Posted on Oct 7, 2015
What would motivate an Air Force OTS Candidate to lie about having a Purple Heart?
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Not sure why anyone would lie about something this serious, but I'm glad he was caught in the lie! Should he be able to finish OTS?
http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/10/07/questions-over-purple-heart-claim-derail-ots-commissioning/73459538/
http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/10/07/questions-over-purple-heart-claim-derail-ots-commissioning/73459538/
Stolen Valor
Officer Training School (OTS)
Air Force
Purple Heart
Service
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 70
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When I went through OTS the honor code was "I will neither lie, cheat, or steal nor will I tolerate any among us who do"
Nuf said. IF true no commision should be granted. But, I think there seems at least some indicator that the allegation is just that - an allegation.
Let the investigation determine the truth.
Nuf said. IF true no commision should be granted. But, I think there seems at least some indicator that the allegation is just that - an allegation.
Let the investigation determine the truth.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
I agree with everyone's comments about the standards. I'd also like to add that actions like this are a direct insult to the men and women in our military that actually earned this award, many of which are not alive to wear it. This is not only an act that violates standards but one that violates their sacrifices and is used to prop up a single persons self -esteem. This person was thinking of only one person - himself! He has chosen to disregard the feelings and sacrifices of others for his own gain. A leadership trait we are already trying to rid the military of.
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SMSgt (Join to see)
To claim to have the Purple Heart, one of the highest honors, is clearly a violation of the AF Core Values. While I agree with others, an investigation is alway the first steps in these types of matters, there could be some other factors (PTSD, mental illness, etc.) that causes him to claim to have earned this honor. Once it is clear that he did lie and there are no migating factors, then he should be sent back to his unit, given a reduction in his enlisted rank and given a chance to earn the right to continue to serve. If he is not AF material, it won't take long for his supervisor to make the call. If he doesn't learn from this mistake, then his commander can make the call to not retain him at his ETS. I agree that some mistakes are no second chances - drunk on duty or using drugs, but there had to be something in this individual for his command to send him to OTS in the first place.
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WO1 Jose R.
No only is there an Honor Code for most if not all of the Officer schools but there is also the saying by Gen. Douglas MacArthur that states " The untruthful officer trifles with the lives of his countrymen and the honor and safety of his country." If this person going through would lie about a simple purple heart, what is to say that he will not further lie and put is soldiers at risk?
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Few thoughts on this:
--This isn't just a matter of "so there I was... in the deep"... It speaks to integrity and trust. If he will lie about this, where does it end?
--Allowing him to crack on with his Commission sets a very unsettling precedent. I lowers the (Butter) bar and that becomes the new standard. UNSAT.
--Make him a SSgt again. Send him to SOCOM to me. I'll introduce him to real heroes that had no choice but to get that honor pinned to their uniforms---placement and timing was not their friend.
--This isn't just a matter of "so there I was... in the deep"... It speaks to integrity and trust. If he will lie about this, where does it end?
--Allowing him to crack on with his Commission sets a very unsettling precedent. I lowers the (Butter) bar and that becomes the new standard. UNSAT.
--Make him a SSgt again. Send him to SOCOM to me. I'll introduce him to real heroes that had no choice but to get that honor pinned to their uniforms---placement and timing was not their friend.
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MAJ Haris Balcinovic
Touche SSG Robert Webster - It sounded better in my head :) Need some re-wording
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Maj (Join to see)
CMSgt (Join to see) - I was tracking the sarcasm and I for one appreciated it ma'am!
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LCDR (Join to see)
Lt Col (Join to see) - Someone (who deployed to AFG) once said that there are Tier 1 (operators) and "Near one", and it is usually the "near one" who brag the most. The Tier 1 have nothing to prove.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Maj (Join to see) -
Thank you, Sir! I am glad to see my snarky charm translated. Lol
Thank you, Sir! I am glad to see my snarky charm translated. Lol
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Interesting that a facebook comment/conversation was sufficient evidence to disenroll this guy from the course.
There is a lesson in this for those of you who use social media and might try to "burnish" your credentials to get some kind of boost: big brother is watching. So are your fellow service members. Your lie will come out, and it will have consequences.
This guy will now have to find another line of work, all because he decided to be something he wasn't and post it for all to see on the internet.
Dumbass.
There is a lesson in this for those of you who use social media and might try to "burnish" your credentials to get some kind of boost: big brother is watching. So are your fellow service members. Your lie will come out, and it will have consequences.
This guy will now have to find another line of work, all because he decided to be something he wasn't and post it for all to see on the internet.
Dumbass.
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SSG Robert Webster
2LT R. Asatov - When it comes to this sort of subject, I would be careful of where I tread. And I would not bring up something from another discussion, that is based on assumptions. I am sure that you know the old adage of "Assume, makes an ass out of you and me." Let's turn this around a little bit. Would you consider obfuscation a form of intellectual dishonesty? If so, how can you rightfully challenge or bring up again the previous incident with MAJ Ballinger, based upon your statement that he looked at your profile and should have noted that you earned a Master Degree in 1995. Whether you know it or not "key" information is actually not in your publically viewable profile.
Why do I state these things:
1. It is a bit strange that you received a Direct Commission and exited the service in the same month. That is what it shows in your profile.
2. No matter how you slice and dice it - You had to have an "age waiver" to get your commission. This begs the question as to why your service ended within a month of commissioning.
3. I am not sure how intelligent that you are and I do not know the age limits or requirements for attending University in the Soviet Union/Russia (1988/1991), but that does lead to the previous statement.
4. You served for approximately 7 years. Due to your specialty and your language skills, why does your profile not show any Combat Service?
5. What did you do in the 8 years between earning your Master Degree and when you joined the US Army?
Why do I state these things:
1. It is a bit strange that you received a Direct Commission and exited the service in the same month. That is what it shows in your profile.
2. No matter how you slice and dice it - You had to have an "age waiver" to get your commission. This begs the question as to why your service ended within a month of commissioning.
3. I am not sure how intelligent that you are and I do not know the age limits or requirements for attending University in the Soviet Union/Russia (1988/1991), but that does lead to the previous statement.
4. You served for approximately 7 years. Due to your specialty and your language skills, why does your profile not show any Combat Service?
5. What did you do in the 8 years between earning your Master Degree and when you joined the US Army?
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SSG Kalani Matthews
"Interesting that a facebook comment/conversation was sufficient evidence to disenroll this guy from the course." - I agree. Will it catch up to me someday that I am not a Sheppard in Santa's workshop and did not graduate from Hollywood Upstairs Medical College as my facebook profile claims.
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1SG (Join to see)
SSG Kalani Matthews I can't wait until President Trump sends me that appointment to the Space Ranger Academy. Ever since I showed him that stock market tip, he keeps calling me for advice...
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