Jada Carte March 22, 2021

Did you know that not every person that you see wearing military clothing is actually in the military? 

Stolen valor is when a person falsely claims military awards or badges that they did not earn. These people are phonies with zero military experience whatsoever, yet they will pretend they are in the military. Some even tell people that they military members while wearing unearned badges, awards, and ribbons pinned on a purchased military uniform. 

Without question, some people can spot “stolen valor” from a mile away. Once you look for them, many obvious things reveal stolen valor: someone in uniform wearing a hat inside, a badge in the wrong spot, medals that don’t even exist, or wearing parts of a uniform incorrectly. 

No matter what, someone should call them out on these apparent acts of disrespect. 

These fraudulent people often go out in public and tell other people their “military stories” and “war experiences.” However, these impersonators are beginning to get exposure and attention that they do not want. 

People have not only been humiliated in public for stolen valor, but they have also been arrested. 

Several videos on YouTube and other social media platforms exist of people who have been confronted about their falsely worn and completed unearned decorated military uniforms. 

When confronted, many begin to make up fictional war stories to manipulate people into believing them—link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuDUL8o6oD8. 

However, the real men and women who have served, and those currently fighting for our country, know the truth. 

My thoughts – if someone has the nerve to lie and impersonate our revered military members, then they should be given the opportunity to go into an actual war. 

I find it highly disrespectful for people to act as if they’re in the military and steal valor. 

It is immoral for these people to wake up one day and pretend they deserve those badges and ribbons whenever other veterans actually worked hard to earn them – just like my pawpaw, who recently passed away. 

My grandfather was in the army, and he was deployed to fight in the Vietnam war. He worked so hard to earn all his badges. He is deserving of respect from people. Those who commit acts of stolen valor do not deserve that same level of respect.