The guy, Jose Garcia who we discussed a few months ago when he madehimself a Ranger and then bilked his fellow Connecticut citizens out of a few thousand bucks until he was busted, was in court the other day (From Boston.com);
The Stamford Advocate reports that 20-year-old Jesus Garcia did not enter a plea during a court appearance Monday. His lawyer told the judge that Garcia is embarrassed and paying back the money is his priority.
Well, not entering a plea and not admitting to his wrong-doing doesn’t sound like he’s all that contrite. Just returning the money he stole doesn’t fix his situation with veterans. He stolen from us, too, and we want restitution, and the only place we can get restitution is in court. I certainly hope the judge isn’t considering giving him a break after he returns the stolen money.
“…the only place we can get restitution is in court. “
How about a bit of character restitution in the Sand pit at any of the Ranger School phase camps? Any monies he replaces will most likely not have come at any degree of sweat. Good ol’ skin off his ass is the best restitution for this sort.
Restitution in the form of an ass kicking
Hey, need some expert opinions – is this stupidity or stolen valor? David Oh – Green Beret?
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/city/20110825_Green_Beret_claim_threatens_David_Oh_campaign.html
and David Oh’s remarks:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Oh_to_contest_report_of_his_military_service.html?ref=more-like-this
Thanks for your help in this matter, I would like your experienced perspective before blogging about this on MidnightBlue.
Hello Skye:
I have read several things on this in the past few days. His assessment that he was in a Special Forces unit is correct. However, all members of a SF unit are not necessarily “Tabbed” SF personnel. He was correct in saying that he wore a green beret, as all members of the unit wear one just to keep them looking proper. In his defense; while he may have mislead, he has not claimed to be a “tabbed” Special Forces Trooper. I would give him a pass on this one.
Is he a good candidate? Caring for the district/area he is running for? Support him if you feel he is worth it.
And, I am one of the hardest on Phony Soldiers around.
Frankly Opinionated:
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
Help me understand this – a Special Forces unit includes not only the actual trained Special Forces but also support staff – and this was the role of David Oh. So you can be attached to an SF unit, but not an actual ‘tabbed’ Special Force Trooper. Correct?
Believe me, as a civilian, this can easily be confused. However, with a bit of explanation it can be understood. I strongly suspect the reporter mislead the sources he questioning regarding David Oh’s record. Can’t prove it, but you confirmed what I suspected was the organization of a SF unit.
Skye:
In many of the “Phony Soldier” cases, it is actually the ignorance of the reporter and his editor(s) who stretch the truth. Your interpetation is correct. Most SPECOPS units have support troops who aren’t actual trained members of the unit, but nonetheless perform an important function. Here in Florida at nearby Camp Rudder, (the Florida Phase of RANGER school), there is a lounge operated by members of the unit. These staff members needn’t be “tabbed” Rangers, but still perform the understandably necessary duty of pouring the swill for the troops.