If you caught a fake soldier begging for money, would you confront him like this?

2015-06-03T12:03:35-04:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBG9N3qafvA&feature=youtu.be

Is a confrontation appropriate? Could any action or engagement of the beggar reflect poorly on the veteran?

Stolen Valor Fake Outed In Gretna, Nebraska Begging For Money

This was filmed by a Veteran of OEF who served in both the Corps and the Army. He is currently serving in the reserves, and also a truck driver. He came acro...

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 3 at 2015 12:04 PM

2015-06-03T12:04:13-04:00

No. There are far too many frauds trying to get respect for things they never did to waste time correcting them. If one were to take on the job of correcting them it would become a career.

"1,713,823 of those who served in Vietnam were still alive as of August,1995 (census figures).

During that same Census count, the number of Americans falsely claiming to have served in-country was: 9,492,958."

And this was for an unpopular war.

http://www.nationalvietnamveteransfoundation.org/statistics.htm

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 3 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-06-03T12:07:04-04:00

not that way but I would confront him.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 3 at 2015 12:08 PM

2015-06-03T12:08:20-04:00

I'd confront, but not in a manner to draw attention or cause embarassment. I will insist he stop however and ifhe frequents a specific establishment I'd let them know he isn't in fact a servicemember.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 3 at 2015 12:16 PM

2015-06-03T12:16:28-04:00

He mentioned that his friend was the manager or owner of the store he was in. I would also confront him and ask him why he is allowing this in his store?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 12:30 PM

2015-06-03T12:30:22-04:00

In a heartbeat!! It disgusts me to see people who are obviously looking to benefit from wearing the uniform.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 3 at 2015 12:35 PM

2015-06-03T12:35:36-04:00

I actually feel bad for him. Not sure why but I do. I am just glad he didn't start crying...because he looked like he was going to.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Jun 3 at 2015 12:35 PM

2015-06-03T12:35:50-04:00

Sounds like the guy might have son mental health issues, so I'm not sure how I would deal with him without having all the info

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Jun 3 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-06-03T12:53:36-04:00

I would confront in a tactful and professional way. There is a level of mental illness involved, especially with the character in this video. He's a habitual Stolen Valor thief and more...

http://guardianofvalor.com/miles-shoumake-busted-twice-on-video-for-stolen-valor-is-career-criminal-and-sex-offender/

Miles Shoumake, Busted Twice On Video For Stolen Valor is Career Criminal And Sex Offender

Fort Riley, Kansas/Gretna, Nebraska - Several days ago we posted a video featuring a Veteran calling out a fake at a Flying J in Gretna, Nebraska. The guy in the video claimed to be an Army SGT that just returned home. The Veteran called him out, and people were still thanking the fake Vet for his service. One patron at the Flying J even gave him money towards the end of the video. The Veteran told us after the filming, the police were...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 12:57 PM

2015-06-03T12:57:44-04:00

Well, the real veteran did threathen the mentally disfunctional dude. I think following him around and telling people he is a fake would have been enough. Most police still have no clue that this is an actual crime.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-06-03T13:01:04-04:00

Idk, I think its wrong in certain aspects like if you are receiving acclaim or being used as an advisor on military information then yes, but if you go on youtube and see these guys harrassing kids for wearing old BDU's or ACU's with nothing on them then i believe it tends to be a bit rediculous. Just another example of those of us who take things a bit too seriously and our looking for our "15 mins of youtube fame". just my opinion everyone is entitled to their own.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 3 at 2015 3:44 PM

2015-06-03T15:44:15-04:00

Being homeless is tough enough. If the guy was looking for a handout, I think I'd pull him to the side explain what he's done wrong in a less confrontational manner. You have to feel out each situation.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 3 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-06-03T16:12:04-04:00

He is so pathetic I don't know if I should laugh or get angry.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 4 at 2015 2:08 AM

2015-06-04T02:08:25-04:00

Reading through the previous posts, I see a common theme: This man is suffering some form of mental illness. But, how many of us are medically qualified to make that assessment? While we can see the obvious flaws in the uniform, the average civilian sees a true American hero. Where we see a guy we'd like to give a throat-punch, others see an opportunity to help out a vet. Is this guy crazy? Yep... crazy like a fox. To this, I don't see diplomacy rectifying the issue.