What's your opinion about this situation?

I have this high school friend who I recently reconnected with on facebook. Before you guys get all crazy on me, I don't use facebook much.....just to catch up with family. lol.

Anyway, I know he tried to join the Army but was dropped from boot for medical reasons. I believe he received a DD214 according to what he tells me, but does that make him a veteran?

He never graduated boot camp. Which means, I've been to exactly one more Army school and graduated than he did. I called him and he confirmed that nothing had changed. When asked why would people think he is a veteran he simply said because they were confused.

I noticed that he always thumbs up people thanking him for his service....or posts about the Army Navy game....and even suggested I should go with him next time. I'm like...."why?" who da fug cares about these Ahole games?....I'm not an officer, didn't go to Annapolis. (Don't take offense my O's). This was just my line of thinking when he was suggesting that to me.

It's been eating at me for a while now....since Veterans day obviously. Finally decided to post up to get your thoughts. I want to confront him harshly in front of everyone, but not sure if it's the right thing to do to someone (not really knowing their mindset/frame of mind). Again, just reconnected in the past few months.

 

Let it be.

Quit worrying about it.

If you don't want to go, then politely refuse the invitation.

 

Well he had the guts to sign up, just couldn’t get medically cleared. Really never served, some things are better left alone. I personally wouldn’t consider myself a vet

 

Legally, and according to the VA (and federal law), possessing a DD-214 makes you a veteran and thus qualifies you for everything that entails.

He took the oath, he made the attempt, and while his body didn't permit him to complete basic training he at least had the courage to make the attempt.

HOWEVER...

Is he simply being supportive (go Army!) - as a supporter? I think that's great; even though he didn't finish he hasn't stopped caring about the services.

Personally, I think it's shitty for someone who didn't complete basic, whether it was their fault or not, to take credit for having served. I would not have that in my profile or make it part of my identity. But that's me, formed by my 22 years 8 months of service and retirement.

 

Whatever you do, don't do this!

 

Unless he is bragging about his service I wouldnt be bothered by him hitting the like button. He shouldnt have to publicly explain that he left boot camp everytime someone thanks him. If people thank him and he clicks like its just being polite and acknowledging their post.

not sure I understand the whole situation but people’s reasons for doing something can be more complex, or simpler than they appear.
Id just ignore it man. I think u can mute someones activity in the settings so you wont see that stuff anymore.

 

Consensus has been reached and I will let this go. I wouldn't do this, but there is nothing wrong with anyone supporting us! Very true. It's funny that after my 20 yrs in service and the older I get....I have no problems cutting away people from my life! Thank you all for your input.

 

Yes, it is amazing how much stress you can avoid by trimming the list.

 

Just for fun info....those discharged from bootcamp for medical issues get a DD214 with their discharge listed as "Uncharacterized Discharge."

 

Stolen Valor. And this is coming from someone who hasn’t served a single day. I’ve supported the warfighters throughout my career as an engineer building jet engines and black hawk helicopters. I get to enjoy all I do because of the men and women who serve and take great offense to those who falsely claim they served.

Now I’m all amped up!!!!!!!

 

One of my closest friends, another former Marine, has apparently been making up stories about deployments to Afghanistan that he never went on. He also flies a huge POW-MIA flag in his yard. I don't know what to make of this honestly, and I can't bring myself to say anything to him about it.

 

It's my understanding that you have to do at least 90 days of active service for a DD214 in order to qualify for benefits. I don't believe not making it out of boot qualifies.

 

If it was for medical reasons, the VA still takes care of you for it.

 

Even if you never did active duty?

 

That's correct. There was a guy in my boot platoon that was medically retired in basic training after finding some advanced stage cancer and he never served a single day active

 

Well said. Army infantry veteran here, two combat tours and I can say emphatically, regardless of what your DD214 status states under the law of public perception, if you don’t graduate basic (for any reason) you are not and should not call or perceive yourself as a veteran. Fudge that! Cheers to you though, for your service my good man!

 

In this country, one of our rights, that all have fought to maintain, is Free Speech.

Unfortunately, the Free Speech doesn't need to be true or accurate.

 

‘ reconnected ‘ = chance

if he is actively deceiving folks then have a serious talk with him 1 on 1 ..............................

if that does not meet Ur minimun standards ................Walk AWAY !!!

if he is NOT fueling other folks MISconceptions

leave it be

 

Wrong. The discharge is what matters. You are entitled to nothing if you are dishonorably discharged. Even a lot of "generals" don't get shit. If you serve one full term honorably, maybe you get the VA benefits.

This guy never did shit. Regardless of what his DD214 says. Fucksticks like him get broke off at real units after basic/ait.

But OP, just stay in your lane. Ignore it. If he was discharged for a legit medical reason, ok, but he still never did shit. You never served, thank you for asking about all this, but just don't get involved here. It's not worth the hassle. Social media is a toxic cesspool and this guy feeds off it.

 

I work for the VA. If he’s medically separated and has a DD-214, he qualifies for medical care. But you do you.