Posted on Aug 15, 2015
PO3 Danielle Sandlin
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How should the situation of Stolen Valor be handled? What is a fair punishment?

I believe if you have the guts to pretend that you were this or that in the military then you should have to serve!
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Responses: 17
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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There is a line between admiration (someone wearing a patch as a fan) and stolen valor, I believe it is easy to tell those with ill intent based on the behaviors exhibited.

For those with stolen valor, public humiliation has to happen for starters. Calling out the ones that are truly attempting to use unearned awards/decorations/promotions for personal gain is a must.
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PO3 Danielle Sandlin
PO3 Danielle Sandlin
9 y
I absolutely agree. Public humiliation is a great start. What about those who actually have received benefits from different charities etc? What should happen to them?
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
MSgt (Join to see)
9 y
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
Very good points and a different perspective. I have always felt someone wearing a hat or patch even though they didn't serve. The same as wearing your favorite sports teams gear. Just another way to show support. Who wouldn't want to be associated somehow with the greatest force on earth.
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1SG Dave Arpin
1SG Dave Arpin
9 y
I'm in agreement that it should be punished but it may be a long time in coming before it is enforced by the civilian authorities. It would have to be enforced as a federal law as it would probably take forever to get a law passed through the state governments and then it would be morphed into something different for each state. I believe a clause would have to be included that if the stolen valor is committed by a veteran or just a civilian: one knows better, the other is just ignorant. My two cents.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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The old fashioned way (from "Men of Honor"). Substitute "valor" for "a pie" and Times Square for the Navy Yard and I think we have a working solution.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe2c6vZrNnU
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SGT Christopher Churilla
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For the civilians who attempt it, rather than sentencing them to jail, I'd have them serve out their term at a VA hospital.

For those within our ranks, I'd say the severity of the offense dictates the punishment, but off the top of my head, I'd say a demotion, maybe a permanent flag against promotion, or maybe a dishonorable discharge.
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PO3 Danielle Sandlin
PO3 Danielle Sandlin
9 y
Thank you for your input, I agree with what punishments you dictated. Great ideas!
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PO1 John Miller
PO1 John Miller
9 y
SGT Christopher Churilla
I agree as well! When I was a young and (very) stupid E-3, I bought a bunch of ribbons and assembled them into a rack that would have made me look like a frigging war hero. I was going home on leave shortly and planned on wearing them to impress my family and "girls." However integrity soon got the better of me and I trashed the ribbon rack without it ever touching my uniform.
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