As expected, Mr Proulx doubled down with the standard poser responses… Dude, give it up before you are further embarassed when your US Army records are accessed via a FOIA request and made public.
http://guardiansofthegreenberet.com/jack-proulx-green-beret-not
Jesus Christ…. it never ends.
What I just don’t get is why all these morons continue to pull the same shit, i.e – They are ALWAYS either JTF2, ex-airborne or snipers with the RCR or PPCLI. (Or ex-SEAL’s, Delta or SAS) Next up, they almost ALWAYS have a ridiculous rack of medals and almost always have at least ONE medal for Valour.
Do they not realise that real soldiers in an Army as small as ours can easily find out if they actually served anywhere quite quickly? Do they not realise that real soldiers can ask a few questions to them and be able to smell bullshit from their answers?
One of my favorite responses from these dicks is “My file is sealed.” Oh really asshole? Guess what? ALL our “files” are “sealed” and cannot be accessed until a specific number of years have elapsed after our deaths unless we specifically make the request to obtain a copy. You want to try pulling off being a poser successfully,(although a real soldier will still be able to suss you out easily with a few questions) then stop trying to be a super soldier. Be a grey man.
Don’t be a sniper/airborne jumper/special forces guy. Be a regular infantryman in a line Company and make certain you do not claim a rank higher than Corporal.
Next, if you want to try and make yourself look like a soldier who actually did something, make your rack common – A GCS, CPSM, SFOR and CD. No one would look twice at that rack and raise alarm bells but you still get to have some medals to impress the “civvies” at the Remembrance Day parades. Study the uniform of the unit you intend to pose as to make sure your buttons and bows are of the right type and placement is correct. Avoid the temptation to score a sand or maroon coloured beret and skip over the jump wings / pathfinder pins on eBay.
I know the urge to look like a real war hero is strong, but these accoutrements almost always send real soldier’s fake soldier radar up. Avoid Legion’s and service clubs at all costs – real soldiers and Veterans will be there and your odds of getting caught increase by a factor of 10.
Avoid the online military forums completely. There, you will only find real soldiers and Veterans going back 50-60 years and your fuckery will be sussed out rapidly with such a large collection of troops who have served in virtually every time period. branch and trade from WWII to present. Alas, the egos of these shit stains is simply to gargantuan to allow themselves to fabricate themselves as a regular, run of the mill soldier who served in relative ignominy in a line Company. Their need to be viewed as a real war hero is simply to strong for them to create their Veteran persona in a common light.
Those of us who served honourably, but not as “war heroes” are extremely proud of our service and feel no need to embellish.
I did my part and am proud of that.
I have friends who earned MMV’s and SMV’s whom I respect greatly, but to steal those distinctions you have never earned, in this Veteran’s opinion, is the ultimate in scumbag.
Sadly, SVC will be doing this work as long as we have a military, as pathetic individuals will continually be popping out of the woodwork as long as there is glory and honour there for the stealing.
Keep up the solid work SVC.
By Michael Blais
I have been travelling to Ottawa on a regular basis since 2011, when the Canadian Veterans Advocacy was first invited to participate with Veterans Affairs Canada stakeholder group. I was soon appalled to note that reprehensible crimes of stolen valour were being perpetrated even as we assembled on the National War Memorial at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month.
At the poser level, -a poser being an individual who has never served yet poses as a soldier-, one incident was particularly remarkable. Readers will remember the case of an individual being interviewed prior to the National Remembrance Service wearing a CAF dress uniform and posing as a sergeant of The Royal Canadian Regiment. The individual brazenly added the Medal of Bravery to his other illegitimate medals, jump wings and pathfinders badge to complete his bogus ensemble. His false but impressive symbols of martial merit drew the attention of the national media. The consequences were immediate, starkly profound and by mid-afternoon, sharp eyed Royal Canadians had “outed” the individual as a fraud. As a result, I was invited to the CBC studio in Ottawa to do an interview on the subject of Stolen Valour for The National. Criminal charges were levied, and justice in this case was served.
There have also been instances of deplorable embellishment, wherein yes, the individual did serve yet felt compelled to dishonestly embellish their service by adding medals, parachute wings and other unearned honorifics to their uniforms. A prominent charity and several veterans organizations were adversely impacted by such acts of fraud, with reputations being besmirched (guilt by association) and relationships being irrevocably destroyed.
