Richard Strandlof; Fake veteran faces 'stolen valor' charge
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From: Kempner, TX
Richard Strandlof; Fake veteran faces 'stolen valor' charge
(CNN) -- Richard Strandlof said he survived the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon. He said he survived again when a roadside bomb went off in Iraq, killing four fellow Marines. He'd point to his head and tell people he had a metal plate, collateral damage from the explosion.
Richard Strandlof says he didn't mean to cause harm when he lied about being a military veteran.
None of it was true. On Friday, the FBI arrested him on the rare charge of "stolen valor."
Strandlof, 32, was held "for false claims about receipt of military decorations or medals," an FBI news release said. Charges had been filed in Denver, Colorado, the week before, the bureau said.
"The penalty for his crime is up to one year incarceration and a $100,000 fine," it said.
Before his deception was revealed, crowds ate up his story. He canvassed Colorado appearing at the sides of politicians. Inspiring and seemingly authentic, he spoke on behalf of veterans at the state Capitol.
He formed a group called the Colorado Veterans Alliance.
The whole thing was a lie, he admitted to CNN's Anderson Cooper earlier this year.
Watch Strandlof discuss case in June. »[/url]
He wasn't at the Pentagon. He was never a Marine. He never served his country. He never graduated from the Naval Academy. He claimed his real name was Rick Duncan.
Where was he on 9/11, the day he said he witnessed heroism firsthand?
"I was in San Jose, California, watching it in horror on TV with a few other people," Strandlof told CNN.
He was at a homeless shelter at the time.
Strandlof denies being a pathological liar. He says he suffered from "some severely underdiagnosed mental illness" and he got caught up in the moment around "people who are passionate and loved what they did."
He told CNN he had put on a "production, which I'm sorry for."
"Hopefully the people that I hurt can in some way gain closure from that, and I myself don't know what I can do, short of leaving them alone and not being in their lives, to make that happen," Strandlof said.
He said he's not sure exactly how he's hurt people. "It's not for me to say, and time will tell," he said.
Hal Bidlack, a former Air Force lieutenant colonel, is one of those people. He ran for Congress as a Democrat and had Strandlof appear with him. Bidlack -- who lost to incumbent Republican Doug Lamborn -- isn't too happy.
"Once one lie fell apart, the whole series of things ... just cascaded into an ocean of lies," he said.
Bidlack was at the Pentagon when it came under attack on September 11,[/url] 2001. He now realizes that Strandlof stole portions of his own story.
"Now that we know he's a lying fraud," Bidlack said, "I think he was just parroting my own story back to me."
"There are an awful lot of things that he kept straight to try to fool an awful lot of people for an awful long time."
Doug Sterner has catalogued hundreds of people claiming to be military veterans who never served in the military. He says it's typical for those perpetuating the hoaxes to claim mental illness.
"I don't buy that," Sterner said. "What he was doing was looking for a cause to promote himself. I see this repeatedly. I've had a hundred cases just this year like Rick Strandlof's. ... What they're doing is building a kingdom of self and feeding their own ego."
Sterner has pushed for a federal database listing the names and citations of all decorated military veterans to help put an end to such cases. He said Strandlof has robbed true veterans of their veracity.
"Doing good does not take away from the bad that he did," he said. "Because of Rick Strandlof, the next global war on terrorism veteran that speaks in a school or talks to the media or gets involved in politics is going to be questioned."
Ryan Gallucci, a spokesman for AMVETS, agreed.
"Strandlof's actions dishonor the actual sacrifices of veterans," he told CNN Monday.
"Second, by commissioning his own advocacy group, Strandlof diverted philanthropy dollars for legitimate causes within the veterans community," Gallucci said.
"Personally, it just sickens me," Gallucci added. "As a veteran of the war in Iraq, it's unfathomable that someone would propagate such a lie at a time when American men and women are actually putting their lives on the line, and American families are coping with the loss of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."
According to the Denver Post, Strandlof came to authorities' attention first in 1997, when he was sentenced to five years on forgery and bad-check charges.
