Former Marines

[jb512]

I wanted to pose a question to military, former military, mainly marines in the group.  I live in a suburb of the Austin area and we don't see many people in military uniforms unless they're stationed at Camp Mabry, the ARNG post here, or recruiters.  I went to Walgreens today and saw a guy, I'd say was about 50 something, in the USMC green pants/khaki shirt uniform (forgot the official title) deep in conversation with an attractive lady.

At first glance he looked pretty squared away, but then I started noticing some minor details that seemed a bit off, but I could be wrong...  He was obviously standing next to his truck because it had every red and gold sticker that you could possibly purchase having something to do with a marine, a bulldog, or killing some insurgents.

His uniform, from top to bottom consisted of a DI cover, Sergeant Major stripes, an OD green web belt with a large gold buckle with the eagle globe and anchor on it, etc...  On his chest he had the recon dive bubbles and gold jump wings and every top award you can earn other than the medal of honor.  He had the Navy Cross, Navy DSM, Silver Star, and the Navy/Marine Corps medal with a "V" on it.  He had tons more (so many that his bubbles were almost under his epaulet), but that's all I noticed as I walked by.

He could very well be legit, but it just seems strange to have so many top awards and I've never seen the OD web belt with that uniform.

Am I going crazy?  If I am, he has my sincere admiration and he can come kick my a$$ for questioning his heroism......

[flyguy06]

You were close enough too him to recognize every ribbon he had on?

[jb512]

You were close enough too him to recognize every ribbon he had on?

No, just those four that I listed:

He had tons more (so many that his bubbles were almost under his epaulet), but that's all I noticed as I walked by.

[stillamarine]

The OD belt and buckle along with the DI hat is part of the DI uniform. Why a DI would be in Austin baffles me.

[Flying Pig]

The "V" device isnt worn on the Navy / Marine Corps Medal.  Also, DI's only wear their campaign covers while on post.  Not out in public.  If he was a Sgt Major, I would say he would hold pretty strong to the regs.

He had tons more (so many that his bubbles were almost under his epaulet)

Also, the khaki Marine Corps shirt doesn't have epaulets.  The OD web belt is worn by Junior D.I's.  And a Sgt. Major isn't going to be a DI.  And the only DI's are at Parris Island and San Diego.   If he wore anything other than the regular khaki belt, he would have had on a black patent leather belt, not an OD web belt.
Its really hard to say. But it does seem odd though.  But if you sure he had epaulets on his shirt.....he was a poser.

[PhoenixRisen]

...and the Navy/Marine Corps medal with a "V" on it...

"The Navy and Marine Corps Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. Typically, it is awarded for actions involving the risk of one's own life."

"The Valor device denotes those individuals who were awarded a decoration in recognition of valorous act performed during direct combat with an enemy force. It may also denote an accomplishment of a heroic nature in direct support of operations against an enemy force. Generally, the Valor device is for specific heroic acts during or supporting direct combat with the enemy."

Generally, I don't jump to conclusions like this, as I haven't served in the military yet, but under the circumstances that you described (this person being a SgtMaj, all of the "high speed" decorations/qualification badges, the location you're in, etc.), I'd say he's a fake.

Anyone with that much experience (and that amount of decorations) would surely know how they're worn (note the discrepancy with the NMCM & the "V" device).

It's such a small detail, yet not so small if you really think about it.

Edit - Danggit - Lt Steht posted it as I was typing.

[Cecil DP]

In addition to everything else, the fact he was wearing the DSM is suspect. The Marines only award it to General Officers and then they're generally on retirement. or after attaining 3 stars.  The only SGTMAJ I can think of having a DSM would be the SGTMAJ of the Corps and again on retirement.  what you have likely seen is what is known as a "POSER". If he is wearing all this insignia and ribbons without entitlement he is in violation of the "Stolen Valor" Act and should be reported to the FBI. They have started taking a serious interest in people like this. 

[JohnKachenmeister]

I got to agree with the others.  This guy is a PX hero.  Marines don't wear their DI covers off post, unless they are pushing troops, and Austin is a long way to push them.

So recruit him into CAP.  He'll fit right in with some of us.

[Gunner C]

I got to agree with the others.  This guy is a PX hero.  Marines don't wear their DI covers off post, unless they are pushing troops, and Austin is a long way to push them.

