Uncovering Stolen Valor: A Veteran’s Perspective on False Claims and Scams
Military veterans, like many others in various professions, have seen firsthand the negative impact of individuals who falsely claim military achievements or status. In the following personal account, we delve into the world of stolen valor, or claiming status, rank, experience, or skills that are not present or earned, often with malicious intent.
Stolen Valor – The Dark Side of Military Integrity
Stolen valor is a troubling phenomenon where individuals falsely claim military achievements in an attempt to gain monetary favors, access to facilities, credit, respect, or various other benefits. It’s a form of fraud that exploits the trust and admiration many people have for military service and prowess. This article explores several types of stolen valor and personal experiences with these scams.
Types of Stolen Valor
Malingering/Faking – “I’m a disabled vet and need money.” Online Romance – “Serving somewhere and need money.” Decorated Liar – “Give me [access, favors, etc.] since I’ve done this.” Unqualified – “I’m not qualified for this [job, service] but I have a vague involvement in the military so you need to help me.” Threats/Coercion – “I have connections and you have to do what I say or I will kill you.” Nested Fraud – “I’m using my military resources to run a scam.” Impersonation – “I’m a [position type] so you have to respond to me.”A Personal Experience with Stolen Valor
During my time in the 1/187 Infantry Rakkasan unit at Ft. Campbell, I encountered a SFC E-7 (Sergeant First Class) who falsely claimed to be a government spy. This individual had an official government form certifying his spy training, which was later proven to be fraudulent. It turned out that he truly worked at the Government Printing Office in Washington DC, but his job did not involve any spy-related activities.
Descent into Exposure
The individual’s scam continued within our unit, where he wore a Master Parachutist badge, a Combat Infantryman’s Badge, a combat patch for the 82nd Airborne Division, a Special Forces patch, and a Ranger tab. However, he was not qualified for any of these badges or patches. The exposure of this scam began when a new Scout PSG joined our unit. This new PSG had recently served with our suspect in the 82nd Airborne and had attended Ranger School, where meticulous records are kept. He discovered that the suspect had failed out of Ranger School and had only briefly deployed with the 82nd Airborne before Desert Shield.
The Fallout
The SFC was eventually court-martialed. During the court-martial, his company commander and platoon leader testified on his behalf, stating that he had been a good soldier. However, military medics who had worked with him also testified that he was not special forces or the best soldier in the unit, as claimed. Over a period of 17 years, this scam persisted, causing serious harm to the unit’s integrity.
Implications of Stolen Valor
The military and its veterans rely on the truth and integrity of their members. When false claims are made, it not only tarnishes the reputation of those who are truthful but also undermines the trust of the public. The military, supported by taxpayers' dollars, offers extensive benefits and training that civilian workers generally don’t have access to. Thus, the public has every right to expect authenticity and honesty from individuals claiming military service.
Actions Taken
After my exposure to these scams, I found myself the victim of a series of stalking events by individuals associated with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Wright State University. These individuals, who posed as various military officials or representatives, tried to manipulate and exploit me. I worked as a research assistant on a WPAFB base, where the environment was riddled with dishonest behavior and scams.
Scam Detectors in Action
Through interactions with various military personnel, I uncovered several scam types, including the use of photos of female friends for pickups, deceptive behavior, and associating with various military sectors to enhance personal profiles. Many military personnel I met fell into these scams, often due to a combination of ego and desperation to gain personal benefits.
Reflections and Conclusions
Despite my initial interest in advanced research and working with intelligent colleagues, my experiences revealed a much different reality. The resources and training that I was entitled to were often denied to me, and the projects I worked on were described as ‘glacial’ and ‘dumber than a bunch of rocks.’
Final Thoughts
One of the most infuriating aspects of these experiences was the persistence of these individuals, even after reporting to the local police. The scammers were not deterred and continued to harrass me, the victim. This is a clear example of the need for vigilance and action against stolen valor and military scams. It’s vital to protect the integrity of the military and its veterans by exposing and reporting these fraudulent activities.