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Being in the military entails so much; it is about camaraderie, service, and honor. If you pretend to be a lawyer, doctor, or police officer it is punishable by law but if you pretend to be a service member, nothing happens. Lately there seems to be a lot more people pretending to be service members when in reality, they are impostors. For those who have served, this is the ultimate sign of disrespect and it is unforgivable. Stolen valor is a very serious matter.
Why do they do it? It’s simple - to reap the benefits of being a service member. They want to get the attention and gratitude of those around them without actually doing anything. What would be the best punishment for these individuals? Some suggest public humiliation, community service, jail time, or fines. Under the Stolen Valor Act, if someone receives any sort of money or personal gain while impersonating a service member he/she can be charged for fraud. Is a fraud charge enough of a deterrent to stop impostors?
For those who have served and suffer with PTSD or battle wounds, to see “pretend veterans” is no laughing matter. As long as people are able to buy uniforms and medals online, they will continue to get away with impersonating service members. You shouldn’t be able to just buy these items by clicking your mouse. When you serve in the military, you must earn that honor and dignity, you cannot just buy it.
How can the military community as a whole come together to stop stolen valor from happening? Is it possible?
Why do they do it? It’s simple - to reap the benefits of being a service member. They want to get the attention and gratitude of those around them without actually doing anything. What would be the best punishment for these individuals? Some suggest public humiliation, community service, jail time, or fines. Under the Stolen Valor Act, if someone receives any sort of money or personal gain while impersonating a service member he/she can be charged for fraud. Is a fraud charge enough of a deterrent to stop impostors?
For those who have served and suffer with PTSD or battle wounds, to see “pretend veterans” is no laughing matter. As long as people are able to buy uniforms and medals online, they will continue to get away with impersonating service members. You shouldn’t be able to just buy these items by clicking your mouse. When you serve in the military, you must earn that honor and dignity, you cannot just buy it.
How can the military community as a whole come together to stop stolen valor from happening? Is it possible?
Posted in these groups: 
Stolen Valor
Command Post
Stolen Valor Command Post
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 41
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I know more people who buy medals for their loved ones who have passed on than for those who are looking to rip people off. I like going with families to clothing and sales and helping them put together a shadow box for pop pop or nana. So many people have no idea of the significance of the medals that were awarded until you have them hold it in their hands and explain what they mean. Too many veteran don't share their experiences and those stories and history risks being lost.
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SSG(P) Matthew Bisbee
You are able to get one replacement medal set free of charge from the DOA and even have your name engraved on the back of them.
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LTC Jason Mackay
Mark it is great you help people like that. I have been helping people decipher loved ones awards as of late. They are usually clueless as to what they have
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
Did you read "Flag of Our Fathers"..???? Navy Corpsman "Doc" Bradley was awarded the Navy Cross for bravery on Iwo Jima in addition to helping with the second flag raising on Mount Suribachi His son only learned about this medal after Bradley passed away. The Navy Cross is our nation's second highest award.
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MAJ (Join to see)
I very much enjoy sitting down with a family and coaching them through the process of requesting the records, sometimes for themselves, sometimes a deceased relative. Especially in the case of a deceased relative, being able to explain what the different things mean gives them a sense of deeper understanding.
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I have the easiest way to stop this. If you get caught receiving material benefits from wearing a military uniform without having served, you get drafted. Go to boot, go immediately to boot, do not pass go, do not collect your free lunch from Applebee's. Oh, and let everyone in their division know why they are there.
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PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith
SPC Tim Richardson - How about Undesignated Seaman? Go from boot directly to a ship, get assigned to deck division and have a bunch of old, angry Boatswain's Mates give you all the shit jobs.
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SN Alex Tufail
That's it right there. Go to boot, Undes, E-1
Side crew duties when you arrive at the command.
Side crew duties when you arrive at the command.
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SFC Jay Spreitzer
I bet that would reduce the number of stolen valor cases. Although not sure I would want them serving with me.
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Until stolen valor is legitimatly taken seriously by our politians and laws are created to harshly deal with imposters I'm afraid nothing will change. They need to deal with those who impersonate Marines, Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Coast Guardmen with strict fines and jail time for even wearing a military uniform with medals and ribbons in public. In my opinion it should not matter if it is for profit or not. It is about time politians really put up or shut up and show their appreciation for our men and women in uniform.
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SPC Travis Grizzard
That is what the original Stolen Valor law did, then the courts said it violated the free speech clause of the first amendment.
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
"Until stolen valor is legitimatly taken seriously by our politians and laws are created to harshly deal with imposters I'm afraid nothing will change. "
Isn't stolen valor being taken seriously by the Federal Government? "Stolen Valor " in California singled out several imposters whose pictures appeared in the news and were later arrested by the FBI & charged with a crime. Included among these imposters were several politicians . One was Governor Gray Davis who was recalled by the voters in California. He claimed in his campaign ads that he was awarded a Bronze Star for bravery in Vietnam. The Sacramento Bee investigated his story and found this was not true. Gray Davis did not serve in combat in Vietnam but had a desk job in Saigon. He was awarded a Bronze Star by his superiors for being an Administrator & not for valor. He was also incompetent and did nothing during several major energy blackouts because Energy Companies gave his campaign for governor big bucks..So we voters in the Golden State recall this phony and incompetent politician and ended up with Arnold "The Terminator" Schwarzenegger another incompetent phony but at least he didn't claim he was a war hero.. Just liked sleeping with his kids Nanny.. But I digress and so good night and good luck
Isn't stolen valor being taken seriously by the Federal Government? "Stolen Valor " in California singled out several imposters whose pictures appeared in the news and were later arrested by the FBI & charged with a crime. Included among these imposters were several politicians . One was Governor Gray Davis who was recalled by the voters in California. He claimed in his campaign ads that he was awarded a Bronze Star for bravery in Vietnam. The Sacramento Bee investigated his story and found this was not true. Gray Davis did not serve in combat in Vietnam but had a desk job in Saigon. He was awarded a Bronze Star by his superiors for being an Administrator & not for valor. He was also incompetent and did nothing during several major energy blackouts because Energy Companies gave his campaign for governor big bucks..So we voters in the Golden State recall this phony and incompetent politician and ended up with Arnold "The Terminator" Schwarzenegger another incompetent phony but at least he didn't claim he was a war hero.. Just liked sleeping with his kids Nanny.. But I digress and so good night and good luck
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1stSgt Eugene Harless
Having followed the Stolen Valor issue for years I can tell you it is rarely prosecuted, as far as violating the stolen valor act of 2013 itself. Most of the people I've seen jailed have been locked up for other reasons ( Embezzlement, Fraud, Drugs, Theft, Assault and Murder) . Local prosecutors simply refuse to take the time to go after frauds for what most likely end up being a slap on the wrist and probation by a judge. Until the public gets the states to enact laws that mirror the stolen valor act law of 2013 and push for enforcement the only viable route is public shaming. By this I don't mean putting hands on them or screaming at them. Wave the BS flag, call them out and intelligently counter their BS claims, both in person, in the media and on the internet. If they double down on the lies take that extra step of getting whatever records they have via the Freedom of Information Act and challenge them to refute it.
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