Name:   MAJ USA RET - Subject:   Thieves of Valor Date:   2/12/2012 11:34:50 AM

A veteran’s fake military record is raising questions about the charity he served, the Houston Chronicle reports.” - February 12, 2012, Fox News

To catch a thief of Valor –

There are times when you find yourself listening to a “combat veteran” relate incredible stories of valor. You get that niggling feeling in your head. In most cases, (not all) the imposter/ embellisher will not actually wear the medals he purports to have been awarded.  Note: Nobody ever “wins” a service medal.  The medals are “awarded” because of service, commendable acts, or valor.

If you are a veteran, DO NOT BE AN ENABLER.  Let the braggart know that you are a veteran and you know how the system works. 

If you are an employer, request to see his or her original DD214 as a condition of employment as a veteran (special incentives are given for employing veterans).  Stealers of valor will immediately balk at this request and offer some excuse as to why the DD214 cannot be produced.  (Note: My enlisted records were burned in the 1976 fire at the St. Louis Center… yet the Army was still able to produce my DD214.  AND, you are given an original on discharge and told to secure it.)

From: http://www.dba-oracle.com/t_fake_military_heroes_medals_uniforms.htm

1.   Sketchy records. When asked to verify details of their military record, phonies often say they didn't go through the normal military channels.

2.   Appearance matters. Impostors put on pretty lousy impersonations. They're often out of shape or have a "slovenly appearance in uniform,"

3.   Top secret? Probably not. A phony often will say details of his career exploits are classified.

4.   "My dog ate it." Phonies often say their military documents were destroyed in a fire or some similar disaster. 

5.   Watch that rack. Check their decorations; phonies often wear medals in the wrong order or in disproportion to their time in service. 

6.   Check the birth date. When it comes to the Medal of Honor, age matters.

7.   Just ask. Don't be afraid to test someone if you think they're faking, FBI agents say.

8.   Surf the Web. Still not sure? Check out the online databases of information about both real and phony war heroes. The site www.homeofheroes.com has a confidential online "bust a phony" form. Information submitted is turned over to the FBI. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society maintains a list of living MOH award recipients at www.cmohs.org . Also, www.pownetwork.org  maintains a list of phony veterans.

ANY Veteran can fill out an SF-180 to release his or her records.  Of course the SSN and any personal security information can be blacked out.  Employers, charitable organizations, and political candidates should feel a persona obligation to participate in their own vetting.