Stolen Valor? This picture was taken during the 50th Anniversary Selma March. Do you see anything wrong?

2015-03-10T12:27:33-04:00

What are the possible explanations for this picture? Do you not think you can be called out at such a public event? Is this the highest rank yet? How many different organizations are represented on this guy? When I saw this picture I got the Forrest Whitaker eye. I woulda shut the whole march down. SMH

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 12:35 PM

2015-03-10T12:35:12-04:00

His foreign awards are below his unit awards, which are not placed horizontally; hopefully, the General has a shaving profile.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 10 at 2015 12:42 PM

2015-03-10T12:42:43-04:00

Looks Soooo wrong! Possibly a Navy uniform with vice admiral rank. White shirt with stars looks like a NYPD deputy chief or something. Army CIB and paratrooper wings. Lots of ribbons, but too small a photo to tell what they mean. Hat looks like Army general officer.

Could this guy be a real police chief wearing DOD ribbons, etc., for the event? Strange. Would I call out at this public event: nope.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 10 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-03-10T12:51:44-04:00

I think I see some ROTC ribbons on there.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-03-10T12:56:42-04:00

Didn't know there were admirals in the Army.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 12:57 PM

2015-03-10T12:57:30-04:00

eBay?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-03-10T13:01:27-04:00

Oh, my! The stars on the shirt collar, the AG on his lapels instead of US, not sure what branch insignia that is on his jacket, but most GOs do not wear branch insignia unless they are a Branch Chief or the Quartermaster or Inspector General or some such creature. Those unit awards don't look like unit awards. The top one looks like a NDSM, I can't make out the bottom one. Neither appear to have the gold frame which is standard on a unit award.

Apparently this man had a Dream... and money to spend at the Army/Navy Surplus Store. Even an event like this cannot escape the reach of the Stolen Valor pretenders. Sickening!

What really frosts my balls is that posing as GO at this event on this day, this man was likely given VIP treatment most everywhere he went. It should piss us all off!

Response by SGT(P) Khalid Wise made Mar 10 at 2015 1:05 PM

2015-03-10T13:05:09-04:00

That's BANANAS... Really, dude?!?

Response by SGT(P) Khalid Wise made Mar 10 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-03-10T13:12:43-04:00

Perhaps we need a legal requirement to provide proof of service i.e. valid blue retiree ID, DD214, military ID, etc. before John Q Public is able to purchase military rank, awards, or branch insignia, etc. from any vendor (online or storefront). This BS is truly getting amazingly out of hand, I am so done right now...

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-03-10T13:17:41-04:00

Well if you're going to pose, might as well go for the gold and pose as high as possible. I'm just surprised there's not a Trident on there anywhere.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 10 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-03-10T13:23:23-04:00

WTF over...?!?!? What is NOT wrong????

1) wrong shoulder boards. Army SM's above the rank of SPC do not wear pin on rank on the collars (that is a Navy/Marine thing).
2) I think he's sportng 3 stars (LTG) on those wrong boards and collar. If he is a LTG, the cover is appropriate....BUT GO's typically don't wear branch insignia. Hence the term "general" officer.
3) I can't see if his personal award rack is off (and my guess is that it likely is), but his unit awards are jacked up (and not even sproting unit awards on that sided). Further, can't tell if that is a Regimental affil above the foreign jump wings or another foreign badge (can only wear 1 foreign badge).
4) That cord on the left is not one that I recognize. It's not a fourregere that I recogonize (French or Belgium). It's not a aiguilette (and as a GO he wouldn't wear one anyway).

