its crazy how people remember every detail---i question that because me serving in afghanistan 2004 to 2005 as a ground pounder i guess my brain is self taught to forget alot of what happened there.
As a vet, another thing that pisses me of are the fake VA claims recipients. I ran into an army vet? Who was in a wheelchair. He saw my Forrestal ball cap and asked if I was on when the big fire took place. No I said, 3 years after. Do you claim VA benefits, he asked. Only my entitled medical care, was my answer. You should claim you were injured, he said, and collect some money, we deserve it. When I said my injuries during military service are not causing any problems, he said doesn’t matter, I don’t need this chair but use it to get a check every month. When I said you are taking away from those that really have needs he rolled away and said I have needs to, I don’t want to work and get paid not. People like him and the ones that steal valor make me sick.
You didn't misspeak, you made up a story. I get sick and tired of hearing about stolen valor and how these people can stand in front of someone and lie about their lives.
I have a personally autographed color photograph given to me by President Abraham Lincoln himself and a signed Letter of Appreciation from him after my service at the Battle of Gettysburg. Oops! I misspoke!
My mother was a WW2 WASP pilot. She was contacted by a 40 something woman in the 1980s who was "researching a book". Mom talked with her for several days about flying and life as a woman pilot during the war. About 6 months later we found out she was impersonating mom to give speeches and talks for profit. Took 2 restraining orders to get her to stop.
That's doubly shameful to do that to your mom. WASP pilots were brave heroic women who never got the credit they deserved from the military. Then to impersonate your mom for credit she herself deserves, stolen by an imposter. She should be arrested.
@@Earthbound369 The second time she was caught, she was arrested, Violated the restraining order and felony fraud for taking the money from a club to give a speech. I had a lot of WW2 stuff of moms online. Had to take it down as too many people were selling her pictures online.
@@Earthbound369 Never mind WASP Pilots why this guy here has to enjoy his life! He can't have the President's job so he does what he plum can. Doesn't look like he'll fulfill the American dream but he tried real hard.
@@rxwhat33 I get it , WWII was a battle for resources (earth's riches) not a battle between good and evil. But there is a measure of Pax Romana where many keep the pirates' from taking the commerce and keep the general peace. But still soldiers on Omaha beach still deserve respect vs someone that sits back and enjoys the fruits of their sacrifices. No matter which side wins there are those that benefit from the victory and we today enjoy those benefits like it or not. They didn't give their lives their lived we taken because of human greed for money and power.
@@rxwhat33 ok, so you probably think the war to free the slaves was "needless." And that we should have let the Chinese and Koreans continue to be raped by Japan, and left the victims of the Germans to fend for themselves. OK, sure.
2.5 years in the Marines and now he's a Sgt. Major? Just check his DD-214, I am a retired Army disabled veteran, spent 20 years active service I did not go to Desert Storm nor Desert Shield because during those 2 campaigns I was stationed in South Korea 2d ID. But after retirement I spent 6 years as a civilian contractor driving a full tanker truck in convoy in Iraq under combat condition. I don't need to lie about my service, I am proud I served my country Honorably.
@@eddieBoxer, "2.5 years in the Marines and now he's a Sgt. Major?" You think that's bad, check this out. My wife showed me a picture of a Filipino in a USAF officer dress uniform with a chest full of medals and he is bragging about his " military service" to people in the Philippines and in the states. In the picture he is maybe 25 years old at the most and claims to have graduated from the academy. Nothing wrong there right? But here's where it gets better. He said while at the academy he was sent on several top secret missions, he was in several firefights and the academy also had him teach some of the classes. Listening to his story he could take on Rambo, Lone Wolf, Bruce Lee and many more all at the same time and still win. He claims the picture is his graduation picture from the academy. Is there a 2nd Lt bar on his shoulders like all the graduates through the history of all the academies? No there is not. On his shoulders sit 4 stars, and not a butter bar. He says he was so good at the academy and all his "top secret classified missions" that the USAF promoted him to 4 stars when he graduated. Yes, I did send his picture and name to the proper people.
14 years ago when I was only 17 I remember I came across a guy who claim to have been on the battle of hamburger Hill 1969. He talked about how he was captured in the final moments of the battle which he started talking about how he was sent to the Hanoi Hilton managed to escape. I’m thinking to myself like when did anyone ever escaped the Hanoi Hilton? After our conversation, even claiming he had the distinguished service cross, I went home and did some research on the battle, and there wasn’t a single American captured in the final moments of the battle. In fact, the reality was the battle, which took nearly 2 weeks to literally try and take that hill was captured by our forces, but the problem was command, decided to literally abandon the hill. The North Vietnamese army and the Vietcong returned to hamburger hill later did reclaim the hill, but they did it without a fight weeks after our forces had withdrawn. When I confronted him about it, he literally just stood by what he wanted me and everyone else believe. Then I asked him if he really do have a distinguished service cross show me do you have photos? Do you have evidence? He refused to answer except to tell me more BS about I do have the metal it’s packed away somewhere I’m like OK well, I mean you know do you have any sort of information online I can look and see and that’s when he got pissed and rolled away on his mobility scooter. The guy was really fat morbidly, obese. It just disgusted me. For the first time in my life, that was the first time I ever discovered someone was committing, stolen valor
Thing is, the average individual doesn't know any better, & they likely have a naive, yet seemingly reasonable assumption that folk being called upon to address an audience while they wear dress blues & tennis shoes with a light coat of oil are already known by the function's organizers as being legitimate in their representation; yet, sadly we see all too often that such is not the case (even once is too often; so, it's now becoming epidemic). Back in the 70s I heard an active-duty Marine brag about how - when he was a Private - he put Captain bars onto his enlisted man's dress green uniform to make his family think that he was made an officer (suppossedly they didn't know any better & being an instant captain wouldn't raise their suspicions any). If he was telling the truth about this (this being the story that he told us when we saw & subsequently questioned him about a pair of 'railroad tracks' that he had in his possession) then that just goes to show us that some folk feel a need to impress &/or fool others by any means (there might not be a 'stooping too low' in the minds of these folks... & even the story he told us could have been a lie - only he & God knows for sure).
@@rondodson5736 Partially. The ones the military gives you are very basic and not anodized (shinny). If you want the shinny ones, and everyone does, you do have to buy those yourself.
@@jlbush8249true. He had a marine ceremonial set made. You have to mark three times what you want online. It asks, then asks again then provides a simulation photo. Then you approve and pay. They send you what you marked online with the set. You would have to think we are all incompetent to believe that you didn't know what was on the display. Imagine what his family thinks?
HilLIARy Clinton misspoke when she said her and Chelsea parachuted into enemy territory and was dodging rounds as soon as they hit the ground…. Right where the pair landed lay a dead soldier and Chelsea picked up his AK-47 and began to return fire on the enemy thereby saving her mother First Lady HilLIARy Clinton🤣🤣🧠🌬️
I served in the Army in the mid 1970's. I was honorable discharged with the rank of specialist 5. Sometimes when my service comes up in conversation, I tell them that what I did so so top secret, I'm even prohibited to describe what I did to myself. James Bond could not hold a candle to what I did. Then, I always tell my audience that I was in the Army band. We all have a good laugh except my wife who just rolls her eyes and says not again. I believe stolen Valor is most disgusting. Anyone who steals Valor should be prosecuted.
Specialist 5 I thought a specialist rank was E4 sharing that spot with corporal? Although technically in the space force the ranks, I’m finding them very interesting you can be called a specialist 1 E1 Specialist 2 E2 Specialist 3 E3 and Specialist 4 E4 then there is E5 staff Sergeant
I’m a Cold War veteran. I didn’t serve during any occupation. My father was a Vietnam veteran who died from agent orange exposure. It’s really insulting to see these men lying about their service. But you see it all the time at the VA. They know every angle on how to lie and get disability. It’s very insulting to the men and women who gave their lives for our country.
I'm order to get va disability you must establish service connection. That is no easy task. Takes alot of medical files. I'm 100% disabled Desert Storm vet.
@@thomasc5817 You can purchase letters to support a medical claim online from numerous companies that help veterans get VA benefits. It's very easy for people willing to cheat, lie and pay for paperwork. Those of us who have actual disabilities and play by the rules don't get all they deserve in benefits sometimes.
@@Ronthaldd spoken like a true trooper, because we all know the culture in the military. Complaining about or reporting minor injuries are frowned on and even then, many bumps, bruises, sprains, light concussions, pulled muscles…,ect do not always get annotated in your medical records, and as you age they come back to bite you.
