Peter Rodrigues; Phony SEAL missing
Don Shipley sends us links to the story of Peter Rodrigues, who is missing after his unoccupied boat was found washed up on the beach at Hanna Park, Florida. His family isn’t worried about him because he’s a former Navy SEAL;
Action News has learned not only is a missing Atlantic Beach boater a strong swimmer, but his family said he is a former Navy SEAL.
[…]
Rodrigues is president of a local general contractor company. Investigators say he is no novice boater. According to his girlfriend, he’s a former Navy SEAL.
According to Mr. Shipley, they should really start worrying, because he’s not a former Navy SEAL. I truly hope that they find him and he’s safe, but I guess it’s probably time for him to give up the phony SEAL stuff. Maybe that sea water will cleanse him of that condition.
Category: Phony soldiers
Well, if he’s lying about him being a SEAL, then it seems to me that there’s a very good chance he’s trying to disappear and start over somewhere else.
The contracting business isn’t going so well these days, so perhaps someone ought to take a look at his and the company’s finances and see if there’s anything missing besides just him.
AW1 Tim – Like this guy, Raymonth Roth? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2297536/Raymond-Roth-admits-faking-death-collect-410-000-life-insurance-money.html
I’ll bet his records are “SEALed” and he’s on a super secret government/CIA/NSA mission that will never be revealed.
A real secret squirrel in our midst.
Victimless crime!! Victimless crime!!!
SQUAWWWWWAAAAAKKKK!
What is it about Florida that draw the fakers to that state like flies to shit?
Florida’s bankruptcy and judgment exemptions is probably one reason. .
Which explains why a certain phony CPO and shitty “lawer” keeps trying to move all his shit there.
Well, that and the fact that FL has (1) no state income tax and (2) generally nice weather about 3/4 of the year (summer kinda sucks).
Hondo, I talked to an old high school friend a couple of years ago that had moved to Florida from Indiana. He told me in Florida “winter clothing” is wearing a pair of ankle socks with your sandals.Any truth to that? I guess we can ask SJ once he gets done with his trip into that area.
I was born and raised in Daytona Beach (rough life!!!) Anything under 70 degrees and we would break out our “heavy” winter jackets. I can confirm that winter clothing is usually shorts and flip flops, but some times it does get cold. I remember when it snowed in 1976. My dad (originally from Wisconsin) got a good laugh as I tried to rake the “snow” on the grass. I recently asked my dad why he moved to Florida in the ’60’s and he told me he just got tired of shoveling snow. I also hope they find this guy alive and if this guy claimed to be a Navy SEAL, then this little swim should wake him up to his douchbagery.
The family meant to say he was a very good swimmer and he could swim like a seal.
I’ve alerted the local news stations in hopes that they will expose at the very LEAST the fake SEAL claim and maybe the police will look differently at this ‘missing boater’ story. In honour of my dad, Bill ‘Fat Rat’ Sutherland, class 13, 1954, UDT 21/22, ST2
Another day on TAH and…another phoney SEAL. What are the odds? Seal guys always say, according to Hollywood anyway, “always get to water”. This guy BETTER be a strong swimmer. I do hope he is found okay and wish no ill on him. But…the show has started.
Here’s the contact form for the article author, in case anyone feels like correcting her: http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mailfriend/300/2307/f59d401323/
Perhaps Peter Rodrigues is an Spetsnaz Anti-SEAL. We aren’t in the database.
Then again, that would likely mean that he’s fish food.
sincerely
John “Faker 6” Giduck
Well he can use the entrenching tool as a paddle,,right?
As a personal friend of Pete’s for many years, I would like some sort of positve evidence that he is not a former SEAL. As for the “contracting business isn’t going so well these days” bit, he and his company are redeveloping an entire golf course community in a very tight-knit community, and it is doing extremely well, so that doesn’t appear to be a cause for a faked disappearance. He is a highly respected, well-liked guy by an entire comminity, and not someone you would distrust in any way. It’s all very sad for those of us who actually KNOW HIM PERSONALLY. Think about his family and friends when you’re making judgments about someone you don’t even know, please…
Easy, Michele, former SEAL Don Shipley has a database of everyone who has ever attended BUD/S, the schools for SEALs. Although SEALs may go on classified missions, there are no classified BUD/S classes. If Mr. Rodriques’ name isn’t in Mr Shipley’s database, he’s not a SEAL.
Annnnnddd we’re done here… Thanks Jonn. I was going to say the same thing…..
Two. Words.
“Don Shipley”
Google it.
Do your homework next time. Pete states on his internet sight for his business. LinkedIn—2nd class petty officer. Just because others misspoke you have tried to ruin Pete’s reputation. Don’t worry I am sure you won’t see it that way you fool. So many ready to jump on the fact the media ran with the seal aspect of the story. I don’t capitalize seal because the veterans on here don’t deserve it. They could easily have given a fellow serviceman the benefit of the doubt since it states his rank for anyone to see right on his website. I do not expect any of you to see your error and thanks for helping me realize military people are just as screwed up as most other idiots. Just because you served doesn’t make you a guy worthy of Honor. Pete on the other hand was a great dad and a good man. Bill
Little butthurt, are we?
Newsflash, dude–Stolen Valor is NOT victimless. Show me a guy who lies about his service, and I’ll show you a guy who has a whole slew of other issues, from fraud to murder, and worse.
Pete is a crooked liar who hung me out to dry and cheated my company out of a half of a million dollars. He is a scammer and alive and living off others hard earned money. He will get his just punishment.
Bob Scott, I have some information regarding Pete Rodrigues. Please call me at 972-776-8523.
Yo, “Bill” – you might want to read this.
http://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=55678&cpage=1#comment-2046074
I will be seeing Pete’s family members in the near future for a memorial service but I doubt you guys would believe anything other than the worst. Thanks for the statement from someone unwilling to post their name. I don’t believe what the person said because he or she could be anyone. Pete had no reason to embellish his Navy time. No reason at all. Thanks
Suit yourself. Just remember that “denial” is not the name of a river in Africa.
If you would like verification of your friends non SEAL status, you may contact Senior Chief[ret} Shipley. http://www.extremesealexperience.com/1430.h.DON_SHIPLEY_NAVY_SEAL
Ok Michele, for your own investagtion, you can go here for any ones military history, http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/, but as Jonn as said, Don Shipley has direct access to the entire US Navy Special Warfare SEAL database. Don, has stated that your long time friend has never been a US Navy SEAL. Accept the truth or go pound sand.
OIF….No need to become aggressive….I didn’t accuse anyone of lying….I merely asked how one would know for sure that he wasn’t a SEAL, and I received a respectful answer and will indeed do the research suggested, for my own personal certainty. SEAL or no SEAL, he is still a human being with friends and family who won’t stop caring about his whereabouts. Thank you, John Lilyea, for the information.
As you may have noted, no one here wishes your friend any harm and hope he is found alive and well. But also note that we seek the truth and will call out those who for whatever reason, steal valor that they haven’t earned and don’t deserve. Call this a “pre-emptive strike” if you want, but if worst comes to worst for Mr. Rodrigues, the last thing anyone wants to see, yourself included, in his memorial is a lie. It’s unfortunate that the lies of the fakes and posers usually fall hardest on their families. Such is the case with Mr. Rodrigues. I’m sure he told his family for years that he was a Navy SEAL. Now at the worst possible time the truth is exposed to them. It’s a shame what liars do to their families. But we can’t hold back from telling the truth because feelings may be hurt. The honor and valor of those who worked hard, sweated and bled, and even died wearing the Trident demands that the truth be told. If there is any blame for the injured feelings of his family, it falls square on the shoulders of Peter Rodrigues. You seem like a rational and honest person so I’m sure you would agree with these sentiments.
Idiot. So all you idiots who are more worried about if he was a seal or not show just how heartless and ignorant you are. He is a father to two great boys who just want him to be found alive. So take your petty lives somewhere else
ArmyATC
Couldn’t disagree with you more. A man is missing and his boys just want him to come home alive. What he did in the Navy at this time is worthless and unimportant to most people. Not to you because you hold being a seal above all else as though being a seal means you must be an honorable person. If that we’re true you would have compassion for this family but you clearly don’t. You are just petty and heartless. If you are an example of an honorable man God help us. Pete Rodrigues is a good man and normally I wouldn’t waste my time with a shallow fool but now I have.
God help us indeed. You think that a man who lies to his friends and family is a “good man.” So yes, we disagree. And remember you nasty little shit, it wasn’t anyone here who mentioned Pete Rodriguez and Navy SEALs. So fuck off.
