What is a proper way to dispose of used clothing with a military logo to prevent stolen valor or poser attempts?

2025-03-13T15:49:55-04:00

After many many conventions, charity events, and reunions, I have accumulated a lot of jackets, hats, shirts, sweatshirts, etc. with military logo on them. Some are very specific. For example, jackets with the logo for the Special Operations Association, Special Forces Association, shirts with my name and rank on them, etc. How do I get rid of them without taking the chance they will be used to enhance someone's Stolen Valor or Poser attempts. I know I am not the only one with this issue.... Any thoughts or ideas on a proper way to dispose of items will be appreciated.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2025 4:06 PM

2025-03-13T16:06:08-04:00

1SG(P) Dean Mcbride (MPER) (SPHR) I will be donating one of my uniforms to the Branson Veterans Meesum in Branson, MO. Consider donating these items to Goodwill or another charitable organization, if you are able to remove logo's, names, ranks, etc. If the emblems cannot easily be removed, you can consider an organization like Sword & Plough that will repurpose military uniforms.

I found this note on the Sword & Plough website: "We've received so many uniform donations that we've had to set up a waitlist! Please enter your information below and we'll notify you with shipment instructions as soon as possible."

https://www.swordandplough.com/

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Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Mar 13 at 2025 10:58 PM

2025-03-13T22:58:47-04:00

You know, I think it's not worth the effort to try to stop someone from doing stolen valor or poser types of activities. 9 out of 10 times, if you go to any thrift store anywhere in the country, you'll find some sort of military uniform item. Kids like the clothing.
When I was growing up in the 60's and 70's, it was a really cool thing to go to your local Army Surplus Store and buy stuff to wear. Sonny's Surplus in Annapolis, Maryland, had the best stuff to get in my young eyes.
Now a days, uniforms, medals, ribbons, memorabilia, etc., can be purchased just about anywhere. People collect these types of items. To me, it's kind of like another recruiting tool. You're worrying too much about it.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 14 at 2025 11:12 AM

2025-03-14T11:12:57-04:00

Sanitizing clothing to prevent potential stolen valor? The problem is that Stolen Valor culture is that it comes down to intent. A cammie blouse is just a jacket until somebody wears it and says they used to be in Force Recon or 75th Ranger Bn. Now it has been transformed by their intentions into a symbol of their misdeeds and you can't begin to predict when and where people will lie or tell the truth about their military service. It's not on you. There are plenty of Museums and Non profits out there that accept military garb donations and they repurpose it for everything for making new items for sale, curating museums and displays and also for auctions.

Response by LTC Matthew Schlosser made Mar 18 at 2025 9:49 PM

2025-03-18T21:49:02-04:00

This doesn't hit page three of things I worry about. A unit t-shirt isn't a military uniform, the end.

Response by SFC Jo Ann Klawitter made Mar 28 at 2025 11:18 AM

2025-03-28T11:18:17-04:00

Donate them to a military museum