Stolen Valor Website

[PaulR]

There used to be a website that had a huge directory of all people caught in breech of the Stolen Valor Laws. The website was great! It listed these fakes by name and in many instances, provided a photo and the story of what happened and the end result.

I cannot find it anymore! Is it still on line?

[pingjocky]

I think you are talking about AuthetiSEAL, and their Wall of Shame. It has been taken down to a lack of volunteer support. Here's the site.

http://www.cyberseals.org/authentiseal/

R/
pingjocky

[pingjocky]

Here's another one...

http://www.pownetwork.org/phonies/phonies.htm

R/
Pingjocky

[PaulR]

That second one is it!! Thanks Pingjockey!

[SlightlyCatholic]

The fact that these websites even need to run is disturbing in itself. Why can't people just be proud of what they are instead of putting on a mask?

[PaulR]

The fact that these websites even need to run is disturbing in itself. Why can't people just be proud of what they are instead of putting on a mask?

While I think that some cases are due to social inadequacy, I feel that most are out right attempts at fraud to obtain benefits and jobs(from the govt, as well as other sources).

[FeelinFroggy]

Here is another site:

http://veriSEAL.org/

This site claims that the "authentiSEAL" site is bogus, I have not read the details.

I also believe they have a Wall of Shame.

[Kiwi]

Thank you they are great sites.

They are needed because of the amount of posers, walts and wannabes out there. Sometimes its hard to tell them apart.

Seminarian_Tim they are just poor unstable individuals. I have caught many myself in my job.

They are so caught up in their lies they truly believe who they say they are.

[SlightlyCatholic]

Thank you they are great sites.

They are needed because of the amount of posers, walts and wannabes out there. Sometimes its hard to tell them apart.

Seminarian_Tim they are just poor unstable individuals. I have caught many myself in my job.

They are so caught up in their lies they truly believe who they say they are.

I understand the need, I just wish we didn't have a need. A lot of people don't understand that to serve one's country is merely to be a good citizen, which doesn't require wearing a uniform and having a chest full of medals. In the words of LT Caffey from "A Few Good Men": "You don't need to have a patch on your arm to have honor."

[PaulR]

I found one this morning and reported it to the above linked organizations. There is no way in hell...

http://profile.military.com/member/view.do;jsessionid=AED138942F9E0A0B8C23F67FBA5B82B D?memberId=16877053

I saved it just in case the owner wanted to delete it.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/2204/fake2ht3.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fake2ht3.jpg)

[HairyEyeball]

Tim, go back to the movie and watch 'Colonel Jessup's' speech on 'the truth'. Those of us who've seen the actions those decorations are awarded for, or known the men to whom they've been awarded are somewhat - for lack of a better term - 'protective' of the honor, dignity, and valor represented by those awards. The idea that an undeserving individual blithely chooses to stand in their reflected glory demeans everyone who has put his personal welfare aside for his 'buddies'.

There are things in this life that need be experienced to be fully comprehended, without that experience the most one can expect is a superficial intellectual construct.

[PaulR]

It is confirmed...

Mr Hall is a fake. Please see the reply from the folks who should know(below). I have contacted Military.com and informed them of the situation. I really hate this type of person. By the looks of it, he is young enough to get his a$$ off the couch, get into shape, and try out for the team and earn the title. Of course, it is much easier to simply lie about it!



Dear POW Network,


Please pass this information along to HS1 Shannon P. Reck (USCG) in response to the inquiry regarding Mr. STACY L HALL.



To Whom It May Concern:

I greatly appreciate your interest in upholding the honor of the US Navy SEAL Teams, and your search for the TRUTH. Before answering your questions I must make clear that I am a private individual, not affiliated with the US Dept. of Defense or any other government organization. My efforts to expose SEAL imposters are performed as a service to the public, and in honor of my SEAL Teammates who gave their lives in service to our nation… men who truly earned the right to the title “US NAVY SEAL” but who are no longer able to stand forward in defense of their honor, their reputations, and their TEAMs.



If the name you provided is spelled correctly, I do NOT find a listing in the SEAL Database (end of WWII to the Present Day) for anyone named STACY L HALL. I have also examined possible alternate spellings, and names with similar pronunciations without finding any that might be applicable.



Unless he has undertaken the unlikely action of a legal name change (an action for which there would be court documentation) since his claimed attendance at BUD/S training, and based upon the information you have provided, I can state conclusively that STACY L HALL has NEVER COMPLETED SEAL training, and he is not now, nor was he ever a Navy SEAL or a Navy UDT “Frogman”.



I attempted to leave a message for Mr. HALL via the Military.Com web site functions/tools, but encountered an error which prevented my doing so.