Idiot. So all you idiots who are more worried about if he was a seal or not show just how heartless and ignorant you are. He is a father to two great boys who just want him to be found alive. So take your petty lives somewhere else
Moron. See how easy it is to call names? Folks here have made it perfectly clear that we hope he is found alive and well. Maybe you should pull your head out of your ass and try reading the comments rather than getting all butt hurt over Rodrigues lies. And if not, you can still go fuck yourself.
Yes, and that man that is now missing has his relatives fueled with a false sense of his capabilities as an open ocean swimmer and navigator.
You do realize, of course, that the attitude of the news article and of the relative quoted was one of confidence in his abilities? Abilities that, as someone who was never a SEAL, would not have?
I hope this man is found alive and safe. The damage he has done with his little SEAL fib is now palpable to his friends and family a painful time, and that sucks. But better you folks go into this knowing what you are up against.
I hope his local knowledge of tides and terrain as a boater carry him through this safely, because his non existent SEAL skills that he never learned will certainly not.
thank you michelle,i cant believe these people,i used to do petes electrical work before i had some health issues,as a ex-marine i do know that pete is a seal not an ex,once you are a seal,your always a seal,i cant believe what this world has come to with some people hidding making these comments.although i hadn”t seen pete and phil and those guys for years,he is good people,may god be with them
I’m not hiding, I’m right here.
Randy Perry,you said phil,as in Phil Monkress?
Maybe Jerry Vroombout could help out on that electrical work?
I mean, he is a “SEAL” as well.
Right?
And he has the “stache”.
And the mug shot from Seminole County,Florida. Too much Florida for me,I’m out.
BULLSHIT!!!! Cased closed.
What did the humble comma do to you to deserve that abuse?
Not to mention the AWOL period.
I hope my English teacher never reads this level of abuse towards the language.
I thought former Marines never,ever,referred to themselves as “ex-marines”. And I’m still waiting on an answer to the phil question. As we all know,fakers flock together.
LOL, funny…he calls himself an ex marine…then says that seals are never ex-seals. Always a SEAL!
Randy “The Comma Insane Phony” Perry to the rescue.
Randy, come back when you wanna tell the truth.
Man you guys are hard me.I was on channel 4’s site and ended up here somehow.claw131 to answer your question about phil,like i said in my post it was years ago that i did work for them.i thought he was part of Petes company.never did me wrong but if he’s the person people on here say he is then thats on him.ok about the seal claim.Pete never told me he was a seal it was people around him would say that.i guess he just went along with it.my main concern was they were a couple of post way out of hand,not yours but i was just trying to defend the man in his time of need.i,ve been praying for him and his family since i heard about this because i do know pete is a good man.are these guys seals posting these comments?anyway C2Show,nr pax i know the grammar is off and it was alot of comma’s,i know when i’ve been beat,so i’m outta here.God Bless you all esp pete and his family
“Hard on you?” You must be new around here.
Two Words:
Grammer
Punctuation
Ooopsie..make that grammAr and punctuation… 😉
Mr. Williams,
Clearly you don’t no me!
Ta Ta
I don’t think Randy meant Phil Monkress? I actually was unlucky enough to know him also for a short (but not short enough) time a long time ago, and he and Peter Rodrigues aren’t linked in any way that I can find…Monkress works in transportation logistics and Rodrigues in contracting….I just don’t think there is a link between them…I tried to find one and couldn’t…
Please. Peter Rodrigues is not and never was a Navy SEAL.
ARMYATC You are such a baby i don’t care if your a seal or if your wife is a seal. You have no class or compassion to find the facts first.Your just another idiot who believes anything that’s reported. That makes you just a bully when people are hurting. But from what I have read your probably being the best you can be. If your an example of our military God help us. Now get off your fat ass and respond as only you can
Sounds like you’re calling his family liars too as they are the ones who told the press he was a SEAL. Make up your mind as to what side you’re on.
I suppose that you also chastised the reporters as well for not finding the facts first..
oh-no-he-dih-int!
Luke 23:34.
I thought there were no ex-marines
There is one:
John Murtha
*Spit*
And Lee Harvey Oswald.
Since when has the USMC start recruiting illiterates?
Master Chief, I don’t think they do,at least not in this case. I have never heard/seen a former Marine refer to himself as a “ex-marine” and have a tendency to think he is lying about being in the service. I have heard Marines says I was a Marine or I am a Marine no longer on active duty or words to that effect,but never,ever ex-marine. Just my humble opinion. If randy perry disputes my conclusion,so be it. I’m available for debate.
Well Debbie Marcasonie from Millers liked his services. I heard she was on the boat that picked him up along with his bag of stolen cash.
Than you for your kind words defending my uncle. I admire him greatly, and just want him home safe. The people who created this page are ignorant, and aren’t lucky enough to know how truly great Pete is!
Yes, we’re so ignorant we know that lying to one’s family is wrong. We are so unlucky that we know Peter Rodrigues is not nor ever was a Navy SEAL. It’s just too bad his family had to find out about his lies the way they did.
Love makes you say crazy things. Kyle kid is just blind to the truth here.
We all want him to be found safe. Be also want people to stop lying about their military service (lack of service coming from Mr. Rodrigues)
Stop thinking because you served your a hero or special. Just another jerk
Go eat a dick, you piece of shit.
At least we served our country Mr Bill. I reckon since you’ve seen some movies and served some pizza to some teenagers, you know all about the military way of life and how we think.
The heroes are the ones under the white tombstones and it’s their honor and integrity that we protect. If the tables were turned, Pete would be doing the same thing.
Michele this is so so very disheartening and makes me sad to think we live in the same world as some of these individuals. Pete is an amazing man and has given so much to not only his family, but also his community. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this…. Pete means the world to so many of us!!!! As mad as I am right now about some of these comments I had to take a minute to regroup and focus my prayers on Pete and his family. I also decided to turn my negative energy into positive energy and will continue making as many yellow bows as possible tonight. These bows will be hung all over our community to show our love, support, and hope!!!!
I just tried to get my dad’s records, and without his ss# or service number it could not be done online. So how is it that complete strangers of Pete Rodrigues are able to obtain HIS records?
Through the magic of knowing what we’re doing.
Well it requires a full moon, a goat, a dead clergyman’s finger bones and the tears of a virgin…
Or you could just file some paperwork to the right people with the right information.
http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/public/general-public.html
You forgot Joboo’s rum, and a live chicken.
*live chicken
* – Can be substituted with a tub of KFC.
Joboo like rum and cigars, too!
I’ll just leave this here . . . .
And I thank you for doing so.
ESPECIALLY for the “Wardrobe Malfunction” video in the follow-on line-up.
Omg, sitting here spewing coffee on my keyboard after getting the kiddos to school……ByrdMan, you owe me a new keyboard 🙂
As to this person, while I hope he lives, chances are that his non existent SEAL skillz will let him down and his body is now in some scavengers gullet.
Stolen Valor does not hurt anyone…………
This poor family would disagree with that statement.
“arthur”: if your dad is still living, unless he’s mentally incompetent and you’re his legal guardian you’ll need his permission to get his full records. You can file a FOIA without that; SSN is not strictly necessary if you have full name, POB, DOB, and approximate dates of service.
If he’s deceased, as his son you should be able to get a copy of his full records with a copy of his death certificate, his full name, his POB, and his DOB. As his son you should qualify in the NOK category.
See the link provided by “ByrdMan” above and/or the “Military Records” button near the top of this website.
If you do not know Pete personally I wouldn’t be so fast to speak like you do . People now a days :/ Hello people , an amazing man is MISSING
See a few posts above this one for the reply to Michele Williams post.
In a nutshell, Don Shipley says he’s not a SEAL so at the very least that makes him a liar.
I really do hope he turns up safe and sound somewhere. But boy howdy, he’s going to have some ‘splainin to do. Especially if he made money in his business using that “I was a Navy SEAL” claim.
Upon re-reading my comment I realize that I may have made a grammatical type error that could lead infrequent readers of TAH to assume that I’m saying that Don Shipley is the liar. I meant that to say that Pete Rodrigues is the liar.
My apologies to the Shipley’s and The Hair.
I used to have my friends post as sockpuppets in my defense as well.
“He’s a good man”
“You don’t know him”
and my favorite: “Spetsnaz commandos are going to be really offended and come after you”
All the while, I kept them bamboozled like Peter Rodrigues has apparently bamboozled you. Hopefully, your friend isn’t fish food but kharma can be a bee-yotch (missing or not)
sincerely
John “Faker 6” Giduck
Idiot
Moron. Wow, that was easy.
