Stolen Valor - The Insider Threat... How do we stop this?

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 23:30:46 -0400

Stolen Valor is bad enough when it is person who is not actually affiliated with the military. And, I understand many of these folks have mental illnesses and perhaps they know not what they do.

But, what do you think, how do you feel, or how do you react when an active duty service members wear awards and decorations they are not authorized? It seems it is always leaders... It seems to happen often. The LTC at Fort Benning... and now this... but there countless others.

I know of several... personally.

- I had a former CATD Team NCO (then working at NCOA) do something similar... E8 on the E9 and SMA list who was wearing a Ranger Tab... He would have a photo taken for boards with it on (and other badges), then have them removed from his records right after the board met. Their PAC clerk raised a red flag. He was court martialed.

- Then we had a CPT in MPCCC who was wearing a SF Tab, SEAL Triton (and he couldn't swim... ) two combat jump stars... and other stuff... (all made up)... He was invited to resign his commission.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/crime/2015/04/08/csm-perry-mcneill-convicted-unearned-ranger-tab-pathfinder-badge/25478803/

CSM guilty of wearing unearned Ranger tab, Pathfinder badge

A command sergeant major at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, has been convicted of wrongfully wearing the Ranger tab and Pathfinder badge.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 11:32 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 23:32:50 -0400

Stolen valor claims is just another demon that marginalizes us all and that is the purpose because civilians like to make it an issue but only for veterans,

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 12:20 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 00:20:47 -0400

I have a big issue regarding this subject! Will have to get pissy in the AM.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 1:24 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 01:24:33 -0400

Badges do not make you a Soldier or a leader. Above all else you must have character!

Nobody is above the law, he was a CSM and knew that he was wrong...you reap what you sow.

My issue is the punishment...

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/military-justice-is-it-fair-or-is-this-a-case-of-rankism

Military Justice; Is it Fair or is this a case of Rankism? | RallyPoint

Similar offenses conducted by both a commissioned officer and a senior NCO with a very different outcome in punishment. Do you think these incidents were handled equally? Is this a case of Rankism? [~70628:LTC Rob Griggs] [~188912:LTC Robert Halvorson] [~38548:MAJ Trey Guy] [~159405:MAJ Paul Hoiland] [~181746:CSM Michael J. Uhlig] [~392324:SGM Mikel Dawson] [~337133:SFC James Sczymanski] [~337312:SMSgt Stephanie McGirr]...

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 3:05 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 03:05:51 -0400

Blue Falcons get me PO'd enough but Valor Thieves are on another level entirely because they send a loud and clear message:

"I'm more important than you and yours. I'm so much better that my Feelings matter more than anyone else!"

And it's not just those right next to them that Valor Thieves spit on. They spit on generations of service members who have come before them AND the generation that's actually present to be stabbed in the back. Look at that picture again for my response to THAT Attitude.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Apr 9 at 2015 3:11 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 03:11:49 -0400

In most cases it is a deliberate attempt to defraud. Sadly, in a few cases, it was honest. I am thinking of our late CNO ADM Mike Boorda, who had a Combat V on his NAM from his service in Viet Nam. He was told he had earned it, but it wasn't on the certificate.

When a reporter questioned it, ADM Boorda committed suicide.

I have come across other cases that were honest as well. I counsel a vet who was put in for a number of combat medals. He thought he had them, but fortunately for him, he never wore them. These include several SS and BSM with Combat V device, and 3 PH all of which were earned but never awarded.

Then there is the case of the late Chris Kyle, who was put in for the SS by the Marine unit he supported. The Marine Brass downgraded it to BSM because no Marines got the medal.

Sadly far too many are told they are getting the award, and then politics or lazy admins get in the way of them actually receiving them...

This is the flip side, imho to Stolen Valor - Earned Valor that was stolen by corruption or laziness...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 4:14 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 04:14:49 -0400

http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=29137

This winner, MSG Letutli (formerly SGM), was in my Brigade when we deployed to Iraq in 2009. He played the part. He found that in the National Guard there are few guys that have such credentials. In my battalion we about about 5 soldiers with ranger tabs. So you could imagine if someone fakes the funk and avoids the others they can get by for while. Now for having an SF tab we really didn't have anyone to question him about that. He got caught at a Joint meeting with full time staff from each guard unit in the State. We have SF unit in out state. They figured it out. A lot of people were pissed about it. I was. He used that to get promoted. There were other soldiers that were more deserving of that. I ran into a few times and all he did was yell at use for not having a ground guide on a road. the sign was knocked over but it was our fault anyway. Nonetheless, he is gone.

