Posted on Nov 18, 2014
Maj Stephen Parsons, PhD
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Has anyone else run across a civilian posing as a vet to get discounts (Home Depot/Lowes)? What did you do? Do you let them continue or do you correct the situation?
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Responses: 21
SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
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Maj Stephen Parsons, PhD CW5 (Join to see) SGT Richard H. PO1 (Join to see) SSgt Nicholas Sherwood SSgt (Join to see) SGT Michael Glenn Sir, Chief, and fellow NCOs, I shop at Home Depot and Lowes in my community and am always asked to present my ID which I do. Proudly I might add. If I were to see someone who was a faker attempting to gain the benefit of a discount at one of these stores, I would call them out on it and also make the cashier and management aware. Further, I would probably request law enforcement be called as in my opinion, this is theft by deception. A small monetary amount, probably, but I would gladly sign that complaint.
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
MSgt (Join to see)
10 y
Amen brother!
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
10 y
Good call.
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CWO3 Bryan Luciani
CWO3 Bryan Luciani
10 y
In order to save time with a post of my own, let's just say I would absolutely follow SFC Finck's example to the letter.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SGM Erik Marquez
10 y
Stolen valor is only chargeable if something of value is obtained. So that said, yes if I observed a person fraudulently receiving something of value by faking service, Id likely follow it up. But the mentally ill ones that do it for attention? Nope, no recognition what so ever. That is what they NEED to validate those chose to pretend. And it is my observation they care not if the attention is positive or negative..so any attention given to them is playing into their game...Ignore them and make them irrelevant.
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CW5 Desk Officer
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Maj Stephen Parsons, PhD, I think the right thing to do would be to correct the situation.

I wonder how they can pose as vets? Any time I've asked for a military/veteran discount at those stores, an ID card is required. I guess slicksters could talk their way around that requirement.

If confronting the individual is a problem (and I could understand that), I would at least let management know it's going on.
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Maj Stephen Parsons, PhD
Maj Stephen Parsons, PhD
10 y
Scott, I agree that if you feel comfortable approaching the individual I recommend that approach. If not absolutely let management know of what happened, and yes it is/was a "slickster" talking a good game and the clerk not ID'ing them. Thanks for the comment!
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PO1 William Bargar
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Edited 10 y ago
Although it would be very tough to enforce........The ONLY TRUE WAY to enforce is show PROOF OF SERVICE. Certified copy of DD-214, or military ID. (Not sure if a VA ID card would be sufficient enough). But if caught......Make it a MISDEMEANOR, "mandatory jail time" and have them serve some type of community service that benefits Military Veterans & their families. And repay back all restitution. A mark on the record FOREVER!
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MAJ Michael Scharff
MAJ Michael Scharff
10 y
Maybe list them in the local paper as well!
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