Of course, I am an idiot. Anyone who has watched my Youtube videos knows this.
Or is the problem that I think that TetraMin isnt the only food that fish like?
sincerely
John “Faker 6” Giduck
Dear Butthurt Friends of Pete,
Did Pete tell you he was a SEAL? Did he wear SEAL swag? Did he avoid questions about his SEAL-ness? You know why? Pete’s full of shit. And the turd-knocker got busted.
Whatever makes you sleep at night .
I notice you didn’t answer the questions above.
How about it? Did the guy tell you he was a “SEAL”?
Look, I sincerely hope the guy’s OK and turns up. But the fact that he’s apparently missing is a different issue altogether than his SEAL claims.
I also agree, I hope he is found safe and sound…for his well being, his family, his friends for his business and the community.
Also when he is found safe, then maybe he can respond to this “misunderstanding” about his status as a SEAL. 😉
The truth. Simple as that.
I understand anger at Pete for claiming honors that aren’t his to claim,… but at family and friends? At the moment, they’re worried for his well-being, and chances are they care about him for a long list of reasons, with at most a precious few having anything to do with his (false) SEAL qualifications.
He will hopefully be found, safe, and then can answer for his claims, but his family and friends haven’t done anything wrong and are in shock. I don’t see any benefit in throwing attitude or animosity at them.
Just my two cents.
Yet claims of being a Navy SEAL were among the first thing family and friends had to say about him to the press. It seems obvious that he has or had been living that particular lie for quite awhile. It’s unfortunate that the truth about him had to come out in this fashion. I and others here genuinely feel for the family and hope that Mr. Rodrigues turns up safe and sound, but the truth must be told. It’s truly a shame that the lies of the fakes and posers hurt their families so badly. here is someone they looked up to as a hero, and in an instant that vision is crushed by the truth. So try to understand that the anger here isn’t at the family of Peter Rodrigues, but at the man himself and the hurt he’s caused his family and friends with his navy SEAL lie.
Anger? What anger? We insist that people be honest about their military service or lack thereof. That is all.
At this juncture, the only thing we have is the claims of family members that Rodrigues was a SEAL. For all I know they made that up among themselves. However, it’s much more likely that they are repeating a claim he made, probably more than once.
In any case, we do know that he is not and never was a SEAL. For those outside our community here who might be interested, you may either take our word for it or check it out yourselves.
Meanwhile, as we always do, we feel sorry for family members who must face the truth at a time when they really have other concerns. We consider family members who have been lied to about a loved one’s military career victims of stolen valor. Ya know, that “victimless crime.” Very sad.
If you military men posting here represent the honor of a seal our country is in a world of hurt. A man is missing and your comments show no compassion just pettiness. Clearly serving your country didn’t teach you much
Serving taught most of us not to lie about our records. You could always STFU and go help look for him?
We have compassion. Compassion for those who put their lives on the line for their country. Not so much for lying pieces of shit who would steal what others have earned.
Do I hope he is found alive? Yes. Do I hope his lies bite him in the ass hard? Hell yes.
Now why don’t you just GFY, Bill.
You know what? Everyone here is being WAY too nice to you so here it is:
Get the fuck out of our house you worthless piece of shit. You do not come here and cast aspersions on us. Your fucking friend is a piece of shit poser who brought this scrutiny on himself. Motherfuckers like you who come here and try to criticize us when you’ve never served? Fuck off and die. If you’re so concerned about your friend, stand to and get your happy ass out there on the ocean and find him. Time’s a wastin’ fuckstick!
CLAP…CLAP…CLAP…
Hand salute.
Stay safe.
Really, really need a like button.
I knew there was a reason I always liked having a ‘stang leading me rather than a ‘pointer. 🙂
Thank you sir for such an eloquent post.
Golf clap!
Not a navy seal MORE LIKE A WET BACK WEASEL
My uncle pete and I discussed his navy days plenty. I don’t recall him ever claiming to be a seal. Even if he was he wouldn’t flaunt it for recognition. He is admirable for all kinds of accomplishments in his life, and is just a great man in general.I really hope that karma catches up to you for talking that way about my uncle in his time of need, and when we his family are so worried for him. Words can’t explain the hatred I’m feeling towards you. You will never be near the man peter is!
Good word kyle,God bless you and your family man,nobody’s using seal to gain anything,it was put out in the news,some of these post just go to show you what kind of world we live in,its very sad.please stay strong young man. Randy we’re praying
So, Kyle, how come his GF and everyone talking to the news keeps saying SEAL if he never talked about it?
I said I don’t recall him ever telling ME he was a seal. I don’t get to visit him as often as I’d like. It’s possible his girlfriend is mistaken I’m not sure, but if he told her he was than it’s the truth hands down. I really highly doubt that the people posting on here (a large portion of them absolute morons) are really privy to as accurate of information add they’d like to believe.
Claiming to be a SEAL connotes a level of training in areas like open ocean swimming, navigation, and stress management. You know… things that would lead people to believe that you are going to be fine when your boat washes ashore without you in it.
The vast majority of folks on this blog are former active duty or current active duty military, and the owner of this site, John, routinely files paperwork to investigate claims of service. I realize that this hits close to your feelings, but John is not wrong. This is what he does.
There is no record of Peter ever having attended BUD/S, the basic SEAL qualification school, as noted by one of the very few men who has access to the official database, one Don Shipley. If Peter’s name is not on that list, then he is not a SEAL. End of.
Better you go into this facing the reality than some fantasy about Peter being able to default to his training to survive something like this. Peter is in real trouble without a boat in the ocean.
Damn the phone’s auto correct. John = Jonn.
Don Shipley is a retired Navy SEAL, and maintains a database of every single individual who has ever attended BUD(S)… aka SEAL Training. Your Uncle is not on that least, the list is 100% complete. If your Uncle told his girlfriend he was a Navy SEAL, he lied to her.
I hope that he is found alive, but your insulting everyone on here (or the great majority) is not helping anything.
Everyone here wishes that he be found alive, but no one here is going to cut anyone any slack if they have made claims of Military Service that they did not have. Ever.
Your Uncle could be the greatest man in the world, and I hope he is found alive and well.
“I would like some sort of positve evidence that he is not a former SEAL.” I think that you have that bassackwards. Positive or affirmative evidence that something claimed is untrue does not exist. It is the absence of evidence (bald claims don’t rate) supporting a claim that renders the claim false. Consequently, the burden is on the claimant to evidence that the claim is true. That’s the way it works. You will likely find that the only evidence supporting the claim in this matter is what Rodrigues told someone. As for his being missing, mystery does invite speculation and while all of us hope that he is found wet but otherwise well, were it not for the SEAL business, the story would not have been carried here at all.
He is probably over at All-points Logistics negotiating contracts with Commander Phil Monkress.
Phoney SEAL drowns in REAL ocean. They might have started the SAR mission earlier had he not claimed to be able to swim home. The scariest SAR mission of my Coast Guard service was a guy that waited two days to call us because he thought he could fix his blown engine himself in ten foot seas. He finally called home when the wind got to forty knots and the seas rose to twenty feet off of Port Orford OR.
First off, I hope he gets home safe, Him either misleading people to thinking he was a SEAL or them coming to that conclusion is not a reason to hope for any harm to come to him.
If he as profited from these claims, then he can answer for that when he comes back.
For those coming on here and questioning how someone could find out how some one is a phony, heres a little history for you.
Recieving SEAL training is just like recieving training in other Military Job. Whether you are a cook, truck driver or SEAL the fact that you went to the school ( BUDS) is a matter of Public record.
There are not that many people who are selected for SEAL training. The class rosters are not that hard to come by for Someone in the SEAL community.
Don Shipley is one of those people.
He maintains a data base of everyone who went through BUDS training ( and the simular training before SEALs and BUDS were created) since WW2.
I will give you a parable. If you were to have a set of High School Year Books for Odessa High School for the past ten years and some one told you that they went there from 2000-2004 and played every varsity sport you could tell if they were lying within 5 minutes of looking.
To the son of the gentleman in question: While you may not be able to fing out immediately online what the military records, you can mail in an FOIA on your father ( just like I can) While it may not give you his entire record, there will be enough to prove or disprove he was a SEAL,
Florida.
Again.
I had a good feeling that this butter cup’s family and friends would come out of the wood work regarding his bull shit claims.
