What are your thoughts on "stolen valor hunters" and their drive to find cases?

2016-05-17T12:41:16-04:00

I was reading another thread regarding potential case of "stolen valor", and noticed many comments that seem to push back against the tide of people hunting for stolen valor. So what are your thoughts on "stolen valor", and perhaps more SPECIFICALLY "stolen valor hunters" and their drive to find such cases?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 12:43 PM

2016-05-17T12:43:51-04:00

We who served know what we earned. No need to expend the energy to hunt down those that didn't earn theirs. They have to live with being a paper soldier!

Response by PO1 Edward Spencer made May 17 at 2016 12:45 PM

2016-05-17T12:45:27-04:00

While I find the practice of Stolen Valor absolutely despicable, it seems to me like there are those who are getting way, way out of hand, to the point of being almost rabid, when it comes to try and discredit anybody who appears in uniform or relates a story from their time in service. And in some ways, that can be even worse than some mentally ill idiot throwing on a thrift store-bought uniform and outfitting it with a ridiculous collection of insignia and Ebay awards.

Response by SGT David T. made May 17 at 2016 12:51 PM

2016-05-17T12:51:06-04:00

I think it's a witch hunt honestly. For every person they legitimately out, how many bona fide veterans are they accusing and ruining their lives? None of us should EVER have to justify what we did in the service to anyone. A big part of why I hide being a veteran is because of the idiots trying to out people and cause a scene. If I go out, I want to do what I need to do and go home. I don't need to waste my time trying defend myself from people who feel a need to stoke their egos in this manner. Even look at the term itself. Nothing is stolen. Valor is an act not something tangible. It cannot be stolen or degraded by anything anyone else says or does. I am not defending the liars mind you. I am only stating that the hunt to out them is causing way more problems than it solves.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 17 at 2016 12:59 PM

2016-05-17T12:59:50-04:00

The backlash I've seen relates more to the hunters calling out and berating a legitimate Vet. Bottom line, I don't care to go on a stolen valor crusade, knowing some do. However, it's the over reactions out there that give all Vets a bad PR problem.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 1:00 PM

2016-05-17T13:00:31-04:00

What I've earned was minimal, I'm proud of it, and don't give it much thought, and I certainly don't pay much attention to what the "other guy" has. I do know that my own records got screwed up at one point. Time alters memories and blurs the lines...I bet if I had to put together Service Dress White tomorrow, I'd have to look up which order my ribbons and medals go in. For some reason, we seem to think that there's no difference between a genuine fraud, using false claims to get support, profit or sympathy...and an old infantryman who did a tour in Vietnam putting an Air Cav patch on his motorcycle jacket...or a young guy who did a tour in Iraq who puts a "morale" patch on his hat he was too dumb to know was the "unofficial" emblem of a SEAL team.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made May 17 at 2016 1:01 PM

2016-05-17T13:01:54-04:00

what is really getting on my nerves is how pissed off people are getting - to the point that they are using "stolen valor" as a justification to lose any sense of deceny, decorum, professionalism, etc.
I am starting to think that some of these supposed valor-defending rangers are really looking for a few minutes of fame, as indicated by the need to put it on youtube.
how you react to stolen valor says a lot about your maturity...and if it involves "whooping his ass" that says a lot about your judgement.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-05-17T13:02:21-04:00

I don't like it when untrained or unseasoned people "Hunt" and seek out Stolen Valor Folks. Let the people at Guardian's of Valor do their thing. They know what they are doing and how to do it.

Response by CPL Robert Ray made May 17 at 2016 1:36 PM

2016-05-17T13:36:43-04:00

There are some individuals that need to be called out, some that need to be asked and others that just need to be left alone. Unless you know which is which, I think it's best to STFU. I know for me, I very seldom feel the need to say something.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 1:44 PM

2016-05-17T13:44:46-04:00

I hate stolen valor. Outted a fake CMSgt last year myself. Had some support and also some critics but after people started digging it was pretty clear.

Search for "Colleen A. Jeffries" and you'll find it.

Response by SN Greg Wright made May 17 at 2016 1:48 PM

2016-05-17T13:48:56-04:00

I said this some time ago in one of these threads: I'd rather let 10 fake asshats have their fake valor, than to wrongly accuse an actual vet of stolen valor (which we've seen growing incidents of).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 2:49 PM

2016-05-17T14:49:27-04:00

I, for one, dislike the civilian hunters that have never served making stolen valor their "life's work". It smacks of personality disorder to me. There will always be posers, they are no protected by law unless they profit by their fraud. Embellishment is a very different kind of problem among those that do or did serve. "Exposing" the records of a deceased veteran who cannot defend themselves is shameful.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made May 17 at 2016 3:36 PM

2016-05-17T15:36:58-04:00

If you want a real laugh look up Steve "SNAKE EYES" Jordan, I believe he has promoted himself to CSM. His stolen valor has reached the highest level of doofishness. Then again I heard his whole deal is just one large troll operation.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made May 17 at 2016 5:28 PM

2016-05-17T17:28:11-04:00

I'm all for going after someone who is benefiting (govt benefits, fraud, etc.) from stolen valor.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made May 17 at 2016 6:18 PM

2016-05-17T18:18:00-04:00

I am definitely not in favor of "stolen valor" but I think in some cases people are getting too carried away trying to discredit people.

