Stolen Valor: The Ultimate Sign of Disrespect

2014-11-17T13:11:36-05:00

Being in the military entails so much; it is about camaraderie, service, and honor. If you pretend to be a lawyer, doctor, or police officer it is punishable by law but if you pretend to be a service member, nothing happens. Lately there seems to be a lot more people pretending to be service members when in reality, they are impostors. For those who have served, this is the ultimate sign of disrespect and it is unforgivable. Stolen valor is a very serious matter.

Why do they do it? It’s simple - to reap the benefits of being a service member. They want to get the attention and gratitude of those around them without actually doing anything. What would be the best punishment for these individuals? Some suggest public humiliation, community service, jail time, or fines. Under the Stolen Valor Act, if someone receives any sort of money or personal gain while impersonating a service member he/she can be charged for fraud. Is a fraud charge enough of a deterrent to stop impostors?

For those who have served and suffer with PTSD or battle wounds, to see “pretend veterans” is no laughing matter. As long as people are able to buy uniforms and medals online, they will continue to get away with impersonating service members. You shouldn’t be able to just buy these items by clicking your mouse. When you serve in the military, you must earn that honor and dignity, you cannot just buy it.

How can the military community as a whole come together to stop stolen valor from happening? Is it possible?

Response by PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith made Nov 17 at 2014 1:28 PM

2014-11-17T13:28:15-05:00

I have the easiest way to stop this. If you get caught receiving material benefits from wearing a military uniform without having served, you get drafted. Go to boot, go immediately to boot, do not pass go, do not collect your free lunch from Applebee's. Oh, and let everyone in their division know why they are there.

Response by CSM John Bergeron made Nov 17 at 2014 1:32 PM

2014-11-17T13:32:09-05:00

if found to be gelte strip them and use them for canon foter.

Response by SGT Steve Vincent made Nov 17 at 2014 1:41 PM

2014-11-17T13:41:13-05:00

I see this every once in a while. It isn't as bad here in Phoenix as it is in other places, because we only have Luke Air Force Base, which is a pretty small installation. You go to places like Killeen, Texas outside Fort Hood, and you will see it a lot more. I think that people like this deserve whatever happens to them. Just make sure to call an ambulance afterwards, and let them know somebody just fell off the curb or something, and broke a whole bunch of bones and somehow smashed their face in. In all seriousness, these people should have their asses kicked, in public. And then have them arrested and tossed in County lock-up. Absolutely sickens me.

Response by CMSgt Mark Lewis made Nov 17 at 2014 2:11 PM

2014-11-17T14:11:06-05:00

Honestly, I do not think you will ever completely eliminate military imposters. People have an innate desire to belong to something of value, in this case, they pretend to be in the military because of the current situation where the military veterans are held in such high esteem. These same individuals probably would not have done this as much following the Vietnam War because sentiment towards our Vietnam veterans was not positive at that time (which is unfortunate because all veterans should be treated with respect no matter what!)

I do think that there should be better ways to track military awards so that it is easier to research and expose imposters. And once exposed, if they attempted to gain monetarily from the lies/deceit then they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of laws.

Response by PFC Stephens Clark made Nov 17 at 2014 3:23 PM

2014-11-17T15:23:29-05:00

Amen there are too many people out there reaping benefits that veterans get, and not having to serve our country . Stolen Valor should be a Felony PERIOD. To be a current Soldier or Veteran is of the Highest honor given to an American, We serve our Country proud, and defend her Stars and Stripes. We bleed for our Nation, It pisses me off to see someone steal Valor. We need to get our Senator's and Congressmen involved. lets make this a law. Stolen Valor should be a felony no matter what.

Response by PV2 Eric Szabo made Nov 17 at 2014 3:37 PM

2014-11-17T15:37:31-05:00

It completely sickens me as a Soldier when I hear people saying they are or have been in the service when their mannerisms show other. People that disrespect in such a manner should and MUST be held accountable in the court of law. Technically speaking saying someone you are not is a form of Identity theft. In honor of my brethren I speak proudly when I talk about the military and being a soldier.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 17 at 2014 4:11 PM

2014-11-17T16:11:18-05:00

I agree with your argument right up to the last paragraph when you said "As long as people are able to buy uniforms and medals online, they will continue to get away with impersonating service members. You shouldn’t be able to just buy these items by clicking your mouse."

To me, that is the same as blaming the gun when some nut job shoots people.