So recruit him into CAP.  He'll fit right in with some of us.

Ouch. 

[DogCollar]

Are there any movies being filmed in the Austin area?  Could he have been an actor?  Could there be a reunion in the area?  Just thinking of alternative answers besides someone impersonating a Marine.

Beleive it or not, I once saw a Civil War reenactor wearing items on his uniform that were not  "authentic" to the era.  And Civil War people are generally pretty exact.

[Cecil DP]

While I believe this guy is a poser,  there is a Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Tx. Is that near Austin?

The Marine Military Academy of Harlingen, Texas is a private, college preparatory,military school for young boys in grades 8 to 12 and one year of postgraduate study.

Based on the traditions and ideals of the United States Marine Corps, Marine Military Academy provides a structured learning environment where young men can achieve success.

[AlphaSigOU]

While I believe this guy is a poser,  there is a Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Tx. Is that near Austin?

About 300 miles SSE, almost within spittin' distance of the Tortilla Curtain - ahem, the Mexican border. 

[PhoenixRisen]

Hm - You say that this SgtMaj was wearing DI gear?  According to the staff list on the Marine Military Academy, 2 out of the four (retired) Sergeants Major on their staff are listed as "Company Drill Instructors".  Maybe that's got something to do with it...

See here.  http://www.mma-tx.org/contacts.htm

The awards factor, though, even if he is a "DI" at this school.

[stillamarine]

I'm still not sure if that would be authorized. I know Former Marines serving as Drill Instructors with the Young Marines can not wear the Smokey even if a former DI

[bosshawk]

Kach has a habit of cutting to the chase.

[flyerthom]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_Valor_Act_of_2005
http://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Valor-Vietnam-Generation-History/dp/096670360X
http://www.stolenvalor.com/


Met a few fellows like this in the ER. The prime one was the guy who said he was a homeless alcoholic because of his LLRP duties in "the Nam." Date of Birth on his ID. 1972.
'nuff said

[jb512]

The "V" device isnt worn on the Navy / Marine Corps Medal.  Also, DI's only wear their campaign covers while on post.  Not out in public.  If he was a Sgt Major, I would say he would hold pretty strong to the regs.

He had tons more (so many that his bubbles were almost under his epaulet)

Also, the khaki Marine Corps shirt doesn't have epaulets.  The OD web belt is worn by Junior D.I's.  And a Sgt. Major isn't going to be a DI.  And the only DI's are at Parris Island and San Diego.   If he wore anything other than the regular khaki belt, he would have had on a black patent leather belt, not an OD web belt.
Its really hard to say. But it does seem odd though.  But if you sure he had epaulets on his shirt.....he was a poser.

Yep, you're right... They were up under his collar, not epaulets.  My mistake...

[jb512]

Well...  I know he lives here in town based on some of his bumper stickers, so if I see the truck again maybe I'll knock off the license plate number.  I should've done it while I was there, but I didn't really start thinking about it till later.

[Brad]

The OD belt and buckle along with the DI hat is part of the DI uniform. Why a DI would be in Austin baffles me.

Agreed. As the other posters said also, Senior DIs wear the black patent leather belt, regular DIs wear the OD web belt and buckle. He could have simply not been an SDI yet somehow moved up to a Staff NCO position, although I'm at a loss to explain exactly how.

He could be enroute to a duty assignment at PI or SD, but again, DI covers are never worn off-post.

Or the more likely one, he's either a poser or as was mention, a movie actor. If that's the case, someone needs to go have a chat with the technical adviser.

[DC]

The OD belt and buckle along with the DI hat is part of the DI uniform. Why a DI would be in Austin baffles me.

Agreed. As the other posters said also, Senior DIs wear the black patent leather belt, regular DIs wear the OD web belt and buckle. He could have simply not been an SDI yet somehow moved up to a Staff NCO position, although I'm at a loss to explain exactly how.

He could be enroute to a duty assignment at PI or SD, but again, DI covers are never worn off-post.

Or the more likely one, he's either a poser or as was mention, a movie actor. If that's the case, someone needs to go have a chat with the technical adviser.

One would still wonder what an actor would be doing in costume off set, and in Austin? That also doesn't explain the overly gung-ho truck. Poser.