What kills me is that you can pretty much count by name African Americans who have made LTG. There aren't that many of them. I hope someone called his shit out. That is disgusting and shames the rememberence.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 1:30 PM

2015-03-10T13:30:47-04:00

At this point I pretty only care that he is wearing a CIB.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 1:31 PM

2015-03-10T13:31:34-04:00

For the first time in a months I haven't seen a Meme as a topic. I just wanted to point that out.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 10 at 2015 1:31 PM

2015-03-10T13:31:51-04:00

New meaning to the Clothing and Sales Ranger

Response by MSG David Chappell made Mar 10 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-03-10T13:48:48-04:00

I didn't see this one but he could be the new SF/UNISOL/DELTA SUPER SECRET COMMANDO

Response by CPT Christopher Goss made Mar 10 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-03-10T13:58:17-04:00

Seeing as how it's in Alabama, is it possible, in this case, that the "SM" is a member of the Alabama State Guard (Alabama State Defense Force)? In that case, maybe the AG letters stand for Alabama Guard. He could still have CIB/Federal Awards, as long as he was prior service Army. The state defense forces are not required to adhere to the rank they last held, so he could have been a PV2, then joined the ASDF.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 10 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-03-10T13:59:31-04:00

I just really wished he would have been interviewed by a reporter so he could get the attention he deserves.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Mar 10 at 2015 2:09 PM

2015-03-10T14:09:17-04:00

...and yet, he doesn't look happy at ALL. Unearned honors, thanks and stolen valor never feel good, even to the thief, if he has a soul.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 2:19 PM

2015-03-10T14:19:37-04:00

Think the coat is Navy? what a mess!

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 10 at 2015 2:24 PM

2015-03-10T14:24:34-04:00

Would you have made the correction on the spot or waited until after the march?

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Mar 10 at 2015 2:38 PM

2015-03-10T14:38:06-04:00

This guy is as much a fraud as i've ever seen. A CIB?? Yellow boards AND an Infantry cord? Really? This guy's begging to be called out in public. I mean, if I'm gonna pose, I'm going to try and get it right. This idiot never bothered.

Response by SSG Rob Cline made Mar 10 at 2015 2:43 PM

2015-03-10T14:43:08-04:00

He's got the Admiral rank, but no SEAL Trident?!?!?! Without that, they'd spot him from a mile away as a phony...

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-03-10T14:45:33-04:00

SSG Robert Burns. Foreign Dictator / President for Life / Generalissimo of a Small Bannana Republic . . . the country code AG could refer to Antigua & Barbados . . . the Arabian Gulf . . . or perhaps he is just very fond of US military uniform components . . . and likes to mix and match them? Doesn't he look a little like Al Sharpton on a sad and depressing day . . . perhaps pursing his lips . . . as if to say tisk tisk??? Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-03-10T15:04:08-04:00

Always with a CIB.... These stolen valor folks never learn.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 6:44 PM

2015-03-10T18:44:35-04:00

Wow

Response by PO1 James Booker made Mar 10 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-03-10T18:51:10-04:00

I believe he's a Lieutenant Vice General of the Alabama Coastal Salvation Army. "Present..............BELLS"!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-03-10T19:06:38-04:00

Disgraceful. He did not earn any of what he is wearing. People do not understand the reasons why we are so offended by actions like these. It is our pride in self, service and country that gives us the ability to conduct our mission and the willingness to die while doing so. We as a nation have become somewhat numb to just how extraordinary the willingness to do just that is.

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 10 at 2015 8:19 PM

2015-03-10T20:19:43-04:00

epaulets and rank on shirt collar not correct for formal uniform.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 8:23 PM

2015-03-10T20:23:27-04:00

OMG!! REALLY? I bet he is the first at Golden Corral on Veteran's day.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 9:17 PM

2015-03-10T21:17:10-04:00

I wonder how many people thanked him for his service.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 10 at 2015 10:55 PM

2015-03-10T22:55:10-04:00

Looks legit... Generalissimo/Admiralissimo/AG...

1. Shoulder boards appear Navy
2. AG vs. US; branch insignia (is General Staff)
3. Cord looks to be JROTC
4. Rank on collar
5. double stacked foreign wings
6. double breasted jacket (Navy)
7. tie bar....
8. I suspect there are more...

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 10 at 2015 10:58 PM

2015-03-10T22:58:57-04:00

I finally figured it out. He's the 3 Star General of the Department of Defense.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 7:35 AM

2015-03-11T07:35:16-04:00

Navy Uniform (3 Star to boot!) with a CIB? Aww Hell No!

