Pack93z
  • Pack93z
  • Select Member Topic Starter
14 years ago
Seriously.. what would drive a person to do such?

I wish there was more to the story on how he got caught and he rationale for donning the metals.

http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_0defd1ac-ed42-11df-8fb2-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story 


MADISON A West Salem man has been accused in federal court of wearing an Army uniform and medals in the Sept. 25 Maple Leaf Parade even though hed never served. Gary Spors, 26, could face up to six months in federal prison if convicted on the misdemeanor charge of wearing unauthorized military medals.

The information filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Madison had few details, but contends Spors appeared in the Oktoberfest event in uniform, with a major rank insignia and combat infantryman and parachutist badges.

La Crosse and Onalaska police and the FBI investigated the case, which has been assigned to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Sinnott.

Spors is set to appear in court Dec. 8. He did not respond Wednesday to requests for comment.


"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"
TheEngineer
14 years ago
I can understand some sensitivity towards this act.

However, what's the line between a Halloween costume of some sort and onerously portraying oneself as a member of the armed forces and is hence, punishable under law?

Maybe he wanted to serve but couldn't. Isn't it often said that imitation is the best form of flattery? Maybe he's wearing a friend's or family member's badges and rank. I know it's most likely just him portraying himself as a soldier, but what if the above was true? Where do we draw the line?

If people wear a pilot's uniform is that illegal? Or how about a (dirty) nurse uniform, or doctor's, or police officer's? Is it simply if the person attempts to defraud and misrepresent or in any situation?

I'm sure nobody would mind if a son wore his father's medals and uniform in a parade. How about a lifelong friend who lost his best mate? How about just a friend, or acquaintance or work colleague filling in?

Just something to think about.
blank
Formo
14 years ago
Engineer.. Good point, but since it's a big no-no to wear something that was not presented to you (i.e. military unis, metals, badges, etc.) by the US Military, that's where the line is drawn.

If you were a best friend or family member, you'd know the ramifications of wearing that uniform. And how it's a big no-no.
UserPostedImage
Thanks to TheViking88 for the sig!!
Cheesey
14 years ago
Every so often you hear of people trying to pass themselves off as veterans.
Why do they do it? They want the pats on the back, without ever doing what it took to EARN that pat.
UserPostedImage
Wade
  • Wade
  • Veteran Member
14 years ago
Well, I once wore my Dad's bronze star on Halloween. He was okay with it. I think I was 10.

Of course, when I asked how he got the thing he said, "Oh, that was for going two weeks once without being demoted."

He never did tell us how he got the star or his other ribbons/medals. All I really know is (a) He did sheet metal work on B-25s, (b) he once was promoted/demoted 4.5 times in like three months; (c) he had little respect for officers. Discharged as tech sergeant, but according to him and the one army buddy of his I once met, it was the second time in the rank.

And of course all the records save the enlistment were lost in the 1973 St Louis fire, so I'll likely never know whether even those were true. (I did see a pic once of him with the four stripes of a staff sgt, but not of the fifth.)

I am so pissed at myself for not remembering better the few stories he did tell.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
Since69
14 years ago
September 25th is not Halloween (not that this would be acceptable on Halloween, either). Seeing a uniform (and medals!) on a civilian is a slap in the face to anyone who ever served in our country's military.

That uniform is a suit of honor, and wearing it is a privilege reserved for those who have earned it.

Maybe this knucklehead didn't realize that, but I sure hope he does now.
UserPostedImage
Pack93z
  • Pack93z
  • Select Member Topic Starter
14 years ago
Yes the government has regulations against it.

http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/10C45.txt 


10 USC Sec. 771
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 10 - ARMED FORCES
Subtitle A - General Military Law
PART II - PERSONNEL
CHAPTER 45 - THE UNIFORM

-HEAD-
Sec. 771. Unauthorized wearing prohibited

-STATUTE-
Except as otherwise provided by law, no person except a member of
the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, as the case may be, may
wear -
(1) the uniform, or a distinctive part of the uniform, of the
Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps; or
(2) a uniform any part of which is similar to a distinctive
part of the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine
Corps.

-SOURCE-
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 34.)


"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"
Nonstopdrivel
14 years ago

Seeing a uniform (and medals!) on a civilian is a slap in the face to anyone who ever served in our country's military.

"Since69" wrote:



Holy hyperbole, people! I have three rows of ribbons on my chest (not to mention airborne wings) and I couldn't care less who wears a uniform or awards.

Heck, the guy is 26 and was wearing major rank. It's not like anyone would have taken him seriously anyway. Who was harmed by the costume? As long as he wasn't applying for veterans benefits, I don't see what the big deal is, 10 USC 771 not withstanding. I'm amazed that law has withstood First Amendment scrutiny anyway. I know George Bush's infamous Stolen Valor Act of 2006 was struck down this past August by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as an unconstitutional infringement of freedom of speech. I applaud them for their courage in handing down that decision.
UserPostedImage
4PackGirl
14 years ago
i was waiting for your reponse to this, nsd.

you're a consistent lil f'er aren't you? 😉
wpr
  • wpr
  • Preferred Member
14 years ago
The only time I would be willing to give a pass is if the person had been documented as being a little weak minded. If someone doesn't have the mental capacity to know what they are doing is wrong I would cut them some slack. They still can't wear it. Just no punishment for what they did. Otherwise son, daughter, grandchild, best mates and all the rest can wear the uni in their home but not out in public.

