By Sgt. David W. Budwah claimed to be a decorated Iraq veteran when in fact he had served on Okinawa and in Virginia. From AP-
A Marine sergeant charged with faking battle injuries to get freebies intended for wounded warriors will plead guilty, a Marine Corps spokeswoman said Monday.
Sgt. David W. Budwah, 34, of Springhill, La., will enter the plea at a court-martial hearing Wednesday at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Va., 1st Lt. Joy Crabaugh wrote in an e-mail.
Crabaugh wouldn’t say what offenses Budwah will acknowledge. “That will all be addressed Wednesday,” she wrote.
Budwah faces eight counts, including making false official statements, malingering, misconduct and larceny. They carry combined penalties of up to 31 1/2 years in prison and a dishonorable discharge.
Prosecutor Marine Capt. Thomas Liu declined to disclose terms of the plea agreement.
Some of the freebies Budwah got were tickets to Washington National games. That’s how we reward our brave fighting men and women. They get tickets to see the worst team in baseball.
The damage Budwah does is similar to those who fake cancer or serious injury for their own benefit. Those who are willing to give less in the future. I find these fakers despicable and it is my wish that Budwah serves time for what he did.
8:31 am on October 19th, 2009 1
Why do Americans like to exaggerate so much?
Look at the idiot couple who lied that their son climbed into a balloon and that he flew away.
Look at all the phony "Vietnam Vets" who say they fought the Vietnam War.
Look at all the idiots who cry they are victims of racism in Korea, recalling all the personal anicdotes that are mostly exaggerations, or flatly has never happened.
All because they want to feel so important and feel so superior.
Brag brag brag.
Now this..
Whenever Americans tell a story about some experience in Korea, read it, but don't take it as is. It's probably full of exaggerations and tall stories.
1:21 pm on October 19th, 2009 2
"All because they want to feel so important and feel so superior.
Brag brag brag."
Its human nature to remember things in a way that tells a good story. However that stands in the face of 'bold face lies' from people who never came close to what they have said. Or were, often, never even there.
When old soldiers speak of their times in WWII, Korea, or Vietnam, take it as it is.(with the source in mind) Unless you've been there, you never know if they were exaggerating or understating what actually happened. I have heard both.
8:17 pm on October 19th, 2009 3
The problem is not so much that too many people exaggerate. The greater problem is too many gullible people. Too many people willing to believe whatever they read on the Internet or hear reported on the evening 'news.' Too many people willing to be taken in by the Nigerian inheritance scams.
You would think that after all that, most people would develop a healthier skepticism. If it's important enough for you to invest your time, money, or reputation, then there is no excuse for not doing due diligence and checking some basic facts. But it seems some people will always be dupes.
And Tom, before you get too smug pointing fingers at Americans, I have two words for you — Mad Cow.
9:39 pm on October 19th, 2009 4
Tom, we are superior. It’s no exaggeration.
4:28 pm on October 20th, 2009 5
"The government claims he faked post-traumatic stress disorder in July 2008 in hopes of leaving service early"…