Stolen valor
The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 makes it a federal offense to make fraudulent claims about military service with the intent of obtaining money, property or other tangible benefits. Persons convicted of this crime are subject to a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
I have been watching a series of online videos lately about Stolen Valor. Former members of the military record these videos as they confront people wearing military uniforms in inappropriate or incorrect ways. These impostors range from an 18-year-old teenager wearing camouflage fatigues with an LA Dodgers baseball cap to an 89-year-old man who has presented himself for years as one of the nation’s most decorated World War II veterans. The latter earning himself numerous community awards, stories in the media and even speaking engagement to veterans’ groups.
During the videos, the actual veteran will ask the impostor about their service and the impostor will begin their lies. The vet will then ask more detailed questions like where did they go through boot camp and if they could see their MOS ID card. The responses from the fakes range from “I don’t remember” to “It is classified.” These frauds look very stupid trying to cover up their lies. The true soldiers then tell the fakes that people have died while serving in those uniforms and it is a disgrace that they are impersonating them. In more cases than not, the phonies never admit their lies and walk away still claiming to be a veteran.
It is very disheartening to watch these encounters. Not only do you feel rage at the impostor, but you also feel sympathy for the veterans who must deal with these sham artists. The gall of these con men makes you wonder if anything in our country is sacred.
One thing I have taken away from these videos is a new found knowledge of how to identify a true veteran in uniform. I have encountered people at the newspaper before who claim to be serving military, but looking back on it now, I know for sure some of them were fakes. Take for instance the time a “marine” came into my office in Paragould claiming he needed help with a bus ticket to get back to base. He was wearing the standard service uniform of a Marine, but was wearing brown boots. Now I know that young man was a fake and I was taken in by his fraud; lesson learned.
I think the men and women who serve and who have served this nation are due the utmost respect. They did something that takes courage and determination, and should be applauded for their actions. Anyone lying about their military service should be ashamed of themselves and hopefully due to the Stolen Valor Act, will now have to pay for their crime.