Not surprising his family and friends have shown up… hope he is found alive and well.
He still isn’t a SEAL.
I also hope he is found safe and sound. It would be nice to see him explain himself to everyone he has lied to that put him on a pedestal.
John Lilyea how many articles are you going to write about phonies? You’re pathetic. Get a better hobby. You wish you were half the man that Pete Rodrigues is. I’ve never known him to be anything but kind and generous and he doesn’t deserve any of these accusations. He could be a god damn Navy Giraffe for all I care.
By the way, he was a 2nd class petty officer in the Navy from 1974-1979. He never claimed to be anything more than that but like usual the media takes a comment and runs with it. You should all be ashamed of yourselves
Perhaps you should talk to the family members who claimed he was a Navy SEAL. The media just didn’t pull that out of thin air. Do you think just maybe he told his family that Navy SEAL tale? Where else would they get it?
Jen, this is a Mil Blog. Did you read any of the other stories or the exposing of liars claiming Valor. This is not the only blog that outs the phoney. This site is mostly retired or active military. Myself 7 days short of 7 years in the Marine Corps. The Supreme Court rurled that That speaking the truth is the answer to false speech . Jen, I suggest that you find out who made the SEAL cliam about Pete. WE as whole do not harm to him or his family. We will tell the truth about anyone’s service.
Thanks for clarifying, Joe. I actually didn’t know this was a military blog…just searching for updates about Pete and came across this site. Thank you for your service as well.
Is your last name Obvious?
Nah Jen, I am not ashamed of myself. I don’t recall saying anything offensive.
Jen, exactly who are you to show up on someone else’s blog and make those kind of demands?
@green thumb and @rb325th-
Pete is a good man with a lot of class. He would indeed demonstrate more class than many on this thread.
His linkedin profile describes himself as a 2nd Petty Class Officer in the US Navy. No more. No less.
Maybe the story was frayed down the line. A family member with a mic in there face. A reporter with a story to tell.
I know Pete. He is class. SEAL or not. Class. The rest of you that call fish bait and the sorts can say less. SEAL or not.
That is all for now.
Agree
Ok…so here I am back after a LONG day of researching and contacting Don Shipley myself, who (as you are all very aware) is “the real deal” and also incredibly helpful and nice. He indeed confirmed that the name “Peter J Rodrigues” is not found in any records as a Navy SEAL at any level or in any capacity…so to whomever said that I had it “backasswards” in asking for proof that he WASN’T a SEAL, I direct them back to the early responses here and the folks who told me to do exactly that. (Don Shipley did say that if the gentleman in question had changed his name, that “could” be a possibility, but I don’t think anyone will think that….he has been known as Pete Rodrigues for decades.) Now the question seems to be, who else thought he was a SEAL, and how did they come to believe it? I shared Don Shipley’s info with my (real) Air Force veteran friend (also a good friend and neighbor of Pete’s) to let him sort out and do with what he feels is right, and surprisingly, he told me that Pete had never told HIM he was a SEAL in all his years of friendship, and that he thought the news stations had just heard a rumor and had run with it. He is now asking around to see who DID think Pete was a SEAL, and so far, one of Pete’s own sons has said he DIDN’T think his dad was a SEAL… interesting… Perhaps the people who DID think it (including myself) were misinformed, maybe misinterpreted a joke and kept a rumor going, or indeed Pete perpetrated a lie to a certain group of people. I can tell you that my dad (one of Pete’s constant buddies) definitely told me as if it were true. It was always kind of hush-hush as one might expect that sort of info to be handled, which made it seem all the more tantalizing and true. The news stories said that his girlfriend and son said that he was a SEAL…there are… Read more »
Well you kinda answered your own questions. How did people think he was a SEAL? Only way possible is if he told people that. Which is wrong, you know this. If he was in the Navy, fine. But if he was going around trumping up his record and being a braggard. That’s another issue.
As I said, I hope he is found safe and recovered. But people are going to ask him questions once things come back to normal about his “records”…hopefully he just answers truthfully and moves on.
Oh and as you can see Michelle. People do not do any fact checking at times. Sometimes people take the word of a person via personal recognition. You believed in him and you stuck by his word that he was a SEAL. Many others are doing the same. That’s what happens when someone is slick with their words.
Monkress is a funny reference for this board btw. He is a POS and has a crony (ex crony) that comes here trying to defend his honor.
As for your second to last paragraph about finding out that Pete was a big liar than being a good guy that died out at sea, really?
“To the person who mentioned Phil Monkress, I almost lost my lunch! All of Jacksonville and beyond knows HE’S a total FRAUD in every word he utters, and no one has ever believed his SEAL story for a nanosecond.”
The “Legend Of Phony Phil Monkress” is spreading.
Michele
Of course there are other outcomes to this story not just your two. A good father and friend never said he was a Seal and more imformation will come out hopefully to prove this. Can’t think of any reason Pete would tell a lie that is so easily proven. Not in his line of work and he didn’t need to embellish to be successful. Bill
So I have stumbled upon this thread while searching for details concerning a friend who has gone missing and who’s family is suffering at this current time. I find it very disconcerting that someone would take a loose statement the media has highlighted (only to heighten the suspense and interest of a story) and then proceed to vomit all over a mans character causing additional suffering to an already grieving family. I have known this man and worked with him on and off for 6 years. Never once has he ever made a comment to me about being something he was not and specifically not a SEAL. I knew he was in the Navy and that is all. What I do know is the man was a man of character, he was extremely respectful and carried the presence of a true leader. I also had the pleasure of working beside his son who is also a good man. I agree that there are many phonies out there, the pursuit of people who are falsely claiming to be members of this elite group should be rooted out and exposed (I agree) It is important to remember however, that in our culture today, civilians have little to no understanding of the military and the terms defining them except for the almost entirely fictional representation funneled out of hollywood, which recently has been nothing but stories of SEALS!! To your average citizen as unfortunate as it may be, they don’t even know what a S.E.A.L. is. I do not think it is too far of a stretch to think the individuals that were interviewed in the midst of this tragedy might not have been thinking clearly and could have said something to this effect. I feel like this entire thread is completely out of proportion to the situation. The fact at this time is that a family is suffering, I knew this man personally and he was a good man who deserves respect and certainly not a lashing from individuals who do not know him. I personally have never served, I have a… Read more »
Jeff
We’ll said. I couldn’t agree more. Bill
Another reporter that should get the ‘Gullible Phuk’ award. One 3 minute phone call could have confirmed his status as a SEAL. Then a slew of other Gullible Phuks ran with the same thing and not one of them fulfilled their professional obligation to check their facts before plastering this all over the news.
Any one of them could have spent 3 minutes to spare the family and friends of this man a lot of pain they hardly need right now.
Every time I have called Shipley he or his wife have picked up the phone. A 10 year old can find his number. These Gullible Phuks get away with this shit all too often. They might be absent malice but they certainly have not done their due diligence.
Best regards to family and friends. I have learned the hard way to reserve my opinion if it is solely based on a news report. Semper Fi.
Dave
Thanks for a great statement. Bill
An important distinction should be made here before everyone goes on the warpath. His family said he was a SEAL. Did the guy himself go around claiming this? At this point there is no evidence he did so or is there?
When my dad got going sometimes he told people I was in “the special forces” although I was only a paratrooper. To him anything like that was “SF”
Thanks for saying this Jonp. I’ve slept on this article last night not sure what to make of it. 1st: When I was in middle school, we all thought our band teacher was a Navy SEAL. The rumor started because he was a navy diver, which over the course of a school year turned into a SEAL. When I asked about what it was like being a SEAL he was quick to point out that he was a diver not a SEAL and that it was a mistake that he ran into often even with grown ups and co-workers and he was constantly correcting people. I imagine that if Mr. Ball had gone missing some one might have said to a media person that he was a SEAL. I’ve seen this myself when I talked to a friend of my wife’s. She said I should meet her husband who was a fellow Veteran. He was in before they met, and she said he was a former Special Forces. Turns out he was 101st Airborne. He was quick to ask his wife why she said that and she and we all kinda laughed when she said “I don’t know about the military, you just have pictures jumping out of planes with all your gear and you looked Special to me!” 2nd: I cant can’t count the number of times that I heard someone in the media refer to a decorated Vet having a Siver Cross or a Navy Star. Just like we joke on here about the media not knowing one weapon from another or that they don’t know the difference between semi-automatic and fully automatic, they constantly screw up military stuff. I’m sure the family priority right now isn’t calling a reporter to fix this.. How do I know this? well… 3rd: My dad was lost at see. His name was David Clark and he drowned 4 miles off the coast of Florida, Aug 2011 near St. Marks. His boat was found and his body recovered 48 hours later. That was the longest 48 hours of my life outside of… Read more »
This in no way a witch hunt. What I want to know is why has the family member who made the statement about him being a SEAL not contacted the news channel and had a correction published?