This is something we need to address and not let it slide. A lot of people don't want to call out a leader at that level. But if that were to happen we have to act and do something. It gives the wrong impression to other soldiers and is lacks integrity.

The end of the SGM Letuli saga

The above picture is the one that brought down SGM John Letuli (center) who appeared in the photo with fellow sergeant majors after a fallen warrior ceremon

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 9 at 2015 7:21 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 07:21:41 -0400

Approaching this from a different angle.

"Have we made the bait too enticing?"

Have we made the value of these items so high that it is putting people into a position where they feel they must have them to compete?

Keep in mind I come from the USMC side, and we have very little flair, or even schools for that matter. The items we do have are generally so exclusive (SCUBA bubble, Jump Wings, Aviator Wings, etc) that not having them doesn't affect your promotion chances. Our awards system is much "slimmer" as well. The idea of having 10+ Commendation or Achievement awards is unheard of, and having a Bronze Star for anything other than Valor just doesn't seem to happen. I don't think we even use a points system for promotion at the boards (though I can't speak directly to it).

Having these items directly tied to a persons career and livelihood seems like a great way to create ethical dilemmas. When you add in the respect that comes with visual awards, whether tabs, CIB/CMB/CAB, etc.. I can definitely see a case for "setting people up for failure" in that "you must have X to be a good soldier."

This isn't designed to excuse the stolen valor behavior. Far from it. But... Look at the Tour D'France fiasco. They couldn't even award it after stripping Armstrong of his, because the problem had become so prevalent. The parallels are there.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Apr 9 at 2015 7:57 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 07:57:10 -0400

One thing I would NOT suggest would be a new, labor-intensive bureaucratic policy for everyone to follow so that these few idiots can't get their hands on badges they're not authorized. They will still get the badges, and the rest of us will feel the pain of the policy. Punish each and every one according to the UCMJ, and publish what happens so the next idiot will think twice.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 8:36 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 08:36:28 -0400

I thought being a Command Sergeant Major would have been adequately prestigious without the ranger tab or pathfinder torch.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Apr 9 at 2015 8:53 AM

MSG Scott McBride — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 08:53:51 -0400

Well, here we go again. my personal feeling is this: He is an idiot and is unfit and undeserving of standing front of ANY formation. My professional feeling: as a Senior NCO, he stands in stark contrast of the NCO Creed and deserves more than a reduction. "No one is more professional than I..." "...I will not compromise my integrity nor my moral courage..." What happened to that CSM? This is how indiscipline begins in the ranks. When the Top leaders are doing it, it must be ok. This leader failed his command, his troopers, and the Army.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Apr 9 at 2015 1:47 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:47:49 -0400

I have been on a few officer promotion/command selection boards and, in every one of them, without exception, we have discovered cases of alleged unauthorized awards, badges, etc., doctored photos, forged documents (diplomas, OERs, etc.). The investigation/resolution was accomplished very quickly so as to be finalized before the board adjourned and, in most cases (90%+), the concern was validated.

In one particularly memorable board I was on, an LTC Promotion Board, I was reviewing the record of an active duty MAJ being considered for promotion to LTC. The MAJ had been assigned to the battalion I commanded when she was a CPT. I had given her a "2 Block OER" and remember the hub-bub that created, because she was a minority female and had a few "Godfathers" in my branch who were looking out for her. I was pressured to change the rating, but I refused to. Lo and behold, when I was reviewing her records years later for consideration for promotion to LTC, I noticed that the OER had been changed to a "Top Block" and even the words had been changed. I flagged the records and informed the President of the Board about the discrepancy. I am a pack-rat and I have copies of every OER/NCOER I have ever given. I obtained my copy of the report that I had submitted and provided it to the appropriate personnel. I never found out how the OER had been changed or who did it (although I have a pretty good idea). The MAJ was not picked up for promotion and was eventually put out of the Army. My understanding is that she denied any knowledge of the OER having been changed and it could not be proven that she did.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 2:07 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:07:44 -0400

