Stolen Valor

[Sarah-bot]

I want to approach this delicately because it is a delicate issue. Throughout our discussions we commonly encounter individuals referring to their military service as a form of reference. I must admit that I have done this my self. The point is that there is no way to know if someone is stealing valor by claiming military service on this forum. I am willing to submit my DD -214 to Jim Robinson or his surrogates. My suggestion is that anyone having prior military service (validated by DD-214 gets a star or some such indicator by their screen name), and those people can reference their military service. I am not saying this because I want to brag, I just resent the idea of people using pretentious military service as a form of reference. If I am out of line on this I apologize and I will accept the rebuke graciously.

[Slings and Arrows]

That’s what I got when I Googled “sad toes.” I only wish it came with the backstory.

[Slings and Arrows]

I’m taking bribes from a secret group of urologists.

[Slings and Arrows]

[Salamander]

If you find it, I don’t want to hear it.

It’s probably too tragic for me.

[Salamander]

Are you in league with evil chocolatiers, too?

On the way back through the kitchen, I *had* to stop and eat some chocolate chips.

[Salamander]

Please tell me that’s not a real book.

[Slings and Arrows]

They pay well, they pay promptly, and they pay cash.

[Slings and Arrows]

I’m genuinely unsure.

[Salamander]

Arrrrrrgh!

Cocoa Judas!

[but man, they were ~good~]....LOL

[real saxophonist]

No, I don't think you were wrong to make this post. It was an interesting idea that's not practically workable. 300,000 registered, 100,000 active members.

Go through all the DD214s? Take a while.

And you're starting to sound a little butt-hurt that people are messing with you. That happens with any vanity, no matter what the subject, and it happens with any military topic, no matter what the subject.

And there are very few times when my service is relevant to whatever discussion I am having. Am I proud of it? Yes, as are most here. Does it matter when I'm talking about something non-military?

Maybe. Probably not.

[Slings and Arrows]

Hmmm, I like that!

And since Sarah-bot seems to be getting a swelled head from its tagline glory...

[RVN Airplane Driver]

This is one reason I being a veteran of the Vietnam era are not comfortable joining organizations like the VFW and American Legion.I would feel very uncomfortable Not being a combat vet. I don’t want my honor challanged just because I was not serving during a battle.Even though it was Not my fault.It just wasn’t in the cards for me and others like me.

Well in that you never served in a combat zone you are not eligible for the VFW, so that relieves you of that daunting task. As for the legion a majority of their members have never served in a combat zone either.

Now with the foregoing being said.....the vast majority who served in Vietnam never had a shot fired in anger at them either...so their tales of terror have little foundation as well. Those of us who actually got shot at would have given anything to be any place but where we were when "charles" was taking pot shots our way.

Maybe I'm different but as far as anyone challenging a non-combat vets honor...I have never heard it and I have been a member of the legion for over 30 years. Now I have occasionally heard someone get called a "REIMF" around a VFW, most of the time by another "REIMF". Rest Easy....you have lot's of company!

[plinyelder]

Geeze

Boy am I ever in trouble .. The Dog ate my Discharge Papers 8(

In reality, after 38 years and 3 marriages, moving and living in ‘five’ different states .. I don’t have in my possession, ‘any’ of the following articles: “Any” of the 3 marriage or divorce certs, my birth certificate, H.S. diploma or Any documents of the many educational areas that I have been involved.

Heck .. I’ve Already lost This Years W2 forms! ;>)

(yes, I guess that I could get copies if needed .. If it comes to that)

[ansel12]

To be polite - If one can’t tell a poser without looking at some paper, well — nuff sed.

I agree, this is silly.

If you are a vet then it doesn't take very much for you to figure out if someone is posing. Besides, it rarely comes up in a context where verification would serve a purpose, I can't think of a case where someone says "I am the biggest war hero here, so my opinion decides the thread, end of discussion, it makes sense for Oklahoma City to raise their sales tax".

[shibumi]

"Geeze Boy am I ever in trouble .. The Dog ate my Discharge Papers 8( In reality, after 38 years and 3 marriages, moving and living in ‘five’ different states .. I don’t have in my possession, ‘any’ of the following articles: “Any” of the 3 marriage or divorce certs, my birth certificate, H.S. diploma or Any documents of the many educational areas that I have been involved. Heck .. I’ve Already lost This Years W2 forms! ;>) (yes, I guess that I could get copies if needed .. If it comes to that)


Sounds like all you need is about a dozen SSANs plus a ghost-written autobiography and you can run for President.

[shibumi]

Hi guys! (And LadyMander)

I’ve been away at work for the last 9 hours or so.

Did I miss anything?

(Rip! Snort! Guffaw! Chuckle!)

[shibumi]

"In the spring we'd make meat helmets....."

[shibumi]

I'll see your Cocoa Judas and raise you one "Coffee Messiah."

[humblegunner]

I also heard that he threw his metals in the drink

Actual Military personnel would know that the word is "medals".

I can say this because I now have a supercool star next to my name.

[Nuc1]

Wouldn't worry too much about that. I think you have a point. Wouldn't take any criticism to heart, only people that don't do anything are free from criticism. :D)