The FBI[/URL] was investigating him for fraud when he spoke to CNN -- a charge he denied.
"We did not take money to use on non-veterans projects. I did not enrich myself on this. I did not gain any money from this," he said.
He has not been charged with fraud.
That's not the point, said Sterner. "The one thing he robbed from every veteran that comes out now is credibility."
Gallucci called Strandlof a "con man" and the case "morally repugnant."
"Strandlof's actions are exploitation plain and simple, and AMVETS is eager to see justice served," Gallucci said
Richard Strandlof says he didn't mean to cause harm when he lied about being a military veteran. None of it was true. On Friday, the FBI arrested him on the rare charge of "stolen valor."
Strandlof, 32, was held "for false claims about receipt of military decorations or medals," an FBI news release said. Charges had been filed in Denver, Colorado, the week before, the bureau said.
"The penalty for his crime is up to one year incarceration and a $100,000 fine," it said.
Before his deception was revealed, crowds ate up his story. He canvassed Colorado appearing at the sides of politicians. Inspiring and seemingly authentic, he spoke on behalf of veterans at the state Capitol.
He formed a group called the Colorado Veterans Alliance.
The whole thing was a lie, he admitted to CNN's Anderson Cooper earlier this year.
Watch Strandlof discuss case in June. »[/url]He wasn't at the Pentagon. He was never a Marine. He never served his country. He never graduated from the Naval Academy. He claimed his real name was Rick Duncan.
Where was he on 9/11, the day he said he witnessed heroism firsthand?
"I was in San Jose, California, watching it in horror on TV with a few other people," Strandlof told CNN.
He was at a homeless shelter at the time.
Strandlof denies being a pathological liar. He says he suffered from "some severely underdiagnosed mental illness" and he got caught up in the moment around "people who are passionate and loved what they did."
He told CNN he had put on a "production, which I'm sorry for."
"Hopefully the people that I hurt can in some way gain closure from that, and I myself don't know what I can do, short of leaving them alone and not being in their lives, to make that happen," Strandlof said.
He said he's not sure exactly how he's hurt people. "It's not for me to say, and time will tell," he said.
Hal Bidlack, a former Air Force lieutenant colonel, is one of those people. He ran for Congress as a Democrat and had Strandlof appear with him. Bidlack -- who lost to incumbent Republican Doug Lamborn -- isn't too happy.
"Once one lie fell apart, the whole series of things ... just cascaded into an ocean of lies," he said.
Bidlack was at the Pentagon when it came under attack on September 11,[/url] 2001. He now realizes that Strandlof stole portions of his own story.
"Now that we know he's a lying fraud," Bidlack said, "I think he was just parroting my own story back to me."
"There are an awful lot of things that he kept straight to try to fool an awful lot of people for an awful long time."
Doug Sterner has catalogued hundreds of people claiming to be military veterans who never served in the military. He says it's typical for those perpetuating the hoaxes to claim mental illness.
"I don't buy that," Sterner said. "What he was doing was looking for a cause to promote himself. I see this repeatedly. I've had a hundred cases just this year like Rick Strandlof's. ... What they're doing is building a kingdom of self and feeding their own ego."
Sterner has pushed for a federal database listing the names and citations of all decorated military veterans to help put an end to such cases. He said Strandlof has robbed true veterans of their veracity.
"Doing good does not take away from the bad that he did," he said. "Because of Rick Strandlof, the next global war on terrorism veteran that speaks in a school or talks to the media or gets involved in politics is going to be questioned."
Ryan Gallucci, a spokesman for AMVETS, agreed.
"Strandlof's actions dishonor the actual sacrifices of veterans," he told CNN Monday.
"Second, by commissioning his own advocacy group, Strandlof diverted philanthropy dollars for legitimate causes within the veterans community," Gallucci said.
"Personally, it just sickens me," Gallucci added. "As a veteran of the war in Iraq, it's unfathomable that someone would propagate such a lie at a time when American men and women are actually putting their lives on the line, and American families are coping with the loss of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."
