A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
I love telling stories about guys like SPC Ruske. The kind of heroism that is pervasive in our military should be saluted and honored with all our might, mind, and strength. These young people are putting their lives on the line daily to bring freedom, security, and prosperity to this country and others. It’s unfortunate that some politicians have to try and fake that sort of heroism to feel good about themselves:
SPRINGBORO — Mayor John Agenbroad is accused of falsely claiming a Silver Star among his military honors in a report published by the Chicago Tribune.The basis of the accusation against Agenbroad, a Vietnam War veteran, is an entry in Marquis Who’s Who and his comments to a correspondent for The Tribune in a story about veterans lying about their medals.
Agenbroad says he was misquoted, but that’s a pretty difficult thing to do. You see, I was actually included in the database myself this year. After sending in my information, I was personally called by a staff member to confirm and clarify all my information. Who’s Who relies on information furnished exclusively by its “biographees,” included by invitation on the basis of past achievement or future promise (still trying to figure out which category I fit into). Then, they tried to sell me a subscription that I couldn’t afford to the site! So, a “miquote” isn’t exactly something that happens easily.
His initial response when the Chicago Tribune questioned him about whether he was awarded the decoration was “yes I do”. When the spotlight got too bright, he was suddenly misquoted. How did he explain the Who’s Who entry? “I have absolutely no answer for that,” he said. “I don’t know why I would do that, but obviously I did.”
Because of this, Who’s Who will now vet all Veterans.
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![[UPDATE] The “Face” of Military Dating Scams – The Wall of Shame](http://militarygear.com/asp/wp-content/themes/LondonLive/thumb.php?src=http://militarygear.com/asp/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2.jpg&w=53&h=41&zc=1&q=100)
Anatomy of a Military Dating Scam
@Jc great job scammers NEVER seem to get their lies right glad you sme
sue
What a shame.
David M
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the – Web Reconnaissance for 10/29/2008 A short recon of what%u2019s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day…so check back often.
yankeemom
It fries me that people do this. If anyone has ever read the certificate (is that what they call it, CJ?)that comes with the medal, they would know that what it takes to be awarded said medal is nothing to be bandied about by a wannabe idiot.
Gah!
Wise up
Okay folks consider something from another “inductee” into “Who’s who.”
I was approach by “Who’s who” and invited to fill out an application to be listed in their publication (a very overpriced book along with other overpriced wall decorations, etc.). All that was required was that I fill out the form and mail it back to them. Voila! Six months later I got my book in the mail (yes, I paid the money to get one). I was NEVER contacted to confirm the information THEY were writing about me. Is it a surprise that they got my middle name wrong in the book? ? I know how to spell my own name but some how it didn’t get in the book the way it appears on my birth certificate.
Lesson of this story, the publishers also make mistakes. Has anyone contacted THEM to show their documentation?
“Who’s who” has a less-than-stellar record among those who review award making organizations. They are a for profit organization. Should we also be suspicious of them?
Ben Tippmann
Wow, who would have figured someone would have the gall to try and fake being a hero. I am glad this guy got caught.
Greg Beatterman
What a scum bag to try and fake he’s a Hero. This kind of stuff just gives those who are serving with honor a bad rap, but I’m glad this guy got caught.