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“There I was bro!”…a rant about Military Fakers, Poseurs, and Frauds June 7, 2012

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Sometimes I hear a story that compels me to comment on this blog even thought it is not related to risk or security.  America’s Got Talent contestant Timmy Poe stuttered his way through his interview and brought tears to many eyes with his claims of being ‘wounded’ in combat and being a decorated war veteran with a Bronze Star.  Well, wasn’t it a surprise to learn he has apparently lied about his combat experience, wounds, and decoration?  In short..no combat, no Purple Heart and no Bronze Star.  C’mon man!  There is no shame in service of any sort.  If you are a cook…own it.  If you are a cop…own it.  If you were a medic…OWN IT.

I have now worked for two different people who claimed military honors that they fabricated. (more…)

Randy Abbott’s Apology & Paralysis February 3, 2012

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1marSSSchool (1)On August 23, 2014 this blog received  comment on the post titled “Randy Abbott – Paralyzed Surfer who was robbed..” from Mr. Randy Abbott. In the apology he says simply:

“Mr. Mark, I personally want to apologize to you for being dishonest and lying about what I did in the military. I apologize for dishonoring you and all other Recon Scout/Snipers with my actions and dishonesty. I do not know how to reach out to all of them, I’m asking if you could please pass on my message of apology for my dishonesty and lying.”

This apology is consistent with other apologies Mr. Abbot has provided to ThisAintHell and the WoundedTimes Blog.   After Mr. Abbott’s exposure, numerous people contacted me, and others, with stories related to his “charity” The View from 42 and other items.  Investigation into the View from 42 shows demonstrated that it was not an existing not-for profit charity.

While Mr. Abbott has acknowledged he lied  about his military service and while it has been discovered  that The View from 42 is not a recognized (by either the IRS or state of California) Non Profit charity, I do not dispute that Mr. Abbott is disabled.  I have received numerous communications from people very close to Mr. Abbott questioning his disability that have remained unpublished.  The reasons are simple.  1) I am not a doctor and cannot speak to any form of paralysis, and 2) as the father of a special needs child, I would not propose to question someone else’ disability.

My objective with the post was simply to question Mr. Abbott’s claims of being a Marine Corps Scout/Sniper, Reconnaissance Marine and Combat Veteran.  This, I felt, was a matter of public interest as Mr. Abbott had made statements and allowed numerous articles, news reports and other media to make claims of being a Scout/Sniper as well as other things.  As can be seen from the post on ThisAintHell where he was exposed for lying about his service, the statement above, as well as his apology posted here, and here, Mr. Abbott admitted he lied.  Given Mr. Abbott’s admitted lies about his military service it is certainly seems understandable to me if people were to question any other claim made by Mr. Abbott.

Happy B-Day Marines (Both USMC and Royal Marines)… November 10, 2011

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On November 10th, the US Marine Corps will celebrate its 236th birthday. Founded in Philadelphia, PA at Tun Tavern on November 10th, 1775 the Continental Marines are the forefathers of our modern USMC.  Every year US Marines recognize the birthday with remembrance of our fallen brothers and the history of our beloved corps.

Since we have a number of Royal Marines in the industry, I thought it appropriate to wish our elder brethren a Happy B-Day, as well.  Although the Corps of Royal Marines can trace its lineage back to 1755, the origins of the RM go back to 26 October, 1664 making the RM 345 years old in 2011. (hopefully, my Marine math is right)

Both sets of Marines have distinguished themselves in battle. The US Marines started life during the Barbary Wars against the pirates of the Barbary Coast in the early 1800s.  This was the first time that the US Flag was ever planted on foreign soil.  The USMC count the Battle of Belleau Wood (WWI) as a defining moment and where they earned the title of Devil Dog from the Germans.  In WWII was the “Island Hopping” Campaign with Tarawa, Midway, and of course, Iwo Jima.  The USMC has continued to distinguish itself in all major and minor conflicts to include Vietnam, Grenada, Somalia, Iraq (twice), Afghanistan and others.

Our Royal Marine brothers have also distinguished themselves in battle on numerous fronts. In 1704 the British Royal Marines fought in the battle of Gibraltar. For their bravery and achievments they are commemorated by “Gibraltar” and it is the only battle honor worn on the Royal Marines badge and colors.  The 1800’s were busy for the RMs as they fought from Ashanti, to Navarino and the Crimean War in 1854.  WWI saw the RM fight in Gallipoli, win honors in Zeebrugge and fight in the trenches on the Western Front.  In 1942 the Royal Marine Commandos were formed and took part in the D Day landings.  In 1982 the RM fought in the Falklands, and of course have been active  and served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other conflicts.

To to all the Marines- Happy Birthday.  Lets not forget our brothers who have been wounded and killed in the line of duty.  Lets drink a beer, have a toast but not forget the sacrifices of our fellow Marines.

With that being said, one of the more troubling aspects of countries in wartime is that of people claiming valor that they have not achieved.  I recently learned of a former friend who has stated for years that he was a Silver Star recipient from Afghanistan.  He has posted on his bio and in various other forums.  A quick call to the USMC Awards Division  in DC confirmed my suspicions.  The person had fabricated his bravery. and his award  If you come across someone who has ‘stolen valor’ by claiming awards they did not earn or being a POW or otherwise..I encourage you to visit the following website:  www.stolenvalor.com.  I have already reported this person and they are taking action.  If any of our UK or other readers have resources for other nations, please comment and I will include.  On that note, all US service members’ military records are available to the general public (in redacted format) under the Freedom of Information Act.  If you have a question about a service member’s service, please visit the following website.  It takes some time but the Archives will send you the record minus personal data.  www.foia.va.gov