Fake POW (Stolen Valor)

Описание: I took this man's story at face value-after all, why not? The story he told bothered me, and I spent the last few months trying to believe he was telling just a tiny bit of the truth. Turns out, it was all a lie.

He was asking for money with a "VETERAN USMC" sign. At several points while talking with him, it became obvious he was fibbing. I gave him benefit of doubt, but after I ran in to him at another corner (where his entire story was different) I decided to upload.

If you decide to give money to men and women on the street, it is not rude at all to ask for a VA card or, in some states, a driver's license. It isn't a 100% foolproof way to verify someone's status, but temper your compassion with reality. There is no shame in someone asking for help, but if something seems a little off, at least direct them to your state's veteran services.

http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/09_... - list of all American POW's
http://www.pownetwork.org/ - bios on POW's
http://www.virtualwall.org/ - Vietnam War Memorial online

Help for Homeless Veterans:
http://www.va.gov/homeless/index.asp
http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp
https://dvs.az.gov/homelessvets
http://www.vfw.org/assistance/veteran...
http://iava.org/rrrp-contact-us/
https://www.missioncontinues.org/serv...