Stolen Valor

[Joe Wiecked]

I don't remember my tech classes class numbers, but boot camp, 1991 Co 228 Great lakes. Started June 29 1991, graduated Oct 1, 1991, Flew out on leave on Oct 3, 1991 before going to tech school. There are key things you don't forget. His rate has 0 to do with anything once you become a Seal, so not something to "lock away in a deep dark place".

BUDS really is a 2nd much much more intensive boot camp. You will not forget that. The percentage of people who wash out is so high that it is a huge honor to make it through. I have personally known a few who did not make it through. 2 due to injuries, one because he couldn't handle it. These guys did not forget a single detail of the experience. I also worked with Seals, Marine Recon, and other SF while in the Navy. We were a spec op boat and dropped them off at sea while submerged more than once to pick them up a few days later. These guys knew every detail of every mission that they had ever been on. They commanded a respect from the rest of us that I cannot even describe without saying a single word about it.

[exlude]

Who cares? As long as they aren't defrauding anyone, call his bullshit and don't converse further with him.

Servicemembers in particular forget that at least part of the reason they fight is to protect freedom...including the freedom to wear what you want and lie about it (again, as long as you aren't defrauding someone). Some of those recent "call outs" make me cringe at the service member more than the fraud.

[Joe Wiecked]

Actually Stolen Valor is a felony. Those who actually served it really bothers us, even us non special forces pukes.

Reading that link I found that Marcus Luttrell’s BUDS class was the same number as my boot camp number. Kinda odd and spooky for some reason to me.

[exlude]

Actually Stolen Valor is a felony. Those who actually served it really bothers us, even us non special forces pukes.

Stolen Valor in itself is not a felony, only the defrauding for gain portion.

[ceyko]

In my opinion it is a serious character flaw and speaks of this person's integrity. Yeah, maybe you can't do shit about it legally - but at least you'll know wtf you're dealing with. Plain and simple a piece of shit.

I remember my boot camp platoon, but am a little fuzzy for AIT stuff. I remember all my platoons, companies, brigades ...etc from active duty and reserves though. I'd find it hard to believe if you're a seal you would forget those details.

[Joe Wiecked]

Stolen Valor in itself is not a felony, only the defrauding for gain portion.

You are correct, the amended version (2013) does require a tangible benefit. Still in the law though is a misdemeanor for wearing any military decoration or award while claiming to have earned it.

[Binky]

I was at Lockhart paying for my meal when the cashier noticed I used a USAA card. She started to thank me for my service and I corrected her. It felt so wrong to just let someone roll with that, even it was so minor.

I can't imagine going out of your way with dressup and making elaborate stories about it.

[exlude]

I was at Lockhart paying for my meal when the cashier noticed I used a USAA card. She started to thank me for my service and I corrected her. It felt so wrong to just let someone roll with that, even it was so minor.

I can't imagine going out of your way with dressup and making elaborate stories about it.

I think it's safe to say a lot of the stolen valor people have some extent of a mental disorder.

[Rick Modena]

She started to thank me for my service and I corrected her. It felt so wrong to just let someone roll with that, even it was so minor.

Yup, same here, I get that shit a lot. I just smile and tell them I'm not military, but thanks for recognizing and asking.

[Forever_frost]

I was Army Infantry and remember every and all pertinent details, and that was almost 20 years ago.

He's a fucking liar.

Yep, I remember my basic training unit and I have a TBI. You scream it every single day, multiple times. Echo, 2/54 Mailed Foot, Infantry leads the way hooah. Every fucking day.

[davbrucas]

I don't know. Granted I wasn't in spec ops, but I don't remember my class numbers from basic or tech school. Hell I have to think pretty hard to remember my squadrons at that time. Some people have a shitty memory about shit like that.

There's a ton of shit that I have forgotten...either by accident or on purpose.

[cobrajet69]

I was at Lockhart paying for my meal when the cashier noticed I used a USAA card. She started to thank me for my service and I corrected her. It felt so wrong to just let someone roll with that, even it was so minor.

I can't imagine going out of your way with dressup and making elaborate stories about it.

Similar story:

I occasionally where my [now deceased] brother's army fatigue jacket that he wore over in Germany as an Apache Crew Chief. I was so proud of him for what he had gone through to get where he was, and will wear it in his honor.

Well, one day in Walmart, a guy and his family passed by and he turned and said "thank you for your service sir". I was a little caught off guard and was hesitant on how to react. Think he even noticed that.

Anyway, I responded with "well, it's actually my brother's. He earned the right to wear it, I just do so to honor him but I'm sure he'd appreciate your kind words, thanks!".

It was a little awkward.



David

[Joe Wiecked]

David, your response and wear is completely acceptable to me. You are not claiming any service.

[90MarkVII]

Call him out and shame him in public as well as on line.

[stephen4785]

Seems like 1 out of 10 guys I met in the oilfield claimed to be some sort of special forces. I had a lead mechanic tell me his military career went like this-@16 joined the army>became an army ranger>told he was too much of a badass and was forced to join the navy>became a navy seal>taught navy seal training(buds instructor)>would be specially flown in to rescue trapped/pinned down seal teams>now he works in the oilfield full time and does executive protection on the weekend or fly's dignitaries in his helicopter(s) or plane(s).