Navy SEAL Impostor

[Flying Pig]

... Gold Parachute Wings, etc etc in his signature.    He later replied back that he was just messing around with the ribbon builder and was not aware that it actually had posted to his site but still stood by being a sniper.  He then went on to say he went to an "in house" Jump School in Hawaii as part of a Recon unit and that he didnt have to go to Benning.  (Whatever)

Marines and sailors did not necessarily have to go to Airborne training at Benning. In the 1970s the Marines and the Navy had PR School at NAS Lakehurst, NJ. Lot of riggers have upgraded themselves after discharge from packing chutes for heroes to either Recon or SEAL.

Not this guy.

[GroundHawg]

With rare exception, I never meet veterans with REMF MOS's or AFSC's. I have never met a cook even though I ate 3 meals a day for many years in a DFAC.
I love when I ask someone what their MOS is and they say I was a Ranger....
I think it actually shocks people when I DONT self agrandize my own service. I humped a radio in the Army and drove a forklift in the Air Force.
I did get a Coast Guard Special Operations Service Riboon; does that make me an Operator?

[Devil Doc]

Im just glad to tell people I was a Corpsman. Corpsman have a Great history at being the best of the best, and there one of the most decorated Corps in the Service. Whats wrong with just being in the Military? Bullets Dont Fly, Without Supply. Grunts dont Hook, without the Cook. Grunts will Bleed, without the medics good Deed.

[Critical AOA]

It is also a fact that not all who have a combat arms MOS see actual combat and that many who have a REMF type of MOS do come under fire and are wounded or killed.  This seems to be especially true in the occupation / nation building in a hostile populace type of conflict that seem to be in vogue these days rather than the wars where there is more of a traditional battle front.   

We were always told that we were a soldier first and a ___________ second.  Fill in blank with whatever your MOS job was.   I was just lucky that I never had to put my soldiering skills to the ultimate test. 

[flyboy53]

Well the problem is, he does have the certs.  They are real and they are on his DD214.  Thats where most people stop.  He was in a position to have those certs put in to his file.  Problem is, when you contact the actual school, they have no record of him.  Oh.... not to mention, he did not go to Ft Rucker like every other pilot in history.  He was specially selected out of Special Forces and trained one-on-one to be a pilot so that he could insert his own team on operations.  yes...... thats how he avoids not having a grad cert from Rucker AND how he explains not being a Warrant. 

Trust me dude...... there are still people who dont believe it.  But the judge, the DA and his probation officer dont buy it.

Funny, I knew a guy at Elmendorf back in the 1980s who was a personnel type, who did this and got caught. He had ratcheted up his personnel file to the point that he even had an ID card shoing him as a first lieutenant when he got caught. He had a whole host of decorations, too. Last I knew, he got sentenced to Levenworth and a BCD or Dishonorable Discharge. If I remember correctly, his cover was blown when he got caught with the fake ID card.

What upsets me about cases like this is, first, the guy being confronted on the You Tube is a CAP officer and it makes all of us look bad. Second, I've even run into this where I worked it saddens me that some jerk thinks that they can snow me -- but then they get in the gold ol boy network, so Im' the one who suffers when they're exposed.

[Flying Pig]

With rare exception, I never meet veterans with REMF MOS's or AFSC's. I have never met a cook even though I ate 3 meals a day for many years in a DFAC.
I love when I ask someone what their MOS is and they say I was a Ranger....
I think it actually shocks people when I DONT self agrandize my own service. I humped a radio in the Army and drove a forklift in the Air Force.
I did get a Coast Guard Special Operations Service Riboon; does that make me an Operator?

I did 8 years in the infantry and I have met more Marine Force Recon guys and more Green Berets since I have been out than I ever met while I was in!

[Eclipse]

What upsets me about cases like this is, first, the guy being confronted on the You Tube is a CAP officer and it makes all of us look bad.

I don't think it really reflects on CAP at all - the comment on the front end is no big deal.

It's not like this kind of thing doesn't happen all the time and in the military services as well.
The military, congress, and the Federal Government as a whole had plenty of high-profile case of everything from "mistakes" to blatant lying.

For CAP it's generally been some goober puffing himself up, and means little outside those who knew or worked with him / her.
CAP should take steps to curtail it, but when it happens, it happens, no big deal to us, really.

