Stolen Valor bill filed in Virginia
The Winchester Star reports that Delegate Chris Collins has filed a Stolen Valor bill in the Virginia legislature that would make pretending to have an enhanced military career for the purpose of gaining a tangible benefit a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Class 1 misdemeanors carry a maximum punishment of 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.
During a Friday morning phone interview, [29th District Delegate Chris Collins, R-Frederick County] said he had been approached by veterans groups advocating for such legislation. He has also discussed the issue with 31st District Del. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Woodbridge, a retired U.S. Army colonel, Collins said.
“We’re aware of people who have dressed up as soldiers and gotten free stuff, or have asked for money, or they claim to be a veteran and try to get the sympathies of nonprofits,” Collins said.
Yeah, Virginia is almost as bad as Florida or New Jersey when it comes to phonies defrauding charities and citizens.
Category: Stolen Valor Act
Hot damn! Maybe if it passes I will be able to go to Golden Corral on Nov 11. /sarcasm
I expect McAwful to veto it if it makes it to his desk. They only have 90 days in VA to get everything through both chambers…
Great news!
It is ironic that one of the biggest POSers ever outed lives in Winchester VA and has fought for Veterans issues for years. Usually the issues were self-serving, but he fought hard for tax relief and other benefits.
Todd Golding – http://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=61111
I wonder if Todd will get behind this effort?
I also see he is still a standing president of the Sons of American Revolution even after the National President was alerted to his stories. I guess it didn’t matter to them.