I myself am with holding judgment against Peter, but I just find it hard to believe that both his family and girl friend are making these claims, like where did they come up with the idea to begin with? I myself am a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and NO ONE has ever made any claims about me being special operation or some kind of secrete squirrel.
Not sure why they haven’t contacted the the news channel, I know they aren’t doing anything right now. They have nothing going on in their lives. Probally just sitting around watching “Judge Joe” planning their next vacation and following the MLB race.
As far as no one making claims about your service, No one has made claims about mine either, but it does happen. Kids make up stories about their dads, Girlfriends are crazy and hell, sometimes people lie about family or friends service the same way people lie about their own, to be closer or somehow apart of something cool.
I don’t know either OIF, I wish I did. But my complaint his that he can’t defend himself right now. I didn’t see the need to jump on a man that as we speak could be sucking in a lungfull of water. And You are also very polite, OIF. Others on this site haven’t been.
I don’t really care who is making what claims until I hear it from him or there is evidence he lead them on a merry lieing chase around the stolen valor tree.
Families make wild claims or simply don’t know what you did in the military or simply get it screwed up. Hell, my dad even told some people I was in the Air Force a couple of times. Why? He got that from me talking about C-130’s I guess so since I was in the air…..
OIF
Thank God for INTEL. He seems to be right on target about the attitude people should have right now. For you to ask why family hasn’t called someone shows how narrow minded you are. You don’t think straight for days and days. And I doubt they care right now what a bunch of nobodies think. I don’t see much Valor on this site. Just narrow minded insensitive babies for the most part
You are correct in that mistakes can and have happened in the past, especially when the media is involved. That doesn’t seem to be the case here. Two separate people (son and GF) have been quoted saying Rodrigues was a SEAL. Someone posting here in defense of Rodrigues, a friend of his and her father, also stated that he claimed to be a SEAL. Another good friend of his, who claims to be a “ex marine”, stated in the FB comments that he knew Rodrigues was a SEAL. So it really isn’t a witch hunt.
Army
Thank God you are out of the service
“Bill”: I guess I could tell you you’d just wished ill on a disabled vet. But I’m also guessing you probably wouldn’t care.
You are cordially invited to view this highly NSFW video clip (NSFW for language only, no nudity), then immediately implement the suggestions contained therein.
I don’t assume because your a veteran that your a great guy. There are special military people and there are heartless jerks. Because you served does not elevate you as most of you vets assume
You REALLY need to watch that video and execute its recommendations – pronto. (smile)
Hondo,on my computer that video clip link is not working. I don’t know about other people’s computers. Mine is a personal computer,not work related.
Damn. Should be fixed now – I inadvertently left out a key part of the URL.
Yes,it’s working now. Thanks. Now if Bill will watch it and implement the recommendations I can eat my supper in peace.
Hondo requestIP check, geo location, GPS grid and weaponsreleaseauthority. This POS has to go!
Carry on!
Not worth the expenditure of ammo, MCPO. Just some ignorant tool posting from central Ohio who doesn’t “get it”. Save those rounds for use on a target worth engaging.
I seem to remember all of the interesting endings that Mr Bill on SNL would encounter. I wonder if we get one of those endings here?
Oh noooo Mr Bill.
Hey! I take no responsibility for this tool!
To the low life that posted this you can’t believe everything media has posted. Several reports are inaccurate stating he’s 47 and another 57, his boat name Sea Witch snd another Sea Watch…keep your negative comments to yourself as there’s a family missing their dad/uncle/son/friend.
People who complain about negativity are always more negative than the people they complain about. Guaranfuckingteed.
You’re wrong, you’re a debbie downer and I feel sorry for any “friends” of yours that has the unfortunate opportunity of being around you
Michele. What I was responding to with that bassackwards comment and those which followed was your demand that proof be furnished that Rodrigues is not a former SEAL. Your challenge was to prove the nonexistence of something, which is, as I said, a bassackwards approach. Instead, the burden was on you to establish, with positive or affirmative evidence, that Rodrigues is a former SEAL. You have spoken with Don Shipley and accept his statement that Rodigues’s name is not to be found in the SEAL data base. That’s fine but it does not change my response. All of that aside, you sound like a very reasonable person and I applaud that you took the time to pursue the matter rather than dismiss it out of hand. I remain hopeful that the disappearance of Rodrigues ends happily and that the SEAL business is put to rest.
Actually, 2/17 Air Cav, in some cases it IS possible to prove a negative – particularly for binary (TRUE/FALSE) questions. The general method is called proof by contradiction.
I believe an alibi is a real-world example of such a proof.
Philosophy, mathematics, and law all have an angle on this. Using your alibi example, if I say that I was not at the scene of a crime when the crime was committed, that is little or nothing in itself. It is now someone’s burden to prove either that I was there or that I was not. If I evidence that I was elsewhere, it necessarily follows that I was at a place other than the crime scene on a certain date and at a certain time. From my perspective, that is not proving a negative: On the contrary, it is proof positive Of where I was and its by-product (where I was not) is the rest of the universe.
What you say above, amigo, is the definition of how proof by contradiction works. It proves one item impossible by requiring the negation of a known-true fact in order for the first item to be true.
Proof by contradiction is indeed the mechanism by which an alibi works. The hypothesis in that case is the investigator’s working assumption that the subject of the investigation was indeed the perpetrator. That assertion contradicted by the alibi. Since the alibi (if reliable) is established to be true, it logically follows that the hypothesis – e.g., the investigator’s working assumption – must therefore be false. A person cannot be in two places at once.
In other words: the investigator’s hypothesis been proven impossible using proof by contradiction.
Hondo: Okie-doke. To me, it’s as if we are seeing a door but one of us is calling it an exit and the other is calling it an entrance. My intended point with the commenter who insisted that TAH prove he was not a SEAL was that it was she who had the burden of proving that he was, that proving the negative–the nonexistence of something–in this instance was bassackwards. She satisfied herself, it seems, by contacting the fellow under The Hair and learning of the subject’s omission from the SEAL database. This, of course, proves only that he is not in the SEAL database and allows the implication (but not proof) that he was, therefore, not a SEAL. The only proof would be affirmative stuff, such as his DD-214 and the statements of those who served with him on a SEAL Team.
So I wonder how many of these folks who defend him have contacted the news organization who ran the story and asked for clarification on the SEAL claims? Or to ask for a correction?
To people on this board, the false title of SEAL is the most important aspect of this story, and therefore warrants correction. To people who know him and care for him, the false title of SEAL is the least important aspect of this story, and they’re more concerned with supporting each other and trying to help law enforcement and the USCG find him.
Correcting a minor detail (to them) would be like having your house burn down, along with all your possessions, and while trying to gather your family and save what you can of your life, being told to correct what the newspaper incorrectly reported as the color of your drapes.
(And lest anyone think I’m comparing Stolen Valor to the inconsequential choice of color for drapes, I’m saying that this is from their perspective, at this point in time. Priorities are situationally dependent.)
Well put. After all, this is not “hey let’s bash a family who’s member is missing” blog. It’s a military blog that some times focuses on stolen valor, among MANY other things.
We will, however, correct and maybe readjust the attitude of someone who misunderstands the point of TAH.
Nuff Said.
LC
Well said. Thanks
The author of the article said the SEAL claim came from a police report. Don’t know if it was Pete Rodriguez who led to that statement, or if the statement was made on the report writer’s initiative.
There are links to two news article at the top of this page.
In the first article: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/2014/10/05/search-for-missing-boater-continues-at-hanna-park/16788509/
It says “Rodrigues’ son and business partner sat on the boat as the search continues by air and sea. He says his father is a former Navy Seal.”
In the second article: http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/family-missing-boater-strong-swimmer-experienced-b/nhc3w/
It says “Rodrigues is president of a local general contractor company. Investigators say he is no novice boater. According to his girlfriend, he’s a former Navy SEAL.”
So…his girlfriend and one of his sons are both saying that he is a SEAL.
I should have been more clear. What I was trying to say is I contacted the author of the article and she said the SEAL claim came from a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office police report.