@@kCI251 I half agree with you Kevin. I'm service connected at a high percentage unfortunately and my life SUCKS. Yes, there are a small minority of veterans that know how to "game the system," but the system is not that easy to game in the first place. It used to be a little easier to do, but not since the VA and DOD started sharing service and medical records around 2014. I will be blunt in saying that a lot of non-service connected vets are jealous a-holes who think any vet collecting VA disability and is not in a wheelchair is somehow "gaming the system." They completely overlook invisible service disabilities like hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, IBS from PTSD, bad backs that flare up on some days but not on others, collapsed/flat feet from injuries, joint arthritis, etc etc. And the reason a lot of vets are forced to get outside medical letters is because the VA has an army of private C&P examiners who will literally look at your in-service records and post service-records proving an in-service disability, and write "No in-service evidence of injuries and disabilities." That forces a vet to get a private medical opinion and file an appeal and wait years to prove their case. It sounds like you are bitter because your claim got denied and you think that service-connection is somehow easy for anyone that wants to lie. Well sorry, but you have to back up your claims with hard medical evidence. If you're claiming arthritis in an ankle, the VA will NOT service-connect you unless they can verify an in-service event, after-service treatment, plus proof that your ankle joint has deteriorated. NO single medical letter can fulfill those three requirements.
As an AF Veteran we often joke about Marines not being too bright and how the AF is easy, all good natured branch rivalry BUT I would never question a Marine's bravery or tenacity to fight for his fellow Marines or his country even in jest. For these people to disgrace themselves and the sacrifice of REAL heroes is appalling! I wish they could be prosecuted.
Their is no Valor when you commit Crimes and WAR is a CRIME. It is where the victors write the history so as to make the losers crime of war look worse than the victors crime of war despite the victors MUST WAR MORE/Commit bigger crimes to win. Marines are nothing more than enFORCEr's for the biggest most violent gang of all. “I spent thirty-three years and four months in active military service as a member of this country's most agile military force, the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major-General. And during that period, I spent most of my time being a high class muscle-man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism.” ― Smedley Butler Smedley Butler cannot be Impugned, Rebuked or Repudiated.....Got That Recruit!?
I received a Purple Heart in Vietnam 1968 US Army infantry. I put it in a nice shadow box with the certificate and gave it to my mom and dad because it was a way to honor them for being great parents. When they both passed away, I got it back. At that time our son had just finished medical school via a Navy scholarship and had to pay the Navy back with five years active duty. I gave the medal to him with the understanding it will always remain in my family's name as long as it can.
Stolen valor is pretty nasty when is someone who never even served, but when it is someone who did serve but exaggerates their service to include campaigns or ranks they are not justified for it is even more of a slap in the face to others who did. And even when they're caught they try to play it off as an honest mistake. When I was leaving the Corps it was discovered my co. Gunnery Sergeant was wearing ribbons he was not authorized.
Kind of like Trump when he was at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and said military people are "losers." Or, in Normandy, when he said "I don't get it. What was in it for them?"
I'm proud of my service in the British Army as a private and officer cadet. I never saw combat. I never received a commission. I never earned any medals. I do feel infinite pity for those who are so empty inside that they need to inflate their contribution. Service at any level - from C-in-C to a cook is the same: service.
But you served.. bottom line. The cook is just as important as the mechanic or supply all the way to combat arms. That's honorable. Those men aren't honorable. They knew exactly what they were doing.
There are many reasons people tell others of their fake heroics. To gain self-esteem, for monetary gain, to impress someone they feel may be important. To belong to a very exclusive club of true veterans and to address a feeling of failure for not having served or not having served in a combat zone. A sense of guilt can also be a factor. I served in the Marines but never went to Vietnam because they needed me in the rear with the gear. The fellow I joined with in 1965 went to Vietnam and only lasted six months, I have him with me always. A lot of veterans have someone with them in spirit forever, they are not forgotten. Amen
I served 4 years and when ever I did a job application I never checked veteran. When I was growing up we called people Veterans who actually served in a war zone. I just flew around a lot and worked on airplanes. I joined because I didn’t want to wait around for the draft lottery drawing. As it was my number was 20 for my birthday and would have been drafted anyways. By then I was almost done with a 6 month school in the military.
@@Chris_at_Home You do yourself a disservice by not accepting the fact that you volunteered for duty, and you are a veteran. The Government put you where they thought you would be most productive. Flying onboard military aircraft can be just as dangerous as combat. We were told that the combat assignments were for personnel who, while intelligent, did not have the aptitude for other specialties. We were also told that combat personnel had to be of superior physical condition and a good logical attitude. However, most of these considerations went out the window with the requirements of a war. Some may call it "The luck of the draw".
@@randalldunkley1042 I have to take exception.I went from intelligence into a special SF unit. My men were all in top physical condition and very intelligent. We were trained to do more than one job in case someone was wounded or killed. This was a unit you were selected for, not volunteered for. You were selected because your record indicated you were a special kind of person that this job called for. We had the highest kill ratio and also the highest number of members killed in Vietnam. Those with knowledge will know the unit i am talking about.
Unfortunately, these instances are far more common than someone that didn't serve in the military pretending they did. Lots of POG's want to pass themselves off to civvies as Rambo.
I have to disagree. If a person served honorably at least he served. But i know what you mean. I was in the eye clinic one day and a guy came in and started bragging about the two bronze star medals he won in Vietnam. He actually used the term won. No one wins medals they are awarded.Everyone just ignored him. Of those i know who actually received medals, i never hear them talk about them.
My brother was a hospital corpsman with the Marines in Vietnam and Desert Strorm. He passed away 2 years ago from agent orange. He hated stolen valor people with passion, but helped veterans in need.
I am a retired Marine GySgt, that served from 1984 - 2004. Never saw combat, never deployed into a hot zone. I have numerous personal and unit awards I never have felt the need or desire to make my service more than it was. I went to the duty stations i was assigned and did my best to complete the missions i was given. Semper Fi.
Great, great job on the investigative reporting, Mr Dan Noyes! Every time i’ve switch the channel to ABC 7 you’ve always provided details and valuable work for the public good. Kudos to the channel for having you and to you once again for the powerful insights and exposing of the truth. Thank you.
My grandfather had a severely injured leg from WW2. He told everyone his jeep hit a landmine, that he was the only survivor of the 4 passengers, and that he waited for two days to be rescued. Recently, my mom got his VA service and medical records and found out the truth: he was a Navy electrician during the war, never left the USA, and hurt his leg falling off a ladder!
I know an 80-something y/o Marine, named Chuck, from the bar I go to, who was in during the time between Korea and Vietnam. He never got to see any action and you can tell it eats at him a bit, almost like he is ashamed that he had it easy compared to so many others. Be that as it may, he is sharp and quick witted, doesn’t tell any wild stories, doesn’t embellish anything about his time in the Marines, and everyone still thinks he’s the coolest old dude ever. People just need to be more like Chuck. Chuck, you rock and I’m honored to know you!
Just being a Marine is good enough. People will respect that. It's been Hollywood and the media who brainwashed everyone into thinking that any veteran who is not a Navy Seal, Ranger or Green Beret is "unworthy." The Boomer generation bought that nonsense hook, line and sinker and made it a social stigma. Thankfully the younger generations have wised up and respect anyone who's served honorably regardless of their role.
That's crazy my grandfather was a real Montford point marine who was highly decorated & he never boasted or bragged about his service he took alot to the grave with him he never wanted to talk about the things he saw and did I can tell you this as his grandson visiting for the holidays & a small child at the time I remember hearing him toss & turn in his sleep sometimes even screaming while having vivid nightmares from his time in service so hearing this is crazy??? Stolen Valor is very disrespectful my grandfather was just awarded a congressional gold medal for his service ain't no faking that... gunnery sergeant L. STEVEN ROBINSON!!! A real Montford point marine... 💯👋🏿
Same, my maternal grandfather served in WW2 and he NEVER spoke about his war experience through my entire childhood into my adulthood since lived with them from age 6 till they both passed in my early 20s. Except one new years/christmas get together at their house and my cousins new husband was talking about seeing saving private ryan for he first time and how my other aunts husband took grandpa to go see it at the movies since that uncle was also a veteran but of Vietnam (air force). My cousins husband asked him about his war experience and my grandpa who MAYBE said 100 words a year started to talk about it, me and my cousins who were in the living room looked at each other wide eyes in shock and told the kids who were yelling and running around to shut up and be quiet since "grandpa was talking about the war and he NEVER talked about the war". Lets just say that grown men cried that night as he switched between english and spanish as he told his tale. That was the first and ONLY and LAST time he ever talk about the war because a few months later in the new year, he passed away. it was IF he KNEW it would be his last chance to tell his story.
My father was in that group of men in 1942. The DC chapter was formed later of the MPM and daddy was an active part of the DC chapter and it was a wonderful chapter that diid good projects and educational support for children. What a disgrace for these men to dishonor the Montfort Point Marines.
I am a Marine Veteran who served in theater during Operations Desert Shield/ Storm. I remember as a young 18 year old Marine, stationed on Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. Meeting a Montiford Point Marine, during a book signing. This older Marine left such a lasting impression on me. I spent hours reading and learning of some of the hurdles these Marines overcame. And to read/ watch this video is so disheartening. Just shameful!
My father served in Korea and Vietnam. He was a 20 year veteran and then he was in non-appropriared job on the base, and then was doing volunteer work at the hospital for the military. That's just my dad. Almost all the older people served, including my mother. I am proud for them and all the families that have served the country. ❤❤❤
I consider anyone who served as a veteran as long as they served with honor. I know some of the combat vets thought support troops were lesser for not serving in combat, but i always pointed out without the support troops we couldn't have completed our missions and that they were the ones we called when we needed to be rescued.
