AMVETS, a well-known veteran organization, has designed a website where people can report cases of stolen valor.
The website has been designed after AMVETS received news of many stolen valor cases. A recent incident was reported by a popular newspaper agency who investigated the history of a Tampa resident named Angel Ocasio who used to appear in a Marine Corps uniform with ribbons and badges. One of the badges he used to wear was a Navy Cross which is awarded to those Marine Corps who have done something heroic during their service in the US Navy. A Marine Corp Sgt. Major Edgardo Guzman noticed him and his badges. He checked for his record in the Marine Corps headquarters because he was impressed with Angel Ocasio. Guzman was shocked to see that he has no record in the Marine Corps and he got to know that Ocasio was just pretending to be Marine Corp. The newspaper investigated into the matter and learned that Angel Ocasio has been using a fake valor to get respect from friends and some privileges which are only available to Naval servicemen. A case was filed against Angel Ocasio as he has violated the ‘Stolen Valor Act of 2005′. According to this act, it is illegal to wear fake medal of valor and make false claims to have earned the medal of valor as military man.
AMVETS spokesman says that after reading about fake veterans in different states, the organization felt the need to establish a public record of the veterans and to provide a forum where such cases could be reported. AMVETS’ new website comprise of a complete database of the veterans who have been honored with medal of valor. The website also provides instructions on how to report a case against suspect of stolen valor.
Report Stolen Valor
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