This is sad you have made it to the top percent of the enlisted tier. Most spend a life time getting there, as if it's not enough your a Command Sergeant Major that in it's self out weighs any badge or ribbon you may have. People tend to forget yes awards tells someone a story about where you been or where your going! But an award damn sure don't put money in your bank account just saying!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 3:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:35:53 -0400

Man! This really disappoints me. It being an active duty member.

I have to tell you, I find this topic interesting. When I was getting out, I had found that there were a couple of awards that were not listed on my DD-214. Imagine that. S-1 made another mistake. But anyways, I told them about it and they just went about putting my awards on my DD-214 without asking for any paperwork. I was appalled. I asked if they wanted to see my awards and they told me "The award section doesn't really matter anyway." I was like WWHHAATT??? 0.o I could have told this lady I had a purple heart and she would've just wrote it down. Unbelievable.

Now, as for this article, I mean, what a freaking embarrassment. I know civilians want to be cool like us service members, but for an active E-8 to do it?? Wants all the glory but has not guts?? How dishonorable is that?? I understand not kicking him out or anything, but for him to be "Honorably Discharged???" IDK. I hope he learns his lesson from this embarrassment, loss of rank and $5000 fine. I wouldn't be able to look at my soldiers in their eye. And The thoughts running thru their heads... Just wow. He was supposed to be setting a higher standard when in all actuality, he showed them HOW NOT TO BE.

You think his punishment was fair??? Should more have been done??? Like serving his remaining time and not getting a dishonorable but a less than honorable??

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Apr 9 at 2015 4:17 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 16:17:00 -0400

It is bad when a civilian dresses up with a bunch of medals and pretends to be a service member.
It is worse when a civilian dresses up like a service member to obtain free or discounted goods and services.
It is worst of all when a service member tries to claim badges that were not earned in a hope that A) it won't be noticed
B) it will help with promotion

I have a friend who I have to keep correcting because he knows I was on a Navy Surface vessel, but does not understand that ESWS and SWO are badges that earned for showing knowledge. Everytime the service is a topic of conversation he will make a comment like "You were SWO right?"
I will say "No, I was enlisted, ESWS is the badge I could have earned, but I was discharged before completing it."

Now with this trail blazing NCO, I call dibs on Navy Ranger. I know where I can get a dinghy for my flag ship.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 5:09 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 17:09:47 -0400

Perhaps it is time to reintroduce the concept of shaming as a punishment for offenses such as these. Who is willing to risk a charge of Stolen Valor if the punishment for the crime is to stand before a battalion, brigade, BCT, or division formation, be called before the the Commanding Officer, hear the charges and findings read aloud, and then be reduced in rank or stripped of rank and decoration altogether and then cashiered from the service; escorted off post or base by the MP or Security Forces?

Do that a few times, and the frequency of such behaviors may start to diminish!

Response by SSG John Erny made Apr 9 at 2015 6:27 PM

SSG John Erny — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 18:27:32 -0400

Nothing like a class A inspection with hard copy of every ones records handy. No one likes a PX Ranger

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 9 at 2015 6:31 PM

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 18:31:53 -0400

What blows my mind is that these guys are *supposed to be* one of us. They KNOW how we feel about civilians doing it. How the f@%& do they think we feel about one of our own doing it!?!?!

Someone told me in my first enlistment (in the Marine Corps) "The last place you want to be as a Marine is in a jail guarded by Marines" the mentality being that it wouldn't go well for you because not only are you in Jail, but you're being looked after by those whose service you'd disgraced by getting yourself there. That sort of mentality should apply here.

Response by MSG David Chappell made Apr 11 at 2015 8:42 AM

MSG David Chappell — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 08:42:37 -0400

This is how you know if they are real all SF and Delta get "special" ID's

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Apr 11 at 2015 9:10 AM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 09:10:41 -0400

Stolen valor is bad enough when it's done by someone who doesn't know what it means to serve and has no real idea of what individuals have gone through in order to earn the right to wear the uniform and any associated awards/badges.