Talking shit about someone when they are not around to defend themselves is the epitome of cowardice. If he has passed away we will never know the whole truth and hurting his family by dragging his name through the mud does no one any good. And the people that talked shit to his nephew after he lost his temper should be ashamed of themselves. Leave the kid alone. Even if he did lie to someone it wasn’t to you so why do you give a shit?
“Even if he did lie to someone it wasn’t to you so why do you give a shit?”
Here is why we give a shit about the false SEAL claim.
From the “TAH FNG FAQ” (By the way, I strongly suggest that you read the rest of the FAQ as well.) http://valorguardians.com/blog/?page_id=50600
21. Q: Why should anyone care about stolen valor?
A: Let me approach that from a civilian perspective. Why should anyone care about false claims to being a cop? Or a doctor? Or a judge? Or an All-American basketball player? Or having a PhD, Masters Degree, or Bachelor’s degree? Or a pilot’s license? Or any other professional certification or honor?
If you were a cop, or doctor, or a judge, or an All-American athlete – or have a college degree – you’d almost certainly be p!ssed as hell if you caught someone walked around lying through their teeth about having/being the same thing. Why? Because you worked you’re a$$ off to earn that, or did something truly special; they didn’t. Their lies diminish your hard work and effort – and when they’re exposed as liars, people will likely begin to wonder if you’re lying about your credentials too.
The same is true for false military claims. There’s just one slight difference. For the military, the stakes are almost always higher.
When the military deploys to war, some people come back hurt. Some come back seriously wounded – literally.
Some come back, but are crippled for life. Others come back in coffins.
And some never come home at all. We still have over 81,500 missing in action (MIA) from World War II, Korea, and Southwest Asia. Missing, as in “their bodies were never recovered”. Many of them never will be.
So yeah – to veterans and serving military, false claims about military service, decorations, and badges/qualifications are indeed (to quote a certain prominent politician) a “big (freaking) deal”.
We’d say it to his face too if he was around. It was only a matter if time before he got busted, it just unfortunately happened this way.
God Bless America!
I have great respect for anyone who has served our country. Thank you all!
I have even more respect for those who served at a higher level (e.g. SEALS).
I do not blame those people one bit for wanting to “call out” and humiliate anyone who “steals valor”, or dishonestly claims any such status. In fact, I agree – those who make false claims about their service should be scorned.
PETE RODRIGUES IS NOT THAT GUY.
I’ve known Pete for more than 20 years. I know him to be one of the finest humans I’ve had the pleasure to know. (And I thank God I let him know it.)
I’ve worked with Pete, I’ve partied with Pete, I’ve traveled with Pete, I’ve chased women with Pete, I’ve golfed with Pete, and I’ve cried with Pete. I never once heard him say he was a SEAL. As mentioned before in this forum, Pete told me his Navy service was “no big deal” and I think he said he worked on helicopters. (As in “mechanic” NOT “pilot”. NEVER, not by COmission, and not by Omission have I heard Pete give the impression he was a SEAL.
People – please stick to the FACTS. Don’t hate on Pete because someone else reported he was a SEAL. It seems pretty heartless to go very far down this road without hearing anything from Pete himself. Who has come forward and clearly said “Pete told me he was a SEAL?” Nobody as far as I’ve seen. Please don’t convict Pete because of what others think.
My prayers go out to Pete and his family.
There are links to two news article at the top of this page.
In the first article: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/2014/10/05/search-for-missing-boater-continues-at-hanna-park/16788509/
It says “Rodrigues’ son and business partner sat on the boat as the search continues by air and sea. He says his father is a former Navy Seal.”
In the second article: http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/family-missing-boater-strong-swimmer-experienced-b/nhc3w/
It says “Rodrigues is president of a local general contractor company. Investigators say he is no novice boater. According to his girlfriend, he’s a former Navy SEAL.”
So…his girlfriend and one of his sons are both saying that he is a SEAL.
Amen
Amen to Echo
This is turning out to be Friendly fire. There is NO proof yet that this man said he was a SEAL. We have people coming out of the woodwork saying they have known him for years and that he never claimed to be a SEAL. And it looks like the reporter got the Info off a police report.
The worst part of this is, the regulars on this site will move on to a new outrage next week, but this guy’s name is going to be a hit on Google forever as being a party to stolen valor.
Right now, I’m a bit ashamed to have been a commenting part of this site. I hope that Jonn will keep providing updates. And everyone who has slammed this fellow vet will keep following up.
Stolen Valor needs to be cut down, shamed, and buried. But so far all I see is rumors and inuendo and we may have slandered a fellow Veteran.
I think it is inaccurate for you to state “We have people coming out of the woodwork saying they have known him for years and that he never claimed to be a SEAL. And it looks like the reporter got the Info off a police report.”
There’s a person in the video (linked above), presumably someone who knows him, that states Mr. Rodrigues is a SEAL. In the comments on this page, Michelle Williams thinks/thought he was a SEAL (as did her Father), as does the first post by Randy Perry. It is doubtful that these people came to this conclusion by reading a police report or by watching/reading an inaccurate news article.
I hope he is found soon, and healthy. I don’t know the story, but I cannot deny that there is evidence that does not point directly back to a supposed police report. Sorry.
Need to work on that intel.
Sometimes you do not have to analyze; its all around you.
Just look.
Or sometimes you reach the conclusion you want to. Yeah, us Iraqi Vets have no experience with that.
No matter what we are slamming a guy who can defend himself. And may be dying. Bravo. We are a bunch of heroes.
*Can’t Defend himself* Opps
Your an “Iraqi Vet?” You served in the Iraqi Army? Hey, bud, get off your high horse. You want to blame someone? Blame the person or persons who told the SEAL lie to the police and reporters.
What does 2/17 Air Cav call someone who served in Iraq?
Um, most people in the US military who served in Iraq refer to themselves as an “Iraq vet”, an “Iraq War” vet, or an “OIF Vet”. I’ve never heard anyone call themselves an “Iraqi vet”.
The word “Iraqi” implies nationality. The term “Iraq” or “Iraq War” implies a location. “OIF” implies a particular operation.
Disregard. I see you found the error yourself.
Apologies, Air Cav, didn’t realize I added an “I” to Iraq. Have been chatting with budding about the developments in Iraq and have been typing “Iraqi” too much.
Check your intel, again.
Get out of the 2 shop.
It grieves me to say ..Yes, Pete did lead a number of close friends to believe he was a Navy Seal. It’s awful, and saddens me that he would betray those of us who did put him on a pedestal for his service. My father was a Marine so I have the greatest respect for all of our service men and women. Pete was a hardworking generous man, but when someone you care about allows friends to believe he is something he is not it’s a betrayal, and sickens me. Wherever he is it’s now between he and his maker.
Whoever you are please give me more imformation about what you say about Pete. My email is hardingbc@aol.com
Can’t trust someone unwilling to put their name out there. Bill
Intel
Thanks for the wait and see attitude. Bill
Well, if the reporter got the info from a police report, then that is almost certainly from what at least one person stated to the police. It is also quite likely that that person is a relative or girlfriend. Thus, that person or those persons either were misinformed or were told a lie. Action News attributes the SEAL info to “his family” and “his girlfriend”–omitting any mention of sourcing that to a police report. Posers, pretenders, and valor thieves are not the exclusive focus of this milblog but they certainly take the lion’s share of attention. This is indeed a unique situation in that there is no direct line connecting what this man said to any falsehood. Instead, it is what others near to him have said, either to police, reporters, or both. It is they who ought to do the apologizing–not to TAH but to those their embellishment has hurt.
No, The title of this article is “Peter Rodrigues; Phony SEAL missing”. We have NO GODDAMN proof that this man said anything. We have SPECULATION. And usually we can ask the man himself, but in this case we can’t. Instead of acting like grown men, who go to other men face to face, or in this case go walk up to their families, we hit from our keyboards while knowing there are no repercussions to ourselves.
I’m starting to rethink the Idea of us hitting from the safety of our keyboards. Us regulars are all over the country. It might be time for us to start actually going to doors and talking to the asshole phony’s we find. Face to face. I see a lot of big talk on here, but yet have to seen anyone that went to someone’s house to ask them face to face. Record it. Show it to the world.
So far, yes, the “intel” points to something, but we have no facebook posts by the man, we have no linkedin post by the man, we have no video of the man saying anything. And its not the usual case. The man is dead or dying.
Ah …
I will call you out on this, “I’m starting to rethink the Idea of us hitting from the safety of our keyboards. Us regulars are all over the country. It might be time for us to start actually going to doors and talking to the asshole phony’s we find. Face to face. I see a lot of big talk on here, but yet have to seen anyone that went to someone’s house to ask them face to face. Record it. Show it to the world”.
