Very true! When I was there, 1997, these things were everywhere. I can't imagine how many there must be by this time. I am pretty sure all the 'real' ones were picked up and sold a long time ago.
I am much too young to have served in Vietnam, but I was amazed at how fast the red clay could get into everything and stain it. I have pants I wore once when I was there that still have stains on them from the clay. With this in mind, it is very very easy to make something look old there.
I don't mean this with any disrespect for the Vets who served there, but if people like this lady really want to do some good, why doesn't she volunteer to help with the demining teams over there who are trying to remove all the ordinance that we left behind? There is hundreds of tons of the stuff everywhere. While it is nice for everyone to feel good living back in the US, there are still people dying over there. It seams rather trivial to care so much over a piece of metal when people are still get killed and maimed there.
Your post respects the Vets. If only people knew how they were quick to capitalize on the fake zippo's, dog tags, etc. I have even been asked not to post my opinion since it is counter to the "feel good" ego feeding position of many here.