How Do I Report Stolen Valor to the Media?
Some people think that they can lie about military service without consequences. Thankfully, investigative reporters and news organizations around the country are taking notice.
In the coming weeks and months, AMVETS will compile a comprehensive list of investigative reporters around the country who are looking into Stolen Valor claims. Check back regularly with ReportStolenValor.org for updates.
If you suspect Stolen Valor in your hometown, AMVETS urges you to collect as much information as you can
and contact a trusted local news agency.
The Military Times has a track record of aggressively pursuing reports of fake heroes. The contact e-mail to report stolen valor to the Military Times is hallofvalor@atpco.com.
Here are three easy steps to contact the media about stolen valor:
1.
Open one of the links below in a new window to find your local network affiliate:
ABC: http://site.abc.go.com/site/localstations.html
CBS: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/07/31/utility/main517034.shtml
FOX: http://www.fox.com/links/affiliates.htm
NBC: http://www.nbc.com/Local/
2. Click on the link to your local affiliate’s Web site
3. To send a news tip, find the “Contact Us” link on your affiliate’s Web page and send an e-mail to the address provided. You can also search the affiliate’s Web site for a link to your local investigative reporter and send an e-mail tip directly to his or her attention.
Stolen Valor E-mails
Stolen Valor e-mails should be brief and include all critical information about the allegations:
- WHO is committing Stolen Valor
- WHAT they are specifically claiming that is untrue
- WHEN and WHERE they claimed (or will claim) an untrue military action
- WHY they are making the fraudulent claim
- HOW you determined their claim to be fraudulent
- Don’t forget to EXPLAIN Stolen Valor, its impact, and criminal implications
Here is a sample e-mail:
Dear Mr. Smith,
With American troops fighting wars on multiple fronts, instances of fraudulent veterans’ claims, or Stolen Valor, have been on the rise. I am writing to you today to discuss a local Stolen Valor claim which is of great concern to area veterans.
John Doe of Anytown, USA has been claiming that he is an Army veteran who earned the Silver Star while serving in Iraq. Doe recently spoke at the local AMVETS Post on Main Street and reiterated his claim, while wearing a Silver Star medal. Since he has started making these claims, Doe has received favorable treatment from local veterans’ organizations, and invitations to speak at events. Unfortunately, Army Human Resources Command and the Military Times “Hall of Valor” both confirm that Doe never earned the Silver Star.
Fraudulently claiming or wearing unauthorized military awards is a federal crime punishable by up to a year in prison and up to $150,000 in fines. I hope you will consider looking into Doe’s claims and the negative effects on the local veterans’ community. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I have included my contact information below.
Sincerely,
John Q. Public
(202) 555-1111
johnqpublic@email.com |