[Flying Pig]

Yeah I dont think this is an issue for CAP at all.  The extremely small percentage of people who are aware of this "phenomenon", then combine that with the even smaller percentage of people who will even follow up with CAP is probably not even measurable. 

People who are aware of posers and how they get in to organizations understand that its not CAPs fault that a member claims to be something.  Heck, when I was in the Army I had a MSgt/E9 who wore a SEAL Trident, Special Forces tab, Ranger tab and jump wings.  He was later booted dishonorably as an E1 when it was discovered that NONE of those quals were legit.  And he managed to get promoted from E-6 to E-9 with those "quals".  So if a guy can climb 3 pay grades in the Army claiming to be a SEAL, I cant imagine how CAP could be faulted. 

[NCRblues]

I don't believe this is a real big issue for cap either. NHQ is very good about substantiating PME credits for use in cap, and it's a local issue with regards to military bling ( ie the unit CC checking 214/215).

I believe we do have a large problem with our bling on the other hand, in the form of both seniors and cadets wearing ribbons they don't qualify for. One of my biggest pet peeves is the DR with silver V ribbon. It seems everyone has it, then when you ask what presidentially declared disaster they worked, they give you a blank look or mumble something about filling cloths bins for a hurricane or tornado. Anyway, sorry rant over.

[NIN]

With rare exception, I never meet veterans with REMF MOS's or AFSC's. I have never met a cook even though I ate 3 meals a day for many years in a DFAC.
I love when I ask someone what their MOS is and they say I was a Ranger....
I think it actually shocks people when I DONT self agrandize my own service. I humped a radio in the Army and drove a forklift in the Air Force.
I did get a Coast Guard Special Operations Service Riboon; does that make me an Operator?

I was a helicopter mechanic.  Pretty straightforward wrench bender. Did some cool stuff, flew some cool customers around, but it wasn't like I was in the Task Force or something.

Occasionally I run into a guy who was, say, a 57Hotel ("Self-Propelled Forklift") and he'll be like "I was a Fifty-Seven Hotel.." and then he'll pause like "Maybe this guy won't know what that is and I can tell him I was a special operations medic.." and then I say "Oh, self-propelled forklift?"  *poof* there goes the last of that poor guy's self-esteem.

A co-worker last year, I knew him to be a Gulf War-era medic in the Army Reserves.  He's a good dude, pretty squared away IT tech. I like getting a beer with him now and again.  One day, he regales me with tales of derring-do from the sandbox, and then says "Yeah, I got a Silver Star for the Gulf War."

Me: (to myself) "Crap, man, did you have do that?"

We don't get much in the way of beer now.

[Devil Doc]

I got an ICM, does that make me cool?

[Stonewall]

In 2002 I lived in an apartment in 2002 in Reston, VA.  The gentleman adjacent to me drove a red explorer where I noticed a SEAL Team III sticker on the back (see pic).  Not uncommon for these types to live in that area with all the spook-tacular things going on in that area at the time.

On another day, I notice a set of Navy whites hanging in his window with a Trident.  In the back seat was a flight suit with a leather name tag that also had a Trident and his full name.  Easy enough, I call my friend, Steve Collins, a retired SEAL who owns a private security company in the area.  No, no SEAL by that name, ever.

A couple weeks later the complex had a 4th of July party and Mr. SEAL was there.  He had a brand on his arm, like football players often have.  I ask him about it and he says it's his BUDS class number (168).  I act like I know nothing about SEALs (I spent from 1996 to 2001 working with SEALs and people like them) and continue asking questions while acting impressed.  "I was Team 3, now I'm Team 6, I'm a Chief and on loan to the CIA", he says.

The real story:   He was an IS in the Navy, an E-5, who got a hardship discharge due to family.  He was a support guy at Team 3, but after getting out he began telling people he was a SEAL and he knew A LOT about SEALs, to include having a class number (not sure what the brand 168 was all about).  My buddy, the retired Master Chief SEAL showed up to his apartment and confronted him.  He later wrote a long apology and begged for forgiveness.  He held a TS clearance and worked on a CIA contract through another company doing computer stuff.

