What would motivate an Air Force OTS Candidate to lie about having a Purple Heart?

2015-10-07T20:23:54-04:00

Not sure why anyone would lie about something this serious, but I'm glad he was caught in the lie! Should he be able to finish OTS?

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/10/07/questions-over-purple-heart-claim-derail-ots-commissioning/73459538/

Questions over Purple Heart claim derail OTS commissioning

A staff sergeant attending Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base is being investigated for possible falsely claiming he received the

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Oct 7 at 2015 8:33 PM

2015-10-07T20:33:30-04:00

It seems there is some confusion on whether he may have one or not. The article said it sometimes takes awhile for entries to be made. I think I wouldn't make a call until I had all the facts.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 8:38 PM

2015-10-07T20:38:24-04:00

If the investigation shows he doesn't have one then no way!

Our core values call for integrity first and this was a blatant disregard for that. He doesn't deserve to lead..

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 7 at 2015 8:45 PM

2015-10-07T20:45:24-04:00

Question: Did the Airman in question wear a Purple Heart on his uniform at any time? If he did so, he is dirty and S/b subject to the military justice system and negatively discharged!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 7 at 2015 9:19 PM

2015-10-07T21:19:12-04:00

No Bueno.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-10-07T22:25:34-04:00

When I went through OTS the honor code was "I will neither lie, cheat, or steal nor will I tolerate any among us who do"

Nuf said. IF true no commision should be granted. But, I think there seems at least some indicator that the allegation is just that - an allegation.

Let the investigation determine the truth.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 10:33 PM

2015-10-07T22:33:48-04:00

Definitely think the non recommendation received for commissioning isn't enough. Failed the AF as an NCO and I really think AFPC would have found the paperwork by now if this allegation just became this high profile.
And the excuse that his instructors told him not to wear it so that the other students wouldn't get jealous is bogus!!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 11:19 PM

2015-10-07T23:19:54-04:00

I knew people who were given the boot for being fought up in lesser lies. This definitely deserves him getting remove from the program with prejudice. I would send him back to finish his prior commitment with an A15

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Oct 8 at 2015 1:25 AM

2015-10-08T01:25:32-04:00

If they verify that he hasn't actually been awarded the medal he should get the boot. There's no way someone who lies about receiving an award, especially that, should be allowed to stay in. If discharge isn't an option then at least kick him out of OTS and bar him from ever applying to it again. I think at least a loss of stripe would also be justified.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Oct 8 at 2015 3:24 AM

2015-10-08T03:24:18-04:00

If it turns out he really is lying (he appears to have had ample time to produce an Award Citation) I say kick him out due to lack of integrity. If he can lie about something like a medal, do you really trust him leading people into battle? Would he do the right thing or would he be worried about making himself look good?

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 8 at 2015 9:37 AM

2015-10-08T09:37:27-04:00

This is not officer material.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-10-08T13:17:00-04:00

If that person is willing to lie for that long about something like an award what else will they lie about? How long will he/she cover up an error or issue within their area of responsibility?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 8 at 2015 1:51 PM

2015-10-08T13:51:58-04:00

This is one way of culling the herd of pretenders.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-10-08T15:59:10-04:00

Pending his investigation he could continue to train. If found guilty give him the same punishment that was given to that CSM a few months back (sending him to jail for his infractions). If he has in fact earned the award then let him continue service.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2015 5:19 PM

2015-10-08T17:19:05-04:00

How on Earth could he be that stupid? Shocking.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Oct 8 at 2015 5:22 PM

2015-10-08T17:22:17-04:00

Idiocy is all I can come up with....

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Oct 8 at 2015 5:58 PM

2015-10-08T17:58:04-04:00

If you will lie about an award then you will lie on other things. Integrity people! Kick him out of OTS and make him enlisted again with the LOR!

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2015 8:56 PM

2015-10-08T20:56:13-04:00

Few thoughts on this:
--This isn't just a matter of "so there I was... in the deep"... It speaks to integrity and trust. If he will lie about this, where does it end?

--Allowing him to crack on with his Commission sets a very unsettling precedent. I lowers the (Butter) bar and that becomes the new standard. UNSAT.

--Make him a SSgt again. Send him to SOCOM to me. I'll introduce him to real heroes that had no choice but to get that honor pinned to their uniforms---placement and timing was not their friend.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Oct 8 at 2015 10:11 PM

2015-10-08T22:11:50-04:00

Ego and hoped for prestige and admiration

Response by MSgt Devon Saunders made Oct 10 at 2015 12:41 AM

2015-10-10T00:41:24-04:00

Deuces!!

