Stolen Valor-Do you think it goes against the perpetrators "freedom of speech" to make it illegal to wear military uniforms and medals?

SGT Jonathon Caldwell — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 21:38:47 -0500

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 9:40 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 21:40:41 -0500

Long as they don't try and get anything because of it like VA benefits or discounts etc... just think its weird.

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 22 at 2016 9:41 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 21:41:25 -0500

All for freedom of speech - dressing up in a uniform or putting on medals is an action - much like driving drunk, robbing bank, and so on so no

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 9:45 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 21:45:29 -0500

Is it a mental health issue? Is your life so bad you have to steal the Honor of others?

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 22 at 2016 9:46 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 21:46:56 -0500

I think about 3 real Vets following a maggot around with signs would likewise be an expression of free speech. But for the most part they aren't worth the effort until they try to obtain a benefit from it. You'll find a "I'm Somebody Wannabe" on most any Main Street. Like litter, they fade into the background.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 22 at 2016 10:26 PM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 22:26:33 -0500

Doing so, even merely claiming service and awards in order to get tangible benifits is fraud. And is punishably by the Stolen Valor Act of 2013. In my opinion fraudulendy wearing a uniform and trying to pass yourself as military, even if you arent solicity funds needs to be punished as a misdemeanor. Australia charges people with the crime "impersonationg an officer of the commonweallth". By putting on a uniform you alsao have the potential to assume the authority of a servivemember. While this may not seem like much, think abou the power the National Guard has in emergencies/

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 10:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 22:27:05 -0500

I do not think "Stolen Valor" means what you think it means.

More to the point, the law is written to say that it is illegal to obtain goods and services only offered to veterans if you are not, in fact, a veteran; it does NOT say that it is illegal for civilians to buy all the military uniforms and accoutrements they want to and walk around acting like they are some kind of heroes. I think it is highly important to clear up that misunderstanding, as there have been several *actual* veterans publicly berated and verbally abused by other veterans who were way too overzealous on this stolen valor thing.

It might be highly offensive to those of us in the veteran community for sad little assholes to impersonate service members, but legally speaking, as long as they aren't getting free or discounted goods and services because of it, then it's their constitutionally guaranteed right "speak" in that manner.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Feb 22 at 2016 10:28 PM

LTC Ed Ross — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 22:28:10 -0500

The sure way to spot the legitimate vet from the phony one is real vets would never wear all this in civilian attire. The common accepted practice is to wear the lapel pin for the highest award received. I wear my Silver Star lapel pin on my suit or sport jacket. When anyone asks me why, I tell the it's a reminder. It reminds me of all the comrades I lost in combat and it reminds me that no matter how bad things may get today, they won't get that bad. I don't do it to say look at me, I'm a decorated veteran.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 22 at 2016 10:30 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 22:30:17 -0500

Let's say that we make stolen valor an illegal act. What sort of punishment would be appropriate? I think this question merits its own discussion thread (and I'm going to post it as soon as I'm finished here because I believe that the answer to that may lead to the answer you're looking for)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 10:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 22:45:39 -0500

My opinion here. These people are simply seeking attention and perhaps some validation. For whatever their reasons may be. While their right to pose as us is debated by many, what expression of speech are they really expressing? That they wish they could be us? They wish they had made better life choices? They don't like who looks back at them in the mirror? I doubt we'll ever know. Obviously conducting themselves this way for personal benefit should always be criminal. However, didn't you work your ass off for your awards? Didn't most of us sacrifice ourselves, our families, and lose brothers in the process of earning some of those awards we don with pride and honor and integrity? Why shouldn't it be a crime for them to wear our well earned uniform and awards? Because it's their right under the 1St amendment? Where's our right to maintain the honor of said awards and medals? I for one have been challenged for my decorations. These people have made it unbelievable that anyone might have actually earned what they wear. I have gotten to where 1) I do not wear the uniform unless required and I limit how much public exposure I get. 2) if I am in the dress blues I keep a 2 inch blue binder with proof of my awards nearby. People who don't know any better and don't know a correct uniform, assume it's a fake. Should these fakers really be able to get away with it? Last I checked it is a crime to impersonate a law enforcement officer. An honorable profession for most. Uniform. Authority. Image of professionalism. I believe their actions of false Valor exceed that 1St amendment right as it was intended.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Feb 22 at 2016 11:19 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 23:19:57 -0500

I only have a problem if the people did not actually earn what they are wearing. Some of the people that wear medals, etc. actually did earn them and I have no problem with them wearing them.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 11:31 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 23:31:02 -0500

OK, a Vietnam, Korea, or Desert Storm hat with a couple of pins on it. Lots of old timers do it, because it was a high point in their lives. Wearing of the "civilian class A's" is a bit on the ridiculous side. Do I see a bayonet bar hanging beneath the Expert bolo badge? C'mon man, at least put your rank on. Oh, and I don't see any SEAL team 6 stuff.......

