Posted on Sep 24, 2014
Should we be concerned with homeless civilians posing as veterans?
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I generally do not question the validity of a person in need, however EVERY homeless person I see can't be a vet. I've given a lot to people who have been on the corner asking for help. What first sparked my suspicion was a man that came up to me while I was pumping gas. He gave me the standard "road side bomb line" and lifted his shirt to show me his scars. I asked him why he hadn't talked to the VA before he was discharged. He then went wide-eyed, turned, and walked away.
This may be just my city, but most of the homeless men in this town wear some type of military identifying item. With two surplus stores and countless goodwill centers, I'm starting to believe being a military vet is becoming the excuse used to take advantage of those that don't know better. This could end bad for the actual veterans that need the assistance.
This may be just my city, but most of the homeless men in this town wear some type of military identifying item. With two surplus stores and countless goodwill centers, I'm starting to believe being a military vet is becoming the excuse used to take advantage of those that don't know better. This could end bad for the actual veterans that need the assistance.
Posted in these groups: 
Homeless
Homeless
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 24
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Faking veteran status to gain benefits intended for actual veterans is a crime.
I doubt that any of us are in a position to help everyone with their hand out, so we have no choice but to pick and choose.
How likely is it that a someone begging on the street with fake veteran cred is genuine about anything else?
Help those who ask honestly and deserve it.
And read Burkett's book Stolen Valor and see how often homelessness among veterans has been exaggerated in the past:
http://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Valor-Vietnam-Generation-History/dp/096670360X
In the book, studies of actual Vietnam combat vets found that they have slightly less mental illness than the general population, and slightly better average income.
Sure, all kinds of people do serve, and some actually are homeless. Some have mental issues like PTSD, but they are also more likely to deal with mental issues competently.
I doubt that any of us are in a position to help everyone with their hand out, so we have no choice but to pick and choose.
How likely is it that a someone begging on the street with fake veteran cred is genuine about anything else?
Help those who ask honestly and deserve it.
And read Burkett's book Stolen Valor and see how often homelessness among veterans has been exaggerated in the past:
http://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Valor-Vietnam-Generation-History/dp/096670360X
In the book, studies of actual Vietnam combat vets found that they have slightly less mental illness than the general population, and slightly better average income.
Sure, all kinds of people do serve, and some actually are homeless. Some have mental issues like PTSD, but they are also more likely to deal with mental issues competently.
Stolen Valor : How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of Its Heroes and Its History: B. G....
Stolen Valor : How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of Its Heroes and Its History [B. G. Burkett, Glenna Whitley] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The authors expose phony heroes who have become the object of award winning documentaries on national television
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Although you should help all if you can. But stating an affiliate that your not to get benefits for stating so is wrong.
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SPC (P) Erin Mulder You are correct that a person in need is a person in need. But if that person is intentionally deceiving you to make some sort of profit from being a “veteran”, then that person regardless of their intentions is in violation of the stolen valor act. Claiming to be a wounded warrior, and playing on people’s sympathies, 1. Makes Civilians think that all vets are being treated like that. 2. Makes it harder for real Vets in need to receive assistance when everyone is claiming to be a vet and they are not. 3. Causes civilians to distrust what they are being told by really anyone (fool me once rule) and no assistance given. 4. Paints a very poor picture of after-military life for Everyone. So yes if you are in need I got it, but don’t claim to be something you are not in the process of asking for help.
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Sad but it is another way to gain sympathy. When you are down and out and it works you will probably do it. Just that way of things unfortunately. There sure are plenty of Homeless Veterans here in Kansas City home of the VFW.
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