I would like to think that there are more people in the world that but items online for legitimate purposes than these broken minds that feel the need to steal valor from those who have truly earned it. I would include a mandatory warning on the web site that makes the penalties for stolen valor known. As far as the punitive actions, whatever is on the books for impersonating any licensed/credentialed should apply. Each act of stolen valor needs to be an additional charge based on the value of whatever benefit they are trying to falsely claim.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 5:22 PM

2014-11-17T17:22:08-05:00

Until stolen valor is legitimatly taken seriously by our politians and laws are created to harshly deal with imposters I'm afraid nothing will change. They need to deal with those who impersonate Marines, Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Coast Guardmen with strict fines and jail time for even wearing a military uniform with medals and ribbons in public. In my opinion it should not matter if it is for profit or not. It is about time politians really put up or shut up and show their appreciation for our men and women in uniform.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 17 at 2014 5:29 PM

2014-11-17T17:29:16-05:00

I know more people who buy medals for their loved ones who have passed on than for those who are looking to rip people off. I like going with families to clothing and sales and helping them put together a shadow box for pop pop or nana. So many people have no idea of the significance of the medals that were awarded until you have them hold it in their hands and explain what they mean. Too many veteran don't share their experiences and those stories and history risks being lost.

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 17 at 2014 5:46 PM

2014-11-17T17:46:56-05:00

Yes from my question about the Marine poser this is a hot button for many service members and veterans. I find it way up on my list of "bad ideas". I don't think the sellers are as culpable as the wearer. At some point the business has to trust the end users judgment. Like a car or gun manufacturer. If I go steel a car and steel a gun to rob a bank the scope of liability for the gun or auto maker is nullified. The problem lies within the language of the stolen valor act. Lying and impersonating are different actions. If I say I was in the Army it is not the same as using some device such as a uniform or military ID to convey or infer that I am in service or a veteran. I find this behavior is not only disrespectful but also presents a security issue. Why our government thinks this is OK is beyond me. I can only suggest that the next time this gets to the supreme court that the decision be made at grave site of a fallen service member.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 17 at 2014 6:41 PM

2014-11-17T18:41:11-05:00

I think if you pretend loud enough for someone to hear than it is a misdemeanor, if you wear a t-shirt and make a claim it is a high misdemeanor, if a uniform then a low grade felony, if a battle or campaign award then a higher felony, and if you present yourself as any form of Special Operations warrior then a higher felony still.

I have had experiences with fakers. One was at a school I was attending. He claimed he was a USMC Scout Sniper. He also claimed the gun case he brought with him had exploding latches to protect his weapons which were hand made for him. He barely qualified and by the end had no one who would even speak with him. It was obvious. Too young, too wrong, and WAY too loud.

Another was on an airplane sitting next to me. He claimed to be a SEAL. I asked when he went through BUDS and he stared since he didn't know what it was.

Do people ever claim to be an ordinary Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, Marine, or Coast Guardsmen? Why do people defame our finest warriors? I hear the comments about needing to belong, but really?

Most of us made it through our service with grit and determination. Only to have some faker make us all look bad at Applebee's on Veteran's day. Personally, I would rather go eat at a DFAC with real heroes.

As far as the fakers, punish them, yes. If we can't send them to jail and they claim to be a SEAL, welcome to Hell Week faker. Make it through and you might just call yourself a SEAL again. If Special Forces, then off to the SFAS. Etc. Pass it and join the team, or shut up and grow up. I played Soldier as a child. I was a Soldier and a Marine as an adult.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 7:58 PM

2014-11-17T19:58:27-05:00

We need to look at Canada, who takes Stolen Valor, and impersonating a Canadian Armed Forces member very seriously. The police arrested a man on Remeberance Day (Veterans Day) for impersonating a public officer and unlWful wearing a uniform. the article on cbcnews did not state the punishment.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 11:13 PM

2014-11-17T23:13:51-05:00

Being a formerly deployed soldier in Afghanistan, this infuriates me to the core. It isn't the simple fact of me being there. We lost two fellow soldiers at the Fob we were at, one of which was in my unit, the other from another unit. But all the same, they were soldiers. And as if that wasn't enough they both had families. I have one message for fakes. THOSE OUT THERE IMPERSONATING VETERANS AND SERVICEMEMBERS, YOU WILL BE CAUGHT, EVENTUALLY, AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE. I hope they get their asses beat to hell.....just saying.