According to the Denver Post, Strandlof came to authorities' attention first in 1997, when he was sentenced to five years on forgery and bad-check charges.
The FBI[/URL] was investigating him for fraud when he spoke to CNN -- a charge he denied.
"We did not take money to use on non-veterans projects. I did not enrich myself on this. I did not gain any money from this," he said.
He has not been charged with fraud.
That's not the point, said Sterner. "The one thing he robbed from every veteran that comes out now is credibility."
Gallucci called Strandlof a "con man" and the case "morally repugnant."
"Strandlof's actions are exploitation plain and simple, and AMVETS is eager to see justice served," Gallucci said
So I'm sitting here in Iraq, and I read about this piece of trash.. My fellow soldiers who will not be coming home after this rotation, my Battalion commander who lost both legs on 28 June, and so much more.
If every there was a time and place for true hatred in my heart.. This man is a poster boy for that event.
Mr Strandlof,,, though I’m sure I'll never meet you.. Should the judge in your trial grant my wish.. I look forward to seeing you. I will then ensure you earn your PH.
Erik Marquez
Sergeant Major
US Army, Iraq
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,219
From: Gettysburg, Pa
Well, I wouldn't understand what your feeling [sitting here @ home w/ my family], but I couldn't help wanting to reply. Channel all that enegry on staying safe over there. We thank you for your service and hope you return safe. Is he scum, of course. Don't let him break your concentration on the task @ hand, not even for a moment.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 105
From: Hudson Valley, New York
I was just reading that article on CNN... What a piece of crap that guy is! I hope he gets what's coming to him and more.
+1 to staying safe over there, we all hope you can come home soon.
+1 to staying safe over there, we all hope you can come home soon.
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MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
Keepin' up and keepin' on! That's the road to bein' home.
Remember stock is BAD!
SuperSport
SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 760
From: Jacksonville FL
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Superstock
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
From: Arlington Heights, IL
I agree...He's a piece of crap!
Erik,
It only makes your sacrifice and the sacrifices of those in our armed forces seem that much more honorable. I am indeed grateful for your service and the service of those men and women of our armed forces. Thanks
And don't let this piece of **** take too much of your thoughts, save those for friends and family. Come back safe
Erik,
It only makes your sacrifice and the sacrifices of those in our armed forces seem that much more honorable. I am indeed grateful for your service and the service of those men and women of our armed forces. Thanks
And don't let this piece of **** take too much of your thoughts, save those for friends and family. Come back safe
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,216
From: Westerly, RI
Hoorah Sergeant Major. Stay focused, stay SAFE.
You and my other Brothers-in-arms are always in my thoughts.
I hope you come home soon to see your family, to see your friends and to ride your Superhawk.
R/
ET1 (SS) Erik Silfven
USN
You and my other Brothers-in-arms are always in my thoughts.
I hope you come home soon to see your family, to see your friends and to ride your Superhawk.
R/
ET1 (SS) Erik Silfven
USN
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 987
From: San Diego, CA
They should go and check on all the panhandlers claiming to be Vietnam vets while they're at it.
I don't see the big deal with charging him if he wasn't talking trash about other soldiers, he's just a wannabe. Expose him for the fraud he is, and move on. Whatever money he gained from it, take it back and give it to a worthy cause.
I don't see the big deal with charging him if he wasn't talking trash about other soldiers, he's just a wannabe. Expose him for the fraud he is, and move on. Whatever money he gained from it, take it back and give it to a worthy cause.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,188
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I'm with you on this one Erik!
I am perplexed on how far he got with his stories without someone catching on. I can tell if someone actually served after only a few questions. Continue to be safe and i look forward to riding with ya the next time your home.
I am perplexed on how far he got with his stories without someone catching on. I can tell if someone actually served after only a few questions. Continue to be safe and i look forward to riding with ya the next time your home.
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Superstock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 363
From: Shreveport / Bossier City
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