***Not that I’m defending the panhandler, but I’m a vet and I don’t have a “veteran’s ID card.” Only those who have retired have retired ID. I was in for four years and all I have is my DD214.***
That.
I will give a brother/sister a hand. But it is incumbent on them to convince me that they indeed served.
What was your MOS? Where did you do basic/boot camp? Who was your Drill Sergeant? What was your rank? As soon as they flail I know they are lying. Just one question answered incorrectly will disqualify them from receiving my generosity. (And we all know if they are wrong.)
Things like I don’t remember my Drill Sergeants name. (DS Fizer and Nole. B/19/4, Fort Knox. This was in 1985 people!)
I don’t remember my TI’s name...that was 32 years ago, and really, wasn’t all that important to me.
I can give you tail numbers of aircraft I worked on, AFSC’s, jet engine types and the aircraft they’re in...things like that.
But my TI’s name? Nope.
Exactly.
For me, DS Peggins and Reynolds @ Ft. Jackson, SC in 1983.
Many get tripped up when you ask them where they were assigned. A red flag is “I don’t remember” or “It’s classified”.
I was Air Force so I didn't have a MOS, I had an AFSC, which was 326X0B, Sgt. Robertson (pronounced RO-ber-Son) and Sgt. Greene, I was a SSgt (E5) when I separated.
I've never used VA benefits, so I suppose that's why I don't have a "Veteran's ID card", but anybody claiming to be a wounded veteran most likely should have one.
Senior Drill Sergeant Eddie J. Allen, SFC, training company E-3-1, Ft. Polk, LA, 1966. KIA, Vietnam, 1967.
You never forget your drill sergeant. Ever.
I had so many TI’s while I was in basic I had to think really hard to remember my main instructor. SSgt Allen. No ID either, but that doesn’t matter because I don’t need drug money and I don’t drink. I’m pretty sure that it’s just about impossible to starve to death in America if you aren’t trying to do it on purpose, so I don’t think I’ll be panhandling anytime soon.
“What was your MOS?”
That’s what I ask when someone tells me they served in the Army or Marines. A blank stare in response is enough to reveal to me the fraudulent nature of the claim.
I can answer all of those as well. But the biggest thing is, is their uniform correct? That is what gives most fake Vets away.
They like to mix Army and Navy medals together, or they are in the wrong order.
DI Thornton and Dietz. 1975 Fort Six.
Really? Grilling the (probably) mentally ill over a couple of lousy bucks? Just keep moving.
I will give a brother/sister a hand. But it is incumbent on them to convince me that they indeed served.
If someone truly served they can show up at the VFW, DAV or American Legion. They will get assistance.
I dont remember my senior chiefs name from USN bootcamp in Orlando...but we were co. 006 and I was the olympic flag bearer we won amongst all recruit classes of our same time frame. Oct - Dec 1985.
Ill never forget leaving rtc orlando in dec 85 and landing at Ohare for two plus years of gunnery and missle scholl at great lakes.
I dont remember having an mos...but I was a gunners mate missles...or gmm3. My ship was cg-19...uss Dale.
Who was your Drill Sergeant?
Sgt. Hernandez who was most often quoted as saying,
“Take care of your feets, and your feets will take care of you!”
1971