I have few notched in my belt, I have spent real cash, conducted thorough investigative quality reviews and inquiries and travelled across the country and stared down known subjects face to face in the pursuit of the truth!
Oh … And I have the recordings and transcripts to prove it!
What have you done?
Uh, Nothing. That’s why I said “Rethink”
Uh … You need to re-read what you wrote!
If you have yet to see … I suggest you are blind!
If I have “Yet to See” What exactly? Let me see a Video of you Calling out a Poser face to face, Master Chief.
The road to glory, Intel, is usually paved with mines.
And you are the “POG”.
That made no sense whatsoever. Yes, I was a Marine “Person Other than Grunt”. You got me. I stand by my question to the Master Chief. Lets see a Video of him calling out a poser face to face.
You may have a point that the ‘keyboard strikes’ launched from here may deserve more investigation at times,… but if you read this site often enough it becomes readily apparent that MCPO NYC USN Ret tends to do his homework on potential frauds before posting info.
I’m also inclined to say that if he’s said he’s confronted people in person, it’s reasonable to assume he’s being honest. I, personally, think that’s less than wise when dealing with people who may have constructed an entirely false persona and catching them off guard, but that’s just me.
The point being, your overall idea has some truth to it, but your specific focus on the MCPO is probably not helping you make that point.
Just my read on the situation. In short, your ‘us’ doesn’t apply to him.
Thank you LC for your reasonable and polite comment. I do agree that 99.9999999% of frauds posted on here are frauds. And my disgust with them is immeasurable. That being said, I have no doubt that the Master Chief is an honorable man, but I will hold him to the same standard that we hold the fakers to. He made a claim, and that he has proof. I want to see it.
And for the last time, I have no Idea about this guy who went missing, but we are passing judgement on a man who isn’t here right now to defend himself. No better than talking shit about a man behind his back as far as I can tell.
Thank you for your read, I appreciate it! And I want you to know I intend no disrespect. We hold ourselves as men of honor.
Ah … Seriously,let’s go to the video tape. I travelled twice to Portland Oregon to face of with Bernath in court, one time he did not show the second it was all caught on tape. If you want to see how Bernath attempted to make me react and how I stared him down in front of no less than 10 witnesses in court, submit a FOIA request to the appropriate Oregon district court. ‘Till then I don’t give a rat’s ass what you think. Your assertion above does not apply to me.
Rather, than calling out us here, go do it yourself and return with an AAR. I do!
He’d rather call you out from behind his keyboard. He likes irony.
As for me, I don’t need any “proof” that you created Bluegrass and Soccer Moms. Rock on MCPO, rock on.
ROG all!
Well, IntelPOG – it now appears we do have evidence the missing guy was the source of those “inaccurate” SEAL claims.
http://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=55678&cpage=1#comment-2046074
I am catching up here:
So if his body washes up and the stories are all wrong or right about SEAL claims … It is still a tragic story.
If we find he is living in Mexico wearing SEAL bling … well that is a completely different story.
Either way I feel bad for his honest friends and concerned family.
And possibly hanging at Commander Phil Monkress’ of All-Points Logistics corporate taxpayer-funded condo.
Classy, Green Thumb.
Welcome to my world.
It sucks, I assure you.
I see/deal with this every day.
Numbs the soul, if you will.
Enjoy your crappy world, Tough guy.
Take two Midol and go to bed!
It is crappy.
I agree.
Tough guy, not so much anymore.
Just tired of CS and CSS bullshit.
Word out.
And Posers.
And their supporters.
And IVAW members, Chelsea Manning clones,and Crypto Vault Rats.
I see what you did there CLAW131. And I approve!!! (slow clap)
Thanks and You’re Welcome. I tried my best.
For the sake of the family and friends, I hope the gentleman is found alive and well. We can deal with the other matter after that. JMHO.
My .02 on the situation:
–Newsies are stupid as a general rule and would write that the sky was pink if someone told them so.
–Civilians in general aren’t much better.
–So far, no credible evidence exists that Mr. Rodrigues has claimed to be a SEAL; no bling, tats, hats, etc.
That being said, check fire. If it is found out he did claim it, unload. In any event, our prayers are with him and his family that he is found safe. I have to reserve my opinion for more direct evidence.
Now if it’s some fucking parachuting clown claiming he’s a Bronze Star recipient and Special Forces, or some dickweed former E-5 claiming to be a CPO, have at it.
Well said
About the only thing I can hammer the guy for is being in a man-lift without a hard hat and safety harness.
HA HA HA HA HA
Coast Guard has called off the search.
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/beaches/2014/10/09/jacksonville-missing-man-peter-rodrigues/16957561/
Back again, for the last time, because all that I have needed to learn, I have learned, and none of it has been good. Everyone concerned deserves to hear the outcome of my two days of very thorough “investigation” regarding the SEAL claims, since I was the first of Pete’s actual friends to step forward on this forum and challenge the “phony SEAL” accusations. When I am wrong, I have no problem admitting it. Well, it’s actually a kind of difficult, but I will do it because it’s the right thing to do. I, as much as anyone, wanted this “phony SEAL” business to be complete bunk, as you can tell by my original post when this thread first began. I thought of it as any one of those crazy conspiracy theories that are out there for every accident, tragedy or the like. My family, my husband and I have been in this man’s company many, many times, and we have enjoyed every minute of it, and none of our direct conversations with him ever involved SEAL information. We loved him because he was fun and friendly, and we thought he was just a genuinely great guy. I wanted it all to be some crazy misunderstanding and to keep the untarnished memory of a long-time family friend alive. As the poster “blindsided” stated above, there was indeed a very close circle of friends, and family members as well, who were DEFINITELY told BY Peter Rodrigues, even to the extent of talking about his supposed missions and operations, that he was a SEAL. No question. Friends have been stumbling upon this forum little by little, just as I did, and contacting me privately to assure me that I was not mistaken, THEY were not mistaken, and that none of us had spread any false rumors that hadn’t been put out there by Pete HIMSELF. Why he chose to tell those that he told, I have no idea. Why others have never heard this claim from him, I also have no idea. All I do know for sure is that he WAS… Read more »
I am sorry you had to learn the truth this way, Ms. Williams. That has to hurt like hell.
Coming forward as you have took guts, and class. I commend you for that.
I am also sorry for your loss. Losing a friend hurts, regardless.
What Hondo said. She is truly a stand-up lady.
Michele, thank you. You are one of the very few individuals that accept the truth for what it is. Even though I was with holding my personal judgment toward Peter, with the way that his family and close circle friends were responding here that I knew that this was not some misunderstanding by the news media. This is not the first time that family or close friends will come here defending the individual that has been exposed for what they are. I am sorry that that alot of other people, they have to learn the truth the hard way. Again, thank you for your open mind and your own investigation of Peter and his now know military embellishments.
Ms. Williams: that was a very brave and noble thing for you to do. Not sure I would have had the courage that you have shown. Thanks you.
Michele (with one “L”),
BRAVO ZULU.
Come back any time you feel fit!
I hope they find Peter and give him a proper burial.
MCPO
More proof that stolen valor is not a victimless crime….
Lady, you are one class act. Had you ever chosen to join the military it would have been an honor to serve with you. Every once and a while someone restores my faith with honor and humility, you have done just that. Semper Fi.
well that makes me wrong also.It’s been about 12 years but i was always told he was a navy seal.My prayers go out to his family and friends.May God bless you’ll. Randy EX-MARINE
Randy,we knew you were wrong from the get go. I’m still waiting for a positive answer on who the Phil was/is from your earlier comments. Was it Phil Monkress that you mentioned or a Phil by another last name? I’m sorry for the loss of your friend and I hope the body is recovered for a proper ceremony and closure for you and his family.
Michele,
*golf clap*…you are indeed extremely cool in my book.
Sorry for the situation about Pete. It looks grave at this point and not expected to turn out positively after so many days.
I am sending my thoughts and prayers out to you and all Pete’s family and friends. For his loss and for this coming to light. It’s painful but we see this happening all too often.
Here’s a BIG HUG to you for doing what was honest, doing the leg work and for doing what was right.
May you always find a reason so come back and be part of *this* family*.
