View Full Version : American "Walt" Catchers
SASless
2nd Jul 2013, 13:37
We have some folks here in the United States who have decided "enough" of the stealing of Valor by "Walts". The task has gotten a bit complicated by some Police Departments using DOD Ribbons for use in their own Department Awards Programs.
The Lead Investigator on the Zimmerman/Martin Case was discovered to be wearing some WWII Ribbons on her Police Uniform. A sharp eyed US Marine saw that and began to make inquiries as he suspected the Officer of possibly being wearing inappropriate ribbons from her time in the US Military.
The Sanford Police Department quickly admitted it was the Department that had issued the Ribbon to the Officer as a result of her service with the Police rather than her wearing ribbons from her time in Military Service that caused the situation.
Way too many real Walts exist....and this group does a good job of outing them when discovered.
Guardian Of Valor | Guard against the impostors of pretended patriotism. ? George Washington (http://guardianofvalor.com)
SaSless
With the number of colours available and the combinations
they can be put to, it amazes me that someone couldn't
come up with a new ribbon colour.
For a start, the UK and Australian Police forces already
have ribbons that don't clash, that would have provided
a few.
SASless
2nd Jul 2013, 18:09
When I was walking a beat....my Department gave all sorts of awards....but no Ribbons worn on the uniform....just your shiny stainless steel name tag and a Badge.
You might get a nice fancy Letter or Plaque....and perhaps a Pat on the Back...but no dash or flash!
I was watching some Police show, I think it was the UK Police dogs show
and one of the officers, all decked out with his vest etc had two ribbons
"sewn" on the upper right shoulder.
Well, I couldn't think of anything worse on work clothes
and both of them looked like they were going to fall off.
sandiego89
2nd Jul 2013, 18:27
Several civilian medals and ribbons are now identical, or nearly so, to military ones. We had a joke that the ribbon for the US Coast Guard 9/11 Medal (The personal award, not the 9/11 ribbon) is exactly the same as the red/white/blue banner for the Boy Scouts pine wood derby medal. A few of us called it the pinewod derby medal in jest. I imagine it is cheaper for some police/fire/etc organizations to adopt a ribbon than design a new one.
racedo
2nd Jul 2013, 18:29
Crikey that was a good catch but wonder is some of those faux awards are
Number of speeding tickets given out
Stubbling toe while taking a statement
Missing out on a donut at work etc etc
Definitely a Dumb police officer.
smujsmith
2nd Jul 2013, 18:41
During my time in service, and having managed to regularly bag a place at the front of the NAAFI queu, I managed to acquire five medals. I have no idea where they are anymore. I offered them to my son, who had no interest whatsoever in having them. I respect the fact that they acknowledge my part in, or period of service both at home and abroad. I look at it like this, I did 30 years in the RAF. I know what I did, my family know what I did, no one else has any interest and besides, as an ex serviceman I have no uniform to hang them on, so they have no use to me. It's sad that these "Walts" exist, and best of luck exposing them.
Smudge
Sandiego
One of the Police ribbons here always reminds me of the Military Cross ribbon,
just a slight variation in colour.
Military Cross - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Cross)
Australian Police Medal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Police_Medal)
I agree with you smuj. I only have 3, but one had 2 theatre clasps. If I ever find them I think I'll probably flog them for the best price I can get.
Rgds SOS