I found out throughout my life that there are different kinds of Veterans. My father retired from the Army as a Major. He served during the Vietnam war and spent 15 years over there. Never once did he ever talk about the war or the medals he was awarded. No medal or award he received was ever framed or displayed. He never again wore his uniform. Never went to any VFW places or anything of the kind. He barely went on base and only to the PX. He never wore any kind of VET hat or paraphernalia at any time. He never sought recognition. Then, there are those that are completely opposite - every chance they get they have to make it known they were a Vet and all the things they've done. It almost makes me sick.
Somewhat similar here. My father flew in WW2. RAF. He and I went to see The Battle of Britain in '69. I knew he was in the war so asked " is that what you did " He said " Sort of ". We never really talked about it. I just figured the war was like the movie. Many years later, about a year or so before he died he decided to write a letter to inquire if he received any medals. We found the package unopened in a box after he died. In that last year he asked me about when I was a kid I asked about the war. Didn't remember until he mentioned the movie. He shows me book on Dresden in Germany. He flew Lancasters. 25,000 residents were killed in 2 1/2 days. He saw nothing to be proud of.
I’ve talked with lots of ex Vietnam guys at the VFW and I never heard them mention being called baby killer. I know it happened but most move past that . I have so much respect for the veterans than came before me
I'm a black man. My father served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He began his service in 1943. He served in the Pacific Theater. He told me about the racism that he and the other black Marines had to endure during that time period. How German POWs were given better accommodations, treated better, and allowed to eat at restaurants. My oldest brother served in the Marine Corps Infantry. He served a tour in Vietnam. From time to time, he has an episode of P.T.S.D. He may have physically come home in one piece. But part of him is still in the NAM. My next oldest brother served in the United States Navy. He retired from the Navy as a Corpsman. I was a 1st Lt. in the United States Army. Eng. Corps. I'm currently retired. I was a policeman. Even though black Americans are still subjected to racism by white supremacist in our nation. I'm proud to be an American. God bless America.
@@TheBandit7613 Exceedingly rare? If you're of a white American. Your typical. Denying the obvious. If you're a person of color. Your delusional. Let's see. Voting rights struck down. Gerrymandering and voter suppression directed toward people of color and young Americans. Police brutality directed toward black Americans not fully addressed. Legacy admissions of white children into these Ivy League schools. Giving preferential treatment in selection of white students over people of color. Simply because that white child family is rich and has influence over the school. I could go on. These descendants of colonizers. These white supremacists are alive and well. And they are practicing their racist craft daily across the United States. Only a fool would say, "Stop talking about racism and maybe that issue would go away!" If Morgan Freeman actually said that. He is a fool. Whoever you are. You need to open your eyes to the racism which occurring in our nation. I guess that knee on George Floyd's neck was an illusion. You take care TheBandit7613.
@@HircineDaWolf The house I grew up in had papers making it illegal to sell or rent to anyone non-white. Those days are very different than these days, and rightly so. In the 80's and 80's racism was almost gone. Now we're creating racism and everyone is a victim. The real problems are ignored. Things like black on black violence. It all needs to go away. We need to stop talking about it and let it die already.
I didn’t do shit during my four years… other than the job I was assigned. No combat… no medals of valor. But I am proud of my service and the fact that I signed that check… four years of my life. My grandmother’s cousin… Marine PVT Clarence Milton Staples… F Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division… was KIA in the Battle Of Okinawa on 7 May 1945. I would never dream of stealing his valor or tarnishing his family’s name by such an act.
My late friend gave me a patriotic cap that resembles a veteran's hat at first glance, when someone says "thank you for your service" I make it a point to explain that I never had the privilege of serving (I was given a 4F draft registration rating and deemed unsuitable for service) I would never even consider pretending that I served in our military..
I am at a lost as to why these Veteran organizations do not verify the awards and positions of their own members. I guess they are desperate for members. While some of those guys were admitted frauds I do hope that reporters did a deep investigation into the awards because there was a fire at a military records depository which destroyed many records. My grandad served in Korea but if someone requests his dd214 they'll only receive his WW2 service. I believe that many Vets can't verify medals that they've been awarded during service.
Being 80 now and a Vietnam era vet USAF 1964-1968 My DD-214 showed only national defense and good conduct. Fast forward to 1982 went into the National Guard CANG. Went to CBPO and upon signing in, they pulled up my service record, went to a drawer and pulled out 12 ribbons with 16 outstanding unit awards, that was a shock to me. How in the H**l could that be, I never knew about any of them. Now with a service connected disability after fighting the VA for 40 years with no back pay to when the injury took place. They said my hospital records were either lost or incomplete. Damn I hate these people who have trampled on the graves of the best this country had to offer and those disabled veterans who are fighting the rest of their lives. My ribbons and medals are now so old they are falling apart just like me.
I'm a retired US Marine Corps MSgt, a MPMA member (1980), a good friend of the late MGySgt. Brooks Grey who was the Founder of the MPMA Chapter 1 in Philadelphia, PA. I know he and so many MPMA Veterans are and would be pissed off about this. I'm happy this house cleaning didn't happen when we mustered at a MPMA Marine Corps Ball at the Hilton in Arlington, VA. I think there would have been a "Blanket Party" that night. Footnote: I applaud this story, however, I don't know how you were able to use the FIA to access their personal non-public information. Sounds fishy!
I'm a US Army veteran and the guy that said that he misspoke No you lied straight out! you claimed to be somewhere that you never were at. A friend of mine who I met while I was getting treated for cancer at the VA hospital he was older than me his name was Julio he was a Vietnam Veteran and he was exposed to Agent Orange which he believed caused his cancer. Julio eventually passed away, this man disrespects the memory of veterans like Julio and others who served and died in Vietnam.
Any dishonorable behavior by any Marine is a stain. But so much more disrespectful when it occurs against our Montford Point Marines. This is so shameful. Semper Fi
Way too much of this going around these days, If you see a guy with motorcycle vest full of miss matched patches, or a dress uniform a fat guy still fits in, probably a fraud.
I had two home boys growing up that tried to get their GEDs the same time I did that decided not to go back to complete the other tests claim that they got it. They lied to their girlfriends and wives about it as with everyone else. I knew they lied even through I spent a years failing and trying to retake tests due to a lot of learning issues with brain injuries I had and the last test I passed by accident guessing on a lot of questions, because after I got mine i got sent in the mail by ged with a chart with blue bars I think showing results on it in the package. Whenever I asked them about what they got they both seemed to pretend that they got it years ago and didn't know what else was inside or made it sound as if somebody handed it to them. 😂 That ged really hadn't done anything for me so it's pointless anyways. People that lie and especially have to bash others to big themselves up for anything often all seem to have a lot of insecurity issues and big egos. It makes sense that the statistics claim most CEOs and such are high in narcissistic personality disorders or psychotic I can't exactly remember but it might be a mixture of both? 🤔
Many trade schools that offer GED classes also invite the GED students to walk in the graduation. It may be a very small percentage, but not everyone gets theirs in the mail. You know your buddies better than I do, but you shouldn't assume everyone will have the same experience as your own.
@@boltinabottle6307 ...Let him tell his story, ya jackass. He knows the guys and he knows they lied, but there is always some goddamn stick in the mud that wants to rain on someone else's parade. You said it when you said he knows them better than you.
The GED itself maybe hasn't done much for you.....but, you persisting, and getting the GED has certainly done something for you as a person. It's a degree in perseverance and integrity. Worth way more than a piece of paper! Congrats on being a winner 🏆 🥇 😀!
The GED itself maybe hasn't done much for you.....but, you persisting, and getting the GED has certainly done something for you as a person. It's a degree in perseverance and integrity. Worth way more than a piece of paper! Congrats on being a winner 🏆 🥇 😀!
Only thing you have to ask them is very Simple. Can I see your DD214. That has listed all the awards you were issued. Then Ask why is this and this not on your records?
Stolen Valor is WAY more common than anyone knows. Especially with the latest generation. I’ve personally served and continue to serve in the US Army for over 21 years now, and I’ve seen TONS of actively serving servicemembers tell their stories while in uniform of things they never did. I’ve adopted a cynical attitude as a Soldier, if you’re the loudest in the room about your service and how much of a hero you are, you’re probably lying. It’s more difficult to find stolen valor when you have people who have actually served than finding someone lying about service they never did.
I retired from the U.S. Navy in 1994, when I hear someone say "I did this, I did that..." I have to question "did you really to all that?" Most military people don't go around boasting about what they did.
I lost a marine friend last September who went back to Vietnam as part of the embassy guard. He actually was one of the last US servicemen to leave after the embassy was closed and locked. He pried off the embassy seal so that the enemy could not desecrate it. I don’t think he would be happy that his fellow marines would take credit for something which they did not earn. Vietnam vet, 1969/70. (Not making this up!)
Stolen valor is such a criminal and twisted thing that I believe that those who engage in it are extreme narcissists hurting for attention that they want to benefit from, but without having to engage the substantive actions that truly get them there in the first place, with integrity and honesty at that.