Response by SFC Keith Frain made Nov 18 at 2014 12:41 AM

2014-11-18T00:41:04-05:00

First, I will let out a sigh...Only because I am so sick of hearing about this continued blatant disrespect towards past and present Service members. My first reaction is to become angry. My second reaction is to clear my head and add to the growing number of responses or outcry's pertaining to this discussion. With that said, (Having seen this type of discussion many times in the past) I pray that our insight and responses are not in vain due to being in a closed forum. From what I have read, collectively everyone feels the same about the crime, "Stolen Valor" and the repercussions when found guilty of it.

With that being said, I am only left with thanking those who already stated what I was thinking, i.e.

"we will never truly eliminate the imposters, but what we can do is continue to show our pride, honor, and discipline in our every day lives."

" I feel kinda sorry for someone who pretends to be someone they are not, the stress must make them crazy."

and my favorite!

"Beyond the actual charges in a court of law, the media needs to pick up on these clowns and shame them publicly. I'm talking highway billboards with their faces and identities."

Lastly, it is my opinion that everyone who signed their name on the "dotted line" had/has something in them that set(s) them apart from the average American standing to the left or right of them; most of us continued our careers and set the distance even farther. Sadly, some of our past/present service members who are part of this "Stolen Valor" crime, lost whatever it was that let them be a part of the elite 1% that serves our Country. Those on here that chose to respond on here, YOU obviously still have "it!" God Bless and let your voice be heard.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2014 11:47 AM

2014-11-18T11:47:29-05:00

When I read comments like "we should beat their ass" and others along those lines (sometimes worse), it really pisses me off. What do those kind of comments say about the character of the person who makes them (or AGREES with them) and is that REALLY the way we want our military and veterans to be viewed? As a bunch of classless thugs only capable of violence (even outside of combat, where it belongs)?
If they're gaining some kind of benefit from their dishonesty, there's already a law to cover that. If they're not, does it REALLY harm you or the services? I think these type of comments and the attitude that produces them does infinitely more harm than these posers ever could.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2014 5:57 PM

2014-11-18T17:57:39-05:00

there is an easy way to fix this. make it illegal for civilians to own the current uniform items of any branch of the armed service. Anyone who doesn't have the proper form of I.D. when stopped by an official will get a ticket. idiots would stop wearing the uniform if they knew it would cost them both money and jail time if caught. I mean think about it. All individuals in the military have a military I.D. or a DD-214 so they can prove their military affiliation if made to go to court. a civilian can't plain and simple. so make it illegal to wear or posses the current uniform items for the branches of service. also, make it illegal to sell uniform military items without being a licensed dealer or shop to do so. They can monitor that at the city level and fine businesses heavily that choose to break those laws. Done and done. people wouldn't risk it if they knew they could actually have to pay for it.

Response by SSG Brandon Danserr made Nov 18 at 2014 9:15 PM

2014-11-18T21:15:29-05:00

Until they make it a law not to impersonate a soldier, not a whole lot will happen. There is nothing to lose for them and only gain in their eyes!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 1:01 PM

2014-11-30T13:01:24-05:00

I have no respect for those who disrespect our service in this manner.

Response by SFC Peter Cyprian made Nov 30 at 2014 11:21 PM

2014-11-30T23:21:31-05:00

This is incredibly disrespectful when committed by someone that never served. The part that kills me are those that inflate their service. Why? That's the part I don't get....I can see where the civilians may want to do this, but when we find actual veterans that are inflating their service it is (to me) even more disrespectful. Perhaps we can lobby Congress to bring back the "tar and feather" punishment.

As far as limiting the availability of military awards and decorations, I would not support that. It would limit many for the actions of a few.

Response by SSG Charles Dixon made Dec 1 at 2014 5:56 PM

2014-12-01T17:56:43-05:00

it's like when a football team is winning everyone jumps on the band wagon so to speak and i think that is what is happening now, with all the military situations going on people want to be on the receiving end of all the thanks that's being given to SM's and Vets. I don't think that anything will be done as long as there are people out there who only want to make money and don't care who buys their products.

