Vets find military records — including Lake candidate — often embellished

Personally, I think embellishment of service records is more wide spread than we know. They're always a SEAL, a Ranger, SF, or their records are sealed, and they have earned the SS, BS, PH, or MOH. Their records never match what the DOD has in their DD-214. Sometimes they even have a cohort who backs them up, or has his own military lie going, and they vouch for each other. The worst part of this Stolen Valor is when some who really cares about us, is scammed out of their money. The worst I've read about was a young boy who sold lemonade whenever he could and made a considerable amount to give to the Wounded Warrior Project. A man posing as a military veteran, stole the kids money, he had worked so hard to get. I know several RP members don't see the big deal, but it is a big deal. I don't like to be lied to and I'm sure you don't either. I don't like to look like a fool because I was scammed, and I'm sure you don't either. These people are bottom feeders and don't care about anyone but themselves. Whether they are Veterans or never served, it puts a black eye on all of us. That's one thing we do not need in these times. IMHO.

Groveland mayoral candidate George Rosario posted a picture on his campaign's Facebook page of himself wearing a hat declaring him "Purple Heart Combat Veteran."

His campaign website also said he had been awarded two Bronze Stars in addition to a Purple Heart while serving in the Army. The problem is, Rosario doesn't have a Purple Heart, which is awarded to soldiers who were killed or injured in battle, nor a Bronze Star, awarded to soldiers who showed heroic or meritorious achievement — let alone two.