When members of the Naval Special Warfare community meet others who claim similar service, but whom they do not recognize, there is a conversational exchange of information that establishes the bona fides of each to the other. There is no set formula for this exchange, nor for the information that is exchanged, but it ALWAYS takes place, and the REAL Naval Special Warfare members can ALWAYS spot a phony as a result of this exchange. If you find it possible to communicate with the man at some point in the future, I might suggest that you to ask Mr. HALL these questions:



(1) Since there is no listing in the SEAL Database for the name you are currently using, WHAT NAME DID YOU USE during SEAL training?

(2) What was his BUD/S Class Number? (NB: No SEAL ever forgets the class number he shouted all day long, every day, for 6 months)

(3) Where did his training take place? (NB: Training has been conducted at several locations over the years; different portions in different places)

(4) When did he graduate from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training? (i.e. a specific graduation DATE)



There are many other questions which could be asked to further establish the level of veracity or untruth regarding his claims, such as asking for the names of other members of his graduating class, but those basic questions are absolutes. The answers to those questions are totally UNCLASSIFIED, and every real SEAL will gladly provide that substantiating information upon request, although you will be very likely be told that the information is either classified or sensitive and cannot be provided, or you will be given some totally bogus information.



Mr. HALL has clearly indicated that he is/was affiliated with SEAL Team SIX. I must advise you that SEAL Team SIX was decommissioned about 1989 (I am being purposely vague) and the officers and men were assigned to other SEAL element(s). As the photograph specifically shows Mr. HALL wearing all of the awards and medals claimed on his web site profile, it must be presumed that it is a recent photograph, rather than one which was taken many years ago. In that photograph Mr. HALL barely appears to be of legal age to serve in the military, much less old enough to have achieved the rank of CHIEF and to have RETIRED. I would suspect that SEAL Team SIX actually ceased to exist about the time Mr. HALL was wearing diapers. I feel compelled to also point out that his appearance is far from that of a physically fit SEAL, or even a retired and mildly-out-of-shape SEAL.



No one gets to the SEAL Teams without first completing BUD/S Training. There are records of every man who has qualified for the title of “SEAL”; there have been and will continue to be secret missions, but there are NO secret SEALs… we know them all, and Mr. HALL is not one of our own.



Thank you again for your concern in this matter, and for your assistance in upholding the honor of the US Navy SEAL Teams. Based upon the specifics of his actions and claims, Mr. HALL certainly seems to have crossed the line from braggadocio and is likely to be prosecutable under the STOLEN VALOR ACT of 2005. As noted in my opening paragraph, I am a private individual and am in no way affiliated with the US Department of Defense or the US government. I will do my best to bring the attention of the federal authorities to bear on this shameless imposter. Whether or not the federal authorities elect to press charges is entirely up to them, but at least you now know the truth regarding his bogus claims.



If I can be of any further assistance to you in this matter, please contact me at your convenience.



Respectfully,

Steve Robinson RM2(SEAL)

[PaulR]

Cha Ching!!! One brought into the light!!!!!! My good deed the day has been completed!

[Woody]

Looks like that idiot seems to have mistaken play station for real life.How anyone could take him for a SEAL I don't know, a manatee if he was on the beach possibly :D.

[txb&b]

Looks like that idiot seems to have mistaken play station for real life.How anyone could take him for a SEAL I don't know, a manatee if he was on the beach possibly :D.

Sadly, there are so many people who believe that the trash put out by Hollyweird is an accurate representation of our military that it makes it possible for wannabes to easily pass themselves off to other idiots who watched the same movies and tv shows.

A truly informed person (or even an intelligent one for that matter) wouldn't have had to go any further that this idiots picture to know he was a poser. There's no way a butterball face like that could belong to someone who's anywhere close to being in good enough physical shape to be a SEAL; nor do I see any Jump Wings, but I'll admit that the pic is small and fuzzy enough that, combined with my deteriorating old eyesight, I could be overlooking them.

Plus, every fool SEAL poser that's too lazy and stupid to do any research at all claims to be Team 6. :sick:

[JohnP]

I ran Mr. Hall thourhg the military.com data base. His picture is still on the site, but the following is posted by Military.com:
Member Not Found
You have reached the page for a Military.com member who no longer has a membership with us. If you would like to find this person, we recommend you visit our Buddy Finder, which contains millions of records for servicemembers past and present, or visit http://search.military.com, where you can search our site, DoD sites, and the rest of the Internet to find who you're looking for. Thanks for using Military.com, and good luck in your search!

Great job and thank you for all who did what they did to remove a fake.

[SGM]

Good job on this young child's tomfoolry. Just be what you are and people will accept you more. Glad to see one less fool trying to be what he isn't!!! Hope they throw the book at him.

[PaulR]

Thanks!! I feel that the best punishment is to be publicly aired as a fake. For most of these people(especially his age), it is all about bolstering a weak self esteem.

I feel that he should do some time at a VA hospital to see the sacrifice made by REAL heroes who earn the praise he was so eagerly willing to steal.