Response by SPC Fred Lytge made Dec 21 at 2014 10:25 PM

2014-12-21T22:25:44-05:00

I have been around this subject about my brother. I have no room for it.....Just saying is all

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Dec 21 at 2014 11:18 PM

2014-12-21T23:18:28-05:00

As a complete side note I wonder how the Supreme Court would have felt if someone was walking around in a Justice's robe telling everyone that they sat on the court? Obviously most would be able to discern who the Supreme Court Justices are, but we have thousands of judges in this nation and I certainly couldn't tell an imposter by site. Oh wait...it IS illegal to do that already! Funny how it isn't OK to impersonate someone protecting our laws but it is OK to impersonate someone protecting our nation!

Response by PO3 Aaron Hassay made Dec 22 at 2014 4:37 AM

2014-12-22T04:37:37-05:00

i have to say. "WE" put the uniform on proudly..with honor and courage..serving honorably...

I met a Marine Vet working security at a FED building as I was entering to go the VA regional center inside. He is working on resubmitting his claim for service connection Gulf War Era Combat Vet. The VA in the 90s and 2000s was jerking people around more then it does now since the last cover-up was discovered. I am finally realizing what the VA RO will do with a disability claim. I finally submitted mine and was denied. The denial was so off base and had misspellings completely disregarding "presumption of service" USCode laws TITLE 10 37 38, as If I need to send them their own code book of laws for them to review and remind them of what I gave my youth for and how PTSD works.

The general population does not know what it is to sign an enlistment and live under the UCMJ for 1 day. The Marine Vet reminded me that less then 1 perent of America Serves.

Jesse Ventura, Veteran, is a good listen, and brought up a point, in conversation, CHICKEN HAWK.

The ability for someone not brave enough to fight or defend themselves but pump their fist and send someone else to do it, and hold metals and go and buy uniforms to fake as if they did do it.

I guess what I am saying is that I am not surprised. America has a mix of downtrodden that will do anything "ANYTHING" for a buck without shame.

It is not a world I grew up in. Ideals and holding on to CORE VALUES is what I live by.

That is my only wealth.

But I am constanly reminded by people, possibly the people that denied me at the VA, as I am really in a tight spot, injured..and people..or a society that likes Veterans Day..pumps their fist in the AIR real high..but then when they meet someone who served..and is a mess in different ways...they well just turn their back....more often then not...

Basically I wish all vets got more then enough benefits and 100 percent assuridy we joined an elite group that is cherished and cared for as we put our youth on the line. But what I notice is that we were possibly pawns...and our youth was used against us at different times..and we are easy to marginalize..by people....who have no empathy or understanding of what it is to serve an enlistment honorably regardless of personal toll.

Lastly, people in uniform...joint ops and joint commands...ARMY NAVY MARINES AIR FORCE need to have each others backs in uniform and out. We can not treat each other as people on a different team. I am a loyal team guy. And team only gets better when we act as a team.

Response by SGT William Howell made Dec 22 at 2014 3:27 PM

2014-12-22T15:27:41-05:00

I have met so many "SEALs" sitting in a bar that I can't stand it. I usually let them go for a few minutes before I just can't stand it any more. I then tell them that there are less SEALs alive than NFL football players past and present.

Then it usually ends with me asking if they would like to show me some of their hand to hand combat skills because if they say one more word about being a SEAL I am going to show them my MP gut stomp.

Response by PO1 Robert Elton made Dec 22 at 2014 4:40 PM

2014-12-22T16:40:04-05:00

Simple. Forced enlistment. If they want to be a service member so badly, sign them up and send them to sea on an oiler in the med. Then if they decide to wear devices and decorations that they did not earn they can feel the military discipline come down on them.

Response by PO1 Terrance Gage made Jan 11 at 2015 8:12 AM

2015-01-11T08:12:37-05:00

Stolen Valor is a very touchy Subject for me as I Have spent 20 yrs earning every benefit that I get. So The question is is it stolen valor when a young man that is actually enlisted in the Naval service goes around telling people that he is a Navy seal, and that when just returning home from boot camp that he was out with his spotting partner he just returned from sniper school he then gets deployed on A ship goes on deployment comes back and is now telling everyone he has ptsd because he saw his best friend get blown up by a grenade jumping on it to save his life so he gave up being a Navy Seal because he did not want his wife and daughter to be left a widow. Well I personally Find it to be the worst kind of stolen valor as I have done twenty yrs in the Navy I find it very disrespectful to us all we deserve our accolades when we earn them so to go around telling lies about what you have done is just crap to me..

