Posted on 08/06/2024 8:19:09 PM PDT by Reno89519
Stolen Valor: Stolen valor refers to the act of falsely claiming military service, awards, or decorations to obtain benefits, recognition, or other advantages. This can include wearing military uniforms, medals, or insignias one is not entitled to. It is illegal under the Stolen Valor Act of 2013, which specifically targets fraudulent claims made with the intent to gain money, property, or other tangible benefits.
As many have found, I am consistently defensive of respecting fellow veterans for their honorable service, for them as veterans, regardless of role, whether in combat or not, or how long they served.
I am equally unforgiving of anyone guilty of stolen valor, whether by legal definition or by societal expectation.
So, here are two cases to consider: Representative Ronny Jackson (25-year veteran) and Governor Tim Walz (24-year veteran).
First, Representative Ronny Jackson attained the rank of Rear Admiral but was demoted to Captain upon retirement. Yet, he goes around referring to himself as an admiral. That, to me, is stolen valor.
Second, Governor Tim Walz attained the rank of Command Sergeant Major, then retired as Master Sergeant. Yet, he goes around referring to himself as a Command Sergeant Major. That, to me, again, is stolen valor.
That's rather simple. Stolen valor is stolen valor.
While the details for the lower retired rank are different, Jackson was demoted due to an Inspector General report and Walz did not complete the steps to make the rank permanent, the end fact is they are officially retired at a lower rank.
I think both are equally guilty of stolen valor. Do you agree or not? And if not, does the fact that one is Republican and the other a Democrat play into that? And would you admit if true? :)
As I have now read the details, I’m comfortable concluding that Governor Walz committed stolen valor. As some might recall, I have reached the same conclusion, as I explained above, for Representative Jackson. Political party is no excuse.
Why is that even a question? You don’t earn it, don’t claim it. Well... he is a Democratic so honesty is shot to hell at jump.
No. Just proves that he is a chickensh*t.
You ever serve a day active duty?
People can get RIFed, and leave the service as an enlisted. If they retire, normal procedure is to pay (retired) at highest rank held.
Save your anger for the FOBBETs that play combat vet when the best they did was briefly transit the combat zone.
IMO - non-starter, non-issue
I think his true rank is AFC…..
Asshole First Class.
It is a question because I infer from some comments today and in the past that some people think party matters more than facts. As well, earlier today in a thread I was pushing back at the paid hit piece by a couple people trying to swift boat him using a paid hit piece. Anyway, while I respect his 24-year career, accept his retirement and honorable service, I found in reading further and from several sources, that he has claimed a rank that was not his to claim upon retirement. I bring up Jackson because I did criticized him in the past to the anger of a few Freepres for doing the same. I think both committed stolen valor and both deserve equal disdain.
Yes, as a matter of fact, I did serve in the US Navy as an electronics technician and nuclear reactor operator. I have an honorable discharge. Since you ask, did you?
I thought that of everyone with a higher rank than me when I was in. :)
Yes.
End of story.
Walz, on the other hand, just plain surrendered his rank and separated from the service to avoid deployment.
To me, neither case is stolen valor in the legal sense although Walz showed a lack of integrity by bailing out on his troops.
According to an article in NavyTimes:
That administrative action involved Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro changing Jackson’s “retirement grade determination” and reducing his rank to O-6, a defense official granted anonymity to discuss personnel matters told Navy Times Thursday.Others with military knowledge will have to weigh in on whether Jackson was given a "retired demotion" that is different from his "active" rank. Is Jackson still entitled to use his "active" rank despite his benefits rank having been demoted three years after he retired?Jackson’s official service record now lists him as a retired captain.
-PJ
Are you sure that Jackson’s retirement at a lower rank wasn’t a RESULT OF ‘LAWFARE’ directed at him? Lots of that going around.
You have to hold the rank for 2-3 years, depending on the grade, to retire at that grade.
“ Jackson was investigated by the Navy in 2021 for misconduct…”
******************************************************
The Biden administration’s Navy. Just sayin’.
I find that I can not disagree with you about anything you posted. Thank you for thinking for yourself.
Politics did play a part but the criticisms of him were apparently confirmed. Had he not taken a political course after retirement, he probably would still be an admiral. But however it happened, he is no longer one, so claiming it is stolen valor.
In 1973 I was hitchhiking to my quarters off base from Ft. Lewis twice a day (newly wed) and a sad thing I was seeing from my rides who often were officers who had battlefield promotions were them being drummed out or at least offered demotion if they chose to stay in.
What do you know about the history of Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal?
Blumenthal campaigned for the Senate in 2010 as a Vietnam veteran, saying he "served in Vietnam" despite being stationed only in DC and Connecticut.
When caught by a New York Times article during the campaign, Blumenthal said that he occasionally "misspoke" about his record and that he should have said he served in the Vietnam era.
Was that Stolen Valor? Blumenthal is still in the Senate today.
-PJ
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