Stolen Valor

[Sapper Woody]

Firstly, I wasn't sure what forum to post this in, but politics seemed to be the closest thing. I don't think that this post will start a debate, but rather a discussion, even though this is a debate forum.

I have been watching some YouTube videos (finally got internet after a few months!) of people confronting people for "stolen valor". I decided to look up what actually constitutes stolen valor, and discovered that it wasn't as all encompassing as I thought. Stolen valor only applies to certain things, as listed in the link below.

It actually isn't technically illegal to wear a uniform (at least under the stolen valor act, it possibly is under another law) or to wear certain medals. Only the higher medals are protected, as well as combat action badges and the like. So, according to the stolen valor act, as long as someone isn't wearing certain things, it's ok to pretend to be a member of the military.

Here's the summary of the act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/258

Any thoughts?

 

[righteousdude2]

Firstly, I wasn't sure what forum to post this in, but politics seemed to be the closest thing. I don't think that this post will start a debate, but rather a discussion, even though this is a debate forum.

I have been watching some YouTube videos (finally got internet after a few months!) of people confronting people for "stolen valor". I decided to look up what actually constitutes stolen valor, and discovered that it wasn't as all encompassing as I thought. Stolen valor only applies to certain things, as listed in the link below.

It actually isn't technically illegal to wear a uniform (at least under the stolen valor act, it possibly is under another law) or to wear certain medals. Only the higher medals are protected, as well as combat action badges and the like. So, according to the stolen valor act, as long as someone isn't wearing certain things, it's ok to pretend to be a member of the military.

Here's the summary of the act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/258

Any thoughts?

This is relevant and I for one appreciate knowing this, as there has been a ton of stories about people claiming to be something they weren't. I think your information will be beneficial to anyone wanting to know who is and who isn't breaking laws!

Again, God bless you for your service to this nation! I salute you! :applause:

 

[TC]

When I separated from the USAF in 94, we were told to take the US Air force tag and our rank off of our shirts if we wanted to wear the shirts in public. I did use the camo BDU's in the woods when I first separated. Now I like Realtree camo better.

 

[pinoybaptist]

I didn't serve in this country's armed forces. But I think that those who falsely claim to have are doing so, as stated in most videos, because they want the benefits of one who did serve. They're double freeloading pieces of never mind, as far as I'm concerned, who most likely will dirty their pants at the prospect of a real firefight.
'nuff said.

 

[Scarlett O.]

Whether it is "technically illegal" or not, it is so unethical and constitutes lying, stealing, and disrespect in my opinion.

Especially if it is done for personal gain like the guy did back in November who wanted all the freebies and sales items for veterans on Black Friday at the mall in his home town.

Impersonating anyone (doctor, police officer, veteran, lawyer, ....) for greed, gain, or glory when the impersonator has not earned the title or honor is a sign of a thief.

 

[kyredneck]

"Stolen Valor Act of 2013 - Amends the federal criminal code to rewrite provisions relating to fraudulent claims about military service...."

....and that's what it is in a nutshell, fraud.

 

[carpro]

There are other ways to get at these imposters.

Go to http://www.stolenvalor.com/ for tru stories on frauds that have been outed.