That's all I need to see but I know there's more wrong.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 8:23 AM

2015-03-11T08:23:12-04:00

The Forest Whitaker eye, eh? I just love that description, SSG Robert Burns. I don't understand why this man would wear the uniform he is wearing. Maybe he's retired? And confused? I wonder if he was possibly a former NG Adjutant General. I'm trying find an explanation in my own mind, but I don't know enough to even grasp at straws, I guess.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-03-11T09:38:54-04:00

Someone needs to find this guy. Someone needs to sendthis pic to FoxNews and any media outlets in Selma. Thats BS. Stars on ur collar, are those Navy Mess dress shoulder boards?

Response by CW4 John Karl T. made Mar 11 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-03-11T12:54:57-04:00

Obviously he had a lot of money to buy that many unrelated uniform items at the army navy surplus store. Did anyone get this guy's name or ask for an ID? Under Alabama law he can be prosecuted and should be.

Response by 1SG Henry Yates made Mar 11 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-03-11T13:12:36-04:00

Whoa???

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 1:18 PM

2015-03-11T13:18:45-04:00

Dear lord, is this what is becoming of our military? People just want to impersonate others? I mean back when i was enlisted just a short time ago, I never heard about any of this 'impersonating' business. Why do people all of the sudden wish for Stolen Valor? This is a crime and a disgrace that people sink so low as to impersonate others (And so poorly done as well). To dress up like that in a huge crowd (especially when people are all over the place) is just asking to get a spotlight on the news or on here....

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 2:03 PM

2015-03-11T14:03:15-04:00

SSG - If u are on FB, post the pic on Selma PDs FB account & ask if anyone knows him

Response by PO1 Javid Benson made Mar 11 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-03-11T16:19:09-04:00

who cares, it doesn't bother me anymore if guys what to wear the uniform that they didn't earn, its not my job to care anymore, if they want to wear it then they have to explain to someone one day why they are wearing a uniform that they didn't earn, it doesn't bother me, it all on the person that took the picture

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 7:42 PM

2015-03-11T19:42:45-04:00

Wow. I have never served with an Army Vice Admiral before.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 11 at 2015 11:48 PM

2015-03-11T23:48:28-04:00

Pathetic, SSG Robert Burns.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 6:37 AM

2015-03-12T06:37:50-04:00

SSG Robert Burns I think the easier thing to do would be to see if there was anything right in his attempt to wear the uniform? After my cursory viewing of the picture I would say no. I think this is a sad attempt by someone to take advantage of the American Public's view of the military.

Response by SPC Shannon Lovell/Blanchard made Mar 12 at 2015 9:48 AM

2015-03-12T09:48:14-04:00

There is no acceptable explanation.
Wrong is wrong.

Response by SGT Corey Franks made Mar 12 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-03-12T14:56:47-04:00

Wow...its like people don't watch the news and hear about how they are getting called out left and right! I think besides a federal offense, it should be an arrestable offense and a throat punch should be allowed by active duty CAC card holders. All Veterans may utilize said throat punch only after telling them the appropriate regulation, (in this case AR-670-1) and announcing that they are no longer active.

This may cause a glitch in the thinking of the said thief of valor. Giving them time to react. I say use your head Vets, if think he is feeling frogging, let him leap and call self defense afterwards.

Idiots...I swear. A knife hand to the throat might help these people understand.

Thoughts....?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 3:07 PM

2015-03-12T15:07:49-04:00

Maybe Obama made up a special rank and being a general occifer, he ennobled himself with a custom uniform? (for the record, I'm not a major and this isn't my real name and i'm still more legit than that guy in the march)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-03-12T15:25:52-04:00

Well, first I didn't recognize what uniform or branch of service he belonged to as a Lieutenant General or Army Vice Admiral. The A.G. collar brass is a bit confusing as well however he might be a prior service guy who is now the head cheese of some private military school or JROTC outfit. Hard to say what or who he represents.