[JohnP]

The sad part in life, is that there are more posers out there than you can imagine. I've met more Navy Seals, Special Forces, Rangers, and Special Operators since I've retired than I've ever met while I was in the service. The farther you are away from a military the worse it is.
I had a man come in for an interview for a job, he brought in his DD-214 for verification, everything was blacked out. He claimed he was in Special Warfare and that everything he did in the military was classified thus his complete 214 was only to be viewed by personnel with level 3 TS clearances. He didn't get the job. I had another who worked for my office that was telling everyone that he was in Special Forces in Viet-Nam and was trained to do everything that Rambo did. People believed him and felt sorry for him whenever he had his "flash backs." He quit having them after it was discovered he was a truck driver for a maintenance unit in Viet-Nam.
As for me, I was a nobody, working for a small unit assigned to do nothing. I loved my job. In my career I had 2 Air Force AFSCs and 1 Army MOS. All my records are available for viewing. I have 3 DD forms 214 and 2 DD forms 215s. Please request all records when asking. Can a Poser say the same thing?

JohnP

[txb&b]

As for me, I was a nobody, working for a small unit assigned to do nothing.

No such thing. :D

Every job in the military is important. Without the staff for heft, balance and support, the tip of the spear is nothing more than an arrowhead. It's important for those in active combat positions understand this and appreciate those in support positions who do their job well.

[PaulR]

No such thing. :D

Every job in the military is important. Without the staff for heft, balance and support, the tip of the spear is nothing more than an arrowhead. It's important for those in active combat positions understand this and appreciate those in support positions who do their job well.

That is right John! Everyone who has honorably served this Nation is a significant part of what has kept her the best Country on the planet. We all owe you and others who have served all the gratitude that can possibly be bestowed. I appreciate your service! Thank you!! Never doubt your contribution to our country as anything other than significant! :D

[FeelinFroggy]

No such thing. :D

Every job in the military is important. Without the staff for heft, balance and support, the tip of the spear is nothing more than an arrowhead. It's important for those in active combat positions understand this and appreciate those in support positions who do their job well.I agree. Don't sell yourself short JohnP.

[JohnP]

Time for some clarification. I'm trained by the British when it comes to making understatements. I've never announced to the world what did while in the service of the greatest country in the world. My favorite career field is one that I can talk the least about and though I was "green jacketed" (admin types will understand that term) all my training, awards and time in service can be traced by looking at the aforementioned DD-214s and 215s.
Shooter 03 can confirm my military experience he either served with me or was located nearby for 6 of my 24 years in. For a quick explanation of what I did for a living, log into Romad.com and nctacp.org.
That should clear up some statements.

[RedBeard]

Time for some clarification. I'm trained by the British when it comes to making understatements. I've never announced to the world what did while in the service of the greatest country in the world. My favorite career field is one that I can talk the least about and though I was "green jacketed" (admin types will understand that term) all my training, awards and time in service can be traced by looking at the aforementioned DD-214s and 215s.
Shooter 03 can confirm my military experience he either served with me or was located nearby for 6 of my 24 years in. For a quick explanation of what I did for a living, log into Romad.com and nctacp.org.
That should clear up some statements.

I wouldn't care if you were a cook, those of you in the military or that have served in the military have my utmost respect. I appreciate what you have done, from feeding the mouths of hungry sailors to all the crazy stuff that I happily do not have to know about.

I have met many "SpecOps" folks in my life. I have known only two to be the real deal and both were obvious. There was no mistaking who or what they were.

[reddog]

RedBeard,
You bring up a good point. I wish I had a dollar for every time I've heard someone say, " I was going to be a Marine, but-?" The truthful answer to that statement is they didn't possess the necessary BB's. Be proud of what you did and how you served, we're not all cut-out to be Rambo's. Not one of us would survive without each other, we're all a cog in that wheel..
Reddog...

[Lee Ragan]

RedBeard,
You bring up a good point. I wish I had a dollar for every time I've heard someone say, " I was going to be a Marine, but-?" The truthful answer to that statement is they didn't possess the necessary BB's. Be proud of what you did and how you served, we're not all cut-out to be Rambo's. Not one of us would survive without each other, we're all a cog in that wheel..
Reddog...
I too have heard this line about a million times that they were going to join the Marines.... but never joined any branch. The other line I've heard so many times that it makes me ill is: "my butt would have gone straight to Viet Nam". How do they know that? Did everyone forget that during the Viet Nam War, we also had the Cold War to contend with? I had read the figures once about how many of us that served in those years actually went to Southeast Asia, much less Viet Nam. I do remember that less than 50% of those who served in that time frame actually went to SEA.
Yea, lots of the "stay-at-homes", had visons of being a war hero and if they couldn't be that.... they would not even bother to join up.
(Soap box now vacant.)