It's so much worse when it's done by someone who should know what others have gone through to earn the right to call themselves Ranger, SEAL, Marine Recon, etc. These individuals are the scum atop the pond that the non-military stolen valor individuals make up. As such, they need to be scrapped off and discarded through the legal means that is supposed to protect and preserve such titles.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 11 at 2015 10:18 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 10:18:23 -0400

It's unfortunate that many people want to look high speed, low drag without earning it. They fulfilled their warrior ethos by going to Clothes and Sales.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Apr 11 at 2015 2:43 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 14:43:21 -0400

He was my S3 SGM when we were in Okinawa. He really did right by me and a number of other folks I know. I just sat with him at one of the TAP-ACAP classes on my way out. I respected the heck out of this NCO. Honestly, when this came out, I had a tough time grasping why a man of his caliber would feel the need to fake anything! I found this disappointing to say the least.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 6:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 18:12:20 -0400

It just saddens me when I see senior leaders like this CSM not leading by example... especially when it comes to integrity.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 9:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 21:00:07 -0400

I read today that this CSM was tried at a special court-martial, not a summary as I believed. This doesn't square at all with inviting an officer to resign. A special court yields a federal conviction like a general, so for the same offense an E9 appears to have his future ruined but an O5 doesn't. Until the military polices itself or congress decides to start regulating how things are charged I think the entire think stinks to high heaven.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 9:28 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 21:28:36 -0400

After 20 plus years in the military Im sure he has mentored 100's or 1000's of soldiers. He may have influenced them to become a better person, better their career and helped get soldiers promoted. Who knows why he did what he did. It's easy to jump on the "he's a shit bag" bandwagon when it's not you. He was reduced to a SFC and will surely be forced to retire. The man's entire life changed for 1 decision that was made who knows how long ago. Does the punishment really fit the "crime"?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 1:15 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 01:15:41 -0400

No honor no integrity not a leader plan and simple

Response by SSG Todd Lysfjord made Apr 12 at 2015 2:01 AM

SSG Todd Lysfjord — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 02:01:20 -0400

He is a disgrace and the fact he is not proud of the capacity in which he served makes him even worse than someone who never served at all.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 23 at 2015 8:44 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 08:44:59 -0400

I just read this story and am absolutely sickened by it.

Response by MSG David Chappell made Apr 23 at 2015 8:57 AM

MSG David Chappell — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 08:57:38 -0400

I am thoroughly disgusted with officers and NCOs who falsify records or where unauthorized badges. One part of the story that has me disturbed was the sergeant major was hammered as he should've been however the high ranking officer who did basically the exact same thing was simply given nonjudicial punishment and a letter of reprimand that is a huge gap in punishment.

Response by David Wawrzyniak made Nov 17 at 2016 8:52 PM

David Wawrzyniak — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 20:52:56 -0500

My past caught to me and after many variances still did not matter but...I'll always love the marine core

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 1:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:39:26 -0400

What really pisses me off is once the Stolen Valor is exposed, nothing is done to them other than to be exposed on sites such as this and many others. I have a brother, David "Doc" Shrum who has been rocking the lie for many years. He has been exposed on TAH and Military Phonies and others, but yet he is still getting over $3K a month for his phony PTSD 100% disability! This pos has never served a day in combat. You can't believe all of the medals and awards he has claimed on his phony DD214. I have written the VA, IG and even the FBI. It has been over a year and still nothing happens. I guess these dirtbags just get away with this crime forever!

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 23 at 2017 1:22 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 13:22:23 -0400

Stolen Valor was never an issue that I was aware of during Vietnam era. When I was a section Chief I had a SP4 working for me that wore jump wings on his fatigues. I asked him about it a couple times and he just said he went to jump school but ended up in an ADA unit. I never did know what his MOS was. At one time he said he was an MP but I doubt that seriously and he was a little wacky in my opinion. At one point he left on leave and never returned. After the appropriate time had elapsed once he was declared a deserter the Battery Command and I emptied his lockers of all personal and military property and box it all up and turned it all in to Supply - unknown where it went after that. But I don't think he was Airborne and I don't think he had an MP MOS. In an ADA unit almost all MPs were dog handlers - not mail clerks. Otherwise, I just believed what I saw and let it go at that. In retrospect I can think of a couple guys I knew back then that maybe were not all that they claimed to be. On the other hand, I got in trouble more than once for not keeping up with decorations or awards I received, which were very few. Sewing on rank was a pain, in Korea we had House Boys that took care of that for us as part of their regular duties. Of course during and post Vietnam most people would play down the fact that they were veterans.

