How can I verify if someone actually served in the military or if they are practicing stolen valor?

I would be careful anymore about filing a copy at the county office a person resides in. That makes the DD214 and ALL the veteran's personal information Public Information.

I agree. A person SayinG they're a veteran is one thing - asking for a veteran or military discount at a retailer... that's another story. Anymore, many stores & restaurants are asking for a document stating the individual is a veteran. And of course, to obtain employment preference as a veteran of the military, employers Do know to ask for a DD 214.

Hard to do especially when you know someone who gave their all

PO2 Robert Carrillo What, exactly, does the idiot blowhard at the bar claiming to be a navy seal ranger take away from your battle buddies? Their sacrifice is neither diminished nor erased.

However, if you dwell on it, you are devoting energy and creating stress - over an idiot blowhard. Spend that energy more productively.

I am NOT a proponent of the Saving Private Ryan philosophy that those of us who survived the battle have to EARN the sacrifice of those who did not. But if you DID want to help nor their sacrifice, do it by doing something GOOD for others or for the nation. Not by wasting your time proving that the idiot is an idiot.

That's just my $0.02.

OR STAY IN YOUR LANE....I BET THIS PERSON WHO POSTED THIS QUESTION ABOVE NEVER GETS SLEEP. THE MILITARY IS NOT YOUR LIFE OR FOREVER...

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM - Even if you feel like you are, even after leaving active service, let it go. If you are on active duty, let it go. It just isn't worth your time. However, as one person was saying, it causes harm . . .
We had a group of "panhandlers" who were slowing traffic down. The local TV news covered their story and one guy who was wearing a BDU shirt said that VA would not help. I emailed the TV station and told them what had to be done to get VA help at the local clinic. They went back and told the panhandlers and offered to carry them down the street. Turned out they were all lying. Funny how they all disappeared and have never returned.

Yep! There are TON of services offered to true veterans anymore. Back in the 70's & 80's, and somewhat in the 90's I don't know that a "military discount" was available anywhere. Those of us who served during Vietnam... well how do you believe We were treated. A soldier did not have to had been IN Vietnam to be treated as if they were by the general public who had strong opinions of the US being there.

Give us the deeets!!!!