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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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".