Response by Cpl Thomas Kifer made Jul 16 at 2017 9:50 PM

Cpl Thomas Kifer — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:50:51 -0400

Similarly to your story. I was a marine NCO when I was honorably discharged. As a new civilian I often ran in to Marines at 8th & I Washington DC. When I asked their mos, nearly all would say sniper. When I was on the Corps from 1980-1996 the total amount of Marines here and abroad was 96,000 strong give or take a few hundred. Though Desert Storm and Iragi Freedom damn near tripled the Marine Corps size, I was perplexed as to how may snipers there were. Lol And non of them could tell me their mos designation. I was 3531Motor Transport. I wasn't a bad ass, but after those bad asses hoped it for 20 odd miles, they treated me as it I sat on the right side of God. Don't get me wrong, a couple of my CO's were grunts. And they believed trucks break down. So we humped with the rest of them. Just not as often. My point is, we all have a responsibility in our perspective fields. It's enough to be proud that you're serving your country. Just be proud in that. SEMPER FI TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED AND CONTINUE TO SERVE.

Response by PO3 Vinny Ambrose made Dec 7 at 2017 4:05 PM

PO3 Vinny Ambrose — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 16:05:16 -0500

If this person is active duty or a Veteran then they should resign or be discharged under less than honorable conditions and charged with fraud. If a civilian then charged with felony fraud and impersonating a government official.

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 5 at 2018 10:19 AM

SPC Mike Lake — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 10:19:29 -0500

Sometimes it's not worth the fight because u are talking to someone who doesn't recognize truth and believes his lies till it becomes truth

Response by SP5 Franklin Welfl made Feb 5 at 2018 3:45 PM

SP5 Franklin Welfl — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 15:45:44 -0500

A man who signs his John Henry on the dotted line in my mind proves he has the balls to stick his out on the line. No need for wearing something that you didn't earn, Ranger Tab, S.F. tab. Someone who wants to pursue those ...Do it the right way for the right reasons. Moons ago I was told by an SF Operator . You're as good a man as I am , You and your Troops bring something to the table same as everyone else

Response by PO3 Vinny Ambrose made May 30 at 2018 8:31 AM

PO3 Vinny Ambrose — Wed, 30 May 2018 08:31:44 -0400

I believe that the only real way to stop this is to continue on the path toward a U.S. Military Veteran I.D. card, I have heard that this idea was in the works and would be an excellent idea. Would have a readily available means of identification as a U.S. military Veteran for discounts, retail promotions, any time that requires a DD-214. Make the I.D. have hologram verification marks to thwart counterfeit attempts like they do D.L. now.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2018 2:03 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 02:03:20 -0400

I had the displeasure of investigating a fellow Sr NCO for stolen valor, and several other violations that in civilian world are felonies. Also while serving on an IG Team I came across a LTC who’s 201 was loaded with stolen honor, falsified orders for schools, awards, and several Badges/Tabs. My investigation n discoveries caused both to be court martialed, reduced in rank to PV1, forfeiture/loss of all pay and benefits, DHDC after their last tour of duty at Ft Leavenworth, KS. These were missions/tasks that I neither enjoyed or dewelled completing as I personally knew both individuals and their families. But I was ordered to conduct investigation and called as a material and expert witness in both cases. And as per my oath I executed the orders I was issued. To this day, almost 25 + years later I have no regrets, but proud of holding to my oath...

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 12 at 2018 11:31 AM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 11:31:22 -0400

*Scratches his head* I'm trying to figure out how someone can advance to O-3 in the Army and be stupid enough to not know that there are no SEALs outside of the Navy? Stupid enough to think that anyone would believe him?! (Note: this isn't a dig at the Army, merely this one individual.)

