Faking Military Honors Is OK? I Disagree [Opinion]

We've all seen the videos of military shaming those wearing the uniform  claiming to be veterans when they actually weren't. Our vets take this very seriously and I don't blame them a bit for standing up for what it truly means to be a Veteran of this Country.

But what happens when it's an actual Veteran wearing medals he or she did not earn? I think that is just as bad but the powers to be don't seem to agree with me.

I think we all here in Billings have a strong opinion about that. Montana alone, is a very veteran populous state.

A federal appeals court recently tossed out a veteran's conviction for wearing military medals he didn't earn, saying it was a form of free speech protected by the Constitution.

See the full story HERE

I agree with free speech. Without it I couldn't write this blog. Claiming you're something you're not? I think that crosses the line.

Elven Joe Swisher was convicted in 2007 of violating the Stolen Valor Act, which made it a misdemeanor to falsely claim military accomplishments.

Investigators looked into Swisher's military claims after he testified at a 2005 trial and wore a Purple Heart on the witness stand.

Prosecutors say Swisher enlisted in the Marine Corps a year after the Korean War ended and was never wounded. He was honorably discharged in 1957 and discharge documents indicate that he didn't receive any medals.

According to this court, it's ok to wear what you did not earn as long as you are not profiting from it.

I don't agree. Wearing it to begin with is deception. I thank Mr. Swisher for his service to this country, but wearing a Purple Heart that you did not earn is just as bad in my mind as someone claiming to be military that has never served in their life.

Wrong by all accounts in my book.

Do you know someone that has tried to claim they were something that they actually weren't?

Holla at me on the Cat Line at 406-248-5665.