Yet there never seems to be any form of trial or consequences for doing it. Crooked people will always do crooked things until there is a REAL risk that their actions will lead to some harsh and lasting consequences. Until that happens in LOTS of areas of American life, things will continue to get worse and worse.
My mother kept receiving calls from a Disabled Veterans group. When she asked to be removed, before she could complete the sentence, the call was dropped. I was visiting one night when a call came through. I dialed *69, and did a reverse look up. It was an Alabama, personal number. I sent a message, with information to the Alabama Attorney General...Problem solved. Funny, mom had two Viet Nam vets who were disabled.
My dad, Captain Mercado was sent to operation Desert Storm, he was in the confrontation at the palace in Kuwait, he went to Bosnia/Kosovo, Afghanistan. I never heard him show off and brag about it. Never saw him flaunting his symbolic medal from the liberation of Kuwait, never ever. I miss him to death, he passed away last year on new year's eve from a heart attack.😢
As a veteran of the Spartan defense of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., I can only echo your words. It would be idiotic to say that I served in the Mesopotamian war in 2700 B.C.
And who is that with him? Oh...it's Maxine Waters!!!!!! My father was a tank commander in WW2. He was badly burned in battle on Christmas Eve, 1944 in the "Battle of the Bulge". He wore forever those scars on his back and legs. You can't buy those on the internet. His only wish as he was evacuated some hours later was that he wouldn't die on Christmas day and ruin the holiday for his family forever. He recovered and went back into the battle! Then continued to serve as an instructor at Ft. Knox until he retired in 1956. These guys makes me want to vomit!
That's like someone who claim they have diplomas and degrees and when they're exposed for fraud they say they didn't make a mistake it was the fake diploma mill 😂
How in the world can these people look themselves in the mirror knowing it's all a lie? This is a slap in the face to all those veterans that served and/or payed the ultimate sacrifice.
@@Billpeterson4785 True as a retired Army disabled veteran I don't get nothing just a thank you when I wear my Army shirt, no free meals, nothing free but I'm content of my service.
@Billpeterson4785 Bingo!Winner, winner, chicken dinner! I sincerely hope they have to pay back all the money, free trips, VA benefits, etc that they exacted on the public at large but more importantly the dishonor they brought amongst us who actually served honorably!
BS FLAG! 5:56 As a veteran, if you order medals online and you receive medals that you didn’t earn, then you don’t wear them. He knew exactly what he was doing…stolen valor.
Admitting to it after how many years of lying about it? Also, at the end, the guy wasn't really admitting it. He was minimizing, and deflecting. " I didn't say I knew about, I said I didn't check it." He didn't check his metals? A military man? Who back then got inspected on everything and even today we still get inspected on on out dress uniforms from metal placement to measuring how far apart they are from each other, how far apart they are from the pocket. He straight up lied again.
They already grifted the $#1+ out of everyone, so... it don't matter! 💪😎✌️ They got everyone's money and enjoyed their lives at the expense of others. Champion Chumps like that sometimes even make excellent presidents and CEOs! Super intelligent, conniving, powerful, and great. People like these guys make wonderful role models for future grifters.
No one mentions how this stolen valor also enabled their career and potentially monetary gains. This is sickening, the VP -- I can guarantee you became a VP because of what he was able to claim as valid and is now false. Same wit the fae SGM. Sickening
my grand father was a WW1 vet and NOBODY in my little district in Jamaica knew except me. I as a kid never left his FOOT(he had one leg and a wooden leg) and as a kid I was never satisfied with his non explanation of how he lost that leg. But he had these two sea chest with English addresses on them and an old LeeEnfield and lots of ammo plus these old khaki uniforms so as i got older(10 or so )I would ask him all kinds of questions so one day he finally sat me down when we were alone at the farm an told me his story and showed me his medals. Not even my mom knew so when he died I took his medals and glued them to his coffin. people thought it was just decorations from a dumb kid. My entire life as a man was taught to me by my grandfather from that young age. RIP papa 😪
Grifting is as old as the world. The sad thing is they abuse the sincere gullibility of ordinary good folks who wouldn’t think of doing such a thing. Civil society is based on trust and honesty, and those two come from goodness and usually a religious upbringing.
I did 3 years in the Army Infantry 79-82 in Baumholder Germany and 6 years Air National Guard 82-88. All peace time. I do not need to exaggerate my record. This is shameful of any Veteran.
My son serves in the Royal Canadian Navy as a master sailor (or first class sailor?) and he knows all the meanings of these things, so if you only look at your medals you should know what they mean and if they are yours or not. These guys are crooks.
Fun fact; it wasn’t until the Korean War and black Americans fully participated in combat, most were in service oriented assignments. So all these cases Black Americans fighting and dying in World War II or wildly overexaggerate it. How do we know? Americans lost between four and 500,000 men in World War II yet blacks accounted for only 700 of those deaths. Think about that. We should neither discredit nor inflate the contributions made by anybody or any group.
Irish Catholics r super patriotic. Ww2 and Viet nam Southie, Boston had 10 times national average of combat deaths. C book Long time passing by Myra McPhearson.
As a Veteran this stuff makes me sick. But I knew he was lying as soon as he said " I saved alot of people", because Vets dont talk like that.
its crazy how people remember every detail---i question that because me serving in afghanistan 2004 to 2005 as a ground pounder i guess my brain is self taught to forget alot of what happened there.
Exactly
AIRBORNE
Joe Biden!!!!
As a vet, another thing that pisses me of are the fake VA claims recipients. I ran into an army vet? Who was in a wheelchair. He saw my Forrestal ball cap and asked if I was on when the big fire took place. No I said, 3 years after. Do you claim VA benefits, he asked. Only my entitled medical care, was my answer. You should claim you were injured, he said, and collect some money, we deserve it. When I said my injuries during military service are not causing any problems, he said doesn’t matter, I don’t need this chair but use it to get a check every month. When I said you are taking away from those that really have needs he rolled away and said I have needs to, I don’t want to work and get paid not. People like him and the ones that steal valor make me sick.
You didn't misspeak, you made up a story. I get sick and tired of hearing about stolen valor and how these people can stand in front of someone and lie about their lives.
The reporter should have said "You lied." instead of told a story.
You know they're the one raising flag 24/7, call them patriot and votes for Donnie the Rapist
I have a personally autographed color photograph given to me by President Abraham Lincoln himself and a signed Letter of Appreciation from him after my service at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Oops! I misspoke!
At 2:26 he is standing next to a professional liar, what would you expect?
@@bigbossimmotal, You are so correct. I have to bite my tongue.
My mother was a WW2 WASP pilot. She was contacted by a 40 something woman in the 1980s who was "researching a book". Mom talked with her for several days about flying and life as a woman pilot during the war. About 6 months later we found out she was impersonating mom to give speeches and talks for profit. Took 2 restraining orders to get her to stop.
That's doubly shameful to do that to your mom. WASP pilots were brave heroic women who never got the credit they deserved from the military. Then to impersonate your mom for credit she herself deserves, stolen by an imposter. She should be arrested.
@@Earthbound369 The second time she was caught, she was arrested, Violated the restraining order and felony fraud for taking the money from a club to give a speech. I had a lot of WW2 stuff of moms online. Had to take it down as too many people were selling her pictures online.
@@Earthbound369 Never mind WASP Pilots why this guy here has to enjoy his life! He can't have the President's job so he does what he plum can. Doesn't look like he'll fulfill the American dream but he tried real hard.
38 WASPs died in aircraft mishaps while ferrying aircraft all over the USA during WWII. 🤔😔😢🫡🇺🇸🕊
@@dennisammann9104 And because they were civilians, the other WASPs had to pass the hat to send their bodies home.
How people aren't embarrassed with stolen valor is beyond me
How there is valor for fighting needless wars in places were not wanted for politicians and bankers is beyond me.
@@rxwhat33 I get it , WWII was a battle for resources (earth's riches) not a battle between good and evil. But there is a measure of Pax Romana where many keep the pirates' from taking the commerce and keep the general peace. But still soldiers on Omaha beach still deserve respect vs someone that sits back and enjoys the fruits of their sacrifices. No matter which side wins there are those that benefit from the victory and we today enjoy those benefits like it or not. They didn't give their lives their lived we taken because of human greed for money and power.
@@rxwhat33 ok, so you probably think the war to free the slaves was "needless." And that we should have let the Chinese and Koreans continue to be raped by Japan, and left the victims of the Germans to fend for themselves. OK, sure.
Many times these people feel "needed and looked up to" ...sad case of "Wanna be a Hero "...
@@haukepowers I guess some people are just desperate.
I'm a Marine, and that's disrespectful, and embarrassing
Sure you are
2.5 years in the Marines and now he's a Sgt. Major? Just check his DD-214, I am a retired Army disabled veteran, spent 20 years active service I did not go to Desert Storm nor Desert Shield because during those 2 campaigns I was stationed in South Korea 2d ID. But after retirement I spent 6 years as a civilian contractor driving a full tanker truck in convoy in Iraq under combat condition. I don't need to lie about my service, I am proud I served my country Honorably.