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 13 at 2018 12:54 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 12:54:47 -0400

Doubt if it would work but maybe if they were bugged enough about their dimwittedness , they might give up, unless their dense as a rock.

Response by SPC John Waisman made Aug 13 at 2018 2:30 PM

SPC John Waisman — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:30:21 -0400

That would be a sign of low self esteem. They need counseling.

Response by SSG Jess Peters made Sep 30 at 2018 3:35 PM

SSG Jess Peters — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 15:35:00 -0400

Interesting question. I have met many fake vets over the years. Easy enough to figure them out. But I never really gave much thought about people in the military wearing unearned qualification badges, awards and decoration while on active duty. I met a couple I wondered about but never questioned. Is this an actual major issue occurring. It definitely would be a serious fraud.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Sep 30 at 2018 3:57 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 15:57:44 -0400

I once met this SSG on the MAC Flight to Germany which he had every badge an infantryman could get and 3 rows of ribons which was alot back in 1976. He was wearing a maroon beret which he kind of zeroed on me for some reason which I had no where near what he had at the time. I ran acrosss him about 6 months later in Bad Tolz prior to the platoon confidence course, and he was sporting a green beret. Make a long story short. He had a company commander, major, that sensed something wrong about a guy no one in the community knew and launched an investigation through the clearence process. Come to find out he was a leg clerk that that awarded himself everything and even guy bullshitted his way on jumps and never been to jump school. He was busted to SP4, barred and sent packing to the states to be chaptered out on a bad conduct discharge. It must have been easy back before computers and good records management to get away with self awards if you knew how to do it. This turd clerk you could say, went "all the way and then some" in the wrong direction. I would not be surprised if he still still walking around posing as a war hero; Nothing surprises this Soldier for Life.

Response by SPC Lawanda Boddie made Feb 27 at 2019 11:31 AM

SPC Lawanda Boddie — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 11:31:55 -0500

I had a few idiots threaten to make a Stolen Valor complaint against me. Why I don’t know because I enlisted in 1993 while some of them were still in school and got out and ready enlisted after 9/11 in 2004. They questioned the character of my discharge despite the fact I’m a disabled veteran. They spent 3 whole days trying to dissect my life and still came up looking foolish.
Stolen Valor claims are serious complaints and should not be wasted on ignorance.

Response by TSgt Michael Brandt made Feb 16 at 2020 2:46 PM

TSgt Michael Brandt — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 14:46:09 -0500

The thing I don’t understand is the people that are in the military now doing this in my time if we had a airmen doing this and he was caught it was falsifying government documents he would’ve been put out of the service at least in SAC they were very serious

Response by SPC Albert Schafer made Mar 1 at 2020 8:48 AM

SPC Albert Schafer — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 08:48:30 -0500

I used to think about it but I don't anymore..... I've spent the last hour trying to decipher what all the abbreviations are... CATD, NCO, NCOA, SMA, SF, CPT IN MPCCC... SF etc... in the original posting?
I'm not sure that if I was queried about my service that I could even defend myself.?
I do remember being at Ft Knox, Camp Gordon, Ft. Bragg, Ft. Jackson.... Korea, Dominican Republic..
I was attached to an Air Force Weather Wing for a year.. but for the life of me I don't remember the Unit numbers...
I'm too old to worry about some 25 year old guy with Sgt. Major stripes and a pink beret...
I'm in awe at what you guys do .. back in the early 60's we were equal to civilians compared to you guys today... It's a pisser getting old...

Response by Capt Bill Straw made Nov 10 at 2020 12:03 PM

Capt Bill Straw — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 12:03:57 -0500

Or a senator from Connecticut....

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jan 20 at 2021 10:11 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 10:11:52 -0500

I knew a guy in Afghanistan from a different unit who worked in my AO, who got demoted from E5 to E4 and sent from a Kandahar to my FOB. The guy never removed his chevrons. It wasn't until he provoked a fight with lower enlisted (me) that we all found out he was really a specialist. Nothing negative happened to me, not even a counseling statement, once this came out in the wash. To quote my commander, "Bastard had it coming."