Stolen Valour Canada (SVC) emerged in 2014 as an independent, self funded, group of veterans willing to volunteer their time and military experience to provide an internet-based platform which investigates reports of alleged Stolen Valour across Canada. During the past 7 years, these veteran volunteers have exposed over three score of posers and embellishers who were exploiting national service & sacrifice in order to deceive Canadians across the nation. The accused have invariably been provided with options. An apology letter and the return of the medals is all that is required and many who have been exposed have availed themselves of this option, measly surrendering their fraudulent “trinkets” along with a public apology in order to escape those punitive provisions set out under the Criminal Code of Canada (section 419). For years now, SVC has provided expert advice to affected law enforcement agencies with one precedent setting conviction in 2019 resulting in a steep monetary fine and probation. A number of other cases currently remain in the cue, with criminal proceedings proceeding.
So why do these individuals do it? Why do they pose as a soldier or, in my opinion even worse worse, a soldier who embellishes their military service by adding undeserved medals, parachute wings, commendations and other trinkets?
The SVC response line to this question is blunt: Most individuals reported to SVC were declared to be “grifters and con artists who lie, cheat and steal for their personal gain.” Some posers have used “their Special Status to attend military ceremonies, Remembrance Day services, parades or charity sponsored galas and high profile sporting events as VIP guests.” Others have participated in fully funded commemorative pilgrimages and expeditions abroad. Some have used “fake military narratives and tales of battlefield injuries to advance their employment opportunities and political aspirations.”
The list of motives to impersonate a soldier includes; Intimidation, theft, fraud ( which includes examples of nefariously applying for veteran/military discounts), questionable charity schemes, embezzlement and dating schemes. In one bizarre incident, the miscreant poser went so far as to claim that he had committed war crimes as a Special Forces Chief Warrant Officer, while at a presentation to six* schoolchildren!
*actually 600 schoolchildren (SVC)
Every time this occurs, of course, truly deserving veterans are increasingly doubted and our reputation as a unique community is blighted.
So, how does SVC oversight work?
First, most of the ‘poser’ reports of Stolen Valour SCV receives are levied by veterans. When instances of embellishment arise, the suspect is often identified by veterans who served in the individual’s same regiments or units. Specific details are required, and if the allegations have merit, SVC conducts an investigation based “on open sources, public information, unit war diaries and timelines”. Please note that SVC has a rigorous set of Standard Operating Procedures. Research information is peer reviewed, and should the “smoking gun” or an admission of guilt be absent, the names of the suspected posers/embellishers are not published. It is also noteworthy that SVC does not have access to MPRR and depends on protocols inherent with the Access to Information Act to confirm or deny service and medal-commendation-parachute wing aberrations.
Should you feel that there is a poser or embellisher preying on your community, reach out to SVC through this link.
In early 2019, SVC asked a number of questions regarding Mr Dwayne Curtis EISEN and his claimed military service.
It was quickly reported back to us that Eisen’s claims were a complete fabrication! We also received assurances that Dwayne EISEN would be encouraged to leave his make believe uniform in his tickle trunk and stop passing himself off as a combat engineer who was Wounded In Action (WIA) while serving with 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Task Force 1-08 in Afghanistan
Well, imagine our surprise when he resurfaced during Remembrance Day 2019 in Okanagan Falls and, once again, he stood in the blood of our wounded and fallen!
Eisen has a well documented history of attending events of remembrance in a military themed costume dating back at least 3 years.
The details.
In early 2019, we received numerous complaints regarding an individual named Dwayne EISEN, who claimed to be a combat engineer who was Wounded In Action in Afghanistan. Eisen had been an active participant numerous branch events and routinely wore a dishevelled uniform as a member of the colour party of Legion Branch 227 in Okanagan Falls, BC.
As per our SOP, we attempted to contact Eisen and provide him with every opportunity to sort out the situation however, we were blocked across the board.
It was reported back to us that his military claims were nothing but a complete fabrication and, “ he knows what he is doing it’s not right and is trying and that he doesn’t accept criticism well”. And, he “really wants to help out and is having an extremely hard time recently.