[JohnP]

I wouldn't care if you were a cook, those of you in the military or that have served in the military have my utmost respect. I appreciate what you have done, from feeding the mouths of hungry sailors to all the crazy stuff that I happily do not have to know about.

I have met many "SpecOps" folks in my life. I have known only two to be the real deal and both were obvious. There was no mistaking who or what they were.

There are old operators and bold operators, but there are no old, bold operators. The best that I have known, you would never know who they were or what they did unless you had a conversation with someone from their unit who actually saw what they did.

An example of one is CMSGT Richard L. Etchberger, Air Force Cross recipient (posthumanously). It wasn't until this year that he's being considered for the Medal of Honor 40 years after his death because the mission he was on was not acknowledged. Other than a trivia question of Air Force exams, he was just a radar technician serving in SE Asia.

I've met 2 other living enlisted Air Force Cross recipients in my time. (1 from Viet Nam the other from Mogadishu.) Both are unassuming men you would pass on the street without giving them a 2nd glance. Both were doing what they loved to do and had no intention of being a hero. Both would also agree with this forum when it has been mentioned, they got to do what they did because of everyone in the chain.

One final item and I'll get off the soap box. The Medal of Honor is just that. It is not the Congressional Medal of Honor. Congress does not have its name on any military medal. There is one issued for the Army, Navy and the Air Force (Marines receive the won awared by the Navy.) When referring to this medal please call it the Medal of Honor and not the Congressional Medal of Honor, CMH, or MOH. It deserves the same respect as them men who have received it.

Nuf Said

[CAPSmith]

One final item and I'll get off the soap box. The Medal of Honor is just that. It is not the Congressional Medal of Honor. Congress does not have its name on any military medal. There is one issued for the Army, Navy and the Air Force (Marines receive the won awared by the Navy.) When referring to this medal please call it the Medal of Honor and not the Congressional Medal of Honor, CMH, or MOH. It deserves the same respect as them men who have received it.

John,

Intruiging point. There is obviously some confusion regarding the "real name" of The Medal of Honor.

For example, the society comprised soley of Medal of Honor recipients was created by the passing of 36 USC Chapter 33 as "The Congressional Medal of Honor Society."

Then, there is documents littered all over the Senate webpage like this one: http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/SenatorsCMH.pdf

and others...
US Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged President Bush to award the Nation's highest military honor – the Congressional Medal of Honor – to Marine Corporal Jason Dunham of Scio New York. Corporal Dunham died after giving up his helmet to protect other Marines from an attacker's grenade on April 14.

Clinton, Bishop Welcome Announcement that Congressional Medal of Honor will be Awarded to Fallen Long Island Hero Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy

In total there are 1910 different articles, papers on the Senate website that refer to this Medal by the name, "Congressional Medal of Honor."

I'm having some trouble finding the legislation that created The Medal, but I would assume that they would have titled it there.

My thoughts are that it is referred to as such because the medal is "awarded in the name of Congress." In this case Congress does in fact have it's name on a military medal, the reverse of the bar that says, "VALOR" says, "THE CONGRESS TO" with space for the recipients name.

[JohnP]

The U.S. Army Medal of Honor was first authorized by a joint resolution of Congress on July 12, 1862. The specific authorizing statute was 10 U.S.C. § 3741, which states:

“ The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who while a member of the Army, distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.[34]



TITLE 10 > Subtitle B > PART II > CHAPTER 357 > § 3741Prev | Next § 3741. Medal of honor: award
The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who while a member of the Army, distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty—
(1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

I can see the confusion, even when reading the rules and regulations governing this. this should assist.

[PhilK]

IAW the Army Institute of Heraldry:

Medal of Honor (http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/MOH1.htm)

[RedBeard]

There are old operators and bold operators, but there are no old, bold operators. The best that I have known, you would never know who they were or what they did unless you had a conversation with someone from their unit who actually saw what they did.

Both of these men were very unassuming. The first I have known since I was a small child. At first I wondered why he would be gone for months at a time. As I grew older I realized that his motorcycle was parked at the SF compound for those several months.

The other is a SEAL and was recalled to serve as an instructor during the Gulf War. Very unassuming. I notice odd things and I just by chance picked up on a clue most people would have missed when I first met him.

Neither looked or acted like the stereotypical "SpecOps" wannabes you see running around. I have no idea what kinds of medals they earned. I did not feel it my place to ask.

[JohnP]

They will tell tales of a particular time and place that they believed was funny and relate it to a certain incident he and you are in, but true warriors will rarely speak of any medals they recieved.

The best thing about men like these is the friendship that they can bring once you earn their trust.

