Stolen Valor, Does it even matter?

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 10:20:33 -0400

https://youtu.be/PKQcKuNmrzg
Stolen valor, does it even matter?
Many here have said no.. That it just makes no difference.
Why does it even matter?....... Because it does.....if that's not a good enough reason for you...Go, make it back both times...Once to the soil, again to the life you left...Then decide for yourself if it matters.

Bardolph

An ex-military, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) inflicted soldier, confronts a man committing stolen valor.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 10:30 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 10:30:51 -0400

Sure as hell matters to me.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 10:45 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 10:45:38 -0400

It matters to me due to the fact I have lost so many brothers and sisters over the years to death and mental health issues, they worked hard to earn everyone's respect that puts on a uniform no matter what the branch and to earn respect from the other branches. Only to see someone that has never served put on a uniform and parade around soiling there accomplishments. It angers me to no end plain and simple and I hate to say it but If you are walking around in uniform and not around a post and are jacked up I will question you about it.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 23 at 2015 10:51 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 10:51:53 -0400

Good video - powerful!
Questions -
What were all the comments about being a JM and Ranger about?
I didn't see any Ranger tab, nor JM wings and the Oval is for Arty!

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Sep 23 at 2015 10:52 AM

PFC Robert Falk — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 10:52:53 -0400

I think it matters. We didn't care no one would, us veterans need need to care and fight those who falsely wear what we have earned just to get "free" things or the hearts of the ladies or gentlemen. I think the fines should be more but I ain't the one who makes that call.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Sep 23 at 2015 11:01 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 11:01:01 -0400

It matters to me because it's wrong on so many levels. First, personal character - you are pretending to be something you are not - this is a huge problem in self respect. 2nd - you are impersonating a group of people who at one point in their life promised to defend our country and serve honorably to protect it's citizens - citizens like YOU! and 3rd, the very fact that you are attempting to impersonate someone who deserves respect and benefits for your own personal gain displays a level of greed and desperation that transcends all understanding.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Sep 23 at 2015 11:20 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 11:20:49 -0400

While I agree with the sentiments of the previous posts, let me offer this: Now, I'm not a psychologist. But, I'd submit that posers are suffering from mental health issues. Sure, when any one of us see a poser, it riles us. However, that is OUR problem --not, theirs. In tempering my anger, I have to remember that their issues are, probably, a little worse than mine.

Not offering an excuse or a defense of deplorable behavior... just a perspective.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Sep 23 at 2015 11:26 AM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 11:26:08 -0400

It does matter. The people claiming to have been military are of such low character, low class, that any association made between them and the general public lowers the value of military in their eyes. The service given should be held in the highest regard, not degraded by individuals that can't find the truth with a GPS pointing the way.
In addition, those claiming service are not doing so because they are looking for recognition. They are trying to commit fraud and gain a financial advantage. It's no small matter, and should be charged criminally accordingly.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 23 at 2015 11:50 AM

SGT David T. — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 11:50:21 -0400

I guess I am weird and view this much like the drunk moron dancing naked on a table with a lampshade on their head. I don't angry for some reason. Usually they are a source of a good laugh because many have no idea what they are talking about and it becomes more evident the more the speak.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 2:11 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 14:11:39 -0400

The video was thought provoking...and I don't know too many veterans, regardless of experience, who would think, "it doesn't matter". I didn't wear the 82nd patch, but every time I see one, I'm reminded of the NCO and friend I knew in Khowst who use to pray with his soldiers before going outside the wire-and didn't make it back to his family. When I see wings, I'm reminded of my best friend and naval aviator who died doing what he loved-flying. When someone wears these symbols falsely...it's like they don't even care enough to try to "fake it" correctly. When they try to gain financial benefit in the process-it's like they are selling tickets to the grief of their loss. Even those of us who DID serve, go to great lengths to avoid "selling" ourselves as something we were not at the cost of our own "Lost Valor". It makes an enormous "difference"...but I suggest the way we handle it does too. "Bardolph" does more than humiliate a "poser"...he educated him, even challenged him to pick up the gauntlet and earn the validation and self-respect he was clearly in need of. To me, that's leadership and living up to the memory of those we try to honor and protect.

Response by SFC Christopher Springs made Sep 23 at 2015 3:07 PM

SFC Christopher Springs — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 15:07:13 -0400

I wore the uniform of a Soldier for twenty years of my life. I was a Soldier before I could drink or vote. I learned how to be a man through the experiences, example, leadership and friendships that I made as a Soldier. I know what it is like to share your life with someone you don't know on a guard tower from 2-6 in the morning with the only common bond between you being that I am going to make sure that you get home and you make sure that I get home. When I see or hear stuff like this it just angers me. Bottom line is that valor does matter! Those who didn't learn it is because they didn't earn it! Hooah!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 23 at 2015 8:48 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 20:48:32 -0400

It matters because we said an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. The military is the unwavering keeper of National Values and protects the country through its strength. We are told to do what no civilians have to do, some will sacrifice for the benefit of the team because of the love for the team. Many will come home needing to be physically and mentally fixed, only to find out life will never be the same again. The road to sacrifice and honor does not belong to the folks who did not earn it.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 10:16 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 22:16:43 -0400

It still doesn't matter. Vets who go out of their way and get so angry about it just look like fools. It doesn't change how you live your life or how people view veterans. Just get over it.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 24 at 2015 11:23 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 11:23:51 -0400

Not really. Valor is an intangible. You either have it, or you don't. It's internal. Nobodies actions can add to or subtract from your sum total.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 9:48 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 09:48:35 -0400

What I truly enjoy is watching them squirm when asked certain questions that any of us who are in could easily answer. The best is "where is your CAC?" For those of us that actually serve, your CAC is on the list with wallet, keys, etc of things you grab before you leave the house. Other things I notice are staring at their phone, faking a phone call, trying to loudly ask the person to "leave me alone," etc.