Through an intermediary, we then contacted a key leader of the Legion’s “provincial command” and were told that the local leadership had given him assurances that Eisen would no longer be involved in ceremonial activities and that he would be encouraged to stop wearing his ridiculous uniform.
Taking into consideration Eisen’s personal circumstances, at that time, and the assurances that we wouldn’t wear the uniform again @ events of remembrance, SVC made the decision at that time not to identify him or his location on our media platforms.
Why? Because we ain’t ogres…
http://stolenvalour.ca/index.php/2019/02/28/because-we-aint-ogres/
We were shocked when this imposter resurfaced on Remembrance Day 2019 wearing the same uniform, medal and insignia that caused us to investigate his claimed service in the first place. When we attempted to clarify the situation with the OK Falls legion, we were told that Eisen was no longer a member of the RCL.
Shortly thereafter, we were contacted by a former RCL Zone Commander who seemed amiable to assist in sorting this situation out, and when we pushed for a timely, appropriate, local area solution that would not involve us initiating a formal complaint with the authorities.
He immediately changed his tack and said that “command” had ordered him not to communicate with us! We found that a most interesting response, as we had just been told that Eisen wasn’t a member but, the former zone guy that says that he is…
Bottom line, Eisen has no verifiable military service and he did not serve in Afghanistan as a Combat Engineer. His claim of being WIA in a mine strike is a complete fabrication that does not sit well with us who have had friends wounded and killed in action. Of course, the unchecked wear of a “uniform” is disrespectful to all of us who serve and that have served.
So, where are we now?
SVC’s objective in this matter is to separate Eisen from the uniform, the bogus Special Service Medal and insignia. That action alone will remove any temptation from him to play dress up and claim to have be a combat wounded veteran.
Mr Eisen, it’s long past time to surrender your clown suit!
CHIMO!
Update 23-24 January
Eisen’s tales of combat service in Afghanistan in 2008 and being wounded in action has received considerable attention from the press
https://www.castanet.net/news/Penticton/275429/OK-Falls-Legion-removes-photo-of-man-accused-of-stolen-valour?fbclid=IwAR1cVTUMYTq1CnZm5CQTpdh-I3zZrNFDN3cnxHHYAHIqp74ms1Y9KgKQ2Hw
https://globalnews.ca/news/6454816/stolen-valour-canada-okanagan/?fbclid=IwAR0DXoxNPCMhbK-Y7Cpr9exToQJT122enaBIq09PqJDQYioBa3o8F8h88cc
As a result of the pressure exerted by those who were offended by the display of the Eisen’s photograph among legitimate veterans, it has now been removed from the RCL’s Wall of Honour.
It’s long past time for Dwayne Curtis Eisen of Okanagan Falls, BC to stop insulting the service and sacrifice of our wounded and fallen.
SVC expects him to surrender the dishevelled, military themed, clown suit for appropriate disposal action and publicly apologize for his reprehensible actions.
And, stop using a cropped photographic image from 1 July 2008 @ Kandahar Air Field as “proof” of your service in Afghanistan. Some of us were there for the event you claim to have attended, we know the individuals involved, and no matter what you told your significant other, friends and enablers, it ain’t you in the picture dude!
Veterans take mental health issues seriously and many fight the stigma of PTSD on a daily basis yet, Eisen, who has no verifiable military service, perpetuates lies and mistruths that lead to the view that all returning service members are damaged goods…
Mr Jeppe had been on our radar for quite some time after he claimed to have been a highly decorated reconnaissance commando – a member of ”the RECCES”. However, it took the assistance of a former South African Army Paratrooper and a SF Operator to join the dots for us and put SVC in contact with the SASF Association. The association have published a letter refuting his commando claims and posted him up on their website Wall of Shame – March 2020.
Did this fella actually make the trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro or, did he just make it as far as the park entrance for a photo op?
This fake has more nerve than a toothache, pretending to be a South African recce commando. Obviously, he figured that no one in Calgary would question his claims of military service on the other side of the world…
Here’s a news flash Jeppe, there’s an international movement to stop individuals like you from standing in blood of the wounded and fallen.
It’s long past time for you to surrender the bogus uniform, medals and insignia and apologize for you actions.
What’s in it for them?
We are often asked how do posers, fakes and embellishers gain from their medallic fuckery™?