I’m a Marine too, and you are right, this is atrocious.
@@eddieBoxer, "2.5 years in the Marines and now he's a Sgt. Major?" You think that's bad, check this out. My wife showed me a picture of a Filipino in a USAF officer dress uniform with a chest full of medals and he is bragging about his " military service" to people in the Philippines and in the states. In the picture he is maybe 25 years old at the most and claims to have graduated from the academy. Nothing wrong there right? But here's where it gets better.
He said while at the academy he was sent on several top secret missions, he was in several firefights and the academy also had him teach some of the classes. Listening to his story he could take on Rambo, Lone Wolf, Bruce Lee and many more all at the same time and still win. He claims the picture is his graduation picture from the academy. Is there a 2nd Lt bar on his shoulders like all the graduates through the history of all the academies?
No there is not. On his shoulders sit 4 stars, and not a butter bar. He says he was so good at the academy and all his "top secret classified missions" that the USAF promoted him to 4 stars when he graduated.
Yes, I did send his picture and name to the proper people.
14 years ago when I was only 17 I remember I came across a guy who claim to have been on the battle of hamburger Hill 1969. He talked about how he was captured in the final moments of the battle which he started talking about how he was sent to the Hanoi Hilton managed to escape. I’m thinking to myself like when did anyone ever escaped the Hanoi Hilton? After our conversation, even claiming he had the distinguished service cross, I went home and did some research on the battle, and there wasn’t a single American captured in the final moments of the battle. In fact, the reality was the battle, which took nearly 2 weeks to literally try and take that hill was captured by our forces, but the problem was command, decided to literally abandon the hill. The North Vietnamese army and the Vietcong returned to hamburger hill later did reclaim the hill, but they did it without a fight weeks after our forces had withdrawn. When I confronted him about it, he literally just stood by what he wanted me and everyone else believe. Then I asked him if he really do have a distinguished service cross show me do you have photos? Do you have evidence? He refused to answer except to tell me more BS about I do have the metal it’s packed away somewhere I’m like OK well, I mean you know do you have any sort of information online I can look and see and that’s when he got pissed and rolled away on his mobility scooter. The guy was really fat morbidly, obese. It just disgusted me. For the first time in my life, that was the first time I ever discovered someone was committing, stolen valor
He commanded 14,000 marines as a sergeant...impressive!
That would have given him away to anyone who really served.
maybe he's the one said "sergeant 1st class"....
@@rondodson5736 Absolutely
Thing is, the average individual doesn't know any better, & they likely have a naive, yet seemingly reasonable assumption that folk being called upon to address an audience while they wear dress blues & tennis shoes with a light coat of oil are already known by the function's organizers as being legitimate in their representation; yet, sadly we see all too often that such is not the case (even once is too often; so, it's now becoming epidemic).
Back in the 70s I heard an active-duty Marine brag about how - when he was a Private - he put Captain bars onto his enlisted man's dress green uniform to make his family think that he was made an officer (suppossedly they didn't know any better & being an instant captain wouldn't raise their suspicions any). If he was telling the truth about this (this being the story that he told us when we saw & subsequently questioned him about a pair of 'railroad tracks' that he had in his possession) then that just goes to show us that some folk feel a need to impress &/or fool others by any means (there might not be a 'stooping too low' in the minds of these folks... & even the story he told us could have been a lie - only he & God knows for sure).
Maybe he meant culmination of his 40 years of service and a navy seal pilot
"Misspoke" ... Just like a politician. Very shameful. Blaming the award company is a cheap excuse as well.
Like the man said if you received it , you received it thru the military, never have to buy them.
@@rondodson5736 Partially. The ones the military gives you are very basic and not anodized (shinny). If you want the shinny ones, and everyone does, you do have to buy those yourself.
@@jlbush8249true. He had a marine ceremonial set made. You have to mark three times what you want online. It asks, then asks again then provides a simulation photo. Then you approve and pay. They send you what you marked online with the set. You would have to think we are all incompetent to believe that you didn't know what was on the display. Imagine what his family thinks?
@@LovinMusic1965 Exactly!
HilLIARy Clinton misspoke when she said her and Chelsea parachuted into enemy territory and was dodging rounds as soon as they hit the ground…. Right where the pair landed lay a dead soldier and Chelsea picked up his AK-47 and began to return fire on the enemy thereby saving her mother First Lady HilLIARy Clinton🤣🤣🧠🌬️
How low of a person do you have to be to lie to this extent. These people are psychopaths.
I served in the Army in the mid 1970's.
I was honorable discharged with the rank of specialist 5.
Sometimes when my service comes up in conversation, I tell them that what I did so so top secret, I'm even prohibited to describe what I did to myself.
James Bond could not hold a candle to what I did.
Then, I always tell my audience that I was in the Army band.
We all have a good laugh except my wife who just rolls her eyes and says not again.
I believe stolen Valor is most disgusting.
Anyone who steals Valor should be prosecuted.
how do I know u aint a fake
you sound mental.
perfect lmao
Specialist 5 I thought a specialist rank was E4 sharing that spot with corporal? Although technically in the space force the ranks, I’m finding them very interesting you can be called a specialist 1 E1 Specialist 2 E2 Specialist 3 E3 and Specialist 4 E4 then there is E5 staff Sergeant
@@monkeycat48 I'm gonna blow your mind. We used to have specialist ranks up to specialist 9/e9
I’m a Cold War veteran. I didn’t serve during any occupation. My father was a Vietnam veteran who died from agent orange exposure. It’s really insulting to see these men lying about their service. But you see it all the time at the VA. They know every angle on how to lie and get disability. It’s very insulting to the men and women who gave their lives for our country.
I'm order to get va disability you must establish service connection. That is no easy task. Takes alot of medical files.
I'm 100% disabled Desert Storm vet.
@@thomasc5817 You can purchase letters to support a medical claim online from numerous companies that help veterans get VA benefits. It's very easy for people willing to cheat, lie and pay for paperwork. Those of us who have actual disabilities and play by the rules don't get all they deserve in benefits sometimes.
@@thomasc5817Except for the ones who never went to sick call.
@@Ronthaldd spoken like a true trooper, because we all know the culture in the military. Complaining about or reporting minor injuries are frowned on and even then, many bumps, bruises, sprains, light concussions, pulled muscles…,ect do not always get annotated in your medical records, and as you age they come back to bite you.
@@kCI251 I half agree with you Kevin. I'm service connected at a high percentage unfortunately and my life SUCKS. Yes, there are a small minority of veterans that know how to "game the system," but the system is not that easy to game in the first place. It used to be a little easier to do, but not since the VA and DOD started sharing service and medical records around 2014.
I will be blunt in saying that a lot of non-service connected vets are jealous a-holes who think any vet collecting VA disability and is not in a wheelchair is somehow "gaming the system."
They completely overlook invisible service disabilities like hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, IBS from PTSD, bad backs that flare up on some days but not on others, collapsed/flat feet from injuries, joint arthritis, etc etc.
And the reason a lot of vets are forced to get outside medical letters is because the VA has an army of private C&P examiners who will literally look at your in-service records and post service-records proving an in-service disability, and write "No in-service evidence of injuries and disabilities." That forces a vet to get a private medical opinion and file an appeal and wait years to prove their case.
It sounds like you are bitter because your claim got denied and you think that service-connection is somehow easy for anyone that wants to lie. Well sorry, but you have to back up your claims with hard medical evidence. If you're claiming arthritis in an ankle, the VA will NOT service-connect you unless they can verify an in-service event, after-service treatment, plus proof that your ankle joint has deteriorated. NO single medical letter can fulfill those three requirements.
As an AF Veteran we often joke about Marines not being too bright and how the AF is easy, all good natured branch rivalry BUT I would never question a Marine's bravery or tenacity to fight for his fellow Marines or his country even in jest. For these people to disgrace themselves and the sacrifice of REAL heroes is appalling! I wish they could be prosecuted.
in Washington State they can be prosecuted, its the equivalent of impersonating a police officer
More of these people need to be called out. Their stolen valor disparages all who honorably served...
Also, THANK YOU for exposing these valor thieves.
Their is no Valor when you commit Crimes and WAR is a CRIME.
It is where the victors write the history so as to make the losers crime of war look worse than the victors crime of war despite the victors MUST WAR MORE/Commit bigger crimes to win.
Marines are nothing more than enFORCEr's for the biggest most violent gang of all.
“I spent thirty-three years and four months in active military service as a member of this country's most agile military force, the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major-General. And during that period, I spent most of my time being a high class muscle-man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism.” ― Smedley Butler
Smedley Butler cannot be Impugned, Rebuked or Repudiated.....Got That Recruit!?
@SmedleyWarIsaRacket you should protest
@@SmedleyWarIsaRacket You go and protest to Kim Jong Un. Put your beliefs to the test.
I served. Beyond that, I claim nothing special. Not a Ranger or Green Beret. I was just a simple soldier. I claim nothing beyond serving!
And that is respectful enough!
FRAUD doesn't just diminish honor, it is a criminal activity that should be prosecuted.
