11:36 AM

2015-03-21T11:36:43-04:00

For someone to portray a decorated soldier just pisses me off. Yes, they should be prosecuted!

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-03-27T18:30:34-04:00

It depends. With the prison population the size it is today in addition to the concept of making the punishment fit the crime, I would judge it on a case-by-case basis. It costs a lot of resources to imprison somebody and we want to make it a benefit to society. If a case of stolen valor is in conjunction with other crimes the imposter is up to such as domestic violence, etc, then I would agree with prison time. But I think a more resourceful measure at first glance would be things like probation or community service.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Mar 27 at 2015 6:35 PM

2015-03-27T18:35:42-04:00

No, but only if they being back the Stocks and Pillories.
Public shaming used to go along way.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 9:14 PM

2015-03-27T21:14:09-04:00

Nope, but for the ones that are caught, they should be screened and forced to live up to their claim in the branch they decided to disrespect.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 10:17 PM

2015-04-06T22:17:25-04:00

I think it should be 3 strikes you're out. 2 warnings and the third time is a small fine. If the offender continues to act. Increase the fine each time

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 10:59 PM

2015-04-06T22:59:15-04:00

I voted yes because if you impersonate a cop you could get jail time. I don't see why it can't be the same for us? Maybe lighter since most of the time people who impersonate service members only do it for false fame and discounts? I get the whole freedom thing you guys are saying in the comments, we're so cool that people want to dress up like us. That's awesome, costumes are costumes but if they take it a step further...

I personally think we shouldn't even sell our uniform items to the public. I could buy my NWU trousers off base at a local store and I'm OCONUS.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 21 at 2015 5:22 PM

2015-08-21T17:22:51-04:00

After giving this some thought, I would have to say that it would depend on what the individual was able to obtain through the deception.
If nothing was obtained, just a bonehead getting a discount or free food, then jail time (10 - 45 days) and make it a misdemeanor...
Do NOT consider the act, alone, as a felony in any case.
The police record and jail time should deter this, but we know we have "professional posers" out there making a life of this.
Continued behavior should receive stiffer and stiffer penalties, to include a mental health eval and prison (not jail) sentence after 3rd time (min 6 months; max 2 years).
The fine, again, just for the act alone) should range from $1000 - $5000.00 (dependent on the number of times repeat offense).
Anyway, this is just what I think should happen just for the act alone.

Response by CPL Joni Simonyedunbar made Jan 6 at 2018 6:34 PM

2018-01-06T18:34:09-05:00

Yes

Response by SGT Stephen Williams made Jan 9 at 2018 3:48 AM

2018-01-09T03:48:26-05:00

Who cares obviously have mental issues! And how many light wheel mechanics you know when they get out. Become Airborne Ranger Mechanics? You gonna have to prosecute them

Response by PO2 Nick Burke made Oct 14 at 2018 11:18 AM

2018-10-14T11:18:46-04:00

If they attempt to profit they should be charged with fraud.

Response by SSG Timothy Stevenson made Oct 14 at 2018 11:23 AM

2018-10-14T11:23:43-04:00

Unless they are using it for monetary gain.

Response by PO2 Gary Sanders made Oct 14 at 2018 11:46 AM

2018-10-14T11:46:58-04:00

Recognition as a veteran is something earned, not given. All give some. Some give all.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Oct 14 at 2018 12:03 PM

2018-10-14T12:03:36-04:00

No, but blanket parties should be legal for those of us who are real as a result of finding one.

Response by PO1 Mark Robinson made Oct 14 at 2018 12:11 PM

2018-10-14T12:11:03-04:00

Some of these guys look more like they are wearing a costume rather than a uniform. Are they wearing a correct uniform and acting with fraudulent intent? Skin 'em alive. Are they just looking like a douche (like most of the pictures I see)? Just laugh at 'em.

Response by SPC Kendall Metcalf made Oct 14 at 2018 12:52 PM

2018-10-14T12:52:50-04:00

I vote yes. Only because I have delt with Stolen Valor cases. It starts out by them just acting the part, then they get the discounts, then they start using our stories to get free trips or tickets, then they see they can get money for their lies. It’s a huge snow ball effect and once it starts rolling it’s veary hard to stop. With all the Stolen Valor I have witnessed and delt with only 2 of them have been busted to the point of total loss of every thing. Call me a Vet Flake all you want, but I will not let someone steal from our fraternity veterans.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Oct 14 at 2018 12:54 PM

2018-10-14T12:54:53-04:00

Then it's my right to whoop their ass to correct their stupidity.

Response by COL William Oseles made Oct 14 at 2018 1:45 PM

2018-10-14T13:45:06-04:00

You really need "It depends on circumstances". It is not a clear black and white question that can be answered by Yes or No.
If they receive any tangible benefits they have committed fraud and it could be anywhere from a misdemeanor to a felony.
If the are elected or appointed to an organizational or elected position they have committed fraud.
If they are running around and pretending to be something they are not just to stroke their own ego they are just LARPing.

Response by SGT Gary Frank made Oct 14 at 2018 3:45 PM

2018-10-14T15:45:06-04:00

If not, the next thing you know is that Hollyweird Actors will claim Veteran status.

Response by CPO Gene Gysin made Oct 14 at 2018 6:26 PM

2018-10-14T18:26:48-04:00

The poll isn't really straight forward. Some schmuck poser just looking for attention just needs to be verbally smacked down.

Someone who is posing for gain needs to be beaten to a near pulp, allowed to recover then beaten again.

Response by PO1 Aaron Wetzel made Oct 14 at 2018 7:01 PM

2018-10-14T19:01:32-04:00

Why would one go out of there way and spend all kinds of money on a full uniform unless they had one thing in mind? Just buying a new set of ribbons cost a lot.
So yes I believe that there should be a price to pay for stolen valor!!

Response by PO2 Seth Morgan made Dec 24 at 2018 11:27 PM

2018-12-24T23:27:33-05:00

No because most of the folks doing it have mental illness. Those who don’t, let them cosplay. If u go so far as to buy a uniform and patches and medals for 10% off coffee, then do it. Only way to stop that is stop giving military discounts

Response by SPC Mikki Ekanger made Mar 6 at 2019 10:38 AM

2019-03-06T10:38:59-05:00

When I enlisted, I swore an oath to Protect and Defend the Constitution. Stolen Valor is protected under the First Amendment. Fraud however is not.
I've been accused of Stolen Valor simply for wearing a name tape with my First Name on it and a punisher logo where the rank went. Because Chris Kyle sported Punisher designs the vet decided to tell me I was impersonating a SEAL. I had nothing on my jacket like a trident or any other insignia of any kind. I emailed Don Shipley who said "Punisher is a comic book character. Have fun with it."

If you're going to call someone out, know what you're talking about.

My late Grandfather served in the occupation of Japan after WW2. His DD214 said he was a WW2 vet. He wasn't. Even with wrong information on his DD214 he refused to join the VFW. Before it was called Stolen Valor, my Grandpa called it Dishonest.