Response by Bill Kim made Feb 23 at 2016 1:58 AM

Bill Kim — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 01:58:19 -0500

It's not freedom of speech when these dickwads wear the uniform to get discounts at McDonald's on Veteran's Day or Memorial Day or get into Knott's Berry Farm for free. People like this need to be throat punched until you can feel vertebrae. It sickens me. There's a difference between my daughter wearing my old BDU blouse out and about and some worthless twat trying to pass him/herself off as an active duty GI wearing a full uniform (badly most of the time) trying to get free shit.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 2:47 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 02:47:29 -0500

I don't think it ha anything to do with freedom of speech, it has to do with misrepresentation. It's like someone walking around a hospital in scrubs or white coat and stethoscope. A person doing that is portraying a profession. A soldier is also a professional. Why is it ok for dressing as one but not the other. Hell what do I know?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 23 at 2016 6:29 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 06:29:19 -0500

NO. The sleazy low life rats didn't earn them. I wear only the ribbons and medals awarded to me, and no more then that. Those that wear them that never served in the military are only armchair warriors ( watched one too many combat movies).

Response by SGT William Howell made Feb 23 at 2016 8:21 AM

SGT William Howell — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:21:41 -0500

10,000 burpies and a million mountain climbers.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 23 at 2016 8:53 AM

MAJ David Vermillion — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:53:13 -0500

It's wrong to claim to be something you are not, it's false and you aren't being honest with yourself or anyone. How can wrong be right!

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Feb 23 at 2016 9:40 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 09:40:04 -0500

I do think it violates their freedom of speech. It might not seem right, but we have to give the freedom of speech the maximum protection! Freedom of Speech was meant to be just that -no one can tell you what you can say or express. Not just comfortable, patriotic stuff. Part of that freedom is the freedom to disrespect, criticize, insult, and even utter treasonous things. I'm sorry to all the soldiers there, and I agree it is disgraceful, but we cannot compromise the right to expression just because it is offensive.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Feb 23 at 2016 4:34 PM

CW4 Angel C. — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:34:52 -0500

WTF moment lol

Response by Sgt William Coffee made Feb 23 at 2016 4:57 PM

Sgt William Coffee — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:57:53 -0500

I personally think they should all be hanged at dawn. But I am a bit judgemental. Emphasis on the mental.

Response by PO1 Donald Vinson made Feb 24 at 2016 2:19 AM

PO1 Donald Vinson — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:19:34 -0500

My opinion is that not only do it for attention they do it to get sympathy from people who appreciate those who serve and have a heart. They should be prosecuted just like if someone takes on the identity of a police officer.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 8:52 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 08:52:06 -0500

So, since they can wear medals and claim service, I feel I should be able to dress as a cop and carry a gun. I never had training, but since I want to be a cop for the moment, they cannot get my impersonating an officer, though there are laws that prohibit it.

Response by SSG Jane Doe made Feb 24 at 2016 9:44 PM

SSG Jane Doe — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 21:44:44 -0500

I think it should fall under some subcategory of impersonating a soldier, officer, etc. I believe wearing military awards you didn't earn has nothing to do with free speech and should be illegal.

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made Feb 25 at 2016 1:30 PM

SGT Leigh Barton — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 13:30:26 -0500

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. We're being told. " I wish I could be like you". And maybe even "Even though I tried, the service wouldn't take me". When is this bullshit going to end? I don't chastise a child for wearing "cammies" or even one of daddy's medals, or after being told by companion/s "your mamma wears combat boots", "Yeah, doesn't everybody's?". When I see a uniform properly worn, I KNOW IT. As a rule I can also usually tell a veteran even without a uniform. VALOR CANNOT BE "STOLEN", You either have it or you don"t.

Response by SSG Jay OConnor made Feb 25 at 2016 2:27 PM

SSG Jay OConnor — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 14:27:08 -0500

Stolen Valor pisses me off. It should be illegal if they are posing as someone they are not or trying to gain benefits they didn't earn. They rest just need their asses kicked.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Jun 15 at 2018 4:18 PM

MSgt George Cater — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 16:18:10 -0400

No. Not only no, but hell, no.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 4:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 16:19:13 -0400

My whole take on this is they put the time and effort we should make the effort as well and let them in for a period of time. We have a lot of things that needs to be done in the military I am sure they would be used very productively...such examples could be to clean motor pools, building, conduct inventories and the list goes on and on...

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2018 10:11 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 10:11:37 -0400

I feel wearing it as stolen valor is disrespectful but in all honesty, it doesn't matter my life goes on regardless.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2020 12:22 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 00:22:45 -0500

Not one bit. From an HR perspective, someone can lie on their resumé all they want without consequence. But if you lie on an application that is grounds for termination because they lied on a legal document. But morally a lie is a lie regardless of the document heading. These people who wear what they did not earn are not just liars. They are lying on a federal level. Lying about military service to get gain, is fraudulent (on paper) and can be dealt with by a court of law (Depending on gravity of the situation) These people are wearing a resume someone else fought for, bled for, died for. They are lying on a federal level to get gain. Just because it’s not on paper doesn’t mean it’s ok. People need to be held accountable for their actions and the lack thereof.