Not if they didn’t benefit financially from it
I served. Never misspoke nothing. That's a crime actually to do what he has done. The other guy owes the VA some money for falsely filing false claims
I received a Purple Heart in Vietnam 1968 US Army infantry. I put it in a nice shadow box with the certificate and gave it to my mom and dad because it was a way to honor them for being great parents. When they both passed away, I got it back. At that time our son had just finished medical school via a Navy scholarship and had to pay the Navy back with five years active duty. I gave the medal to him with the understanding it will always remain in my family's name as long as it can.
Stolen valor is pretty nasty when is someone who never even served, but when it is someone who did serve but exaggerates their service to include campaigns or ranks they are not justified for it is even more of a slap in the face to others who did. And even when they're caught they try to play it off as an honest mistake. When I was leaving the Corps it was discovered my co. Gunnery Sergeant was wearing ribbons he was not authorized.
Kind of like Trump when he was at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and said military people are "losers." Or, in Normandy, when he said "I don't get it. What was in it for them?"
@@luke_skywanker7643Nope, actually not similar at all lolz
@@luke_skywanker7643TDS spotted
@@lzlz21213 Well, you wanted him as Commander In Chief. History won't have the Cult-45 mentality when it's written.
@@luke_skywanker7643Get a life loser. Do you politicize everything?
I'm proud of my service in the British Army as a private and officer cadet.
I never saw combat. I never received a commission. I never earned any medals. I do feel infinite pity for those who are so empty inside that they need to inflate their contribution. Service at any level - from C-in-C to a cook is the same: service.
But you served.. bottom line. The cook is just as important as the mechanic or supply all the way to combat arms. That's honorable. Those men aren't honorable. They knew exactly what they were doing.
Notice he'll admit everything but carefully avoids the word "I lied".
There are many reasons people tell others of their fake heroics. To gain self-esteem, for monetary gain, to impress someone they feel may be important. To belong to a very exclusive club of true veterans and to address a feeling of failure for not having served or not having served in a combat zone. A sense of guilt can also be a factor. I served in the Marines but never went to Vietnam because they needed me in the rear with the gear. The fellow I joined with in 1965 went to Vietnam and only lasted six months, I have him with me always. A lot of veterans have someone with them in spirit forever, they are not forgotten. Amen
I served 4 years and when ever I did a job application I never checked veteran. When I was growing up we called people Veterans who actually served in a war zone. I just flew around a lot and worked on airplanes. I joined because I didn’t want to wait around for the draft lottery drawing. As it was my number was 20 for my birthday and would have been drafted anyways. By then I was almost done with a 6 month school in the military.
@@Chris_at_Home You do yourself a disservice by not accepting the fact that you volunteered for duty, and you are a veteran. The Government put you where they thought you would be most productive. Flying onboard military aircraft can be just as dangerous as combat. We were told that the combat assignments were for personnel who, while intelligent, did not have the aptitude for other specialties. We were also told that combat personnel had to be of superior physical condition and a good logical attitude. However, most of these considerations went out the window with the requirements of a war. Some may call it "The luck of the draw".
@@randalldunkley1042 I have to take exception.I went from intelligence into a special SF unit. My men were all in top physical condition and very intelligent. We were trained to do more than one job in case someone was wounded or killed. This was a unit you were selected for, not volunteered for. You were selected because your record indicated you were a special kind of person that this job called for. We had the highest kill ratio and also the highest number of members killed in Vietnam. Those with knowledge will know the unit i am talking about.
@@Chris_at_HomeYeah i hear ya, i grew up in England and thats how it was there too.
@@rondodson5736are you claiming macv-sog?
Unreal. Those who did serve and fake their service are the worst. They know better unlike those who steal valor who never did.
Unfortunately, these instances are far more common than someone that didn't serve in the military pretending they did. Lots of POG's want to pass themselves off to civvies as Rambo.
I have to disagree. If a person served honorably at least he served. But i know what you mean. I was in the eye clinic one day and a guy came in and started bragging about the two bronze star medals he won in Vietnam. He actually used the term won. No one wins medals they are awarded.Everyone just ignored him. Of those i know who actually received medals, i never hear them talk about them.
My brother was a hospital corpsman with the Marines in Vietnam and Desert Strorm. He passed away 2 years ago from agent orange. He hated stolen valor people with passion, but helped veterans in need.
the Marines dont have medical people, they borrow them from the Navy
I am a retired Marine GySgt, that served from 1984 - 2004. Never saw combat, never deployed into a hot zone. I have numerous personal and unit awards
I never have felt the need or desire to make my service more than it was.
I went to the duty stations i was assigned and did my best to complete the missions i was given. Semper Fi.
Great, great job on the investigative reporting, Mr Dan Noyes! Every time i’ve switch the channel to ABC 7 you’ve always provided details and valuable work for the public good. Kudos to the channel for having you and to you once again for the powerful insights and exposing of the truth. Thank you.
There should be an autmoatic 20 year prison term for people who do this.
My grandfather had a severely injured leg from WW2. He told everyone his jeep hit a landmine, that he was the only survivor of the 4 passengers, and that he waited for two days to be rescued. Recently, my mom got his VA service and medical records and found out the truth: he was a Navy electrician during the war, never left the USA, and hurt his leg falling off a ladder!
I know an 80-something y/o Marine, named Chuck, from the bar I go to, who was in during the time between Korea and Vietnam. He never got to see any action and you can tell it eats at him a bit, almost like he is ashamed that he had it easy compared to so many others. Be that as it may, he is sharp and quick witted, doesn’t tell any wild stories, doesn’t embellish anything about his time in the Marines, and everyone still thinks he’s the coolest old dude ever. People just need to be more like Chuck. Chuck, you rock and I’m honored to know you!
Just being a Marine is good enough. People will respect that. It's been Hollywood and the media who brainwashed everyone into thinking that any veteran who is not a Navy Seal, Ranger or Green Beret is "unworthy." The Boomer generation bought that nonsense hook, line and sinker and made it a social stigma. Thankfully the younger generations have wised up and respect anyone who's served honorably regardless of their role.
I don't know how anyone can do this, my brother in law died at the end of the Vietnam war, the people who take that they served should be ashamed!!
These clowns are clearly not even ashamed. Their attitude is basically...oh well.
That's crazy my grandfather was a real Montford point marine who was highly decorated & he never boasted or bragged about his service he took alot to the grave with him he never wanted to talk about the things he saw and did I can tell you this as his grandson visiting for the holidays & a small child at the time I remember hearing him toss & turn in his sleep sometimes even screaming while having vivid nightmares from his time in service so hearing this is crazy??? Stolen Valor is very disrespectful my grandfather was just awarded a congressional gold medal for his service ain't no faking that... gunnery sergeant L. STEVEN ROBINSON!!! A real Montford point marine... 💯👋🏿
Same, my maternal grandfather served in WW2 and he NEVER spoke about his war experience through my entire childhood into my adulthood since lived with them from age 6 till they both passed in my early 20s. Except one new years/christmas get together at their house and my cousins new husband was talking about seeing saving private ryan for he first time and how my other aunts husband took grandpa to go see it at the movies since that uncle was also a veteran but of Vietnam (air force). My cousins husband asked him about his war experience and my grandpa who MAYBE said 100 words a year started to talk about it, me and my cousins who were in the living room looked at each other wide eyes in shock and told the kids who were yelling and running around to shut up and be quiet since "grandpa was talking about the war and he NEVER talked about the war". Lets just say that grown men cried that night as he switched between english and spanish as he told his tale.
That was the first and ONLY and LAST time he ever talk about the war because a few months later in the new year, he passed away. it was IF he KNEW it would be his last chance to tell his story.
It would have been an honor to have served with and known your father.
My father was in that group of men in 1942. The DC chapter was formed later of the MPM and daddy was an active part of the DC chapter and it was a wonderful chapter that diid good projects and educational support for children. What a disgrace for these men to dishonor the Montfort Point Marines.
I am a Marine Veteran who served in theater during Operations Desert Shield/ Storm. I remember as a young 18 year old Marine, stationed on Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. Meeting a Montiford Point Marine, during a book signing. This older Marine left such a lasting impression on me. I spent hours reading and learning of some of the hurdles these Marines overcame. And to read/ watch this video is so disheartening. Just shameful!
'Montford Point Marines'
At least he was honest when confronted.
People mess up with all kinds of stuff but rarely are they humble enough to tell the truth once confronted
That piece of s*** is anything but humble! It's not humility...it's sheer arrogance that he doesn't care he got caught and is thinking so what.
True.
Let a real Gunny have a word with the dude who was a PFC claiming to be a drill...
My father served in Korea and Vietnam. He was a 20 year veteran and then he was in non-appropriared job on the base, and then was doing volunteer work at the hospital for the military. That's just my dad. Almost all the older people served, including my mother. I am proud for them and all the families that have served the country. ❤❤❤
I consider anyone who served as a veteran as long as they served with honor. I know some of the combat vets thought support troops were lesser for not serving in combat, but i always pointed out without the support troops we couldn't have completed our missions and that they were the ones we called when we needed to be rescued.