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2015 11:04 AM

2015-01-11T11:04:40-05:00

My position is that the current law balances this well; As long as there is no active fraud being committed, it is protected speech no matter how vile I or others may consider it. The law is a blunt instrument, not well-suited for such matters. That said, protected from legal sanction does not (and should not) mean protected from criticism and/or shaming. In that, I think the SV groups serve an important purpose.

I'd caution the SV groups about being a little more tactful, though. I wasn't going to write anything here at all until this past week, when I got accosted by someone in Wal-Mart who assumed I was a fake. (I had just come off work, was still in uniform, and stopped by to get a part for my car.) It was a 20-something male with a military cut. He followed me for about a minute with his cell-phone recording, then came up accusing me as I walked to the checkout, saying I was "obviously too young to be a Major" (I'm in my 30's). Once he saw that I had an actual ID (it was on my lanyard), he quickly walked away without so much as an apology. Somehow I doubt we'll be seeing that video online... Ladies and gentlemen, that is a good example of how NOT to go about conducting an SV check!

Response by CPL Jonathan Jackson made Jan 12 at 2015 7:18 PM

2015-01-12T19:18:51-05:00

i think it is possible ive run across posers and its aggravating as hell. I stayed stateside but yet at the same time i still served and i lost friends over seas so you tell me that you served but have a jacked up uniform on. come on its total bullshit

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jan 28 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-01-28T18:30:06-05:00

I'm old, all right? I joined the Army in 1973, and I spent a couple of years in Germany. During that time, I worked with an engineer unit, full of guys who'd been on multiple tours to Vietnam. I can remember my first thoughts were, "I am so far out of my place here..." but they taught me what I needed to know, and in their way, took care of me. I remember one of them laughing once, telling me, "Hell yea, someday, some jerkwad is going to be sucking down beers, telling everyone how brave he was in Nam.... and most of us who did go, who did the bleeding, the fighting and dying, are going to be told its a matter of free speech or something..."

I think of that crusty old sergeant almost every time I hear about stolen valor. He didn't survive to see it you see. He had PTSD long before it had a name, smoked a buttload of Hash and drove his motorcycle into a bridge abuttment in Germany after telling everyone that his life just didn't make sense.

Its just a way to pretend you are something other than what you chose to be to them. To us, its the names and faces of people who were there, who fought against demons most of us will never know... and so many stopped fighting because it just hurt so much... those are the people I think of, each time I see some idiot wearing a uniform that should have been earned in honor and commitment, but instead, its just a way to scream "LET'S FOCUS ON ME!!!"

If I was a better person, I'd forgive them, but I guess, I'm just an old, tired, Marine, who can't stand the idea of good men and women giving their lives in uniforms some Yahoo wants to wear so he can get a military discount.

Response by SGT John Galbraith made Feb 3 at 2015 5:40 PM

2015-02-03T17:40:37-05:00

There seems to be multiple fronts to the stolen valor battle. The first is the point made in this article that medals, badges, and uniform items are readily available for anyone to purchase and wear. You only mention clicking a mouse to buy it, but, have you seen what is for sale at your local Army-Navy surplus store? The second front to the battle is the people that are impersonating service members without service a single day. When you look at this angle of the human side of the issue we are hit with questions of motive. Are they mentally handicapped? Are they doing it to impress people? Are they using a military status for financial gain or to break the law? Are they lacking in intelligence? Are they dangerous (possible future shooter)? Next we need to look at the embellishers. The guys that actually did serve and are telling lies about their service. The same questions apply from the previous but there is another question. Are the ashamed of their lack of action or poor performance during their service? I have been browsing though Facebook groups and web pages that list hundreds if not thousands of these people doing this. In fact, I stumbled upon a Facebook profile last night where a 16 year old kid was posting about illegal weapon systems and claimed in his profile that he was a green beret.

So truly, how do you fight this? Do we go and buy up all the stuff online and in the stores? Do we push for DD214 verification for purchase of items. Well, that is unfair because I have purchased military awards that I never earned. I got them to create a shadowbox for my father in law who served in the Army in the early 1950s. I think we need to dig into the human side and analyze why these people are doing this. Perhaps something as simple as Veteran ID cards for as little as 1 day of service that has a list of qualifications. There has to be something.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 12:55 PM

2015-06-07T12:55:21-04:00

I feel like if we created a positive culture of "see someone in uniform outside of base, strike up a conversation" it would do something to deter people from being frauds. If everyone expected to engage in some camaraderie, they would be more hesitant to venture out and be found out.