Response by SGT Joseph W. made Mar 12 at 2015 4:15 PM

2015-03-12T16:15:27-04:00

Not the dreaded/observant/vigilant Forrest Whitaker eye!!!! Classic reference!! I would have asked him which branch did he serve along with the meaning of the sea of ribbons.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 12 at 2015 4:23 PM

2015-03-12T16:23:52-04:00

There has got to be a way to find out who this guy is. The name tag is too blurry.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Mar 12 at 2015 5:53 PM

2015-03-12T17:53:38-04:00

I do not know if it is still true now, but regulations used to allow General Officers to design their own uniforms. This is probably a faker though, but if one looked at some of the uniforms Geo S Patton wore, you would think that he was,too. His son that I only saw in fatigues, seemed to wear a basic fatigue uniform though when he was n the 11th ACR.

Response by SSG Sean Knudsen made Mar 12 at 2015 7:54 PM

2015-03-12T19:54:40-04:00

There we have it, the commanding general of bus drivers that obviously ran out of fuel or broke down.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 8:45 PM

2015-03-12T20:45:59-04:00

I wonder how many folks are upset that RallyPoint won't allow them to make fake profiles with such ranks as "Admiral of the Army", "Supreme Sergeant General of the Navy" and my favorite "Sergeant Major Corporal Captain"?

Response by CPL Colin Darensburg made Mar 12 at 2015 9:51 PM

2015-03-12T21:51:56-04:00

Disgusting and ridiculous

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 10:13 PM

2015-03-12T22:13:27-04:00

I looks like he has been photo shopped into the picture! Size, color and many other things do not match! I see the uniform and all its mess!

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Mar 13 at 2015 11:18 AM

2015-03-13T11:18:37-04:00

All I can say is

Response by PO2 John Kincer made Mar 13 at 2015 3:32 PM

2015-03-13T15:32:11-04:00

It really makes you wonder if anybody said anything to this debutante of stolen valor. Personally at first sight I would have thought he was a big city police-chief..until I recognized the EIB on his chest.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 13 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-03-13T15:58:38-04:00

Just FYI, no this is not a photoshopped picture.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Mar 14 at 2015 10:37 AM

2015-03-14T10:37:19-04:00

This has to be the highest rank I've seen yet for stolen valor. It's usually an E-7 to E-9 for Army. I think the highest Army officer rank I've seen was a captain or maybe a major.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 14 at 2015 7:36 PM

2015-03-14T19:36:44-04:00

That takes a lot of balls to do that.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2015 5:18 PM

2015-03-15T17:18:31-04:00

The person in the super green shirt behind him seems to be a little suspicious of him.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Mar 15 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-03-15T17:23:06-04:00

Must be a friend of the prez

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2015 5:39 PM

2015-03-15T17:39:20-04:00

Wow really dude?
1. Naval Uniform (shoulder boards)
2. Army awards (CIB)
3. Army AG Branch insignia (instead of US for a GO)
3. Awards aren't properly displayed (per AR 670-1)
It can just go on, so like I said: "really dude"?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 17 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-03-17T10:10:51-04:00

I can see that his CIB is crooked from here.

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Mar 17 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-03-17T10:33:03-04:00

Is that Idi Amin? (Wonder if I spelt that right) if it is it's ok if not it's a clown mocking all the military, and if it's a civilian showing his military intelligence, it's ok. But if it's a veteran he should be shot and hung at the front door of the mess hall for all recruits to recognize improper dress code violation.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 11:32 AM

2015-03-17T11:32:44-04:00

Looks like a mix of Army, Navy, and Police Officer uniforms

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Mar 17 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-03-17T13:36:49-04:00

Perhaps he has had such an awesome career he had to branch out - after all, it is not easy being a legend.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Mar 17 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-03-17T13:42:49-04:00

He warranted a purple heart because of injuries sustained pinning all those ribbons on. How many stars does the flag on his staff car have?
Is it possible he has become confused wandering the halls of the Pentagon for too long?

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Mar 17 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-03-17T14:15:22-04:00

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Mar 17 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-03-17T15:47:49-04:00

As you can see his counterpart is A OK with it

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 3:53 PM

2015-03-17T15:53:13-04:00

my peeve. people screenshotting a photo instead of downloading it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 4:26 PM

2015-03-17T16:26:07-04:00

Maybe he is a Field Marshall of the Intercoastal Self Defense Force and president of the local chapter of the Highway Toll Booth Operators Local #1234.

