Posted on Oct 7, 2015
What would motivate an Air Force OTS Candidate to lie about having a Purple Heart?
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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/
http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/10/07/questions-over-purple-heart-claim-derail-ots-commissioning/73459538/
Stolen Valor
Officer Training School (OTS)
Air Force
Purple Heart
Service
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 66
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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
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Stands against everything the military stands for...
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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.
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PO1 Glenn Boucher
The problem I see here is that he is going to use his "veteran" status and tell all kinds of tall tales to those all too willing to hear them, its only going to be actual service members, active, reserve or veteran who will shut him down.
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SSgt (Join to see) 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.
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.
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CMSgt James Nolan
LTC (Join to see) - Yes sir, three things you need: Sense of humor, Thick skin, Integrity. I hate this kid put himself into the position he did, but I am glad that they did not push him back into the enlisted ranks, as that would have been a mistake and bad message to send.
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Pretty sure Walter reed has many bed pans of PH receipiants that need cleaning for his extra duty.
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LTC (Join to see)
That would actually not be a bad idea; when military members use poor judgement (not violations of the law), sometime giving them a detail like that instead of kicking them out would be better; the service member would learn the lesson better without having his/her life ruined. If he wanted to go back in, let him go back as an enlisted airman, give him that detail for a month,( making sure he comprehends how his action is contrary to core values, even though it not illegal. ) then finish out that enlistment with a clean slate; if they do that then allow him to re-apply. ( Sometimes the old brown shoe Army might be more effective, let the 1SG give a mundane detail; instead of an Article 15; it just might not only save the soldiers career but make for a better soldier and person.)
I do think he needs consequences for his action, because, I agree, it does compromise core values, and he was training for a position of high public trust. but given that he did not wear the ribbon, he did not look for material gain, (and perhaps not undeserved recognition in a general sense, it seems like he was playing his friend) and he did apologize, it should allow for some kind of second chance. The consequences should cause him to reflect on the core values and his actions. While i have low tolerance for stolen valor and posers, this situation, I believe, is not quite on that level. We are human and we all do foolish things sometimes.
Goes to show we better be careful what we say on social media, including RP. Ask yourself, is this how you want to public to see you as a professional soldier (airman, etc.)
Note-my response was edited after some further thought on the matter.
I do think he needs consequences for his action, because, I agree, it does compromise core values, and he was training for a position of high public trust. but given that he did not wear the ribbon, he did not look for material gain, (and perhaps not undeserved recognition in a general sense, it seems like he was playing his friend) and he did apologize, it should allow for some kind of second chance. The consequences should cause him to reflect on the core values and his actions. While i have low tolerance for stolen valor and posers, this situation, I believe, is not quite on that level. We are human and we all do foolish things sometimes.
Goes to show we better be careful what we say on social media, including RP. Ask yourself, is this how you want to public to see you as a professional soldier (airman, etc.)
Note-my response was edited after some further thought on the matter.
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SPC (Join to see)
Yea. I think this was more of a "trying to be cool" thing on his part. Your right that he didn't wear it nor try to receive benefit of it besides trying to look cool. I actually think your suggestion would be a much better approach to many poor decision mistakes. (like you said, not illegal) That said specifically to his case. How could he ever lead again with this issue being so public. As a SNCO or Officer not a single one of his subordinates would have confidence or respect for him.
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as to the stolen valor issue......think the boy needs some brig time and a reduction in rank....and a dis honorable discharge.....
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Doesn't this fall under the Stolen Valor law. Should he be prosecuted for it?
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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
Thanks,
Rick
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Did no one check his official file that should have been reviewed before he was accepted into OTS?
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