[mrkltmn]

I've been priviledged enough to meet one Medal of Honor winner in my life and to hear him explain (Mind you I can't explain it with the articulance and emotion that he did) it he feels that when he was given the Medal of Honor it was more like he felt he was allowed to wear it in the name of the Valor that it represents not so much that he thought he embodied that Valor. My father (A Career Army Officer) has met a couple more recipients and he said they all explained it in much the same way. Honestly I think it shows that they are even more honorable for not boasting.

[SlightlyCatholic]

One thing that I find remarkable is the number of Medal of Honor recipients who aren't around to talk about it. It seems like most Medals of Honor that are awarded now are posthumous, which is why those types of stories aren't told by the recipient themselves but instead by their family and friends.

[JohnP]

There are some good books and great sites out there that will tell the stories for these heroes. The best site is http://www.medalofhonor.com/

[SGM]

Here's another one coming to surface:

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/army_calandra_121508w/


Army alerts feds of possible Stolen Valor case

By Brendan McGarry - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Dec 16, 2008 21:41:35 EST

Discrepancies in the service record of a Vietnam veteran seeking a Medal of Honor have prompted the Army to alert the FBI of a potential violation of the Stolen Valor Act, sources close to the investigation said.

The case involves Terry Richard Calandra, 59, of Forks Township, Pa., who is commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 700 in Glen Gardner, N.J.

“After review of Mr. Calandra’s records, a number of potential discrepancies were noted and the matter was referred to civilian law enforcement for investigation of the potential violation of the Stolen Valor Act,” said Lt. Col. Richard McNorton, a spokesman for Human Resources Command.

The legislation, signed into law in 2006, makes falsely claiming a military decoration or medal a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a fine.

An investigator for the FBI declined to comment on the case.

Calandra said he was “baffled” by the Army’s action.

“All I know is I had eyewitness accounts on this,” he said. “I’m going to stand on my military record. … If the Army wants to change their mind, that’s their business. I’ll send my medals back. I don’t need them.”

Calandra’s discharge paperwork states he received the Distinguished Service Cross, the military’s second-highest award given for “extraordinary heroism in action against an enemy,” as well as the Silver Star, Bronze Star with “V” device for valor (second oak leaf cluster), Purple Heart (fourth oak leaf cluster), the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valor (first oak leaf cluster) and other decorations from a six-month tour in Vietnam in 1969, according to portions of his service record provided by the National Personnel Records Center in response to a Freedom of Information request from Army Times.

The general orders and citations in Calandra’s official service record for the two highest awards — the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star — conflict with records at the National Archives and Records Administration, according to copies of the documents obtained by Army Times.

General orders are issued by various commands to announce awards, among other news, and are published in chronological order in a given year.

In Calandra’s file, the U.S. Army Vietnam general order announcing his Distinguished Service Cross is numbered 9,580.

According to the National Archives, U.S. Army Vietnam only issued 4,519 general orders in 1969. The most general orders USARV ever issued in any year during the conflict was 7,149 in 1966.

In Calandra’s file, the 9th Infantry Division general order announcing his Silver Star is numbered 5,293.

That general order number corresponds to one at the National Archives announcing a posthumous award of the Army Commendation Medal for a different soldier, Spc. Larry Brown.

The documents contain other inconsistencies.

The Army most recently began reviewing Calandra’s file in August after U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., forwarded an inquiry from Calandra about his Medal of Honor nomination.

“Mr. Terry Calandra has contacted my Allentown office inquiring on the status of his nomination for the Congressional Medal of Honor,” Specter wrote in a July 18 letter to the Military Awards Branch. “Since the request falls under your jurisdiction, I have forwarded you a copy of his request.”

Specter later told a local newspaper editorial board that Calandra should be considered for the military’s top award.

In an e-mail to Army Times, spokesperson Kate Kelly said, “Sen. Specter’s office has been briefed by the Army concerning the questions surrounding Mr. Calandra’s service.” She declined further comment.

In October, Pennsylvania state Rep. Richard T. Grucela introduced a resolution “memorializing the Congress of the United States to award Terry Calandra the Medal of Honor for valorous service during the Vietnam Conflict.” The bill, which was co-signed by dozens of representatives, died in committee.

Grucela’s office didn’t return a call seeking comment.

Amazing what those Order numbers do - and there are records of them for proof!!

[JohnP]

Here's another one coming to surface:

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/army_calandra_121508w/




Amazing what those Order numbers do - and there are records of them for proof!!

As has been quoted by the Cadet Moderators, "The proof is in the details."

He received all those awards in less than 6 months in the field. That should've raised some eyebrows. Any idea what his MOS was? You would think he had an admin background by the way he knew about the general order numbers.

[Woody]

How can you seek a medal of honour long after the war you fought in
is over ? I thought those which had been awarded were done after other people nominated the recipient .

[Javelin66]

Calenda is not listed in the Legion of Valor's database at all.