It's a small world story coming....  My ex-girlfriend (we're still friends) was the Personnel Security Manager for that company.  She handled their clearances.  I quickly sent her the pictures, email apology, and a note saying "this guy works for you".  He lost his job.  He used a hardship excuse to get out of the Navy to take care of his family in New York, however, he actually did it to get a six figure job in the DC area.  Another lie!

[Eclipse]

I have mental firefights with myself about the ethics of including my own name on 120s for activities I was heavily involved in but where I'm the approving authority.
I cannot imagine living with a house of cards like this hanging over my head.

This has to either be a mental illness or some sort of narcissistic disorder.

I guess the other piece is either the apathy or non-existence of their families and "friends".  How does a spouse >not< know when a person
isn't in the Navy anymore.   Don't these guys file taxes?  "Where's your W2 from the Navy?" (etc.)

Reminds me on the flipside of the story I heard a few years back from a reservist.

At a banquet the CC was giving a toast and thanking his people for their "hard work and dedication, despite the low pay and long hours..."

One wife stood turned to her husband and said "You get paid for this?" and stormed out...

[FlyTiger77]

How many people remember ADM Jeremy Boorda, the first former enlisted sailor to rise to become the Chief of Naval Operations, and the sequence of events that led to his death ( http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/borda.htm )?

[Stonewall]

How many people remember ADM Jeremy Boorda, the first former enlisted sailor to rise to become the Chief of Naval Operations, and the sequence of events that led to his death ( http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/borda.htm )?

Remember him?  I had his coin!

I was at the Pentagon as an Army E4 and taking a friend (former cadet with me, and then Cav Scout) on a tour.  It happened to be the Friday before the Army/Navy game.  As we're standing outside of Adm Boorda's office, we start talking about how the Army is going to whoop up on the Navy.

The Admiral walks out and says, "soldier, you really think the Army's going to beat Navy?"  We snap to attention (I was in uniform, friend was not), and both reply with a "HOOAH, SIR".  He gave me his coin and said (as he looked at my name tag), "Specialist Stonewall, I tell you what.  When Navy beats Army, bring that coin back to me and you can knock out some push-ups for me.  If, by a small chance, Army beats Navy, you can keep the coin."   

I didn't have to go back.  That was 1994 or 1995, I forgot.  I think Army won both years anyway.

In 2002 I sold the coin for $1,000.

[ColonelJack]

How many people remember ADM Jeremy Boorda, the first former enlisted sailor to rise to become the Chief of Naval Operations, and the sequence of events that led to his death ( http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/borda.htm )?

I remember reporting that incident on my local newscast in our "national news" segment.  Later I looked into it because it seemed so odd that he'd do something like that ...

... the latest information I've been able to access is that Admiral Boorda was indeed entitled to wear the "V" device.  So it makes me wonder if the reporters who were hounding him about it ever actually told, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story.

Jack

[Devil Doc]

In 2002 I lived in an apartment in 2002 in Reston, VA.  The gentleman adjacent to me drove a red explorer where I noticed a SEAL Team III sticker on the back (see pic).  Not uncommon for these types to live in that area with all the spook-tacular things going on in that area at the time.

On another day, I notice a set of Navy whites hanging in his window with a Trident.  In the back seat was a flight suit with a leather name tag that also had a Trident and his full name.  Easy enough, I call my friend, Steve Collins, a retired SEAL who owns a private security company in the area.  No, no SEAL by that name, ever.

A couple weeks later the complex had a 4th of July party and Mr. SEAL was there.  He had a brand on his arm, like football players often have.  I ask him about it and he says it's his BUDS class number (168).  I act like I know nothing about SEALs (I spent from 1996 to 2001 working with SEALs and people like them) and continue asking questions while acting impressed.  "I was Team 3, now I'm Team 6, I'm a Chief and on loan to the CIA", he says.

The real story:   He was an IS in the Navy, an E-5, who got a hardship discharge due to family.  He was a support guy at Team 3, but after getting out he began telling people he was a SEAL and he knew A LOT about SEALs, to include having a class number (not sure what the brand 168 was all about).  My buddy, the retired Master Chief SEAL showed up to his apartment and confronted him.  He later wrote a long apology and begged for forgiveness.  He held a TS clearance and worked on a CIA contract through another company doing computer stuff.