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/05/17/army-investigating-we-were-soldiers-legend-for-inflating-award.html#.Vzr0Pl4M6cU.twitter

Army Investigating 'We Were Soldiers' Legend for Inflating Awards

The U.S. Army is investigating allegations that the late Command Sgt. Major Basil Plumley wore unauthorized combat and valor awards.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 17 at 2016 7:23 PM

2016-05-17T19:23:43-04:00

For one thing it is a Misnomer "Stolen Valor". Just who did he steal it from. Just because some Numb Nuts want to dress up and play Soldier he doesn't steal any Honor from me, He is not stealing it from you. In this day and Age when some Media have actually won court cases allowing them to Lie calling it part of the 1st Amendment, how is this any different. If FOX can call Opinions, Facts, Johnny Dumbass can say he fought in the "Great War".

Response by PO2 Earl Ethier made May 18 at 2016 9:45 AM

2016-05-18T09:45:29-04:00

0.45% of Americans fought in GWoT, if they are not benefiting from it, I don't care- not everyone has what it takes to enlist and serve during 2 concurrent wars- many civilians; for what ever reason; couldn't or didn't serve. I would rather have someone want to be a SM than someone who cares more about the Kardashians. How ever I don't condone SM's misrepresenting their service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 11:32 AM

2016-05-18T11:32:30-04:00

Stolen Valor, to me, cheapens the awards and why they are given. However, I do not see the point of actively hunting people down and exposing them. If they are running for office of course. If they are getting a free meal on Vet's day I would say something to them. If they were walking around in uniform, that was obviously wrong, I would do as I would do for ANY Soldier I saw on or off post, and make the corrections.

Until police will actually apprehend someone, its kind of counterproductive.

Response by SPC John Decker made May 18 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-05-18T13:09:08-04:00

Most of the cases I have heard about, have been discovered because something is wrong or out of place on the uniform. The perpetrators tend to not carry themselves appropriately. The idea of spending time looking for them gives them more value than the really have. Individuals and groups that interact with veterans and service members know what to look for.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 1:40 PM

2016-05-18T13:40:48-04:00

The only thing they get from me is pity. How awful it must be to feel the need to fabricate a military career to feel better about themselves. You're talking about lifetime underachievers and some folks with incredible insecurity coupled with a complete lack of integrity. What an abysmal existence they must have. I don't see the need to kick them in the face about it.

Response by PO3 Ellsworth Allen Westgate made May 18 at 2016 1:49 PM

2016-05-18T13:49:06-04:00

Living close to the Mexican boarder I see " MX Illegals posing as Veterans all the time" asking for handouts or maybe they're a Veteran of the Mexican Military and don't explain that on there ' HELP A VETERAN" standing on the corner of Wal-Mart in the USA ?
I just ignore it anymore - you know what you earned and have been awarded , its a shame that Valor does get impersonated, there's to much of it happening to catch those who disrespect awards like they do. I just hope it doesn't effect the benefits of real USA Veterans who deserve there benefits .

Response by SGT Randel Pruett made May 18 at 2016 2:04 PM

2016-05-18T14:04:54-04:00

Stolen Valor Hunters must have damaged egos. You don't have to hunt to find it, we know what's what when we see it. The problem is when these Posers use it for monetary gain and detract from those that earned it. I find the majority of them laughable, enjoy making them squirm and ashamed of themselves.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 2:12 PM