Response by MAJ Tony Mai made Mar 17 at 2015 10:12 PM

2015-03-17T22:12:28-04:00

He just got back from Africa fighting Ebola looks like a uniform out of a cartoon...Can't believe the nerve of some people...

Response by SSG Mike L made Mar 18 at 2015 11:16 PM

2015-03-18T23:16:31-04:00

I think hes a Lt.rear general Admiral of the light saber brigrade on plant v neck.......
i dont think civilians should be able to by military ribbons or used uniforms..... maybe we have to start a campaign that requires you to show proof with an ID or your DD 214 ......just one old solders opinion

Response by SSG Mike L made Mar 18 at 2015 11:22 PM

2015-03-18T23:22:29-04:00

look maw its a LT.Admiral General Commander of brooms from the light saber brigade from planet v neck

this pisses me off ....if your going to pose as#h@le at least get it right ....dumbasses

Response by SFC Russell Campbell made Mar 22 at 2015 6:10 AM

2015-03-22T06:10:16-04:00

I can only say; "WTF, OVER!!!?????" The sad thing here is this ass clown probably has all those people convinced that he is for real!

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Apr 6 at 2015 10:30 PM

2015-04-06T22:30:10-04:00

Everyone knows that an Army Vice Admiral

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 11:46 AM

2015-10-14T11:46:03-04:00

looks legit? :shrugs:

Response by MAJ George Buzby made Oct 14 at 2015 11:53 AM

2015-10-14T11:53:40-04:00

Is it possible that he's a local Police Commissioner and not posing as a soldier/sailor? Hi Ranking public safety officers often have some pretty jacked up uniforms. I suspect it is a horrible case of stolen valor, but it's not impossible that it's something else.

Response by SSgt D Carson made Oct 14 at 2015 2:18 PM

2015-10-14T14:18:30-04:00

When did you army boys get all fashionable and stuff with that double breasted coat?

Response by Capt Errol Flynn made Oct 14 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-10-14T14:45:54-04:00

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Oct 14 at 2015 4:04 PM

2015-10-14T16:04:54-04:00

Wow. Triple fretting on the combination cover? Admirals' shoulder boards on a Class A uniform?

Response by 1SG Jack Crutcher made Oct 14 at 2015 6:45 PM

2015-10-14T18:45:08-04:00

I think he is representing the Army, Navy and Police force, take away the medals and EIB and he looks like a chief of police.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 7:51 PM

2015-10-14T19:51:07-04:00

Looks like Navy Admirals shoulderboards on an Army uniform!

Response by PVT Andrew Burd made Oct 14 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-10-14T20:55:32-04:00

remember how back in the 60s the Army was experimenting with LSD to create "Super Soldier"? ...ahem... fuckin trippy bro

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Oct 15 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-10-15T11:27:33-04:00

Now let's be careful here. He could be an Admiral in the Swiss Navy!

Response by SSG Delanda Hunt made Oct 23 at 2015 11:19 PM

2015-10-23T23:19:57-04:00

Maybe Commanding General of F troop. Is he sleep walking or dead?

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Jan 12 at 2017 11:48 AM

2017-01-12T11:48:52-05:00

He is a bit young to be wearing a WWII Victory Ribbon and the wrong service to have a Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Ribbon too!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2017 2:32 PM

2017-01-19T14:32:20-05:00

Well, there are a couple of explanations. (Outside of the usual stolen valor posers). Could be a state militia or defense force person; he could be the commandant of a private military school or JROTC program. At least the ribbons are straight.

Response by SrA James Cannon made Jan 19 at 2017 4:41 PM

2017-01-19T16:41:41-05:00

I can't see the subject of the photo closely enough, but from a quick glance he doesn't seem to be legit.

Response by TSgt James Carson made Jan 19 at 2017 5:29 PM

2017-01-19T17:29:40-05:00

Government and judicial officials do not believe this is a punishable offencse. Too bad too, but people just don't care these days.

Response by PO3 Dan Miller made Apr 18 at 2024 12:09 PM

2024-04-18T12:09:28-04:00

The faker is wear shoulder boards of a US Navy admiral.