"I misspoke" translates to "I lied my ass off "
I found out throughout my life that there are different kinds of Veterans. My father retired from the Army as a Major. He served during the Vietnam war and spent 15 years over there. Never once did he ever talk about the war or the medals he was awarded. No medal or award he received was ever framed or displayed. He never again wore his uniform. Never went to any VFW places or anything of the kind. He barely went on base and only to the PX. He never wore any kind of VET hat or paraphernalia at any time. He never sought recognition. Then, there are those that are completely opposite - every chance they get they have to make it known they were a Vet and all the things they've done. It almost makes me sick.
Somewhat similar here.
My father flew in WW2. RAF.
He and I went to see The Battle of Britain in '69. I knew he was in the war so asked " is that what you did "
He said " Sort of ". We never really talked about it. I just figured the war was like the movie.
Many years later, about a year or so before he died he decided to write a letter to inquire if he received any medals. We found the package unopened in a box after he died.
In that last year he asked me about when I was a kid I asked about the war. Didn't remember until he mentioned the movie.
He shows me book on Dresden in Germany. He flew Lancasters. 25,000 residents were killed in 2 1/2 days.
He saw nothing to be proud of.
I’ve talked with lots of ex Vietnam guys at the VFW and I never heard them mention being called baby killer. I know it happened but most move past that . I have so much respect for the veterans than came before me
When i came back i was never called a baby killer, at least not where i could hear it.
I got called that in 69 going to a JC on GI bill she was a commie selling newspapers
@hughjaanus6680 Actually it was 308. It was also a VC village that attacked the soldiers after they had moved thru the village.
When I got out ,no one said anything to me, even at San Francisco airport
@@dogsense3773 I landed at Travis, then went to San Fransisco to catch a flight home.
I'm a black man. My father served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He began his service in 1943. He served in the Pacific Theater. He told me about the racism that he and the other black Marines had to endure during that time period. How German POWs were given better accommodations, treated better, and allowed to eat at restaurants. My oldest brother served in the Marine Corps Infantry. He served a tour in Vietnam. From time to time, he has an episode of P.T.S.D. He may have physically come home in one piece. But part of him is still in the NAM. My next oldest brother served in the United States Navy. He retired from the Navy as a Corpsman. I was a 1st Lt. in the United States Army. Eng. Corps. I'm currently retired. I was a policeman. Even though black Americans are still subjected to racism by white supremacist in our nation. I'm proud to be an American. God bless America.
What kind of 'racism" do you see? It's exceedingly rare these days.
Morgan Freeman says, stop talking about it and it will go away.
He's right.
@@TheBandit7613 Exceedingly rare? If you're of a white American. Your typical. Denying the obvious. If you're a person of color. Your delusional. Let's see. Voting rights struck down. Gerrymandering and voter suppression directed toward people of color and young Americans. Police brutality directed toward black Americans not fully addressed. Legacy admissions of white children into these Ivy League schools. Giving preferential treatment in selection of white students over people of color. Simply because that white child family is rich and has influence over the school. I could go on. These descendants of colonizers. These white supremacists are alive and well. And they are practicing their racist craft daily across the United States. Only a fool would say, "Stop talking about racism and maybe that issue would go away!" If Morgan Freeman actually said that. He is a fool. Whoever you are. You need to open your eyes to the racism which occurring in our nation. I guess that knee on George Floyd's neck was an illusion. You take care TheBandit7613.
@@TheBandit7613 lol couldn't be dumber, and especially coming from somebody as privileged as Morgan Freeman
@@HircineDaWolf The house I grew up in had papers making it illegal to sell or rent to anyone non-white. Those days are very different than these days, and rightly so. In the 80's and 80's racism was almost gone.
Now we're creating racism and everyone is a victim. The real problems are ignored. Things like black on black violence.
It all needs to go away. We need to stop talking about it and let it die already.
Whenever someone says there is no more racism,..check your six.
I didn’t do shit during my four years… other than the job I was assigned. No combat… no medals of valor. But I am proud of my service and the fact that I signed that check… four years of my life. My grandmother’s cousin… Marine PVT Clarence Milton Staples… F Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division… was KIA in the Battle Of Okinawa on 7 May 1945. I would never dream of stealing his valor or tarnishing his family’s name by such an act.
Absolutely disgusting. There should be legal consequences for these fraudulent acts.
There is
My late friend gave me a patriotic cap that resembles a veteran's hat at first glance, when someone says "thank you for your service" I make it a point to explain that I never had the privilege of serving (I was given a 4F draft registration rating and deemed unsuitable for service) I would never even consider pretending that I served in our military..
I, as a veteran, appreciate your honesty!!
I am at a lost as to why these Veteran organizations do not verify the awards and positions of their own members. I guess they are desperate for members.
While some of those guys were admitted frauds I do hope that reporters did a deep investigation into the awards because there was a fire at a military records depository which destroyed many records. My grandad served in Korea but if someone requests his dd214 they'll only receive his WW2 service. I believe that many Vets can't verify medals that they've been awarded during service.
because some people are too stupid and incompetent to do that!
Because they're afraid of being labeled racist in this day and age.
Those phonies should most DEFINITELY be held accountable for their actions. The disrespect shown for our TRUE veterans is an absolute disgrace!
Why is their demographic always lying? Even well into old age?? Truly disgusting display of shameless dishonesty...
Glad someone said it. They view everything as “what can I get over on the man”
this is why I refuse to help any of their kind with the VA.
Most of the people you meet who claim to be veterans.... aren't.
Shitbirds come in all sizes, colors, and ranks.
Being 80 now and a Vietnam era vet USAF 1964-1968 My DD-214 showed only national defense and good conduct. Fast forward to 1982 went into the National Guard CANG. Went to CBPO and upon signing in, they pulled up my service record, went to a drawer and pulled out 12 ribbons with 16 outstanding unit awards, that was a shock to me. How in the H**l could that be, I never knew about any of them. Now with a service connected disability after fighting the VA for 40 years with no back pay to when the injury took place. They said my hospital records were either lost or incomplete. Damn I hate these people who have trampled on the graves of the best this country had to offer and those disabled veterans who are fighting the rest of their lives. My ribbons and medals are now so old they are falling apart just like me.
No mistake - those medal companies send what is ordered.
And the funny part is what happened to the Medals that the military awarded
That is shocking to hear, how disrespectful to do such a thing as that
I'm a retired US Marine Corps MSgt, a MPMA member (1980), a good friend of the late MGySgt. Brooks Grey who was the Founder of the MPMA Chapter 1 in Philadelphia, PA. I know he and so many MPMA Veterans are and would be pissed off about this. I'm happy this house cleaning didn't happen when we mustered at a MPMA Marine Corps Ball at the Hilton in Arlington, VA. I think there would have been a "Blanket Party" that night.
Footnote: I applaud this story, however, I don't know how you were able to use the FIA to access their personal non-public information. Sounds fishy!
Lmao he didn’t stop with Vietnam 🇻🇳 now it was Desert Storm 🇮🇶 ..🤦🏻♂️
Stolen valor is despicable.
I served in the Navy and would never wear anything I didn't earn or do.
Anyone who lies about their service or lack there of deserves jail time, heavy fines and public humiliation. Period
I'm a US Army veteran and the guy that said that he misspoke No you lied straight out! you claimed to be somewhere that you never were at. A friend of mine who I met while I was getting treated for cancer at the VA hospital he was older than me his name was Julio he was a Vietnam Veteran and he was exposed to Agent Orange which he believed caused his cancer. Julio eventually passed away, this man disrespects the memory of veterans like Julio and others who served and died in Vietnam.
Big Fish. He did serve. The fish he caught wasn't as big as he made it out to be when he was peacocking in front of the ladies.
Where’s Don Shipley?
No words. Total embarrassment.
Did you notice the common denominator in ALL of these cases!
Any time I see someone fully dressed with ribbons and metals like this I always assume they want attention.
Any dishonorable behavior by any Marine is a stain. But so much more disrespectful when it occurs against our Montford Point Marines. This is so shameful. Semper Fi
Why would someone claim they are someone they are not?
Way too much of this going around these days, If you see a guy with motorcycle vest full of miss matched patches, or a dress uniform a fat guy still fits in, probably a fraud.
Geez, sorry to see this to anyone effected. Thanks to all the unheralded Montford Point Marines who served. You are all heroes! -- Semper Fi
I had two home boys growing up that tried to get their GEDs the same time I did that decided not to go back to complete the other tests claim that they got it. They lied to their girlfriends and wives about it as with everyone else. I knew they lied even through I spent a years failing and trying to retake tests due to a lot of learning issues with brain injuries I had and the last test I passed by accident guessing on a lot of questions, because after I got mine i got sent in the mail by ged with a chart with blue bars I think showing results on it in the package. Whenever I asked them about what they got they both seemed to pretend that they got it years ago and didn't know what else was inside or made it sound as if somebody handed it to them. 😂 That ged really hadn't done anything for me so it's pointless anyways. People that lie and especially have to bash others to big themselves up for anything often all seem to have a lot of insecurity issues and big egos. It makes sense that the statistics claim most CEOs and such are high in narcissistic personality disorders or psychotic I can't exactly remember but it might be a mixture of both? 🤔
Many trade schools that offer GED classes also invite the GED students to walk in the graduation. It may be a very small percentage, but not everyone gets theirs in the mail. You know your buddies better than I do, but you shouldn't assume everyone will have the same experience as your own.