On the contrary, I find it comical when someone is wearing mess or service dress and the person confronting says "I have friends who died in that uniform!" A little extreme there.

Response by Sgt Michael Johnson made Sep 28 at 2015 11:51 PM

Sgt Michael Johnson — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 23:51:46 -0400

Powerful, I needed that one line, "Life is a constant battle and if we don't wake up and fight it we fail." Some days I don't fight it and those are the worst days of depression. I'm going to wake up tomorrow and fight -- hopefully.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Apr 10 at 2016 10:44 PM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 22:44:09 -0400

Its always been there, just more media to expose it now

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 10:50 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 22:50:04 -0400

Stolen valor has been going on for a long time. This is not an issue that bother me that much.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Apr 10 at 2016 11:39 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 23:39:40 -0400

Are you kidding? Without Stolen Valor, RP participation would drop about 10%. I'm so calloused to it that it's simple entertainment to me now. Always looking forward to the next clown to slap a Trident on his chest --and get electronically recorded for the world to see.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 11 at 2016 3:36 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 03:36:30 -0400

Stolen Valor? Nobody has Stolen anything from me. If some damn fool wants to play pretend, I'm not going to lose a lot of sleep over it. There are folks with small lives and want people to look up to them. I understand.

Response by SSG James Elmore made Apr 11 at 2016 5:27 AM

SSG James Elmore — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 05:27:36 -0400

I think if someone's gonna pretend to be in the military them prosecute them under UCMJ, just as we would get charged for wearing metals that we didn't earn!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 7:55 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 07:55:02 -0400

My three thoughts:

1. It's nothing new. (Met about a dozen "former SEALs" growing up)
2. Mostly, it's obvious and sad...sometimes, it's fraud, and should be prosecuted.
3. For some reason, "hunting" it has become a "pastime"...and I think that's getting to be sad too.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 8:21 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 08:21:40 -0400

First you have to video vertically. Then you say stolen valor about 80 times..call them a piece crap. Tell them you'll make them famous

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 11 at 2016 8:58 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 08:58:26 -0400

PFC Don Jenks, I see that you are fairly new to this site so welcome; I hope you find this site a useful tool as you transition from the military. I think if you do a search here on RallyPoint, you will see countless threads where the topic of Stolen Valor and how this community feels about such activities is covered extensively.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 10:23 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 10:23:34 -0400

Its funny, they can't even google research to pretend accurately.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Apr 11 at 2016 1:55 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 13:55:27 -0400

PFC Don Jenks In today's permissive society, it is not at all surprising. When a male can claim to be female and be openly praised for it; when a Caucasian can claim she is Black, run an NAACP organization and anybody who calls it out as idiotic be ridiculed for it; when males can go into female locker rooms if they "feel female" that day; and on and on. Given this frame of mind by the liberals in our country, who is to say that it is wrong for a person to decide that he/she is an Army Ranger or a Navy Seal, even though he/she may have never served a day in the military?

I think that all the fakers should be called out and, in the case of stolen valor, prosecuted.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 2:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 14:45:08 -0400

Lately?

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 6 at 2017 11:02 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 23:02:55 -0400

I get just as pissed about phony patches, hats, pins and medals filing PTSD Claims for being somewhere far away from combat. I'm old, I'm not letting it put my other foot in the grave.These people clog up the system and make it impossible for those who need care to get it. Their numbers are steadily increasing, no way all of them were in Vietnam or Iraq or Afghanistan. Then they criticize people who were there. I stopped wearing anything that identifies me

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 6 at 2017 11:44 PM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 23:44:22 -0400

I don't like it, but as I said before, I'd rather let 10 fake fuckers have it than run the risk of confronting even a single deserving SM/vet/retiree who DID serve, and we've all seen those videos, too.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Sep 6 at 2017 11:50 PM

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 23:50:14 -0400

This is a powder keg subject. But, I will say I earned my decorations and awards without a plan or forethought. The circumstance of my life and limb being on the chopping block awarded me the recognition. Those who wish to decorated to the extent of falsely donning what I wear because my number was up should be compelled to walk into the war zone for 1 week. Then come back and give a 5000 word report on the cost of bravery.

Response by SSgt Michael NeSmith made Sep 7 at 2017 8:22 AM

SSgt Michael NeSmith — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 08:22:11 -0400

Just because it's been around for years, still doesn't make it right! We actually had a Marine disciplined for this very shameful act. However all these joesmo companies out here makes it easy for anyone to get their hands on all uniforms, medals & ribbons now so their in a way a culprit of causing this. Just my opinion and we all know about opinions.