To answer Tim's question, in some cases the awardee's comrades, family, chain of command, etc, feel that the case was not given sufficient review at the time of the original award, so they resubmit the nomination. The case that stands out in my mind is MSG Roy P. Benavidez, who was awarded the medal by President Reagan for actions during Vietnam.

[JohnP]

Here's another case of stolen Valor. In this particular case, a suspected muderer has an opportunity to go free.

Idaho man gets prison for stealing vet benefits

By John Miller - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jan 7, 2009 9:09:23 EST

BOISE, Idaho — A witness in a 2005 Idaho murder solicitation case will spend a year and a day in federal prison after being found guilty of defrauding the government of nearly $100,000 in veterans’ benefits.

Elven Joe Swisher, 71, of Cottonwood, was convicted last year of wearing unauthorized military medals, presenting false statements and documents to the Department of Veterans Affairs and theft of government funds.

Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced him Monday to the prison term, as well as still-unspecified restitution and three years of supervision.

Swisher was among at least eight people from the northwestern U.S. charged in 2007 with faking their military service in conflicts dating to World War II. Federal prosecutors say he falsely posed as a veteran of the Korean War.

In 2005, Swisher was a witness in the federal trial of northcentral Idaho businessman David Hinkson, who was accused of plotting to kill a federal judge, prosecutor and tax agent.

Hinkson was convicted of soliciting the murders of U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy D. Cook, and Internal Revenue Service Special Agent Steven M. Hines. All three had been involved in a separate, federal tax case against Hinkson’s water business. None of the officials was harmed.

Swisher sported a replica Purple Heart pin on his lapel while on the witness stand and testified that because of his combat exploits and claims of killing enemy soldiers in battle, Hinkson attempted to hire him.

After Swisher was convicted of fraud in April, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in May ruled that Hinkson deserved a new trial because Swisher forged documents and lied in court about his military background.

Federal prosecutors have asked the appeals court to reconsider, though no decision has been made. Before his conviction was overturned, Hinkson was sentenced to 43 years in prison.

Jessica Fehr, an assistant U.S. attorney in Billings, Mont., said Tuesday that Swisher’s case wasn’t given special priority because of its history. Her office handled the fraud case against Swisher after the Idaho office recused itself due to its past involvement in the Hinkson case.

“It was reviewed and handled in the same manner as any other case that comes through our office,” Fehr told The Associated Press.

Swisher will likely be sent to a federal prison near Portland, Ore. He didn’t immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Chris Bugbee, Swisher’s attorney in Spokane, Wash., told the AP he plans to appeal the case within 10 days. A major point of contention, Bugbee said, is the federal court’s rejection in late 2008 of Swisher’s request for a new trial.

[PaulR]

/Nice! Such losers!

[Lee Ragan]

I want to ask a dumb question. Why was this thread put in the section to identify patches pins and other insignia? Just wondering.:dontgetit:

[armysc_25b]

I want to ask a dumb question. Why was this thread put in the section to identify patches pins and other insignia? Just wondering.:dontgetit:
Maybe to identify stolen patches, pins, and other insignia? I can't read minds, so I can't answer for PaulR, but if I were a betting man that'd be my final answer.

[Lee Ragan]

Maybe to identify stolen patches, pins, and other insignia? I can't read minds, so I can't answer for PaulR, but if I were a betting man that'd be my final answer.
Sounds like as good an answer as any! I've had a few patches & other insignia stolen. Jeeze.. aint nuthin sacred anymore?

[PaulR]

Maybe to identify stolen patches, pins, and other insignia? I can't read minds, so I can't answer for PaulR, but if I were a betting man that'd be my final answer.

I figured that it was the most appropriate spot since the topic pertained to medals and awards. :lookaround:

[RedBeard]

I am trying to verify the story of an individual claiming to be a "Special Forces Ranger." Can anybody help me out? Please PM.

[Javelin66]

In short, it is possible that someone is both SF and Ranger qualified (successfully completed both courses and wears both tabs), but there are not any 'Special Forces Ranger' units.

Special Forces (SF) and Ranger units are two different types of Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF). The Army has a number of Special Forces Groups and a Ranger Regiment. They have different mission sets and skills, although there is some overlap.

Special Forces and Ranger are not mutually exclusive qualifications. Many (if not most) Special Forces qualified personnel (AKA Green Berets) also attend Ranger school. In addition, many combat arms officers and NCOs as well as sister services and allied officers and NCOs attend Ranger School for the training and experience, but do intend to serve in the Ranger Regiment.

On the other hand, only those volunteering to serve in a Special Forces Group go through the SF 'Q' course. There are some exceptions, like specially seleceted SOF personnel from other branches and international officers.

[RedBeard]

In short, it is possible that someone is both SF and Ranger qualified (successfully completed both courses and wears both tabs), but there are not any 'Special Forces Ranger' units.

Special Forces (SF) and Ranger units are two different types of Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF). The Army has a number of Special Forces Groups and a Ranger Regiment. They have different mission sets and skills, although there is some overlap.