Over the course of the past few years, it’s become apparent that the vast majority of individuals reported to us are nothing more than grifter & con artists who lie, cheat or steal for their own personal gain!
They have used their “special status” to attend military ceremonies and parades, military themed galas and high profile sporting events as VIP guests. Some have participated in fully funded overseas pilgrimages & adventurous expeditions, more have “advocated” on veterans issues without the requisite knowledge, experience or service!
Fakes and embellishers have even acquired “trauma support” dogs and mobility equipment that should have gone to legitimate veterans. Many have used their fake military narratives and tales of battlefield injuries to advance their employment opportunities & political aspirations.
Others are involved in intimidation, theft, fraud including accessing veteran/military discounts, questionable charity schemes, embezzlement and dating scams.
We are well aware of individuals using their fabricated experiences and bogus medals to justify and/or elicit sympathy for their bad behaviour, this is particularly evident with those who claim to have been Prisoners of War.
One absolute fake, claiming to be a combat wounded, Vietnam Vet had his “service” honoured by a professionally painted portrait by a volunteer artist!
We have found that Mental Health issues are not usually a factor in the cases reported to us. However, we have piquetted and bypassed a small number of individuals who clearly don’t have the intellectual/mental capacity to understand the nature of their actions.
In fact, we have channeled a number of individuals to mental health agencies as our interactions with them caused us some concerns.
Remember folks, they are grifters and con artists…
Cool story Bro however, there a few red flags with his claims…
Sole survivor? 50K bounty on his head? They are combat indicators of massive liar!
Claims he arrived in Saigon (actually Ho Chi Minh City ) September 1976! Was he a member of the Vietnamese Peoples Army?
The Barrett 50 Cal Sniper Rifle went into US Army operational service in 1990 during Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm yet, he was making record distance kill shots in 1976!
According to Jack, a sniper is basically classified as a murderer, a killer.
“Nobody likes him. Nobody. Not even your commanding officer likes you, they don’t because you are above them. They’re scared of you.”
The truth is out there…
The online story has been deleted however, the text version in available…
Met on a dating site?
SVC regularly receives reports / questions regarding online dating scams.
Many military members do use dating sites to meet people in their community. But you should know that “bad people” use dating sites, too. They are trolling for people they can scam. If this “service member” swears he loves you and wants to marry you before he has even met you, beware.
If he asks for money, it is a scam.
Report him to the website and stop communicating with him.
Gives an imaginary name. Just because someone you met online gives you a name, rank, duty or sends an image of a military ID card, that doesn’t mean that this is a real person. It probably means they just have Photoshop. If they ask for money, it is a scam.
An example of a manipulated CAF ID card, the original image was lifted from the internet and Vandal’s face was photoshopped in. Mr Vandal doesn’t have a single day of military service.
Cannot access his bank account. Military members can access their money from overseas. They pay bills online, buy items from websites and even arrange for car loans. If they ask you for money — even a loan, this is a scam.
Needs money to come home from “down range”. During an operational deployment, service members may be eligible for leave to travel home / third location. Their travel arrangements are made and paid for by the government. If they ask for money, it is a scam.
Commanding officer calls. Commanding officers do not call girlfriends, fiancées or family members asking for money. If they ask for money, this is a scam.
Can’t get internet, food or travel money. Service members do not have to pay for internet connections, food or travel expenses etc. while deployed. Even if a service member misses a connecting flight, the military takes care of this. If someone you met online claims to be stranded in an airport, do not send them money. If they ask for money, this is a scam.
Scammers love to claim they are in “special forces”. If these individuals really were “operators”, they would never tell you — never. If they ask for money, this is a scam.
Your family and friends think you are crazy. If your family and friends think this is a scam, it is. These people know you and they are not blinded by love. They know if someone asks you for money, it is a scam.
You suspect this isn’t for real. If you think this person you are talking to online isn’t for real, you are probably right. Trust yourself and stop communicating now before he asks you for money.
Please stop being so naïve and gullible.
The bottom line is that if you are communicating with a “service member” who starts asking you for money, don’t pass go. Stop communicating with him immediately and contact the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre. https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm
Additional information on military romance scams can be seen at these links.
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2020/love-is-the-air-beware-romance-scam
https://globalnews.ca/news/4754607/military-romance-scam-bryan-denny/
https://www.army.mil/socialmedia/scams/