Good thing he wasn't wearing the Medal of Honor. I would suggest he be hung by his nads for 6 months.
UserPostedImage
Fan Shout
Mucky Tundra (11m) : beast, forecast is looking like 27-28 degrees at kickoff, slight chance of snow flurries
Zero2Cool (3h) : Oh? It wasn't on the injury report. That sucks, but it's what is best.
packerfanoutwest (4h) : Doubs is out due to concussion
beast (6h) : What does the weather look like?
Martha Careful (10h) : You can wear long-johns mittens and a hat. We want Hill and their other skill guys FROZEN
Zero2Cool (14h) : I'm not sure I hope for that. I'll be at the game.
Martha Careful (25-Nov) : I hope it is colder than a well-diggers ass on Thanksgiving night.
Zero2Cool (25-Nov) : doubt he wants to face the speedsters
beast (25-Nov) : Dolphins offense can be explosive... I wonder if we'll have Alexander back
Zero2Cool (25-Nov) : No Doubs could be issue Thursday
Mucky Tundra (25-Nov) : Bears. Santos. Blocked FG
Zero2Cool (24-Nov) : Bears. Vikings. OT
Mucky Tundra (24-Nov) : Thems the breaks I guess
Mucky Tundra (24-Nov) : Two players out and Williams had an injury designation this week but Oladapo is a healthy scratch
Zero2Cool (24-Nov) : Packers inactives vs 49ers: • CB Jaire Alexander • S Kitan Oladapo • LB Edgerrin Cooper • OL Jacob Monk
TheKanataThrilla (24-Nov) : Aaron Jones with a costly red zone fumble
Zero2Cool (24-Nov) : When we trade Malik for a 1st rounder, we'll need a new QB2.
packerfanoutwest (23-Nov) : Report: Aaron Rodgers wants to play in 2025, but not for the Jets
beast (23-Nov) : That's what I told the Police officer about my speed when he pulled me over
packerfanoutwest (23-Nov) : NFL told Bears that Packers’ blocked field goal was legal
packerfanoutwest (22-Nov) : 49ers are underdogs at Packers, ending streak of 36 straight games as favorites
Zero2Cool (22-Nov) : 49ers might be down their QB, DL, TE and LT?
packerfanoutwest (22-Nov) : Jaire Alexander says he has a torn PCL
Zero2Cool (20-Nov) : Even with the context it's ... what?
Mucky Tundra (20-Nov) : Matt LaFleur without context: “I don’t wanna pat you on the butt and you poop in my hand.”
beast (20-Nov) : We brought in a former Packers OL coach to help evaluate OL as a scout
beast (20-Nov) : Jets have been pretty good at picking DL
Zero2Cool (20-Nov) : He landed good players thanks to high draft slot. He isn't good.
Zero2Cool (20-Nov) : He can shove his knowledge up his ass. He knows nothing.
beast (20-Nov) : More knowledge, just like bring in the Jets head coach
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : What? Why? Huh?
beast (19-Nov) : I wonder if the Packers might to try to bring Douglas in through Milt Hendrickson/Ravens connections
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : The Jets fired Joe Douglas, per sources
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : Jets are a mess......
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Pretty sure Jets fired their scouting staff and just pluck former Packers.
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Jets sign Anders Carlson to their 53.
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : When you cycle the weeks, the total over remains for season. But you get your W/L for that selected week. Confusing.
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : the total and percentage are the same as the previous weeks
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : the total and percentage are the same as the previous weeks
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : the totals are accurate..nrvrtmind
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : I don't follow what you are saying. The totals are not the same as last week.
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : ok so then wht are the totals the same as last week?
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : NFL Pick'em is auto updated when NFL Scores tab is clicked
Martha Careful (19-Nov) : The offense was OK. Let's not forget the Bear defense is very very good.
packerfanoutwest (19-Nov) : Who updates the leaderboard on NFLPickem?
beast (19-Nov) : Has the Packers offense been worse since the former Jets coach joined the Packers?
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Offense gets his ass in gear, this could be good.
Zero2Cool (19-Nov) : Backup QB helped with three wins. Special Teams contributed to three wins.
bboystyle (18-Nov) : Lions played outside thats why. They scored 16 and 17 in the only 2 outside games this year
Zero2Cool (18-Nov) : The rest of the NFL is catching up to Packers ... kicking is an issue throughout league
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2024 Packers Schedule
Friday, Sep 6 @ 7:15 PM
Eagles
Sunday, Sep 15 @ 12:00 PM
COLTS
Sunday, Sep 22 @ 12:00 PM
Titans
Sunday, Sep 29 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Sunday, Oct 6 @ 3:25 PM
Rams
Sunday, Oct 13 @ 12:00 PM
CARDINALS
Sunday, Oct 20 @ 12:00 PM
TEXANS
Sunday, Oct 27 @ 12:00 PM
Jaguars
Sunday, Nov 3 @ 3:25 PM
LIONS
Sunday, Nov 17 @ 12:00 PM
Bears
Sunday, Nov 24 @ 3:25 PM
49ERS
Thursday, Nov 28 @ 7:20 PM
DOLPHINS
Thursday, Dec 5 @ 7:15 PM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 15 @ 7:20 PM
Seahawks
Monday, Dec 23 @ 7:15 PM
SAINTS
Sunday, Dec 29 @ 12:00 PM
Vikings
Saturday, Jan 4 @ 11:00 PM
BEARS
Recent Topics
3h / Featured Content / Martha Careful

5h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

6h / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

8h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

25-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

25-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / buckeyepackfan

24-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / buckeyepackfan

24-Nov / GameDay Threads / Zero2Cool

23-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / dfosterf

23-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

21-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

21-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

21-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

20-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

20-Nov / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

Headlines
Copyright © 2006 - 2024 PackersHome.com™. All Rights Reserved.