Stolen Valor, Will there ever be a law strict enough to stop it?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 20:39:39 -0500

More and more Stolen Valor cases are popping up all over the place, truly becoming an epidemic, for example http://guardianofvalor.com/angelo-otchy-busted-lying-service-arrested-impersonating-police-officer/

Angelo Otchy, Busted For Lying About Service, Arrested For Impersonating A Police Officer

In 2010, Angelo Otchy was caught lying about his service and receiving a medal from officials in Verona for his sacrifice and service. He told people he was the only survivor of an IED that ripped through his vehicle, killing three of his friends. Otchy's uncle, a retired Army Colonel, was the first to call him out on his lies. According to the Star Ledger: The 35-year-old Army veteran told a reporter that day about his three tours of...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 8:51 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 20:51:52 -0500

You can be charged if you get benefits. That much I know/

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 10:43 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 22:43:45 -0500

I invite everyone here to come like my new facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/OIFandOEFVeterans

OIF / OEF Nation

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 2:32 AM

MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 02:32:53 -0500

The law was discussed, however the Supreme Court I believe found it to be unconstitutional (which unfortunately I agree with). Boiled down to Freedom of expression (much like flag burning). Currently they go after people for the fraud they commit when they benefit from its wear in a monetary way (military discounts, etc). Now, they could make it so if you were in the military or a verteran your benefits be stripped away for displaying items you didn't earn. I dealt with a guy here in Ohio who was discharged from his NG POST IN Richmond, IN with a bad conduct discharge which actually means you relinquish the right to wear your uniform at any time, who wore it for Veterans Day or July 4th, parading around for attention AND he was displaying rank greater than the one he held when separated as well as some other accoutremen that he didn't earn. THAT I made a stink of. Basically he, and these others we find, are clowns. I've begun to wonder with the increase in the number of cases we are finding, whether or not we're paying more attention or if people are purposely doing it knowing they will be caught and getting their 15 minutes of fame. Sad I know, but it happens.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 3:57 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 15:57:28 -0400

My opinion on "Stolen Valor"...If they are successfully posing to obtain a gratuity, benefit or reward, then it should be prosecuted for the sake of those deserving. If they are mentally ill, disturbed, or simply lacking enough in self respect or discipline to attempt this for sympathy/identity...correct them with a spirit of being the better person. If it's someone who may be an "old fart" who quit caring about whether or not it's "classy" to wear his jump wings, special forces crest and rank on a biker jacket...tread softly lest you end up in over your head.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2018 3:12 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 15:12:34 -0400

No. Never.