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Sep 22 at 2015 2:25 PM

2015-09-22T14:25:53-04:00

Would like to put an end to this? And I mean Really? Easy, very, very EASY bring back the DRAFT and it will end the next day.

Back in the days War was popular ONLY in the Movies and TV shows. The DRAFT was hated by almost everyone who turned 18. The Army was not popular, it is a well know secret that MOST of those in the Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard joined to avoid the DRAFT. Seminaries were full to capacity with Candidates for the Ministry or Priesthood 'cause they were "Exempted".

Nobody, no one was pretending being a "hero" in Uniform. You risked mockery, insults and even something thrown at you if you did such Dumb thing. The Only discounts available were for Airplane, Bus and Train tickets if you wore Dress or Khaki uniforms plus ID ONLY. Combat or Fatigues were worn only IN Post. Unless you lived off Post or were in some duty or part of an on road Convoy, Combat Fatigues were unseen off Base/Post.

Joining the Guard or Reserve was tolerable but could potentially put you at odds with some of your friends. Joining the ROTC in college would do the same with the rest of the Student body of your college of choice. Congress, the POTUS, the USSC and the DoD probably know this, so that's probably why nothing real is being done about it. Because that's the ONLY way to put an end to this. Let them bring back the DRAFT and we all will see it.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2015 1:02 AM

2015-09-27T01:02:08-04:00

I belive we should add a new artical to the UCMJ for false valor for posers so they get hit twice as hard.

Response by CPO Raymond Kurtz made Dec 4 at 2015 9:52 AM

2015-12-04T09:52:24-05:00

I enjoyed your post. It saddens me that these people have to "act" like someone they never were. I really do not believe the system can handle the problem because it is seen as something minor, not worth the time and effort to prosecute. I don't agree with it but there it is.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 9:58 AM

2015-12-10T09:58:34-05:00

that's a hard call, I think it IS possible to perhaps enforce it, but as long as there are senators and representatives, it will be rather difficult. I'm not saying it is IMPOSSIBLE. But I think the mindset in DC is such that it isn't a 'hot topic' for discussion. Perhaps it should be.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 10 at 2015 11:53 AM

2015-12-10T11:53:19-05:00

The issue here is that WE are the only ones who really care about this. I think that the vast majority of our civilian population (ones who never served) doesn't view stolen valor as a big deal. Until society considers this a problem, we are only going to see more of this. We also live in an 'entitlement era', were people think that they are owed something for nothing.

Response by PO3 Brad Phlipot made Dec 10 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-12-10T12:31:15-05:00

I have only recently changed my train of thought on this subject and here is why. 2 people various locations were called out in public in a uniform clearly out of regs, video's made and posted on you tube and shortly there after on mainstream news learned both committed suicide and that is a huge tragedy in and of itself. Is it better to pull them aside and address them with man cut the BS, I know your shit is not legit do not take away from those that really earned it, further your breaking the law? Verses putting them on Fox News or You Tube or whatever and then only find out they killed themselves? Every decoration earned was hard fought and generally involved some hurt or loss of life, that being said I do not want anymore blood on my hands and allot of times shake my head and walk away. JMO.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made May 25 at 2016 2:53 PM

2016-05-25T14:53:50-04:00

Dissenting opinion: I don't care.
You cannot steal what is intrinsic to me.

Many of these individuals seem to have serious mental health issues. Putting them in jail is bound to help that. And it costs me money. The ones that aren't delusional or schizophrenic or just criminals, but until they use the uniform to defraud, doesn't cost me anything: they cannot steal what is intrinsic to me, and I'm pretty hard to defraud via "Stolen Valor".

I knew a dude who used to claim he was Pre-Med to impress women. I wish I could tell you that it never worked.

Why do we get upset when a group of people who are clearly NOT like us, don't act like us?

The original post compared our profession to lawyers, doctors and police officers but the comparison doesn't hold water in this respect: people can impersonate lawyers, doctors and police officers in their official capacities, where as people who impersonate service members, usually do so for reasons that are tangential to real military service.

No one steals valor and deploys to Syria.

Response by Erin Lum made Jan 4 at 2017 12:29 PM

2017-01-04T12:29:33-05:00

Thank you for the article. Another devasting aspect is the abuse caused by those who marry a fraud having been duped into believing the false claims of prior military service. Although I am prior military, I was duped by my former spouse who claimed to me to have been in the Coast Guard. Some of his claims seemed off to me but he made the excuse that he served later than I did and things were restructured after the reduction in forces. He also claimed to be a former firefighter but had photos of himself in uniforms.