Response by SMSgt Cary Baker made Oct 10 at 2015 6:17 AM

2015-10-10T06:17:27-04:00

This individual has no Integrity - Air Forces first Core Value!! With no Integrity, he will automatically violate the other 2 Core Values - Service Before Self & Excellence In All We Do. Get rid of him.

Response by SMSgt Cary Baker made Oct 10 at 2015 6:18 AM

2015-10-10T06:18:30-04:00

We don't even want someone like this in the enlisted force either. You want this guy working on one of your aircraft? Missiles? Weapons?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-10-10T10:36:21-04:00

Integrity First.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Oct 13 at 2015 4:56 PM

2015-10-13T16:56:01-04:00

I picked give him the boot for lack of integrity. Stupidity could be another reason. He should have known that someone would find out.

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 5:16 PM

2015-10-13T17:16:29-04:00

Send him packing. First off, he lied. Second, he told one of the dumbest lies to try to get that undue attention.

Response by Maj Marty Greene made Oct 13 at 2015 5:27 PM

2015-10-13T17:27:28-04:00

My first response was "This is an Honor Code Violation!" It was STRICTLY enforced when I went to OTS. However, there are things in this story that call for a deeper investigation. For one, he didn't want to wear it at OTS, or have his superiors know about it. Presumably, because it was false, and he knew they would know. I think this started out as late-night-drinking-chat-internet "bragging," and the die was cast. Perhaps a guy who confused talking about the military with Dungeons and Dragons. Thought he was in a fantasy world on-line. Nobody ever saw him wear one, that I can tell.
Secondly, the story clearly says his commission is being withheld, but the picture, supposedly of him, is a Lieutenant. (Can't tell from pic whether 1st or 2nd)
I'll agree with his Commander, or Board. Whatever a fair investigation uncovers.

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Oct 14 at 2015 10:54 PM

2015-10-14T22:54:36-04:00

It indicates a person of low self esteem when he has to lie to build himself up to others. This person has a psychological problem as well as a lack of integrity.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 8:12 AM

2015-10-15T08:12:44-04:00

So 24% of respondents say that his "punishment" should be that he become enlisted again and have to do his old job. That's crazy!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-10-15T14:54:50-04:00

To be an Officer or an NCO or even a Soldier you must first "be above reproach", he shouldn't even be in the military.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Oct 16 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-10-16T18:54:23-04:00

It's way too late for him to get in front of this thing, but I don't think it's an unforgivable sin. I think for his own sake, if he wants to continue his military career, his best bet would be to man up and fully admit everything, hide nothing, take a reduction in rank, and go back to his old job.

Is he worthy of a leadership position? Certainly not now. The only way for him to regain credibility is to take full responsibility for his own actions, and accept the consequences of them. But I think if he does that, he might very well reestablish some credibility later, and have a more solid foundation for an eventual leadership position.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 7:43 PM

2015-10-16T19:43:41-04:00

Kick him out.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 16 at 2015 8:20 PM

2015-10-16T20:20:31-04:00

Looks like an easy case. He lied making his moral character questionable. Kick him out for his lack of values and the immense stupidity of his actions.

Response by SSG Scott Burk made Oct 16 at 2015 11:04 PM

2015-10-16T23:04:19-04:00

If this is true, then he needs to be gone. This sort of thing speaks volumes about his character. He isn't fit to lead as it's obvious he puts himself before others.

Response by CPO Chad Smith made Oct 18 at 2015 3:58 AM

2015-10-18T03:58:23-04:00

Surprised that 2% would let him off with a LOR, even more surprised at the 21% that feel he is still worthy enough to send back to the enlisted ranks. He disrespected every single warrior that earned a Purple Heart, send him packing - theres a village somewhere missing it's idiot.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Oct 18 at 2015 8:35 PM

2015-10-18T20:35:50-04:00

See ya. And big negative to washing back to his "enlisted job" as was one choice. That would indicate that the behavior was not acceptable as an Officer, but is as an Enlisted. Not so much.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Oct 27 at 2015 11:07 AM

2015-10-27T11:07:00-04:00

Not someone who we need leading Airmen, or troops

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-10-27T12:31:02-04:00

Well, sucks to be him.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 27 at 2015 12:50 PM

2015-10-27T12:50:21-04:00

I assumed he was heading for the door once the story broke.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 27 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-10-27T12:51:06-04:00

Sucks to be you bro. Now you can have some cheese with your whine over being kicked to the curb

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Oct 27 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-10-27T12:54:28-04:00

What an idiot! Fu-k him for lying about such a thing. He deserves what he gets. Bastard!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 27 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-10-27T13:03:08-04:00