Thanks guys….your support means a lot. As you might imagine, not everyone is thrilled with my post, but again, what’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong. Many people are taking the stance that they don’t give a rat’s ass if he lied (these seem to be the people who weren’t close enough to be told the lie directly) and some are quite upset that he lied to them (his closest, most trusted, decades-old friendships) so it’s a real mixed bag out here. I’m wondering if there might be something more to this story, but we will just have to wait and see…
The latest news is that he got engaged since he disappeared, as the “girlfriend” is now being described in the news as the “fiancee”…go figure. Perhaps I should get a job with the news to vet their “facts” for them.
Off topic, my husband got a BIG kick out of seeing Phil Monkress’s pudgy, ridiculous “biker” face and hearing that he was formally exposed as a fake SEAL…good laughs! It would be even funnier if that D-bag wasn’t made extremely wealthy by his company…but money can’t buy real friends or a good reputation. Anyway, thanks for the laugh!
Thank you for the kind invitation to come back and visit. I probably won’t be able to resist peeking in now and again just to see what this distinguished group of soldiers is up to. 🙂
Take care all,
Michele
HE IS ALIVE AND LAUGHING AT EVERYONE HE SCAMMED.
Ms. Williams,
What you have done, having the courage to face the truth, regardless of the hurt, shows you have the honor that we try to uphold. Thank you.
That is probably one of the hardest things a person has to endure, and you are doing so with grace and class. I hope you find your closure and that despite Pete’s false claims, he may yet be safe.
I am so sorry you have had to be put through this. Your integrity is beyond commendable.
I feel for his family and friends who have not just lost him to this accident, but also that his loss was tainted with his lies about being a SEAL.
There is no such thing as a victimless crime.
I hope they find Peter and that Intel jack off can KMRIA!
And that ignorant jerk Bill can zrobić to samo z mojej dupy polsko-amerykańskiej, MCPO.
It’s good that Michele has uncovered the truth as she knows it. I don’t condone embellishing your years in the service and it’s unfortunate Pete did that with a few people. I know the mother of his two boys never heard him say that so it apears most people in his life were not aware ( like myself and people I know that knew Pete). I wish he were here to explain it but he’s not. For me Pete will continue to be a good man who was a very good father and we grieve for Danny and Mitch. I also believe he never intended to be called a Seal by anyone in the News media. My apologies if I have offended anyone. I still believe there is a lot of overreaction on this sight but no one should claim to be a Seal if they are not. Pete will be missed
This is my last comment on here and I hope this clears everything up.
Here is a link to Pete Rodrigues’ LinkedIn page. It lists his background in Navy where he states he was a 2nd class petty officer in the Navy and does not say anything about being a SEAL. Once again I do not know why this rumor started but most likely it’s the general public’s iggnorance on military stats and just assuming being in the Navy meant you were a SEAL. Anyways here you go: https://touch.www.linkedin.com/?sessionid=8577280601227264&or=true&dl=no#profile/23229763/name:nrWp
Regardless of what his LinkedIn says (and it may be accurate), but Michele Williams has already confirmed that he did lie (at least to several people) about his service. He may have been honest with you, Jen, but there were times he did in fact lie to others about his military service.
Michele. You must be quite the woman. It would be incredibly hard to come back and set the record straight, knowing that that you were misled.
My prayers are with all those affected by the loss. Hopefully he will still be found.
Jen,
Please read Michele Williams’ post above.
At this point, why does it matter if he was or wasn’t a seal? His children are hurting and they need sympathy, not anger and jokes. Has our world become so harsh that we cant even allow his sons to grieve and honor their loving father. I feel ashamed knowing there are local people that do not care for his fellow man.
It matters because these guys aren’t always just guilty of lying about their military careers. Given this controversy over him being missing, maybe law enforcement should look at other things besides the obvious.
“terry klein”: would you think it doesn’t matter if it wasn’t you who cashed a check for $5000 drawn on your checking account? Or used a false credit history and identity to get a job with a business you owned? Or claimed to be a police investigator, then started asking you a large number of very intrusive and personal questions about your sex life and finances?
Think about that for a minute. Maybe the “light will come on” for ya then.
The truth matters. So do lies.
Lt. Michael Murphy, and many more like him. That is why it matters. Don’t know who he is? google it.
Why does it matter? Either you scrolled past the comments without reading them, or your reading comprehension needs a major tune-up. Here’s what I posted about why it matters:
Here is why we give a shit about the false SEAL claim.
From the “TAH FNG FAQ” (By the way, I strongly suggest that you read the rest of the FAQ as well.) http://valorguardians.com/blog/?page_id=50600
21. Q: Why should anyone care about stolen valor?
A: Let me approach that from a civilian perspective. Why should anyone care about false claims to being a cop? Or a doctor? Or a judge? Or an All-American basketball player? Or having a PhD, Masters Degree, or Bachelor’s degree? Or a pilot’s license? Or any other professional certification or honor?
If you were a cop, or doctor, or a judge, or an All-American athlete – or have a college degree – you’d almost certainly be p!ssed as hell if you caught someone walked around lying through their teeth about having/being the same thing. Why? Because you worked you’re a$$ off to earn that, or did something truly special; they didn’t. Their lies diminish your hard work and effort – and when they’re exposed as liars, people will likely begin to wonder if you’re lying about your credentials too.
The same is true for false military claims. There’s just one slight difference. For the military, the stakes are almost always higher.
When the military deploys to war, some people come back hurt. Some come back seriously wounded – literally.
Some come back, but are crippled for life. Others come back in coffins.
And some never come home at all. We still have over 81,500 missing in action (MIA) from World War II, Korea, and Southwest Asia. Missing, as in “their bodies were never recovered”. Many of them never will be.
So yeah – to veterans and serving military, false claims about military service, decorations, and badges/qualifications are indeed (to quote a certain prominent politician) a “big (freaking) deal”.
I found this mess while looking for information on a memorial for Pete.
I met Pete about 20yrs ago.
I never heard him say he was a Seal.
I think I know what the misunderstanding is.
Pete was such a great person that whenever he said he was in the Navy the average civilian just assumed he was a Seal, they assume he couldn’t have been anything less.
Bless the family, he will be sorely missed.
Many thanks to those who sever / served this country Grunt to Seal, we civilians would have nothing without you.
Peace to Pete.
Condolences for your loss and the loss to the family. Unfortunately, it has been verified that Mr. Rodrigues did in fact lie to several people about being a Navy SEAL. See the comment above from Michelle, who’s father was a close personal friend of the deceased. Stolen valor is not a victimless crime. It always comes back to hurt the families involved.
Hey Guy,, I would like to add one item to your post. Pete had spoken to my father-in-law at one of my kids birthdays. Pete told him he was a SEA BEE while in the Navy, or C. B. short for Construction Battalion in the US Navy. My father was on in the reserves for many years after he left the Army. Maybe that is where these friends got SEAL. While I have been his neighbor for 20 years and watched his boys grow into men, I can say I am a CLOSE personal friend and he NEVER once told me he was a SEAL. Yes I am the US Air Force person Mrs. Williams mentioned earlier in her multiple posts and I can only add my 2 cents. As a veteran of the USAF, you guys stop laughing, I too have hear many others claim of tours of duty and being stationed at one place or another, knowing he Intel about the base and surroundings was not accurate, but never called anyone out unless it was just too egregious. But, I would like to add one point from something I read by the Honorable Don Shipley, if someone is stealing VALOR to entertain friends, that is one thing, but if they get dress in Military Dress and or use it to gain or control business or money, that would be a completely different situation and that is where Don Shipley and others on the board can and should give that person both barrels. As of today, there is no sign of Pete and we held a memorial in his honor and to give those who need it some closure. As for me, I will keep the Front Porch Light on and keep a watchful eye to the east in hopes he comes home.
by mistake and regret I stumbled across this pathetic loser website. How insensitive of an asshole are you to degrade a person you know nothing about and have NO sympathy for family and friends left behind after losing a loved one? One sad excuse for a ” human” being !! Christ! What happened to compassion and love?
Bummer.
Get lost.
Was the guy ever found?
Compassion and love exist. But here, liars don’t get much of either.
I honestly cannot believe the comments on here, wow.
Deal with some of the shit people here have had to endure at the hand of poseurs, and maybe you’d come away with a different opinion.
You should get out more.
Arron: I assume you mean you can’t believe people are calling out a phony in plain, blunt language, or that you can’t believe people don’t believe the guy’s lies.
Must be nice to live your life believing in unicorns, the Tooth Fairy, and Santa Claus. Most of us, however, gave up those fantasies somewhere around puberty – after the world smacked us in the face a couple of times.
You’ve got a rude awakening in your future.
DITTO