He worked on CSI Las Vegas and I was floored last year when a few crewmembers from the show stated my spouse was claiming he had been a Marine with two tours in Iraq. Then I discovered he was claiming military vet/firefighter/nurse in order to be a technical advisor on the tv show The Last Ship, he claimed. He is merely an EMT.

He was abusive on my fronts besides being an imposter, but the imposter is deeply hurtful, utterly humiliating.

The worst is its effect on my young little boy who knows his father is an imposter now but must keep his mouth shut or be punished. A few months ago, after a weekend visit with his father, my son came home with an old US flag patch. I asked my son about it and my son said a man at the gun range took it off and handed it to my son in tears because of my Dad's service and sacrafice in Iraq. I was so ashamed, and ashamed that my 7yr old was brought into it and accepted the present based on his father's lies.

Response by Erin Lum made Jan 4 at 2017 12:57 PM

2017-01-04T12:57:12-05:00

The problem is that the fraud is rarely punished but the devastation it reaps can be tremendous. I was duped by my former spouse who claimed he was Coast Guard. Sometimes his claims seemed a little off to me, but they were easily excused away by him that he enlisted later than I did and a lot changed after the reduction in forces. While some vlaims seemed off, others were right on (describing base on Kodiak). He also claimed he was a former LAFD firefighter and had a few photos of himself in turnout gear, and had a closet full of uniforms.

As time went on, my suspicions increased but he was dismissive and talked less about it to me. Then he worked as a film first-aid person on Man of Steel that filmed at Edwards Air Force Base and came home with more uniforms and a lightjacket, with his name on patches, and fake rates, as well as a tshirts of Edwards Fire Department. I was annoyed by his wearing this clothing which he upbraided me for because he was "proud of his former service" and that they were gifts from the military personnel there. What really annoyed me was at dinner one night, with him wearing the jacket, a woman approached and thanked him for his service.

Last September, I began working with crewmembers from the former tv show CSI: Las Vegas who stated my spouse told everyone he had been a Marine Corpsman with two tour in Iraq.

Granted there was a lot of other abuse in the relationship, but at that point I was terrified of the man I was with. His lies were so intricate and to encompassing that I feared serious harm if he found out that I knew he was a fraud or if I exposed him accodentally. I soon found out he'd never been a firefighter, how he obtained the uniforms, pictures, FF license plates is unknown. But all was fraud.

By October last year, he was boasting to me that he was working as a tech advisor on the tv show The Last Ship (although he may be lying about that, I know he worked on the show but not his position).

My kids and I finally escaped the abuse. When investigators came, they saw a vet. They saw a firefighter. They saw the person the public is trained to trust as I once did. It was hard to get the abuse taken seriously by anyone because they believed he was a hero.

It is rather difficult to prove a person is an imposter.

The most heartbreaking thing was after my then 6yr old son had visited his father for the weekend, he came home to me with an old American flag patch. He said his father took him to the gun range and older man there had tears amd took the patch off "his military hat" and handed it to him (my son) for his Dad's sacrafice, courage, and service. My little boy then began to happily recite that his Dad is a war hero. I cried.

Response by SGT Jim Humphrey made Mar 22 at 2018 8:43 PM

2018-03-22T20:43:03-04:00

SGT Jim Humphrey

SGTSGT Jim Humphrey

Drifting around Ebay. I was viewing WWII medals (looking to set up display for father-in-law ) anyway I saw a sale for CMOH, complete with medal, ribbon and pin. Also that two remained for only $720 cash. Obviously a fake or re production. Looked at the company store where they are selling CMOH for all services along with numerous presidential/civilian medals.
As we should all know, the possession of even fake CMOH is a federal felony.

Long story short. I called to complain, the FBI has a unit that works these cases. Those in the know informed me that until it arrives in the US it cannot be stopped. This ass wipes, sorry, seller assures it's customers that the item will be shipped from Germany to Hong Kong then to CONUS THEY ARRANGE ALL SHIPPING AND GARENTE NO PROBLEMS. We can't even stop tissue guy, so what hope is there that we can stop fakers wearing any medal.....
There are some good people doing good work "Military Phonies " is one of them.
Oh, one other thing: this German shit has a Ebay store "hero-dream"

This is not right......