Good riddance. People often lie because it gives them power or makes them more important. Dumbass!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-10-27T13:12:06-04:00

Interesting that a facebook comment/conversation was sufficient evidence to disenroll this guy from the course.
There is a lesson in this for those of you who use social media and might try to "burnish" your credentials to get some kind of boost: big brother is watching. So are your fellow service members. Your lie will come out, and it will have consequences.
This guy will now have to find another line of work, all because he decided to be something he wasn't and post it for all to see on the internet.
Dumbass.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Oct 27 at 2015 1:25 PM

2015-10-27T13:25:20-04:00

Did no one check his official file that should have been reviewed before he was accepted into OTS?

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Oct 27 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-10-27T13:28:37-04:00

As it should be! It's so hard to actually believe that someone could be so ignorant of the vetting process that they would try this. He might get a job flipping burgers at some joint but this will follow him forever. That will be his punishment and it does fit the crime....
Thanks,
Rick

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Oct 27 at 2015 1:31 PM

2015-10-27T13:31:04-04:00

Doesn't this fall under the Stolen Valor law. Should he be prosecuted for it?

Response by Sgt Tom O'Brien made Oct 27 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-10-27T13:48:01-04:00

not many Airmen with the exception of PJ's, FAC's and other combat ratings get purple hearts, what was this guys MOS?

Response by Sgt Tom O'Brien made Oct 27 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-10-27T13:50:02-04:00

as to the stolen valor issue......think the boy needs some brig time and a reduction in rank....and a dis honorable discharge.....

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-10-27T15:59:22-04:00

Pretty sure Walter reed has many bed pans of PH receipiants that need cleaning for his extra duty.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-10-27T16:46:24-04:00

This superstar has a RP profile.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Oct 27 at 2015 9:13 PM

2015-10-27T21:13:47-04:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member It brings to mind a relevant quote from an old movie, Grease: If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter!
Not everyone goes off and does heroic things, some of us (myself included) provide the necessary support to those who do, and then, a great number of those "supporters" find themselves knee-deep in it. At the end of the day, if you wear the US uniform, you are somebody's enemy, and that enemy make no frigging distinctions.
I joke with some of my buds (who really are humble heroes) that our careers were exactly the same, except for the amazing things that they did. I stand truly humbled beside them.
There are a great many here on this site, who are no-shit, bonafide heroes for what they have done, and have all of my appreciation for that.
Be proud of the contributions that you make, because everyone in the uniform wrote that blank check to Uncle Sam, just not every one of them was cashed.
Makes no sense that anyone, let alone, an actual SM would make up some crap like that. He will live with that one forever, and that is a long time.
And, no, he is not fit to lead.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Oct 28 at 2015 9:42 AM

2015-10-28T09:42:38-04:00

The Air Force Core Values are non negotiable. It is what we live by. Integrity first-Service Before Self-Excellence In All We Do. It doesn't state integrity when it is convenient or when it is private or that you can stretch integrity on Facebook because it is off duty. It simply states...Integrity first...it isn't something we read, it defines the very core of who we are. I guarantee that when he was called on the carpet on this, and they dismissed him from OTS, they had the evidence. As a former commander, I can assure you that these measures weren't taken in a vacuum and we will never know the whole story...I guarantee there is more than what is being told. The legal stuff can't be released and that is usually where the meat resides. What is usually released is the stuff the "victim" wants released. There were times in my unit that personnel thought I was either to harsh or too lenient...thing is, they didn't have the whole picture...I did and I handled it according to the evidence through thorough investigation and fact finding that everyone else did not know about...they only saw the duck on top of the water, not the feet below peddling like crazy to move.
The Airman's creed, second paragraph last three lines are "I am faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of Honor and a legacy of Valor." Honor by Websters is defined as "good reputation : good quality or character as judged by other people: high moral standards of behavior." By lying either on a personal website or at work he has taken he cannot be faithful to a tradition of honor. He can recover in a civilian world but there is no room for that in our military ranks. I wish him best of luck just not as an Airman.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Oct 28 at 2015 8:22 PM

2015-10-28T20:22:02-04:00

If he is going to lie about receiving a combat award how many more tales will he tell and how much will they be exaggerated? Good riddance to a loser, and I would be willing to bet that we have not heard the last of this guy. I would say that he is going to embellish his "war stories" quite nicely over time.

Response by MSgt John Carroll made Oct 28 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-10-28T21:06:15-04:00

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes

Response by SSgt Kristi Aldridge made Oct 28 at 2015 9:33 PM

2015-10-28T21:33:06-04:00

Stands against everything the military stands for...