Special Forces and Ranger are not mutually exclusive qualifications. Many (if not most) Special Forces qualified personnel (AKA Green Berets) also attend Ranger school. In addition, many combat arms officers and NCOs as well as sister services and allied officers and NCOs attend Ranger School for the training and experience, but do intend to serve in the Ranger Regiment.

On the other hand, only those volunteering to serve in a Special Forces Group go through the SF 'Q' course. There are some exceptions, like specially seleceted SOF personnel from other branches and international officers.

Javelin, thank you for the excellent summary of Special Forces and Rangers.

This individual was quoted as referring to himself as a 'Special Forces Ranger.' I don't think I have ever heard someone so qualified referring to himself as such. Just sounded fishy to me.

If anybody knows of a group that can vet this individual please let me know.

[LVvet]

Calandra was a 11B. He's laying low since this news broke.

[JohnP]

Calandra was a 11B. He's laying low since this news broke.

And you are? Please log into the new member forum an introduce yourself, please.

Can you state where you've received your information? I'm assuming a newspaper article?

Given the right information, I can do some other digging on this individual and relay the information.

[LVvet]

Any further info besides what I've found already would be appreciated. I've never seen this much "goop" in one person's record. The DD214 would be a real find as well as all the orders for ALL those PH's and Bronze Stars. PH doesn't mean much. Just get treated for a scratch and make sure it's logged.
The Air Medal orders would be interesting too.

[Lee Ragan]

We had a guy apply here at work this last week that calimed he was a retired Army Brigadier General with Medal of Honor, Silver Star and Purple heart. I was told he even showed up for the interview with a single silver star pinned on each shoulder of a civilian windbreaker and wearing the medals. (I never saw the guy, but the shop superintendent and the director of personnel both told me about this character.) He was 66 years old, but claimed to have been in Korea, "in" the DMZ, Viet Nam, Desert Storm and two tours in Afganistan.
To make a long story short, they figured out this guy was a phoney and didn't hire him. Oh yea, I forgot to mention, he was applying for a job as the (are you ready?)... shop janitor!:(
These wannabe heros are all over the place! Sometimes you don't know if you should get mad at these turkeys or feel sorry for them that their lives are so unfulfilled that they have to make up these wild stories.:mad:

[JohnP]

We had a guy apply here at work this last week that calimed he was a retired Army Brigadier General with Medal of Honor, Silver Star and Purple heart. I was told he even showed up for the interview with a single silver star pinned on each shoulder of a civilian windbreaker and wearing the medals. (I never saw the guy, but the shop superintendent and the director of personnel both told me about this character.) He was 66 years old, but claimed to have been in Korea, "in" the DMZ, Viet Nam, Desert Storm and two tours in Afganistan.
To make a long story short, they figured out this guy was a phoney and didn't hire him. Oh yea, I forgot to mention, he was applying for a job as the (are you ready?)... shop janitor!:(
These wannabe heros are all over the place! Sometimes you don't know if you should get mad at these turkeys or feel sorry for them that their lives are so unfulfilled that they have to make up these wild stories.:mad:


If your boss will give you the name of this loser, look it up on the site that is messaged by LVVet in his introduction. If he's not there, get his name posted!

I've been spending a long time there looking at these losers. I'm extremely disappointed by a "Vet Group" in New Mexico. They are allegedly Native American, ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen who go around trying to pass themselves off are real men and women.

[Lee Ragan]

If your boss will give you the name of this loser, look it up on the site that is messaged by LVVet in his introduction. If he's not there, get his name posted!

I've been spending a long time there looking at these losers. I'm extremely disappointed by a "Vet Group" in New Mexico. They are allegedly Native American, ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen who go around trying to pass themselves off are real men and women.
John,
Sent you a PM concerning this.
Lee

[Walker]

Tim, go back to the movie and watch 'Colonel Jessup's' speech on 'the truth'. Those of us who've seen the actions those decorations are awarded for, or known the men to whom they've been awarded are somewhat - for lack of a better term - 'protective' of the honor, dignity, and valor represented by those awards. The idea that an undeserving individual blithely chooses to stand in their reflected glory demeans everyone who has put his personal welfare aside for his 'buddies'.

There are things in this life that need be experienced to be fully comprehended, without that experience the most one can expect is a superficial intellectual construct.

Epic.

*more characters for the spam filter*

[CplRaines]

The irony is bringing a tear to my eye.

[Walker]

I no rite...

[Smiles]

Ya know this crap's getting really old real fast.

[Cinderella]

Ya know this crap's getting really old real fast.

The fact you never served, but have the right to decide to see what stays and what gets deleted is old too.

Get over it...it's only the interwebz.

[mtnsldr]

Ya know this crap's getting really old real fast.

You're right. Lying does get old fast.