2016-05-18T14:12:41-04:00

I have personal story to share. Sometime late in 2011 I just got back from training refresher EMT course ran at Ft. McCoy for 68Ws. My entire ACU top was drenched with fake blood, but my at that time girlfriend needed help bringing in gifts for Christmas pronto. So I basically having no time to change, I was outside of the mall kind of out of the uniform regulations, wearing civilian red and black cold weather jacket with ACU bottoms and combat boots, helping to load the gifts inside the car. Suddenly I was approached by this burly 6'3 250 pound looking pound of muscles who looked at me intensively and basically yelled. Sir, are you a civilian? I replied. "No I am not." He said "Then why the hell are you wearing civvies with ACUs?" I calmly as I could explained to him that my ACU top is laying in the car drenched in fake blood and there was nothing else at the moment I could wear. He asked to see my ID, with a bit more of gruff demeanor, seemingly more irritated. I showed him my military ID. Keep in mind I was concealed carry permit holder and fully armed with .45 caliber pistol. I am only 5'7 and at that time 149 lb. to this 6'3 250 lbs. muscle tower who is harassing me if not about Stolen Valor, then about how I look like soup sandwich, basically breathing in my face, towering over me. Obviously with my hand going instinctively to the back of my holster this could of turned out pretty bad, but the guy apparently got convinced and said again "Specialist, why the hell are you out of the uniform?" I again explained to the meathead that I just got back from the drill that very day and ran to mall parking lot since my girlfriend needed help and my ACU top is covered in fake blood. The guy murmured something about shitbags and such but let it go. So I guess that was happy ending, aside of me being a bit of the soup provoking soup sandwich (not voluntarily). I think that calling out Valor Thieves is good thing, but not in angry or aggressive manner is good thing. Like for example the guy who made the video of Yetman (fake Army Ranger in the mall) asking him basic military knowledge questions he was struggling with and pointing out his utter shabbiness in the uniform. But like the situation I was in, basically confronting someone aggressively could lead to some pretty bad situations for both veteran(s) and the Valor Thief doing something regretful.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 18 at 2016 4:57 PM

2016-05-18T16:57:25-04:00

I guess some have merit. But the so called "military historians", such as the one trying to discredit CSM Plumley based on conclusions from half information and misunderstood information from over 70 years ago is just plain wrong. Especially after he is deceased and unable to defend himself.

Response by SPC James Anderson made May 18 at 2016 7:35 PM

2016-05-18T19:35:32-04:00

Ya stolen valor sucks, it pisses me off to the core of my being. Then I take a deep breath and realize how sad these individuals are and that they will never know the pride and honor of true service to country and comrades. Now I just lean back and laugh, even window lickers get to enjoy Halloween !

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 6:49 AM

2016-05-19T06:49:21-04:00

I don't care if you want to act like something you're not. If you talk to me about your "secret missions" and all the cool stuff you did and it's obviously a lie, I may call you out on it or I may just ignore you. But I'm not going to waste my time filming it and posting it to the internet. I have way more things I could be doing with my time...anything at all!

Response by Cpl Mark Crabtree made May 19 at 2016 10:00 AM

2016-05-19T10:00:06-04:00

I think a lot of the "Stolen Valor Hunters" Are getting out of hand. I never believe that any of these "Paper Tigers" Have detracted from my service or any of the people I served with. Is it dishonorable? Yes of course it is, still doesn't change what any of us has done in the service of this country. Also remember imitation is the best form of flattery so I am told.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 12:44 PM

2016-05-19T12:44:30-04:00

Considering DC has turned the military into its PC PR toy... you think they would care about their image enough to prevent people from falsely representing their organization.

If I put on a marine uniform, walk into a movie theater, get front and center, and start doing the helicopter with my penis.... everyone in that theater will look at this shmuck "representing" the marines...

Response by MSG Pat Colby made May 19 at 2016 3:54 PM

2016-05-19T15:54:38-04:00

That Shipley guy that busts out Navy Seals is an arrogant jerk. I've watched several of his videos and his self-inflated ego is a severe distraction to the people he busts out. Granted, he does validate some claims but he does the videos for his own ego.

True story ~
One afternoon a few years ago, I was sitting at the bar with 4-5 other regulars. It's a very small town. Some random dude came in and started talking about he was on Army/Military assignment in a neighboring town. He claimed to be there doing Security background checks. The more he talked, the bigger the stories became of his qualifications and schooling. Of course he was an Airborne Ranger among other things. I just blew it all off until the Ranger part. I started asking questions and he gave all the wrong answers. Freaking idiot didn't know what an SF-86 was nor what EPSQ stood for. For a "Security Clearance Expert", he didn't have a clue about anything. I also blew his Airborne Ranger claims out of the water. I didn't go searching for him but I damn sure told him to GTFO of the bar and don't come back. He left a full drink at the bar as he left with his tail between his legs. I got a free beer for chasing him out of the bar. Never saw him again...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 4:06 PM

2016-05-19T16:06:45-04:00

I don't go out of my way, but I've had a few show up at my local watering hole, and they made a scene, contacted me, or were otherwise a nuisance to the point past my patience and I putted them. That being said, I didn't cause a scene. I would quietly call them over to a corner, ask them a few clarifying questions to establish if they were fakes, and would explain how their behavior was highly offensive to me and my fellow vets in the room, and ask them to reconsider. I would mention them to my friends so they knew what was up. That's it. There's a right way of doing things and there's a wrong way. Going ham on some idiot wins nobody's honor. If you must correct a situation, then do so with the level of professionalism afforded to a veteran such as yourself. Show them what it means to be a veteran.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2016 12:28 AM

2016-05-29T00:28:33-04:00

She should have been put in jail immediately! !