Other Columns by Thomas D. Segel
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The Rio Grande Valley, in deep South Texas has a permanent population of less than 500,000 people. Within those numbers is an abundance of active duty, retired and former members of the armed forces. This Tip-of-Texas real estate is home to many American heroes, including 20 young men who have given their lives in the War against Terror. Sadly, it is also the home of some who would steal the valor earned by these brave soldiers, sailors and Marines with their blood and their lives.

In recent days an Associated Press story about a South Texas man impersonating a Marine Sergeant Major has been in the news. According the AP, "In appearances throughout the Rio Grande Valley, J.C. Ortiz said his Marine career included four tours of duty in Vietnam, seven Purple Hearts and ascendancy to the rank of Sergeant Major."

Ortiz also claimed to have been awarded two Silver Star medals, two Bronze Star medals and had served a total of 39 years in the armed forces. This all fell apart when the McAllen Monitor confronted him. The newspaper, which earlier had given Ortiz/Brown its inaugural "Spirit of Freedom Award" for service in uniform, had investigated his past after veterans voiced strong doubts about his stories.

When everything was unraveled, Ortiz, who was born Gerrald J. Brown was not even using his true name. Ortiz or Brown cannot claim legitimate veteran status, let alone that of a heroic Marine Sergeant Major with 39 years service. He was actually a Private who served 3 1/2 years in the Marine Corps, never served in Vietnam or outside the United States and culminated a less than distinguished tour of duty by going AWOL, deserting his post and being given an Undesirable Discharge in 1962.

For several years, until his fraud was revealed, Oritz/Brown attended veterans affairs, spoke at patriotic events, offered comfort to grieving families and even awaited on the arrival of fallen service personnel who had been killed in action while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

If this were an isolated incident, it would still be worthy of media attention, public scorn and legal action. However, the Ortiz/Brown case is far from being the story of a single pretender. Across theUnited States there have been multiple cases of people impersonating military officers and enlisted personnel. There have been claims of heroic acts that have garnered these fraudulent warriors unearned praise and adulation from communities in almost every state. In the past ten years, the FBI has investigated more than 100 military impersonation cases. At this time 20 such cases are under investigation.

And what is done when fake heroes are uncovered? Very little! There are laws against impersonating military personnel by wearing an unauthorized uniform. There are also laws against a person wearing medals they have not been awarded. Even when the phony heroes are caught courts don't seem to think the offenses are serious breaches of the public trust. . Current law calls for a maximum of six months in jail and a $5,000 fine for impersonating military personnel or wearing unauthorized medals. Those few who have been convicted ofsuch charges have seldom served time behind bars or even paid the

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