It's a small world story coming....  My ex-girlfriend (we're still friends) was the Personnel Security Manager for that company.  She handled their clearances.  I quickly sent her the pictures, email apology, and a note saying "this guy works for you".  He lost his job.  He used a hardship excuse to get out of the Navy to take care of his family in New York, however, he actually did it to get a six figure job in the DC area.  Another lie!

Wow, he got what he deserved, who the heck just hangs there whites in the Window like that? Thats like saying hey look at me whites, me a SEAL. Fart Noise. He used his status to gain employment for a 6 figure job, ran his mouth to much, got caught and then fired. He deserves everly last bit on that punishment. I swear people like this piss me off.

Another Example: I had some National Guard guy walk into a store where i was getting gas, he comes in there bragging about him being in Iraq, saying he did this and did that, i just stood in line anD smiled. Who just randomly braggs about that stuff. I am very modest about my service, my truck may have some moto stickers on it,  but whos dosnt? I go to the same Grocery Store almost everyday because it is close ot my house, One of the employees asked how I was Handicapped and why do I park in Handicapped spot, told a quick story about me being in the service. She is like, I didnt know that about you, you never said anything about that, I said I dont, I dont bragg about my service. 

No Offense to the Guard.

[AlphaSigOU]

With rare exception, I never meet veterans with REMF MOS's or AFSC's. I have never met a cook even though I ate 3 meals a day for many years in a DFAC.

You just met one... ex-Air Force cook - DEATH FROM WITHIN! 

[jimmydeanno]

With the cultural shift that has adopted the idea that all of our military, police, fire, EMTs, etc., are all "heroes" there is bound to be a group of people who are looking to cash in on that public recognition. 

When I was in VAWG, there was a guy who paraded around at wing events and told his "When I was one of the NY firefighters at 9/11" stories.  It turned out that he just had some sort of disease that broke his body and never did something with his life.  So, when he moved from NY to VA, a new group of people and the timing of just being after 9/11 presented him with a chance to be someone he never was, and people ate it up.  His wife was even in on his lie.

However, we don't just see people who have no service faking it, it's people in the military who aggrandize what they've done, etc. 

I've never served, but am in a military family, and I just don't understand the "connection" people have to their service.  Even if someone does 4 years and calls it quits, they spend the rest of their life talking about those four years, wearing a baseball cap that says "Operation Iraqi Freedom" and stickers all over their cars.  People define themselves by their military service and I don't understand it.

I was a chapter officer for a military associated group, and we had a member of our board that was a retired Colonel, worked in a big time position for an even bigger defense contractor - pulling in hundreds of thousands a year, far more impressive than being a "Colonel."  We would do nametags on the tables at lunches and his said "Mr. XXXX."  After one of the lunches he starts yelling at the lunch coordinator about how he wants his nametags to say "Colonel XXXX" because "God d*** it! I think I've earned that much, don't you?"

Frankly, I couldn't understand how someone who has been removed from the military for 15 years and has surpassed their position in the military on the civilian side (both in scope of responsibility and income) would hang onto that part of his life with such passion.  I just don't get it, move on already. 

Just yesterday, there was a woman running around the neighborhood with a t-shirt on it that said nothing but "VETERAN" in HUGE letters on both the front an the back.  Why?!

In the CAP context, all I can think of are the people who earned the Spaatz 35 years ago and lead off every conversation with "I earned the Spaatz."  Great, what have you done during the rest of your life?  Certainly earning the Spaatz wasn't the pinnacle of your life, right? 

[Stonewall]

Why?!

As you know I still serve in the Guard, so that means I have a civilian career throughout that time.  My only active duty time was 1991 to 1995 (4 years, 17 weeks to be exact).

To most people, especially my family, my civilian career experiences are far more impressive than my military.

Civilian:   Worked for US intelligence organization for 5 years (96 - 01) doing some high speed stuff along side some high speed people.  Protected a presidentially appointed person (01 - 06) that had me in 50 different countries living the high life and meeting world leaders and famous people.  I have been the director of security at a Five Diamond ocean front golf resort.  And yeah, I was a cop for a couple of years, too.

Military:   Army Active/Guard (91 - 01) Infantry, Air Guard Security Forces (04 - Present).  Two deployments, Bosnia and Afghanistan.  No tabs, tridents, or "V" devices.

What am I most fond of?  My military experiences.

It truly is hard to describe.