@@boltinabottle6307 ...Let him tell his story, ya jackass. He knows the guys and he knows they lied, but there is always some goddamn stick in the mud that wants to rain on someone else's parade. You said it when you said he knows them better than you.
The GED itself maybe hasn't done much for you.....but, you persisting, and getting the GED has certainly done something for you as a person. It's a degree in perseverance and integrity. Worth way more than a piece of paper! Congrats on being a winner 🏆 🥇 😀!
The GED itself maybe hasn't done much for you.....but, you persisting, and getting the GED has certainly done something for you as a person. It's a degree in perseverance and integrity. Worth way more than a piece of paper! Congrats on being a winner 🏆 🥇 😀!
If it were only lies. But they benefit financially off of what others earned while doing it to their own people. Disgusting
Are they aware that Stolen Valor, is a felony?
The problem is, they don't prosecute those that do.
Only thing you have to ask them is very Simple. Can I see your DD214. That has listed all the awards you were issued. Then Ask why is this and this not on your records?
Stolen Valor is WAY more common than anyone knows. Especially with the latest generation. I’ve personally served and continue to serve in the US Army for over 21 years now, and I’ve seen TONS of actively serving servicemembers tell their stories while in uniform of things they never did. I’ve adopted a cynical attitude as a Soldier, if you’re the loudest in the room about your service and how much of a hero you are, you’re probably lying. It’s more difficult to find stolen valor when you have people who have actually served than finding someone lying about service they never did.
I am a Rad Op and a Veteran with 3 tours my last I was injured …this makes me puke
These people are shameless.
As a DS veteran this pisses me off!
Disgusting. Utterly uncalled-for.
I retired from the U.S. Navy in 1994, when I hear someone say "I did this, I did that..." I have to question "did you really to all that?" Most military people don't go around boasting about what they did.
If you were 18 years of age in 1945 you would be 96 years old in 2023, unfortunately there would be many WW2 veterans left.
Indeed, my own grandfather who WAS technically a WW2 veteran enlisting at 17 died this past March at 95.
I lost a marine friend last September who went back to Vietnam as part of the embassy guard. He actually was one of the last US servicemen to leave after the embassy was closed and locked. He pried off the embassy seal so that the enemy could not desecrate it. I don’t think he would be happy that his fellow marines would take credit for something which they did not earn.
Vietnam vet, 1969/70. (Not making this up!)
Stolen valor is such a criminal and twisted thing that I believe that those who engage in it are extreme narcissists hurting for attention that they want to benefit from, but without having to engage the substantive actions that truly get them there in the first place, with integrity and honesty at that.
Yet there never seems to be any form of trial or consequences for doing it. Crooked people will always do crooked things until there is a REAL risk that their actions will lead to some harsh and lasting consequences. Until that happens in LOTS of areas of American life, things will continue to get worse and worse.
Barry Sadler had a song that describes these guys. It was called Garret Trooper.
My mother kept receiving calls from a Disabled Veterans group. When she asked to be removed, before she could complete the sentence, the call was dropped. I was visiting one night when a call came through. I dialed *69, and did a reverse look up. It was an Alabama, personal number. I sent a message, with information to the Alabama Attorney General...Problem solved. Funny, mom had two Viet Nam vets who were disabled.
You can never go wrong contacting a good State Attorney General! God Bless!
Legends in their own minds. 😊
By the way that story he told about coming back from Vietnam and being called a baby killer was my father's story he told. He is a real piece of work.
So sad that people do that.
Grifters learn from the MASTAH. 💪😎✌️ We all know who that is.
Image, marketing, and money are all that matter.
My dad, Captain Mercado was sent to operation Desert Storm, he was in the confrontation at the palace in Kuwait, he went to Bosnia/Kosovo, Afghanistan. I never heard him show off and brag about it. Never saw him flaunting his symbolic medal from the liberation of Kuwait, never ever. I miss him to death, he passed away last year on new year's eve from a heart attack.😢
As a 23 year old I would feel stupid to say I served in World War II or any war before 2000.
The armed services desperately need people like you.
@@LaEsquelaViejaNot now, this is the wrong time to join. Wait until the demented wonder is out first.
As a veteran of the Spartan defense of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., I can only echo your words.
It would be idiotic to say that I served in the Mesopotamian war in 2700 B.C.
And who is that with him? Oh...it's Maxine Waters!!!!!!
My father was a tank commander in WW2. He was badly burned in battle on Christmas Eve, 1944 in the "Battle of the Bulge". He wore forever those scars on his back and legs. You can't buy those on the internet. His only wish as he was evacuated some hours later was that he wouldn't die on Christmas day and ruin the holiday for his family forever. He recovered and went back into the battle! Then continued to serve as an instructor at Ft. Knox until he retired in 1956.
These guys makes me want to vomit!
That's like someone who claim they have diplomas and degrees and when they're exposed for fraud they say they didn't make a mistake it was the fake diploma mill 😂
How in the world can these people look themselves in the mirror knowing it's all a lie? This is a slap in the face to all those veterans that served and/or payed the ultimate sacrifice.
Whats the benifit of being a liar 🤥?
Money and perks
@@Billpeterson4785 True as a retired Army disabled veteran I don't get nothing just a thank you when I wear my Army shirt, no free meals, nothing free but I'm content of my service.
@Billpeterson4785 Bingo!Winner, winner, chicken dinner! I sincerely hope they have to pay back all the money, free trips, VA benefits, etc that they exacted on the public at large but more importantly the dishonor they brought amongst us who actually served honorably!
BS FLAG! 5:56 As a veteran, if you order medals online and you receive medals that you didn’t earn, then you don’t wear them. He knew exactly what he was doing…stolen valor.
At least they came clean.
After getting caught.
Admitting to it after how many years of lying about it? Also, at the end, the guy wasn't really admitting it. He was minimizing, and deflecting. " I didn't say I knew about, I said I didn't check it." He didn't check his metals? A military man? Who back then got inspected on everything and even today we still get inspected on on out dress uniforms from metal placement to measuring how far apart they are from each other, how far apart they are from the pocket. He straight up lied again.
They already grifted the $#1+ out of everyone, so... it don't matter! 💪😎✌️ They got everyone's money and enjoyed their lives at the expense of others. Champion Chumps like that sometimes even make excellent presidents and CEOs! Super intelligent, conniving, powerful, and great. People like these guys make wonderful role models for future grifters.
@@Novastar.SaberCombatTHIS!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
No one mentions how this stolen valor also enabled their career and potentially monetary gains. This is sickening, the VP -- I can guarantee you became a VP because of what he was able to claim as valid and is now false. Same wit the fae SGM. Sickening
Totally unsat shameful actions by imposters.
my grand father was a WW1 vet and NOBODY in my little district in Jamaica knew except me. I as a kid never left his FOOT(he had one leg and a wooden leg) and as a kid I was never satisfied with his non explanation of how he lost that leg.
But he had these two sea chest with English addresses on them and an old LeeEnfield and lots of ammo plus these old khaki uniforms so as i got older(10 or so )I would ask him all kinds of questions so one day he finally sat me down when we were alone at the farm an told me his story and showed me his medals.
Not even my mom knew so when he died I took his medals and glued them to his coffin. people thought it was just decorations from a dumb kid.
My entire life as a man was taught to me by my grandfather from that young age.
RIP papa 😪
Jail time
The minute he said someone called him a baby killer I knew he was lying.
Grifting is as old as the world. The sad thing is they abuse the sincere gullibility of ordinary good folks who wouldn’t think of doing such a thing. Civil society is based on trust and honesty, and those two come from goodness and usually a religious upbringing.
This organization should be broken up and shut down. Permanently.
I did 3 years in the Army Infantry 79-82 in Baumholder Germany and 6 years Air National Guard 82-88. All peace time. I do not need to exaggerate my record. This is shameful of any Veteran.
My son serves in the Royal Canadian Navy as a master sailor (or first class sailor?) and he knows all the meanings of these things, so if you only look at your medals you should know what they mean and if they are yours or not. These guys are crooks.
Excellent reporting work, thanks for this.
Disgusting. A thief is a thief no matter what they are stealing.
Fun fact; it wasn’t until the Korean War and black Americans fully participated in combat, most were in service oriented assignments. So all these cases
Black Americans fighting and dying in World War II or wildly overexaggerate it. How do we know? Americans lost between four and 500,000 men in World War II yet blacks accounted for only 700 of those deaths. Think about that. We should neither discredit nor inflate the contributions made by anybody or any group.
Irish Catholics r super patriotic.
Ww2 and Viet nam Southie, Boston had 10 times national average of combat deaths.
C book Long time passing by Myra McPhearson.
The government needs to start pressing charges against these people for stolen valor.