Especially when it could be SOOOO easy to make it all go away...

[Rob]

Ya know this crap's getting really old real fast.

you're right posers and wannabes acting like their opinions matter does get old.

[PaulR]

I admit that I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer... but what is going on? Smiles is a Moderator, right? What is going on with the bashing?

[Cinderella]

I admit that I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer... but what is going on? Smiles is a Moderator, right? What is going on with the bashing?

I guess there's a Cap'n Saveaho on every site....

[PaulR]

I guess there's a Cap'n Saveaho on every site....

What is that supposted to mean?

[JohnP]

I admit that I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer... but what is going on? Smiles is a Moderator, right? What is going on with the bashing?

Smiles is earning her stripes is what is going on. She stood up to a group of Marines, she’s shown loyalty and the ability to stand up and hit back.

She may not have been a soldier but she’s showing tenacity. If you read through the many threads that’s she been on recently, you’ll see she hung on and in some cases has earned some praise.

As a mod, you should always be able to stand up to scrutiny. We should be leading by example. We should stand up and say, “I am a moderator; try me!” If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen as the saying goes. If you’ve made an error in judgment, admit the mistake, and drive on. If you say you are something and you are not. Get out.

[PaulR]

Thanks for the explanation John. I have not logged in here for a couple of months and am seeing a lot of crazy stuff going on. I guess I have a lot of reading ahead of me in order to catch up.

Thanks.

[PaulR]

I guess there's a Cap'n Saveaho on every site....

Hey smart ass! I had no idea that "Smiles" was even a female member until I looked at her profile after googling your idiotic reply(as if her gender that really matters).

The fact is that she was placed in a leadership position by the site owner/admin. Regardless of her military experience, she does hold a ranking here. As you were taught in the military, you do not have to respect the person but you do have to respect and render appropriate conduct toward the postion bestoyed upon her.

Do us all a favor and keep your childish analogies to yourself.

[Walker]

Hey smart ass! I had no idea that "Smiles" was even a female member until I looked at her profile after googling your idiotic reply(as if her gender that really matters).

The fact is that she was placed in a leadership position by the site owner/admin. Regardless of her military experience, she does hold a ranking here. As you were taught in the military, you do not have to respect the person but you do have to respect and render appropriate conduct toward the postion bestoyed upon her.

Do us all a favor and keep your childish analogies to yourself.

So was HEB...

[PaulR]

Yeah... I am just reading that... :mad:

[IslandHopper]

Smiles is earning her stripes is what is going on. She stood up to a group of Marines, she’s shown loyalty and the ability to stand up and hit back.

She may not have been a soldier but she’s showing tenacity. If you read through the many threads that’s she been on recently, you’ll see she hung on and in some cases has earned some praise.

As a mod, you should always be able to stand up to scrutiny. We should be leading by example. We should stand up and say, “I am a moderator; try me!” If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen as the saying goes. If you’ve made an error in judgment, admit the mistake, and drive on. If you say you are something and you are not. Get out.



Has HEB been stripped* of MOD status yet? Its a simple question. No long winded retort required.





*easy, Nap.©

[IslandHopper]

Hey smart ass!



Point of Parliamentary procedure. Vulgarity is not permitted. We have woman, children and posers here.

[JohnP]

Point of Parliamentary procedure. Vulgarity is not permitted. We have woman, children and posers here.

Point of Parliamentary Procedure Acknowledge.

Findings:

DTG of Warning Card Posting: 5/21/2009 17:26 PM

DTG of Paul posting: 5/21/2009 12:53 PM

Actions:

He is safe by a couple of hours, but thanks for keeping tabs on the language. You’ve also done a great job of cleaning up your files. Thank you very much. If I can find you in a bar, I will buy you a drink for this accomplishment. :)

[MarineNephew]

Point of Parliamentary Procedure Acknowledge.
If I can find you in a bar, I will buy you a drink for this accomplishment. :)

Dangerous offer to some of the Jarheads visiting here.

You'll wake up in the corner of the bar to find your wallet empty, your car keys (and car) gone, your dog growling at you when you walk in the door, and your wife smiling from ear-to-ear.

[JohnP]

Dangerous offer to some of the Jarheads visiting here.

You'll wake up in the corner of the bar to find your wallet empty, your car keys (and car) gone, your dog growling at you when you walk in the door, and your wife smiling from ear-to-ear.

I’m safe on all accounts:

1. You'll wake up in the corner of the bar - Like that hasn't happened before
2. Find your wallet empty – it’s already empty
3. Your car keys (and car) gone – if you can drive that POS you can have it
4. Your dog growling at you when you walk in the door – See answer to #3
5. And your wife smiling from ear-to-ear – Again, see answer to #3

I will consider myself sufficiently warned.

[wukong]

The Dragon Lady once made the off hand comment that she had never seen a Marine that didn't look hungry.