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Oct 28 at 2015 10:46 PM

2015-10-28T22:46:29-04:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Integrity is a key in an officers character. Glad that they got rid of him early on.

Response by PVT Ryan P. Quirk made Oct 29 at 2015 12:10 AM

2015-10-29T00:10:06-04:00

Well if he lied about a purple heart. He is an ASS.. or he can try to redeem his honor.. Put him in a combat zone with a nerf gun. Then he can earn it... just a thought

Response by MCPO Steve Spence made Oct 29 at 2015 11:54 AM

2015-10-29T11:54:28-04:00

He should be dropped from OTS and given his walking papers. His next job will probably be with Ronald McDonald

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Oct 29 at 2015 1:27 PM

2015-10-29T13:27:32-04:00

Perfect and glad they 86'd the sorry individual before he could taint the service.

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Oct 29 at 2015 2:36 PM

2015-10-29T14:36:58-04:00

Is not only that!

In today's AVM it appears that Medals are given for attendance to whatever, just for having step there somewhere.

General Eisenhower wore few medals, MacArthur often wear none. Both men spent more than 30 years in the Service and WON a War and Major battles. Nowadays I see even Females under the age of 30 with 10 yrs or less in the AVM wearing more medals than them. What's up with that?

Petraus uniform had no room for more; what war did he win, what major battle if any? Back in the good old days, my 35 yrs old DS in BCT, twice in Nam, claimed to be one of the most decorated NCO's in Post. And still he wore less medals than many of the females aforementioned. The Post Commander then, a West Pointer, Korean and Nam Vet twice also wore half the medals I've seen in many twenty something NCO's. To me at least something just doesn't click.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-10-29T17:52:27-04:00

What a clown. Why lie about awards?
Integrity, Service, Excellence?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 29 at 2015 7:01 PM

2015-10-29T19:01:58-04:00

People lie to gain something, to increase self importance, and to feel relevant in their environment.

Response by 2LT Earl Dean made Oct 29 at 2015 11:03 PM

2015-10-29T23:03:03-04:00

I here a lot about Stolen Valor and that its some sore of crime yet I never hear of anyone ever facing the music unless its a vet that stands up and tells them off! Is there or isnt there a law about it? If there is why are these ass-holes not paying for their lies and thief of Valor?

Response by COL Charles Williams made Oct 29 at 2015 11:07 PM

2015-10-29T23:07:06-04:00

Values are A number 1 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member. I had not heard this, but it is unfortunately too common. This dude got what he deserved. I hope they court martial him as well.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Oct 30 at 2015 2:00 PM

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

First response is HELL NO!!!

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Oct 30 at 2015 7:34 PM

2015-10-30T19:34:43-04:00

I will also add the following follow-up article from the Air Force Times.
http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/10/27/ssgt-expelled-from-ots-over-purple-heart-claims/74618464/

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 8:11 PM

2015-10-30T20:11:59-04:00

Nowadays, more than half the population think highly of the military, so military service is revered. Possibly also because such a small percentage has served, there is a lot of deference given.

I went to a veteran's hiring fair a few months ago, and one of the presenters was a Vietnam vet who mentioned that for a long time he didn't tell anyone he was a veteran. Once you know how badly people were treated, you can understand why.

Conversely, it bothers me when people downplay Vietnam vets purple vets. Most of us were not there to see what did or didn't happen. I don't think most people go looking for these types of awards.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Nov 2 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-11-02T12:31:37-05:00

He does not have the integrity for either commissioning OR enlisted in my branch of service..... I suspect that no other branch wants this type of person either.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 2:26 PM

2015-11-02T14:26:03-05:00

In my 3 1/2 years in I've heard tons of false stories about deployment pasts. People for get the service is small. Others will eventually figure out that you're full of it. I've heard individuals avoid telling the truth about combat experience and receiving a CAB/CIB. Never a Purple Heart though. Really immature thing to do. I'd have to know him to make the judgement call though. He may be a solid person that said something stupid.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-11-04T09:59:01-05:00

I would think he wanted the attention of being a Purple Heart recipient, but never thought about his records being checked. Bad move no matter how you look at it!

Response by CPT Tamara Brewer made Jul 13 at 2017 4:08 AM

2017-07-13T04:08:46-04:00

No, he should not ..

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 13 at 2018 2:26 PM

2018-01-13T14:26:48-05:00

Unfortunately "boiling in hot oil" or "tar and feather" are no longer excepted practices. Although being in the AF the whole "Tar and feather," seems so fitting!